The spark of the idea for an Indie Writers’ collective came out of belonging to Marion Art Group; a group of painters who meet together every Monday morning and exhibit their works in shopping centres.

With that premise, I thought, ‘Why not draw together a group of writers who help each other, with their different gifts and talents to publish their books?’

Fellow MAG artist, Elsie King thought this was a great idea and with Mary McDee, Indie Scriptorium was born.

Currently, Marion Art Group is holding an exhibition at Brighton Central (Foodland) in the mall area. If you are in Adelaide, South Australia, come and have a look. The exhibition is on for another week until October 29, 2023.

So, on that note, I have included below a story of the beginnings of my journey with art which combines with my love of Central Australia.

Mount Hermannsburg

My father and I sat in the dry river bed of the Finke River painting Mt Hermannsburg which towered above the river gums and spinifex. We painted our muse on site; Dad painted in watercolour and I painted in acrylic.

After a couple of hours, Dad packed up his brushes and palette and returned to the town of Hermannsburg. I stayed, in the creative zone, dibbing and dabbing, the setting sun casting shadows over the river bed and a cool breeze pricking me with goose bumps on my bare arms.

I made the final touches as the sun sank below the horizon and I was called in for tea. I signed with my maiden name, naturally, as I was only 18.

Dad’s painting and mine sat side by side on our host’s piano where all who saw, admired our work. I kept walking past and gazing at my painting. Did I really do this? Wow! Did I really?

© Lee-Anne Marie Kling 2016

Introduction © Lee-Anne Marie Kling 2023

Feature: Mt. Hermannsburg, MacDonnell Ranges Northern Territory, Australia. Painting by Lee-Anne Kling (nee Trudinger) in acrylic 1981.

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