The Art of Woman

service during this photo shoot. They helped prepare the venue, move furniture, supply props, even set up curtains all in order that the photography was successful.
It is always interesting seeing different reactions when I describe my work. Most people are surprised about my subject matter and yet curious about the results. Of course a professional model dressed in her finery caused a few heads to turn! Thank you also to Glamour Girls modeling agency who have also given excellent personal service.
A great day was had by all.

Tanya was raised on a farm near Ardlethan. Born an artist, she was often in trouble for stealing pieces out of her father's shed to make fanciful mobiles, wind chimes, sculptures and anything else artistic she could dream up. After finishing school Tanya completed a BA in Graphic Design at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. In the course of her studies she worked on the student newspaper and as a freelance graphic designer. After graduating Tanya worked for a number of years in the photographic industry, restoring and manipulating photographic images. She also worked with the Wagga Wagga Art Society as their newsletter editor and in-house designer.
Along with her husband, Tanya has now returned to the land and the life she loves most. With a son and daughter aged five and three respectively, and a revitalising place to call home, life has come full circle. Tanya is looking forward to the next phase with all the creativity, passion and love she can muster.

She describes her work

Although my interest ebbs and flows from one artistic venture to the next, I have been held for some time by the endless aesthetic qualities and possibilities of wire and wire mesh. More recently, the magic of beads has come into play. My preference for these materials has combined with my recent life experiences in the current body of work.
Essentially, the work is an exploration of womanly creation - what it is to create a new life, give birth and become a mother. There is no doubt that the experience can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, but it is also magic in its purest form. The work is intended to reflect this. It is unapologetically feminine and celebrates an experience that lives with a woman forever.

How exciting to know that my photography contributed to the winning entry!! The work is called "Transfiguration". It is a large white piece that fills a white wall. It is made of cable ties and shimmers in the light. Photographing it was a technical challenge. The shape reminds us of the crucifixion, but it could be interpreted as a tornado, an ethereal spirit, a beam of light or even a waterfall. The ties themselves look sharp and remind us of the crown of thorns, yet they are in reality very soft and fragile and transparent, reminding us of the spirit and of Christ's vulnerability.
Congratulations Pete Smith.

Copyright: Pete Smith and Margaret Kalms

My model rung me to apologise for being late because she needed to shave her legs. She arrived and we did some interesting work. The incident reminded me of a book I have been reading, "Dirt, Undress and Difference - critical perspectives on the body's surface" Adeline Masquelier ed, Indiana University Press 2005.
There is a description of a strip dancer preparing for work. It goes into detail for three pages (96-98). This makes me think about the whole notion of what is dressed and what is undressed and which bits to show and which bits to hide. Certainly the dancer took great care in presenting her body in a particular way. She took longer than most people to get 'dressed' for work!
We all have the right to present our bodies the way we choose.