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Last Updated: Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:23

Published: Thursday, 15 May 2025 09:19

Multi-disciplinary artist Ruth Ellington’s autobiographical exhibition, The Tulip Project, will explore resilience, creative evolution and transformation at Goombungee’s Rosalie Gallery from May 21 to June 22, 2025.

Spanning painting, printmaking, soft sculpture, and digital imagery, this body of work weaves together personal narratives, symbolic imagery, and a vibrant visual language to chart the artist’s journey over the past 27 years.

Central to this exhibition is Ruth’s alter ego, Tulip, a guiding presence in her creative practice and a reflection of her inner world.

At the heart of The Tulip Project lies the recurring motif of flowers and bees, each carrying layers of personal and universal symbolism.

The act of creating flowers, whether through paint, print, or sculpture, mirrors the cycles of growth, healing, and renewal.

The repetition of this form becomes a meditative process, reinforcing the notion that perseverance through life’s challenges leads to transformation.

The bee, a constant presence throughout the works, represents diligence, creativity and the interconnectedness of life.

As a personal totem, it serves as a reminder of both the importance of hard work and the necessity of appreciating moments of beauty and stillness.

Through The Tulip Project, Ruth invites the audience to embark on a reflective journey acknowledging life’s challenges while celebrating moments of joy, discovery and growth.

The exhibition is a call to embrace resilience, find beauty in everyday moments, and trust in the unfolding path ahead.

“My artistic journey is one of constant evolution, which is shaped by my faith, my experiences, and my commitment to creative exploration,” Ruth said.

“Materiality plays a vital role in my practice.

“Many of my works incorporate elements collected over decades, such as vintage buttons, repurposed fabrics, and found objects that each carry stories and histories of their own.

“These materials become part of a larger narrative, woven into my soft sculptures and mixed media pieces as tangible reflections of memory, time and transformation.

“My dual role as an artist and educator allows me to inspire and nurture creativity in others.”

The exhibition’s Artist Talk starts at 11am on Saturday, May 24.

On Saturday, June 7, Ruth will conduct two Kanzashi flower-making workshops.

Bookings are essential. To reserve a place, please call 131 872.

For more information, please see: Rosalie Gallery

For further information, contact the Gallery on (07) 4696 5600 or rosalie.gallery@tr.qld.gov.au

Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta Street, Goombungee is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. Entry is free.

Images:
1. Ruth ELLINGTON / Tulip 2025 / acrylic on canvas / 40 x 60cm / © Ruth Ellington (top)

2. Ruth ELLINGTON / Fleur due coeur white 2025 / mixed media soft sculpture / 120 x 12cm / © Ruth Ellington

3. Ruth ELLINGTON / Sunflowers for Ivy 2025 / mixed media collage / 50 x 70cm / © Ruth Ellington

4. Ruth ELLINGTON / Kanzashi Flowers 2025 / mixed media / various sizes / © Ruth Ellington (bottom)