Melbourne International Design Festival

Image from the 'INDEX : design to improve life' award exhibition in Copenhagen 2007 - these acrylic bubbles will be on display in and around Federation Square as part of the Melbourne International Design Festival 2008. Photos by Jessica Haye and Clark Hsiao. Found on the INDEX Flickr site.

It's the calm before the storm this week... in just over a weeks time Design Festival overload will descend on Melbourne in the form of the Melbourne International Design Festival (hosted by the National Design Centre at Federation Square), which runs simultaneously with the State Government funded State of Design Festival.

There is seriously SO MUCH fantastic stuff scheduled for both of these concurrent festivals that I'm not sure quite how I will cover it all! July looks set to be a really exciting, exhausting month!

One thing I'm really excited about this year is that I'll be writing for the Melbourne International Design Festival blog! Yes I am an official contributer - how professional :) So bookmark the MIDF blog for daily updates of all design-related happenings leading up to and during the festival.

...and because it's almost impossible to decide what to go and see, I've put together a bit of a short-list of my top picks for the 2008 Melbourne International Design Festival... See my suggestions below, but be sure to check out the National Design Centre website for detailed info on all MIDF events.

Patrick Blanc's Vertical Garden in the Melbourne CBD
I mentioned this a few days ago... it's the most anticipated event of the festival for me! If you can't get along to the Patrick Blanc lecture at Fed Square on July 18th (only $10 - book here!)... be SURE to check out his vertical garden installation at Melbourne Central from July 17.


Melbourne Design Market
Always popular, always busy, this year's Melbourne Design Market is set to explode as usual... the usual mix of emerging and established designers join forces to present a design market of spectacular proportions. Jewellery, homewares, fashion, and lighting will be amongst the wares on offer. This year the market takes place on Sunday 20th July, 10am-5pm at the Federation Square undercover carpark. Entry is free. My advice - get there early, and bring cash!

Melbourne Open House
Melbourne Open House is a free of charge event on Sunday, July 20th, 10am – 5pm (again!), giving Melburnians a rare opportunity to discover the hidden architectural details of the CBD not often visible to the public.

Melbourne Open House will be opening a selection of inspiring buildings within walking distance of Federation Square and the Melbourne International Design Festival. Taking part in the event are many prominent Melbourne buildings, including the beautiful art deco Manchester Unity building, the ever-popular Nicholas Building and the new Council House 2 on Flinders Lane - that's the one with the 6-star sustainability rating and those fantastic timber slatted shutters on the facade? You know the one. I am really excited about that one.

The incredible facade of 'Council House 2' in Melbourne - images via Picasa

INDEX award exhibition - Design to Improve Life
The international design award INDEX will stage its first major exhibition outside Denmark for MIDF, encircling Federation Square with 70+ acrylic bubbles, each one a showcase for products and projects from all disciplines of design, with the theme of 'design to improve life'.

As an installaton, the 'bubbles' look fantastic en masse... the shots below are from the INDEX award exhibition in Copenhagen last year. These bubbles will be installed all over Fed Square and surrounding areas this week, and will be in place until the end of the month... can't wait to see them!

Image from the 'INDEX : design to improve life' award exhibition in Copenhagen 2007 - Photos by Jessica Haye and Clark Hsiao. Found on the INDEX Flickr site.

So those are my picks for MIDF.... but there are so many more! I haven't even touched on the always popular 'pop-up' events around town... or the 'studio open' events which allow the curious (like me!) to snoop behind the scenes at some of Melbourne's most innovative design studios from all disciplines. Aagggh. too. much. to. see.

(Tomorrow I'll balance things out with a short-list for the equally anticipated State of Design festival.)

Interview - Melanie Katsalidis

Melanie Katsalidis in her studio behind the Pieces of Eight Gallery in Fitzroy North

Pieces of Eight gallery and shop

The Design Files is such a great way to contact and meet some of the most incredible creative people.... I find myself constantly inspired by the people I have the good fortune to research and interview for this site... and today's interview is no exception! Melanie Katsalidis is someone I find incredibly inspiring on so many fronts... she established her gallery and shop Pieces of Eight, in North Fitzroy in 2005, enlisting her architect Dad to turn a beautiful old industrial building on Brunswick st into a gallery, shared studio space, and a first-floor apartment. When you see what has evolved at Pieces of Eight in under 3 years, you'll understand my enthusiasm!

