Alanna Mason
Member Armidale Men’s Shed
Mentor in Art
Armidale Men’s Shed Resident Art Teacher
How long have you been coming along to the men’s shed?
7 years. Roy provided space for community art - spinning, drawing, craft - whatever people wanted to do.
I then began to receive enquiries for private lessons. I leaped at the opportunity - the atmosphere was so good. Although we were encroaching on men’s space, the courtesy and respect shown toward the art group by the members was ever present – and we treat the space with the respect it was given to us.
What one thing would you like people to know about the Armidale Men’s Shed?
It’s friendly and welcoming, an atmosphere affording the opportunity to have a go. It has also provided me the space and opportunity to assist refugees with art.
Communities fall apart without places like the men’s shed. Community based organisations have value for those who come to them, even if only for companionship. It’s the commitment of going. If you turn up, you’re already a success.
AND A FEW GET-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS…
How long have you been involved in the art scene?
I have been involved in the arts in various forms for over 25 years.
Mostly self-taught, and also with guidance and mentoring from highly skilled and experienced tutors which was always the best, often travelling interstate (mainly Vic & Qld) to these tutors in my early days in pastel.
I also used to teach theatre. I came to UNE for a degree in art then became involved in a state project funded by the arts council. It was a project for a travelling theatre to regional areas – as far out as Moree and up to the border – including children’s theatre. I was with them for a few years before leaving theatre to become a horticulturist – more specifically, a biodynamic farmer. Had my own business for a few years until it was wiped out by a giant hailstorm in the 80’s that took out about a third of Armidale. I then went into worm farming to make a living.
I later became involved with the Armidale Youth Centre for homeless youth, doing community work with them. Then retired to take up teaching with U3A - art and theatre - which brought me to here and now.
You are highly skilled in many different forms of art media - do you have a speciality?
I specialise in graphite – self-taught, expanding skills and knowledge via tutorship and the internet.
If you don’t know something, make it your business to find out!
Do you have any hobbies outside of the arts?
I am a chronic reader and researcher – I eat books. I have an eidetic (photographic) memory which has been quite useful. Arts books and currently crime books.
You also used to be a prolific letter writer, do you still find the time to write these days?
No, but there’s a quick solution.
When a relative was in hospital years ago, I promised to write a letter a day.
On the first day, the envelope arrived and inside, on the page, was the letter ‘M’!
Day 2, the envelope was posted off and it contained the letter ‘S’.
Upon receipt of the 3rd envelope, the penny dropped - they finally worked out was was going on. This continued for the duration of their hospital stay.
Needless the say, the whole ward was in stitches (pun intended) and looked forward to the arrival of the post each day to find out what the next letter would be.
Do you collect anything?
Collector of friends.
Have you ever had a nickname?
The Duchess.
As to why, I cannot divulge - it’s a royal secret.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Somebody of value. I was a writer and in theatre before art. I didn’t plot out a career, being busy working hard and raising a family, always putting in 100% - plus another step!
You are well-travelled. Is there anywhere that left an impression on you?
Europe. Everything was what I read – the realness, the history. Thousands of years old – I could touch the history. It took your breath away. I recall, I burst into tears when I walked into a German cathedral, standing within this massive space of opulence.
What makes you laugh?
People. With a background in theatre, you study people.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Me, of course darling. I do the star role in everything!
Is there a quote or saying that has stayed with you over time?
Blaise Pascal - “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
If you were stranded on a desert island, what book would you want to have wash up on shore?
‘War and Peace’
I’d get my money’s worth - I’m a speed reader.
What would you like people to know about you?
I’m a failed hermit. I’m content with my life and my world. My motto in life: give a little back to your community. My community is important to me, they’ve been good to me – so give a little bit back.
AND THE BIG QUESTION…
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTENTIOUS TOPICS OF CONVERSATION THAT CAN BRING DISCORD TO THE MOST CIVILIZED OF DISCUSSIONS, ONE OF WHICH IS THE TOPIC OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA – YES OR NO?
No! Peanut Butter and Banana.
