Jodie Fergusson-Batte
Painter (Daylesford, VIC)

Jodie Fergusson-Batte (Fitzgerald) was born in Melbourne and later lived in Queensland, Darwin and most recently in Sydney before finally moving to settle in Daylesford, Victoria. Sydney is where Jodie found a strong and renewed passion for art. Daylesford is where she plans to spend the next few years focusing on this passion.

As a teenager, Jodie attempted to limit her exposure to the work of other artists for fear of becoming too heavily influenced by them. "I was terrified of losing my independence by getting swept up in everyone else's ideas. These days I attend as many exhibitions as I can and have established a collection of books on various artists that I can use as a reference or for inspiration. I realise what a wonderful gift they have given us and I am now proud to embrace it"

Jodie credits Picasso and Dickerson as her key influences. This is shown in the bold lines and exaggerated features in the majority of her figurative works.

"Picasso has had a significant effect on the way that I view paintings, as he has with many others. Art was his passion and his life. I also admire Dickerson for his depth and sharp, strong lines. There is always something more to his work".

Jodie travels regularly between New South Wales and Victoria with her artwork. A consistent stream of income for Jodie is independent commission work with many clients contacting her via her web site.

Art Publishing Australia has also recently taken 10 of Jodie's images and placed them on cards and bookmarks to be sold around Australia.

Jodie relates strongly to Francis Bacon’s statement: “The most important thing is to look at the painting, to read the poem, or to listen to the music. Not in order to understand or to know it, but to feel something.”

For information on how to purchase Jodie's work, please contact her below. Gallery enquiries welcome.

Contact Jodie Fergusson-Batte
Visit Jodie Fergusson-Battes website

Exhibition History:
Ongoing exhibition at the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford.
Pantechnicon Gallery, Daylesford 05/06
Without Pier Gallery - Sandringham, Dec 05 - Mar 06
Omnibus Art Gallery - Ballan Dec 06
Red Star Cafe, Hepburn - March 2006
The Pantechnicon Gallery, Victoria - 04 / 05
Studio W Woolloomooloo, Sydney. June 05
The ARTroom Upstairs, Manly. May - June 05
Pruniers, Woollahra, Sydney. Feb-Apr 05
The Convent Gallery, Vic - Dec 04 - Jan 05
Alliance Francais, Sydney City. April 04
The Artichoke Gallery, Manly. Feb 04

Artists Statement:
I gain my inspiration from everyday experiences and general people-watching. I love to add a little cheekiness to my work and vow never to take myself too seriously.