Pieces of Eight is a gallery and artist studio specialising in handmade contemporary jewellery and object based work made by Australian and international artists. Melanie carefully selects the artists represented at Pieces of Eight, and curates regular exhibitions, as well as managing the day-to-day needs of the retail side of the business. She also manages the shared studio space behind the gallery, in which 6 jewellers (including Melanie herself) create their work. But first and foremost - Melanie is a jeweller, and although she struggles to find time to create her own work these days (understandably!), its her background as an artist that gives her a unique approach to the running of a creative business.

Melanie's vision for her business is so clear and uncompromising... even the smallest details are carefully considered. For instance - Melanie showed me how she designed the jewellery display cases in such a way that the locks are invisible, hidden underneath each section of cabinetry. This took some careful planning and sourcing of the correct hardware - but I completely understand Melanie's fastidious attention to detail! After all - although everything on display at Pieces of Eight is essentially for sale, the space is run more like an art gallery than a retail space. One continuous display case runs across all walls of the shop at eye level - so you're not bombarded with product as is the case in most retail spaces. Each piece on display is unique and handcrafted... and Melanie knows the background of every single artist like the back of her hand! During my visit, she reeled off information about each piece of work so quickly and so fluently I could barely scribble it down in time!

But of all her successes, I think Melanie's greatest achievement has been the creation of a collaborative working environment as a central part of her business... I would love to work in such a wonderful, inspiring space! It's clear that Melanie's passion for object-based artwork and jewellery extends far beyond her own creative output, and I think one of the gallery's greatest strengths is the support it offers local artisans and jewellers.

Read on for an insight into Melanie's creative inspiration, the challenges she faced in setting up her business.... oh, and there's about a million photos too. :)

Current work by Rachel Gorman - a collection of ceramic stud rosettes (top), and enamelled copper and silver brooch (bottom).

Images from the incredible workspace of Rachel Gorman (who shares the studio behind Pieces of Eight with Melanie and other jewellers).

More of Rachel Gorman's beautiful workspace - I love her ordered collection of delicate trinkets and materials...

Work by Laura di Florio and Alida Cappellata forms the current window display at Pieces of Eight, entitled Through the Window. Both artists use photographic media as a central component in their work - di Florio's work uses layers of photographic images and perspex, whereas Cappellatta uses discarded metal film canisters to create delicate forms inspired by the organic forms. This exhibition runs until June 21st 2008. More info here.

Work by Japanese-born, Melbourne-based jeweller Yuko Fujita... I love the organic nature of these pieces, and the muted colours. Yuko creates these using silver, ceramic and handtinted silicone (those coloured 'cup' shapes are actually squishy and flexible silicone pieces!). The result is truly stunning and so unique. Yuko Fujita is having a solo show at Pieces of Eight in September this year... stay tuned!

More from Yuko Fujita - for some reason her work reminds me of underwater creatures like anenome and seaweed...

Tell me a little about your background - what did you study and what path led you to what you’re doing now?

After studying the International Bachelaureate, I was still unsure about what career I wanted to pursue, so I studied Arts at Melbourne University, majoring in Art History and Cinema Studies. While I really enjoyed the course and the campus, I missed physically making things and so I began making jewellery as a side project and selling my work through a few independent fashion stores and craft shops. As I came to the end of my Arts degree I knew I wanted to get some formal training in jewellery and pursue it further, which led me to study Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT University. After this I got some business skills by doing the NEIS course and working full time as a jeweller with a part time job in retail on the weekends. The opportunity came up to establish a big shared studio at 635 Brunswick St, and before I knew it I had also made the commitment to open a gallery in the front of the space. It just seemed like the right time and place.

You’re a jewellery designer, and you also manage and curate the work of other jewellery designers for your own gallery/studio. How do you balance your own creative output with the running of your gallery and workshop? How do you find these two roles complement each other?

Trying to fill the two roles is a huge challenge. The gallery currently takes most of my energy and attention as there are so many aspects of the business to manage. As I result I find myself spending less time at the bench as I have less time and head space to make my own work. However I am probably now more time efficient than I ever was, and my plan is to give myself more time for my own jewellery/artistic practice as we become more established.

