Artist and Author Carole Hampshire Photography, Blue Mountains

What makes an artist? Why take up the creative life? Must artists accept poverty? Why do so many talented artists live in the Blue Mountains?

Over a period of two years, photographer and writer Carole Hampshire searched for answers to these questions as she immersed herself in the strange and wonderful Blue Mountains art world. She turned her pen and camera on the region’s sculptors, painters and potters to reveal a fascinating insider’s view of the creative process.

Taking us on a unique journey, the author and her camera lead us into the houses and studios of the various practitioners. Some are famous, others not so, but all have revealed something of themselves to their unassuming visitor. They speak about their work and what inspires it, and in this way the book provides a portrait of both the place and its inhabitants. A diversity of creative expression is beautifully portrayed in this unique journey through the Blue Mountains. (adapted from the foreword by Martin Thomas)

Stunning full-colour photographs of both the artists and their work.
Insightful interviews with a diverse range of artists, from sculptors, painters and potters to performance and 'outsider' artists.
Provides a fascinating insider’s glimpse into a wide-range of creative processes.
Offers a unique perspective on the Blue Mountains region.
A lavish volume that would make a perfect gift for enthusiasts of both art and the Blue Mountains alike.

“I am sure you will enjoy the intimacy and diversity of this journey through the Mountains – this range of creative expression – beautifully portrayed by Carole Hampshire.”
Martin Thomas, author The Artificial Horizon: Imagining the Blue Mountains, 2003

"How exhilarating to see a clearly-written exposé of creative activity in this highly inspirational region. From within the geographical limits of the Blue Mountains this work presents a fascinating image of artistic process right across the country."
Hugh Speirs (author: ‘Landscape Art and the Blue Mountains’, 1981)

160pp; more than 100 illustrations; full colour throughout;
280 x 230mm; $49.95; ISBN 9780868408034 Purchase Artists Observed >>>

A selection of quotes from the artists...

I knew I had to devote myself to my inner life but I didn’t know how to do it. This way (art) was a way of doing it, of showing that it was important and necessary…I remember I was modelling in clay and the idea came to me that I could make a living from it. This was how it all started: this strange journey of being a professional artist.

Phillip Hay, sculptor

I really don’t care at all being poor. I’m quite prepared to go very lightly without much materialism…to walk the desert and do those simple things.

Mark Murnane, sculptor

I’ve always painted dream imagery. For a long time I’ve kept dream journals and I’ve always had very vivid dreams. It’s as though I’m living two lives.

Lyn Harrison, artist

If you take a conventional street photograph you eliminate so much just by pressing the button at a certain time, you can prejudice the whole environment because people will read the environment beyond the picture. That’s always inherent in the medium; it doesn’t show the truth, it shows an aspect of the truth.

John Williams, Photographer/Historian

If I’m going to make something, I’m going to make it as beautiful as I can because it’s about beauty. It’s about colour. It’s about form. We are surrounded in life by beauty and form. I don’t want to make ugly forms, there’s no need to propagate that.

Keith Rowe, Glass Artist

I think it’s imperative for everybody to feel that creative surge in themselves and most people miss out on it, are missing out on it.

John Ellison, Artist