An exhibition of works by the Doller family, Anne and her two daughters, Meg and Rachel, is showing at the Tatura Museum as a part of the Shepparton Festival.
A combination of patchwork quilts made by Anne, woven artwork by Meg and mixed-media collages from Rachel cohesively complement each other, intertwining familial ties through vibrant hues and delicate handicraft.
“Colour is a real connecting element between all our work,” Rachel said.
“There's definitely that handmade element to it all as well, but also a real sense of sustainability.
“Meg recycles a lot of her materials, and the strapping that she's used for her weaving she actually picks up off the side of the road. Then with my collage work, it’s bits of paper that I've collected or I'm cutting up old artworks and making new work.
“Even just the way Mum patch-works, she makes quilts for all our friends’ babies when they’re born, and my best friend’s daughter is 16 now, she still has her quilt at the end of her bed.”
Each artist holds their own particular style, gained from years of experience and well-nurtured skills.
Rachel said her parents prioritised fostering her and Meg’s artistic abilities, showing them the arts offered viable career options.
“We had some really amazing influences growing up; making art, craft and creating things in general was always an option,” she said.
The Dollers’ creative gene doesn’t stop at the women; growing up on a farm, Rachel said her dad would make just about everything he needed, using skills passed down through the generations.
The Tatura Museum, where the works are displayed, has special significance.
“Our grandpa, my dad’s father, had a lot to do with the museum here and there’s a room named after him, the Bill Doller room,” Rachel said.
“It’s a beautiful connection to just be able to have our work in the museum, knowing Grandpa’s room is just down the hall.”
The exhibition is on show at the Tatura Museum until April 15.