Talking with Painters

Australian painters talk with Maria Stoljar about their lives and art

Author: Maria Stoljar

Maria Stoljar talks with Australian painters about how they became an artist, their painting techniques, influences and current work.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Arts, Design, Visual Arts

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Ep 171: Mary Tonkin
Sunday, 28 December, 2025

Watch highlights from this conversation on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel I loved this conversation with Mary Tonkin at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney, before the start of her survey exhibition Among the Trees (opening 3 January 2026). The show brings together paintings, drawings and ceramics dating from 2008, works that reflect Mary’s deep relationship with her family farm in Victoria’s Dandenong ranges and with painting from life. Her painting ‘Ramble Kalorama’, measuring almost 19 metres long, is a magnificent meditation on what it is to be in the Australian landscape and was a huge hit at the 2022 Sydney Contemporary Art Fair. Mary Tonkin has won many awards and her works are held in major public institutions and private collections. She is represented by Australian Galleries. NB: When Mary speaks about her teacher Geoff in this conversation she is referring to Geoff Dupree. Links Mary Tonkin on Instagram Mary Tonkin at Australian Galleries ‘Among the Trees’, S.H.Ervin Gallery, 3 January to 1 March 2026 Highlights YouTube video My instagram reel of ‘Ramble, Kalorama’ at Sydney Contemporary (2022) https://youtu.be/84JSU210-38?si=78SsLYUPGalbja-g ‘Ramble, Kalorama’ (2017–2019) at Sydney Contemporary, 202218.9m x 1.8m (21 panels)Oil on linen ‘Coprosma Madonna, Kalorama’ 2021-22oil on linen 320 x 610cmPhotographer Matthew Stanton ‘Madre, Kalorama’ 2008oil on linen 244cm x 508 cmPhotographer John Brash ‘A scream, Kalorama’ 2023oil on linen 214 x 366cmPhotograph Matthew Stanton ‘Regent, Kalorama’ 2012 charcoal on paper 241 x 271cm Photographer John Brash ‘Saint Anthony Beaten By Devils’ 24.5cm x 39.5cmSassetta, c1423, 1424Pinacoteca Nazionale