Being an artist myself means I probably make different decisions than a strictly business-only person. Firstly I have an understanding of materials, process and the realities and pressures of being an artist. I also am happy to do certain things that I deem important, but may not be financially driven, like the way we produce a catalogue for every exhibition we hold. This is about documentation and giving longevity to the work which will only be exhibited for four weeks, although it’s taken months to put together.

Melanie's own workspace... including her dentist's drill (seriously!) with all the necessary attachments. Who knew jeweller's used dentist equipment!? The bottom image here is Melanie demonstrating using the drill... bzzzz. ouch!

Melanie's own work on display

A lot of creative professionals say that they love the creative side of their job, but hate the paperwork and the ‘business’ side of things. Do you struggle with things like marketing and promoting yourself or your store, keeping your accounts in order, managing staff or other designers? What advice would you offer emerging designers about establishing a creative business?

The business side for me is very important and needs my constant attention, but my passion is for the more creative aspects of the business like curating the exhibitions and helping artists develop their work for the gallery. The business side however can be really interesting and it has been a huge learning curve for me, and I love seeing the results of the huge amount of energy I have put into things.

Since I have been on a tight budget I have had to do many things myself that I will be happy to delegate to others in the future. Doing things like marketing, advertising and book keeping myself has meant I’ve been in total control of all these aspects which make you think critically about the business and how you are running things. Although I look forward to passing these jobs onto professionals in the future, I at least now have an understanding of how these things work.

I would advise emerging designers to look into leaning some basic business skills if they want to have their own business. The government run NEIS course I highly recommend, or go to Small Business Victoria. Also, be professional in how you market yourself and approach clients/galleries. Have your own business cards, a blog or website and take good quality images of all your work.

How would you describe your own style of jewellery design?

Clean, architectural, geometric and fluid.

Melanie's own work uses silver, gold, oxidised silver, and well as powder coating (that's the red you see in the images above). Powder coating is an industrial technique where paint is essentially 'baked on' to metal surfaces at high temperatures. Melanie has also started using black pearls in her work more recently.

Which designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

So many, it’s hard to list! I have very broad interests in diverse things, and although my work is very different from these people, I am inspired by: Droog Design, Japanese contemporary culture, artist James Turrell, Tadao Ando’s Chichu Art Museum, artist Anish Kapoor, jeweller Sally Marsland, jeweller Manon van Kouswijk, Caravaggio, Mesopotamian sculpture, musician Goldfrapp, chef Karen Martini, the modernist house at Heide and the gardens, the people around me, my grandmother’s crazy knitting projects, being in love.

Where else do you find inspiration – ie books, magazines, your environment, travel, your family and friends?

I love my home which is my sanctuary, my retreat. I really enjoy travelling and would ideally travel twice a year. I am currently very drawn to Japan and have been there my last two trips overseas. My dad is an architect whose influence has been more subliminal than direct. My creative friends are always inspiring to be around, as is the workshop behind the Pieces of Eight gallery where 6 jewellers work independently. I buy lots of magazines and especially like IDS, Another Magazine, Urbis, Dazed and Confused, Surface, Object, Russh and Monument.


Michelle Cangiano is a jeweller as well as teacher at RMIT. Her pieces incorporate acid etched illustrations which are then embossed onto silver sheets to create delicately textured surfaces. In the top image you can also she her carved, faceted shapes made of painted huon pine.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Checking my emails while I eat breakfast, opening the gallery, making cups of tea between taking care of lots of little things. Often I meet with artists who are dropping off new stock or showing new works, tend to customers and reply to lots of emails! There’s also lots of other things to do like clean jewellery, photograph work, re-arrange displays and work towards the up-coming exhibitions.

Lucy Folk's whimsical designs are all inspired by food! Much of Lucy's work employs a fascinating technique called 'electroforming' in which a particular food item (pretzel, dorito, burger ring etc) is encased and preserved within layers of 24 carat gold. This means inside each pendant/brooch/earring is the actual piece of food! Incredible! Lucy also carves super-light, soft jelutong wood into food-inspired shapes like salami slices and fruit pieces. Be sure to visit Lucy's gorgeous website for more lovely images.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Establishing Pieces of Eight and the reputation we’ve been cultivating.

