14th September 2008

Linda's Art Exhibition:
This past week has been focused on preparing and enjoying this exhibition with the people of Mauritius. Linda feels honoured and humbled by the attention and in particular the support and encouragement of her friend and mentor sculptor Lewis Dick. After working with Lewis holding Children's art workshops in Le Morne he was keen to exhibit Linda's work. Not only did he provide gallery space he and his beautiful wife Josiane and their band of helpers students Hari, Blake and Mike worked hard to make the exhibition a wonderful success. Lewis invited many Mauritian artists, musicians, teachers and the media. Linda was interviewed and photographed by many journalists as well as the local TV. The opening night on Thursday night was exciting and fun with much laughter and emotion as the Mauritian people embraced the 2 Aussies Linda and Bill into their hearts. As the champagne flowed the speeches in English and Creole were received with much clapping especially when Linda presented Lewis with a framed drawing of Gena's sculpture. Gena's story is now a pivotal point of the exhibition. (see previous entry re Gena's story)

Linda exhibited not only her drawings but some of her photos taken in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Philippines, Malaysia, Cocos Keeling Islands, Rodrigues and Mauritius. 'Images from Around the World' were displayed under each country. Some of Linda's nudes were also displayed either in the original pastel or in print form. Australian friends and family may recognize themselves in some the drawings/photos displayed! (see photo gallery - click on little camera then 'Linda's Exhibition')

Music and dance is an integral part of Ecole de Sculpture. Lewis' senior students Hari, Mike and Blake as well as being wonderful musicians are up and coming sculptors with a study tour in Switzerland planned for next year. On Thursday evening these boys played and sang on guitar and hand drum. A guest artist and musician Billy played the saxophone and flute. Linda was dobbed in by Lewis to begin the dancing with a solo bellydance!

It was a wonderful night one we will never forget. The exhibition was supposed to close yesterday but due to interest and media coverage this weekend it will be staying open until Monday night.

A special message for Lewis and Josiane :
"It's a great pleasure to work with Mr. Lewis Dick, Sculptor of Mauritius. We share a passion for the Arts and use this as a vehicle for self expression to inspire confidence in children. When children are free to experiment with tactile materials they are able to release emotions and once confident can continue to learn eventually leading worthwhile lives. We believe in working alongside the children sharing the joy in learning together. It has been especially enjoyable for me to dance and have fun the Mauritian way. I would like to thank Lewis and Josiane for their generous spirit and allowing Bill and I to become a part of their lives which also includes the community of Mauritius. My heartfelt thanks."

Linda,"Ene grand plaisir travail ek Lewis Dick, ene sculpter Mauricien,"
Nou partage ene passion pou L'Art ek nou servi sa couma ene moyen pou aide ban zenfan pou gagne confiance dan zot meme.
Kan nou donne ban zenfan libert?- pou exprime zot talent avek ban materiels simple, nou capave trouv?- ki qualit?- emotion zot mett?- dan seki zot p?- fer ek sa pou servi zot tout long zot lavi.
Sa travail ki noune fer ensam , ine fer mwa appranne inpe culture Mauricien.
Mo remercie Lewis pou so g�n�rosit�.
Line permet mwa partaze so lavi ki inclure aussi la communaut?- du Morne ek L'Ile Maurice entier.
De tout c?"ur Merci