Activating the outside room of The Squatter’s Cottage, Ken Hutchinson has been sculpting Chillagoe marble from Queensland during his residency at The Foundations, Portland in March 2025. On seeing the fines peppered all over him from this marble action adventure, Ken commented that he’s actually never been cleaner with the “killer shower” at The Squat. We too can attest that it is a good one.
Ken has been active indoors as well where his visual diaries depict ideas and plans spread across the table. Utilising the good drawing wall in the high ceilinged large studio/bedroom, his Tyvek roll has come into its’ own on the large scale. Strong geometric mark making patterns derived from contemporary farming and land use configurations adorn this material. It’s a surprise to see these rolls in action with this material made for wrapping – of houses in construction and art too. Since Ken’s travels further out west with Tyvek in his pack, he has been a convert to its practical uses as both a ground sheet and a support for drawing.
Ken has been creating away at The Squatter’s Cottage beside Brenda Stace Chat, a fellow Cowra artist. Working on their own self-directed projects, their work and work spaces were separate however they did share some Tyvek and clearly some coordination planning too. Both are heavily involved behind the scenes for the Artist Run Initiative – Cowra Micro Gallery.
Along with two other Cowra based artists, Shani Nottingham and Linda Chant they have an exhibition at WAYOUT Artspace, a Cementa Initiative 8 March – 27 April, which took them off to Kandos for the set up and opening. With Linda Chant they additionally have work in the Plinth Show: Cowra Micro Gallery at Cowra Visitor Information Centre in March to April.
Brenda and Ken opened The Squatter’s Cottage to participants attending the free Creative Plus Business workshops in Portland in March, generously offering studio visits and presenting their works in progress.
Next up for Ken is his DISH-TINGUISH Ken Hutchinson exhibition of transformed obsolete satellite dishes at Cowra Micro Gallery opening 2pm Sunday 27 April 2025.
Images 1-8: credit Carolyn Hide, images 9 & 10 Nic Mason, of Ken Hutchinson and Brenda Stace Chat at The Squat and generously opening their residency studios to the Creative Plus Business workshop attendees
Ken Hutchinson (@hutchofella) • Instagram photos and videos
