Daniel Pata 2025

My first solo exhibition was dominated by works of Katoomba and the Jaimeson valley which I understand is one of the largest canyons  in the world, I had camped a number of times with artist Cameron Sparks who taught me drawing at the NAS. In 1985 I was honoured to have walked around my first exhibition at The Painter’s Gallery, East Sydney with Lloyd Rees who came to the opening,  he commented that he particularly liked the works of the Blue mountains and said that I should continue my work up there. That was certainly an affirmation of my interest in the mountains as subject matter. Spectacular precipitous cliffs, clouded valleys and vast distances, a wonderful opportunity to explore the equally vast range of colours, tones and rich textures on display and to the fascinating interplay of space all to be discovered more deeply in continuing visits.

High country is an attraction for many, especially in encountering snow, the first time is magical. I first experiencedl alpine country in the snowy mountains around Thredbo. I had my first painting tour with a group of artists there. It was certainly exciting to be in the company of Kevin Connor,  Margaret Woodward and the passionate landscape painters Terry O’Donnell and Chris Gentle. I certainly was receptive to their insights about the land and its structure.

More recently I have enjoyed being included in a wonderful group of artists organised by Ann Cape. Her late husband had assisted in building a lodge in Thredbo with her membership made available this lovely location and chalet to us all. On a number of occasions over a few years we have returned there to work. The last group consisted of Elizabeth Cummings, Anne Thompson, Chris Gentle, Sophie Cape, Ann Cape, Willemina Villari and Paul Connor to mention just a few of these modern masters. I was in seventh heaven with this group. We worked all around Thredbo and caught the chairlift to work up in mount Crackenback area, quite spectacular. Coming back exhausted and ready for a feast from the very capable cooks of the group. I made a fitting pasta with an alpine trout and tasty sauce!

Thredbo valley holds a special significant for me now as I lost my late wife’s wedding ring up there, it had fallen off my little finger walking through thick scrub, I actually drove back to Sydney bought a Metal defector and drove straight back the next day determined to find it, but sadly looking everywhere over 3 days I had no luck. The particular valley I lost it in is called Siberia,  So I lost a wedding ring in Siberia! It is now a special place where Anne’s ring lays and will always deserve a visit from me. Ann Cape is preparing another trip there next year which I hope to join.

I continue to explore material produced en Plein air from the snowy and look forward to my continuing work in the Blue Mountains, one of the great places on earth where the impact is still exhilarating  pictorially. The day after my wife Anne’s funeral in 2017 I spent 3 quiet days walking in the Blue mountains to experience a sense of the primal and searching for a raison d’être. High country to me is a place of special  spiritual presence. Looking back to my first show and Lloyd’s comment, for me to continue working there, has certainly come to pass.

~ Daniel Pata, May 2025