On my studio journey

Its been a while between blog posts which is entirely reflective of the busyness of my art practice since I opened my popup studio at Chermside in April.

For those following my progress on Instagram and Facebook, its been a wonderful time in my little studio - some new friends made and lots of learnings about how to manage my own studio space.

One of the major drawbacks of the Chermside studio was its small size.  At only 7metres by 3.5metres, it couldn't accommodate all of my printmaking equipment and more than 4 people.  It was cosy but at the same time, stifling and frustrating to have my printmaking resources spread between my home studio and the Chermside studio.

And then all my birthday cake wishes came true.... in the form of a long-time friend who has invested funds into a new studio space from which I will operate a community art studio.

The new studio is spacious but not overwhelming, around 200m2 in a semi-industrial unit in Banyo.  Lots of concrete and glass windows. From the outside, there's nothing inspiring about it, but my partner Craig and I have been busy over the last few weeks transforming it into an arts hub.

The renovation and fitout work will continue for another month, there's lots to do, but there'll be a big opening celebration and everyone is invited!

From the outside - lots of 
concrete but inside - heaps of potential

Before the renovations started,
a blank canvas

Demolition and repainting of
the main studio space 

Upstairs, lovely windows.
This space will have plants and
 lots of tables to work at.

Introducing 'Art from the Urban Wilderness'

Its been longer than usual between my blogs, but with good reason....I've been busy setting up my new studio 'Art from the Urban Wilderness'.  

My local Brisbane City Council has a Pop-Up Shop Grant Program, which matches empty shopfronts with creatives and home business wanting to try a shop experience.  I put my name down on the list last year, and I very gratefully received an offer of a small space (5m x 7m) in February.

It was an opportunity too good to miss, so I took the plunge and signed a short-term occupancy lease, with Brisbane City Council paying the rent for 2 months.  Council also gave me some funds for fitout expenses, which covered paint, flooring, benches, tables, insurance, etc.

I've been in the space now for 5 weeks, which of course has sped by.  I've been busy running mini-workshops of 3-4 people, the small size of the space limits numbers of participants but it creates a more personalised experience.

My new studio functions as a print studio and pop-up art gallery, a gathering space for like-minded art friends, and a place where I can spend some time to make work or contemplate my way forward.  To stay and pay rent or not......

The studio is located at 44 Latham Street, Chermside.  My studio website is www.artfromtheurbanwilderness.com.au

The space prior to fit out - concrete and besser blocks,
but plenty of potential!

Sliding doors at the front bring in the light
and breezes

Opening night, with my artwork on display.
It was really exciting to see my prints up on the wall -
it revealed my obsession with birds 
and monoprint!

The studio - on the right my bench seat, cushions
and curtains creates a cozy seated space.
My etching press 'Thumper' is in the foreground.

Open for business!

Monoprints from my Studio

I've been busy monoprinting this month, here is a selection of completed prints.  The scrub turkey has made another appearance, this time I experimented with subdued colours of blues and greys.  I also started on a bee series, inspired by a native bee workshop I recently attended.

'Society' - bee monoprint

'Kin' - bee monoprint with collage.

"Natural Selection' - I reused egg stencils from
 one of my original scrub turkey series.

'Natural Selection' - I love the contrast between
the turkey imagery and the serrated banksia leaves.

'Wonder' - banksia love!