Paul has been working as an artist for more than two decades. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
‘A messy scrub’ isn’t a phrase you would typically associate with something beautiful, but for Canberra artist Paul Summerfield, it’s the title of his latest artistic creation.
Paul’s vibrant work, created using software, was sold at the annual Capital Arts Patrons Organisation (CAPO) auction in November 2023.
Allinsure managing director Peter Chamberlain purchased the work to hang proudly in the insurance advisers’ head office in Fyshwick.
Paul has been dabbling in his style of work he describes as ‘solarpunk’, a form of artistry that incorporates the idea of a sustainable future integrated with nature and the community since 2004.
“I’ve always wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. It was truly all I wanted to do,” Paul says.
“I love experimenting with light and colour and seeing what I can create. I care a lot about the environment and love thinking about what the future might hold for the next generations and putting those thoughts into a piece of art.”
Paul has taken a modern approach to getting his ideas into frames.
“I love working off my tablet because it gives me the chance to take my work anywhere around the world, from cafes to trains. If the inspiration hits me, I can just start painting, and that’s where I think I thrive, being out in the world rather than couped up in a room.”
Allinsure managing director Peter Chamberlain proudly purchased the painting by Paul Summerfield, and it is now hanging with pride at the Allinsure head office in Fyshwick. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The excitement of selling his work didn’t stop for the artist; Paul also received the CAPO Fellowship grant, which will help him with future projects.
Paul says that being given the grant is an honour.
“I love that they give artists like myself the opportunity to express themselves. I value every opportunity I get to show off my work, and this grant is really going to help me with my future projects.”
CAPO executive officer Marilyn Gray says CAPO is thrilled to give people like Paul the opportunity to fulfil their artistic dreams.
“We have been around for more than 40 years, and apart from the government, we are the only organisation that offers these kinds of grants to artists in the Canberra region,” Marilyn says.
“This year, Allinsure is giving out three more grants at the value of $1000 each, which we hope will encourage young artists to keep moving forward with their artistic dreams.”
Peter says they are thrilled to be helping local artists achieve their dreams.
“We are proud to support our local artists as part of our greater community giving program. Art challenges our established norms, opens us to new ideas and helps us understand our emotions and express our feelings,” Peter says.
“Our local artists are an important part of our community.”
Through the generosity of donating artists and the sponsorships of Canberra businesses like Allinsure, CAPO has raised $4 million to support artists of all disciplines across the region to continue their artistic journey since starting in 1983.
As the winner of the grant, Paul says he’s going to use the money to support upcoming projects, including his eighth art exhibition in Canberra later this year and is looking forward to his latest venture, illustrating a book for children’s author Isobelle Carmody.
“I’m very excited to be collaborating with Isobelle. She’s very talented,” Paul says.
Applications for 2024 CAPO grants open on 6 August; visit Capital Arts Patrons Organisation.
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