Friday 29 November 2013

I know I was sewing while I was watching, but I'm sure I didnt look away for long.  Even so I didnt see any snow at Montsalvat on Phrynne Fisher tonight.  Did anyone else?

I'll swear that last week's trailer for this week had the front of Montsalvat in snow - did anyone else see that?

Or did updating my grandchildren's Christmas quilts just take my attention for one moment too many?

Whatever,  Artists Open Studios IS on again this weekend -  the last weekend for this year.  And dont forget to visit Margaret Summerton -  she will be at her studio in Rose Avenue, Hurstbridge between 11 and 5, just follow the signs from the Main road.  And you will absolutely  be able to see some of her yarnbombing from Montsalvat  plus her multimedia works.  

AND we will absolutely be yarnbombing again at Montsalvat in 2014!  Watch out!
Snow at Montsalvat!

Of course there is - anything can happen where Phryne Fisher is and when there is filming........



Remember the night we jumped for joy at the end of a great day working in our  Montsalvat studio -




Well I think I must have kept on jumping whilst I took the next photo BUT it does give a glimpse, despite the camera shake, of snow at Montsalvat.



Watch Phryne Fisher tonight and all will be revealed!


Watch out world, we'll be back yarnbombing 
at Montsalvat
 in 2014!

p.s. dont forget to visit yarnbombing Margaret Summerton's studio in Hurstbridge this weekend, www.artistsopenstudios.com.au. 

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Art and Fun - thats my idea of the good life!  





Look what came crawling out of the Yarra last weekend - but then its Nillumbik Artists Open Studios ( its on again if you missed last weekend dont miss next weekend!) so I shouldnt be too surprised.  



You've know idea who might be watching you! Even better look at the red dot. A sale always makes a fellow artist feel warm and fuzzy!


But then in the Bend of Islands you never know whats hidden in the bush.  Tim Read has just joined the Artists Open Studios and being an erstwhile OAS artist as well as a  nosey  neighbour I  had to go and have a look. 


Birds nests are a common sight in the Bend - but this one's special.  Its the work of two artists - Tim's nest and Jack Latti's clay eggs.  One of the reasons I really miss being part of this programme is working together with the other artists in this group and the fantastic camaraderie. 


From the moment you turn off Catani Boulevard, past "Mingalaba" at the entrance and down the drive  there's sculpture - everywhere.   You are greeted at Tim's workshop, given a map, and invited to take the "Gully Walk".   As a Bend of Islands resident it seems familiar , a lovely winding path through the bush to the river - but its different here, around every corner, on posts, in the trees, on the ground there's a sculpture.  Lots of surprises!  


Then a campfire to sit by and admire the river and a cuppa at the house.

Tim is a prolific artist and I just grabbed a tiny(and I mean tiny) number of photos on the run.  You absolutely have to visit!

After visiting the newest artist on your way back you can visit some of the original members of the Open Studios programme -  painters and printers, Syd Tunn and Ona Henderson at the Creek House studios (huge and lots and lots to see) in Henley Road.  

Just up the road, a very pretty drive through Christmas Hills takes you on to Veronica Holland and you wont be able to leave her without the biggest smile on your face!


Why you ask, am I devoting so much of my blog space to other people in the Artists Open Studios?  Sentiment to some extent, I loved being part of the programme and only left because of family committments.  Its a great programme. For the visitor its a chance to meet  many talented people in their workspace and see the process involved in producing many different kinds of art including  ceramics, textiles, glass, sculpture, printing and painting.   For the artist, often working in relative solitude, its a great opportunity to show and discuss their work.

Its  your chance to become an art collector too - there is work for sale in all price ranges so you can afford to give a little piece of original art for Christmas presents or indulge in something more for your own  house or garden.   Many artists have very reasonable greeting cards, often a little piece of original art in themselves!

Oh and dont forget to check my last blog to see what my yarnbombing partner in crime  mixed media artist Margaret Summerton is up to and you must visit her Hurstbridge studio!

Visit http://artistopenstudios.com.au/ for maps and information about these and all the other amazing artists in this programme!



Monday 18 November 2013

Whatever happened to.............

The Birds from wire to beam 




have perched elsewhere


The horse has been on the move too, from here ...



to where?


then of course there is the much photographed tree


it too has been transplanted.............

BUT TO WHERE ?

Visit yarnbombing and mixed media artist Margaret Summerton's studio in Hurstbridge this weekend to find these artworks and more.

Yes folks its Nillumbik Artists Open Studios over the next two weekends - if you've never experienced this event then its time to have a look.  If you've been before its time to visit again.  http://artistsopenstudios.com.au/

Its fun, visiting studios and meeting artists in so many fascinating workplaces.  It gets even better -you can acquire you own art, self indulge, and buy christmas presents.  Of course I'm biased, until life got to hectic I was part of the program too.  Thats how I know what an amazing bunch of people these artists are and why they are so great to visit!