A source of strength and a necessary element in my work, stems from an early exposure to and interest in ballet, dance, music and theatre, beginning when I was only eleven years old. I saw every change of programme performed by the Ballets Russes from 1936, including all later tours; similarly, performances by Ballet Rambert and the Old Vic Theatre Company’s productions during its 1948 Australian tour.

I experienced the work of famous directors and artists such as Colonel W. de Basil, Serge Diaghilev and Sir Laurence Olivier, and was transported by the sets and costume designs created by Picasso, Matisse, André Derain, Leon Bakst and Loudon Sainthill.

These modernists, as they were known, led the way to a new direction, an exciting change in the performing arts, with fabulous fabrics that were painted, braided, beaded, appliquéd creating rich, fantastic textures and dazzling combinations of shape and colour. Here, I witnessed a kaleidoscope of irresistible illusions that stimulated a creative instinct and desire for expression that has never left me.

These elements of fantasy, I later realised, required the ability to draw, and to understand perspective and colour notation, hence my enrolment in a 5-year Design School course at East Sydney Technical College, now the National Art School.

Early in my art school training, as well as overseas influences, Australian artists reinforced my thinking and development; artists like Elaine Haxton, Douglas Annand, Kenneth Rowell, William Constable and of course Loudon Sainthill. My own work was inspired by their work along with that of the Boyds, especially David Boyd’s more romantic paintings, Sidney Nolan’s use of shape and colour, John Perceval’s energy and whimsy, and James Gleeson’s mystique.

The theatrical influence continued as a major source of inspiration over the years, giving rise to several series of unique, decorative objects d’art. Hence the icons and wooden horses that will always be redolent of the Belle Gallery magique! [Roberta Bell-Allen]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roberta studied Central European dancing when young.                                                                         Roberta’s Icon