Footpath 2204 Walking Back to Happiness | Geoffrey Odgers

Geoffrey Odgers was born in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria 1948.

Odgers is primarily an oil painter, but works across a variety of media including drawing, collage, mosaic and mixed media.

Odgers creative journey has always been involved in the formal aspects of painting, most notably seeking the essence of the motif rather than any narrative.

Odgers was profoundly affected by the bushfires of 2020 and was consequently forced to confront his own response to landscape.

He draws en plein air, takes photos and then uses black and white photocopies to guide his composition and structure.

Odgers recent exhibitions include Basil Sellers Gallery Moruya, NSW and Tacit Gallery Abbotsford, Vic. Odgers was selected as finalist in the Elizabeth Bermingham Watercolour Prize, Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize and Michael Beaver Prize.

He was one of 25 International artists chosen to be exhibited and published by Italian Collagists Collective in Omnia Vincit Amor.

Tell us the story of this work. What inspired it? 

“Footpath 2204 Walking Back to Happiness is from a series of works developed from images of footpaths at Nicholson Street Bairnsdale, Vic 3875 and Sydney Street Marrickville NSW 2204.”

“This painting is from the footpath in Sydney Street Marrickville NSW, 2204. I did extensive mixed media drawings and photos over a weekend when I was staying there in 2024.”

“Whilst my initial reaction and response to the wretched state of these footpaths was around social justice and disregard for the community, I also responded to the lines, textures, patterns and the state of disrepair of the footpaths represented.”

“With this series I wanted to express the feelings I had whilst being a flaneur, using footpaths. I find the beginning and end of the journey sets my mood. In this instance, the lyricism of the lines and broken patterns become a record of the happiness and pleasure I gained from the initial use of the footpath, as well as my immersion in the painting process.” “Walking Back to Happiness became the response to my apperceptive feeling derived from my perceived initial image reactions.”

Tell us about how you created your work.

“This diptych was originally developed from drawings en plein air and photos. I made black and white prints of the photos and worked with these and my drawings to develop the images. I also did a smaller, 80 x 50 cm oil study to feel for the structural and linear composition.”

What particular challenges came from working on a piece of this size?

“Working on a large scale is harder for me than it used to be. My age and physical limitations mean I have to prepare mentally before I approach the work. I work 6 - 8 hours a day and up to 9 days to complete a large piece. It is draining but immensely pleasurable to surrender to the challenge and grow with the work.”

What do you hope people feel when they see your work?

“Happiness, intrigue and a new inquisition about footpaths and how they will respond to them.”

Geoffrey Odgers, 2025

Read more here.

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