Summary

The Val Russell sketchbooks are one of our 50 Treasures: Celebrating 50 years of James Cook University

Ann Roebuck answers the question 'Why is this significant?'

The Val Russell Archive is significant in that it offers a rare insight into the practice of an Atherton-based artist whose dedication to producing art across almost five decades has left a legacy of imagery of important local places.

Described by her daughter as a lifelong observer of nature, people, and even, moods, the artist's sketching began as a hobby while on family holidays to places such as Port Douglas – a far different place today than it was on Russell family trips in the 1960s. The artist's sketchbooks, which form the core of the archive, represent the basis of her career. Russell went on to paint hundreds of works of art from these original sketches, making them substantial foundation documents.

The buildings and landscapes of the sketchbooks document places and structures - some of which might now be gone or completely changed - offering researchers an historically significant record of place. The archive is a gift in another, noteworthy way. The artist was a meticulous record keeper. Almost every sketch has been annotated with a date and title (often indicative of the place) by the artist. Additionally, two large ledgers accompany the sketchbooks and detail every completed work (more than 1200 in total), including sketches, paintings, bark collages, torn paper collages, soapstone sculptures, and poetry. Lists provide information about what the artworks are, where and when they were made, their titles, the medium used, prizes awarded, and whether or not they were exhibited and/or sold. The archive also contains all the work from a commercial art course completed through correspondence in the 1960s, two books the artist wrote and illustrated, and personal letters. There is no need for speculation on the part of future researchers as this detailed record keeping offers a valuable gift: the ability to situate the works in time and place. As well as building her own, prodigious catalogue, the artist contributed to the establishment of the Atherton Tablelands' first art society, in 1967, and was among the group which promoted the opening of the region's first gallery.

Her determination to pursue her artistic nature saw her exhibit work for 37 consecutive years. This example, coupled with her desire to offer others an opportunity to be part of a supportive Arts environment, marks the artist as an innovator.

Now, with the gift of her archive to JCU's Special Collections, the work of this prodigious artist is available to a whole new audience.