Almanac Art Auction: ‘Girls, First Season’ by Kate Birrell

‘Girls; First Season’, the original artwork done for the cover of the inaugural edition of The Women’s Footy Almanac is available for purchase, so we’re auctioning it. (You can make a bid by emailing us here [email protected])

 

The painting is oil on canvas and is 50cmW x 60cmH. It is currently unframed, but framing can be arranged at an extra cost if desired.

 

Kate’s original works of this size and style are sold for between $600 and $2000. Her Luke Hodge portrait sold for $1600. But, please, start your bidding (private) with any figure you like.

 

There are a couple of prints available (for sale) too.

 

Kate wrote about this artwork a little while ago and below is an extract to the background ideas and thoughts in the piece, which can also be found here in full.

 

“…The first AFL women’s season was more than the first bounce.

 

The season itself was shared and played out across the country and invited into its realm a real breadth of personality and character. A sense of place was noticeable in many of the games, with backdrops ranging from suburbia, to bush and magnificent sunsets in Darwin.

 

Many of the venues were open spaces, with tiered terraces, older styled grandstands, visible horizons and vast skies. A refreshing image that gave footy fans a break from the largesse of the big stadia and recalls games I attended in my own youth creating a sense of familiarity to me.

 

The AFLW season was notable for the strength, confidence and enthusiasm of women and girls as this first season came to be. For me the season was a direct statement:

 

“Here we are, look at us”

 

Community excitement was palpable.

 

With these thoughts in mind the painting evolved.

 

Sabrina Frederick-Traub and Erin Phillips were depicted for their ability on the field and as representatives of the two teams that made it to the grand final. I needed a third figure to bridge the two women. I was not inclined to paint a generic ten year old. I needed to paint someone I had a link with and so I asked Jasmine if she would like to be the subject in my painting.

 

Jasmine plays with the Caulfield Bears in the first ever girls Under 12 team. I have had my own kids playing with the Bears since 2003. It has been a terrific club that embraces its local community, offering and widening social connections and a sense of belonging, and now it celebrates our footy loving girls too….out with the raffle tickets and in with the awards.

 

Jasmine represents all young girls looking ahead, looking towards the future with hope and opportunity….”

 

For more information or to make a bid EMAIL US HERE.