Ethel Carrick Fox
1872 - 1952 Australian Gum Blossom 1940s- oil on canvas laid on board
Long overshadowed by the greater reputation of her husband's art, Carrick Fox's work is justifiably recognised in its own right. Her paintings are imbued with a personal sense of colour and display lively compositions, conveying vigour and a boisterous feeling of life. Carrick Fox painted in various styles, but most often in a manner indebted to aspects of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, perhaps revealing some contacts with the Camden group in London. Her Slade training there was extended by her interest in sunlight and vivid colour effects. Her choice of themes include market scenes, parks and flower gardens, beach and Arab scenes and especially flower peices. Occasionally she painted genre interior scenes, evoking a woman's world with quiet intimacy.
Born at Uxbridge, Middlesex, in 1872, Ethel Carrick was the second eldest daughter of a well established draper and haberdasher, A. W. Carrick.
She was one of a family of ten children, all of whom received a good education.
Educated at home, she attended an art school where her ability began to emerge.
Ruth Zubans, Ethel Carrick: A retrospective Exhibition, 30 March - 4 May 1979, Geelong Art Gallery (catalogue) p.3