General News
28 February, 2025
Exhibition to open this weekend
Symphony in Resin, Beatrice Douglas’ exhibition of vibrant resin works, is also a symphony of passions brought to life at the official opening this Sunday.
Although Ms Douglas’ exhibition runs from February 28 until March 31, the greatest insight into her mind comes on the opening night, March 2.
The official opening at Avoca’s Gallery 127 may be the distilled version of Ms Douglas’ eclectic resume. While it might seem random at first with professional ballroom dancing, running multiple restaurants, and even selling resin backsplashes, they are tied together by a passion for colour and texture.
“When I see colours, I hear music,” she said.
The boundary of the visual and the auditory blur for Ms Douglas. Beautiful colours make her eyes water slightly with a subtle sting, similar to how hearing music creates colours in her mind.
“The way I start a lot of them, I just close my eyes and listen to music that suits my mood. Chopin is my ultimate favourite, but I love opera too. When I hear the music with my eyes closed, colours come,” she said.
Both her mother and grand-mother were excellent technical artists and helped shape Ms Douglas’ early experiences.
Upon a failed lesson focusing on the execution of art, things like how to hold a paintbrush, Ms Douglas was left to her imagination and seems to have never stopped.
“She finally threw her hands up in despair, walked away, and said ‘oh, just play with colours’, and so I did,” she said.
Around 10 years ago she discovered resin and finds she’s never stopped learning.
“Resin is so versatile. Personally I find it more versatile than water colours or acrylic,” Ms Douglas said.
From the various viscosities, to how different chemicals react, and the variety of resin types, resin art seems to be as much a science as it is creative expression.
“It’s limitless, it’s only limited by your imagination,” she said.
Just like in her work, colour and music combine at the exhibition’s opening. Acclaimed Melbourne based opera singer Donna King will present a short recital on the platform. Alongside her this weekend is her award winning daughter, Miliah Dee, playing piano.
“What do I want people to take away? The magic of colours and music. I’d like them to feel,” Ms Douglas said.
Symphony in Resin will officially open this Sunday, March 2 at 2 pm at Avoca’s Gallery 127, 13-15 York Avenue, Avoca.