Vali Myers - Australian Artist

Born 2nd August 1930 - passed 12th February 2003. 

Bohemian, mystical and visionary artist that I had the pleasure of meeting - and drinking with! She asked me to sit for her - as she wanted to sketch me. One of my biggest regrets was taking too long to get back to her. 

Was it fear, low self esteem? No matter - as she left behind a special legacy that inspires anyone who has the good fortune to discover it. 

I first heard about her when I was 19 years of age - in 1985. I was working in Melbourne and during a lunch hour - stumbled across a table out the front of a bookstore - loaded with copies of her now terribly expensive book, "Vali Myers" - published by Open House.

They were $10 each back then! Oh - how I wish I had the foresight to buy up the whole table - a good fifty or more copies! They sell for at least $250 each now. I just bought one at the time - which I stupidly lent to a friend - and never got it back! (Including a picture inside that I had drawn - which I loved. You live and learn - sometimes.)

Well - I recently bought it again - at $250, such is my passion for Vali. It was a great investment though - for inspiration, more than anything else.

I immersed myself in her life - her work - her philosophy - her inspirations. I read Rilke, researched the Book of Kells and started living the life of a wandering, barefoot hippy - staying at random homes, meeting strange people - writing and drawing. 

I think it was a necessary foray into the wilderness - to find my wild heart - before slamming myself back into the cage of responsibility, in order to appease my family and society. 

It was a wonderful time and I had some great experiences with fascinating souls - all of which have inspired me - at varying levels, in different ways.

My favorite piece is "Lammastide" - available as a print from Outre Gallery:

Lammastide by Vali Myers. Click on link to buy from Outre Gallery

Here's a link to the Vali Myers Art Trust - on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ValiMyers

Here's a link to Ruth Cullen's awesome documentaries:
http://ruthcullen.com/#!tightrope-dancer/

Her long time lover - Gianni Menichetti wrote this beautiful memoir. Click on the book for the link:

And here is my Pinterest shrine to the Lady herself! Blessed Be - wherever you are, Vali!

Follow Kelly's board Vali Myers on Pinterest.