Table of Contents
| Title: | Wendy Whiteley |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 30:48 |
| Year: | 2011 |
| Director/DOP: | Peter M Lamont |
| Music: | Peter M Lamont |
Some years ago before the Inside Art idea occurred to us, Michel Lawrence and I interviewed Wendy Whiteley about the release of three of Brett’s works as limited edition fine art reproductions to be sold exclusively on The Stock Rooms: ‘Lavender Bay in the Rain’, Grey Harbour’ and ’15 Great Dog Pisses of Paris’.
This is the full interview; in it Wendy refers to Brett (Brett Lichtenstein, the founder of Digital Art Directory who worked with Wendy to produce the prints) and Brett (Whiteley); often in the same sentence. It’s a bit confusing but now you know, it will make a bit more sense.
Wendy talks about their early domestic life which is a nice adjunct to the biographies and of course, the works themselves. Halfway through Wendy takes her mic off so the sound drops off a bit.
About Wendy Whiteley
Wendy Whiteley, born in 1941, is a highly regarded Australian artist and cultural icon. She met Brett Whiteley, a celebrated Australian painter, while both were students at the National Art School in Sydney during the late 1950s. Wendy and Brett married in 1962 and had a daughter, Arkie, in 1964. While she is known for her artistic contributions, Wendy’s primary influence during their life together was as a muse and model for Brett’s works, as well as an active partner in cultivating the creative environment that defined much of his art.
In the 1970s, Wendy and Brett settled in Lavender Bay, Sydney, which became a central location for Brett’s art, with many works capturing the bay’s scenic views. Following Brett’s death in 1992 and Arkie’s passing in 2001, Wendy poured her energy into transforming a nearby neglected piece of railway land into what is now famously known as Wendy’s Secret Garden. Working without formal permission initially, she transformed the area into a lush, peaceful retreat that has since become beloved by locals and visitors alike.
In addition to her work with the garden, Wendy has been pivotal in preserving Brett Whiteley’s legacy. She managed Brett’s former studio in Surry Hills, Sydney, and later facilitated its transfer to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where it now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work. In 2015, thanks to her efforts, the New South Wales Government granted North Sydney Council a renewable 30-year lease on the land for Wendy’s Secret Garden, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Wendy’s contributions have been recognised formally; in 2009, she received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the arts and the community. Her journey and the creation of Wendy’s Secret Garden have been documented in books, including “Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden” by Janet Hawley, which details her transformative work with the garden and its impact on Sydney’s cultural heritage.
The garden itself stands as a tribute to Wendy’s resilience and creativity, featuring a variety of plantings, artistic installations, and winding paths that invite exploration. Wendy’s Secret Garden continues to serve as a living artwork, providing inspiration and solace to those who visit.
References:
