1970s - August

In August we welcomed Nettie Lodge, our next featured 9 Designer. Nettie represented the 1970s, a time close to her heart.

She explained, "The 70s was a decade that shaped me as teenager and informed me as an artist. I use storms and boats and animals as metaphors, often including text as a backdrop or subtext for the image."

Nettie chose to reflect this time period through a specific event in Manly's history - the Sygna Storm, a huge event that brought havoc to the coastline of the Northern Beaches.

Significant events and the iconic symbols that shaped the times were shown in Nettie's intricate designs for cards, journals and prints. Groper fish and the Manly Sea eagle both featured in her retail items. The main exhibition design, RELIC was a brand new work, a large handcrafted shipwreck washed up on sand fresh from the beach just outside the gallery.

"My work RELlC is a homage to all that was lost in the 1974 storm. I imagine boats washing ashore somewhere withe their stories embedded into the skeletons."

The 1970s often conjures up visions of colourful psychedelia, but the decade also saw an interest in the landscape and nature around us. This included the materials that were used and the subject matter represented. Land Art was especially prevalent and while Nettie's final piece was not set in the land itself, there was certain a shared sentiment and inspiration with the artists in that movement. The collection, with it's unique final design so specific to Manly itself, delighted returning locals and first time visitors alike.

 

 

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