They’re both launching exhibitions at Orange Regional Gallery on Friday. 

The ladies hope to present polished reflections of unrealised masses of their individual work.

Ms Blackwood’s exhibition Drawing Stories features about 200 works of original drawings, mock-up books, storyboards and hand-made toys from the past decade, which will be shown in the main showing area. 

The exhibition follows Ms Blackwood’s artistic journey and her collaborative relationships, which have led to international acclaim through the release of 22 illustrated children’s books. 

She said hanging her first solo exhibition has opened her eyes in regard to the development of her work in the past 13 years. 

“I’ve never really dragged my drawings out of drawers to compare them all,” Ms Blackwood said. 

“At first, I was just learning in my early work. It’s not as expressive. It was very considered. As I’ve gone along my work has become a lot looser and I’ve been more free with my use of colour.” 

She said the idea came about with gallery director Brenda Gray encouraging her to do so. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to the gallery. Their efforts have been pivotal to me to look back on such a big body of work,” she said. 

Heather Pike’s fourth solo exhibition, titled Eating paper, tasting hope comprises of 50 works. 

Ms Pike said it is about using paper instead of canvas given its versatility and flexibility as a medium.

She said her exhibition comprises of fragile constructions of paper, thread and gouache which reflect on her life as an artist and her every day life. 

“It’s about the adventures of having a daughter, a rabbit and a dog which have occurred ... I hope it brings out the experiences of the stories of my life,” she said. 

“The title is about using paper and creating hope and how it brings out the stories of my life.”

Both exhibitions will be launched in the gallery at 6pm and both are on exhibition until January 17. 

ashlea.pritchard@fairfaxmedia.com.au