Juris Cerins

Despite being somewhat reclusive and his work relatively unknown locally Juris Cerins has continued his art practice since finishing art school (RMIT) years ago. His work has been exhibited regularly in Melbourne and in many group shows in New South Wales and South Australia.

“I’m not an urban person. I’ve always, except for a few short stints, lived in the bush where I find comfort and inspiration. The bush never ceases to surprise me as it unveils a multitude of moods and structures, something I hope to share with those who see my work. My canvasses are based on simple sketches or gouaches made in the open air on location. I have great respect for the traditions of Western painting, particularly the approaches established by Cezanne, Tobey, Miller, Fairweather  and others. I’m trying to produce work where the lines, colours and textures produce a distinctive response.”

Whereas much of his previous work has been inspired by such locations as the Strathbogie Ranges, Hill End near Bathurst, NSW, and the arid zones near Burke and north of Broken Hill, this current work is based on Lorne and the Otways near where he lives.

His work has been recognised as a finalist in various art prizes and as a winner of the McLarenvale prize at the Fleurieu Biennale. He is represented in the collections of the Geelong and Ballarat regional Galleries, the Cesis museum in Latvia and in private and corporate collections here and overseas.