Pieces of Eight display cases

Object-based work by Melbourne printmaker Julia Silvester. The top image is part of a beautiful collection of work combining layered lasercut timber, printmaking and illustration... The bottom image is from a series of glasswork Julia has sandblasted with medieval botanical imagery.

What's the best thing about your job?

Meeting great artists, visiting their workshops and selecting new artists to represent. Also curating the exhibitions is always an interesting process and hugely satisfying.

And the worst?

The stress can wear me down and getting sick is my body’s way of making me stop.

What would be your dream creative project?

Something which gives me the chance to travel and select participants for an exhibition here in Melbourne, and then the exhibition would travel to various fantastic galleries internationally, with me in tow!

What are you looking forward to – professionally or personally?

Expanding and growing the business. Developing my own work. And throwing a great big party when I get married early next year!

I love these chunky, faceted silver shapes by Krista McRae. I also really love the display layout - Krista created the clear faceted display blocks for her work to sit on. They complement the work so well! Beautiful.

Krista McRae's beautiful (and very tidy!) workspace in the Pieces of Eight shared studio - I love those faceted silhouette shapes on her wall...

Melbourne Questions –

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

My birthday dinner in April was at Kin in North Carlton, a new restaurant run by old family friends who’ve known me most of my life. Amazing, memorable food.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

If I’m not working in the gallery, I’m making pancakes for my fiancé and myself while trashy music videos play on the TV. Otherwise enjoying a late, long brunch with friends. My current favourite café is Mixed Business on Queens Pde, Clifton Hill.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

Cocoro Japanese restaurant and ceramics on Smith St, Fitzroy. Great food, lovely people and on a Sat night you can watch the drag show at Trade Bar across the street which is quite entertaining, especially without having to listen to the music!

Object-based artworks by architect Mark Szulgit and artist Julia Adzuki. Mark is originally from New York and Julia is Australian, and the pair are partners in work and in life. They're now based in Sweden, and are gaining international recognition for their ice sculptures and involvement in Sweden's famous ice hotel!

A big thankyou to Melanie for all her time with this interview! Be sure to visit the Pieces of Eight website and also their blog for lots more info, as well as in-depth profiles of some of Melbourne's most exciting contemporary jewellers and artisans.

I should also mention that Melanie is taking part in Craft Victoria's 'speed dating' development event for craft practitioners entitled Making out, which takes place on August 15th at Craft Victoria in the city. The event is an opportunity for emerging craftspeople and designers to present ideas and gain advice from established craft and design professionals like Melanie! More info here if you'd like to participate.

LASTLY, Pieces of Eight have just confirmed they'll be taking part in a studio open day with Craft Victoria as part of the 'Month about Making' festival in August. So if you want to see more of Pieces of Eight behind the scenes, pop down on Thursday August 21st between 1.00pm and 5.00pm!

Pieces of Eight
635 Brunswick st
North Fitzroy

9497 8121

Open Tues - Fri 11.00am - 6.00pm
Saturday 11.00am - 5.00pm

Metro 5 Award show 2008

I mentioned the Metro 5 Award show recently when I interviewed Melbourne curator and art consultant Sophie McNeur. Sophie recommended the Metro 5 Award show as an excellent event to view and purchase affordable pieces of artwork by some of Australia's most promising emerging artists. The show brings together 25 finalists in Australia’s richest national art prize for young painters - on June 24th one of these talented young artists will be named winner of the $50,000 Metro 5 Award prize.

The award exhibition is now in full swing, and runs until July 6th.... Be sure to drop in before it ends! Here are just a few of my favourite images from the show (more on the Metro 5 website).

Vincent Fantauzzo - Room 2304, 2008
Oil on canvas
121cm x 76cm

Vincent Fantauzzo's portrait of Heath Ledger won the people's choice awards at the Archibald Prize this year.

David Capra - Self Portrait, 2008
enamel and glitter on board with fimo frame
27cm diameter

David Eastwood - Gold Room, 2008
acrylic on Linen
152cm x 183cm

(I've know, I've already shown this example of David Eastwood's work in my interview with Sophie, but I love the piece so much I couldn't leave it out!)

Jacqueline Liza George - Bubbleboy, Still Life, 2008
oil on canvas
101.5cm x 91.5cm

Metro 5 gallery
1214 High st
Armadale

Open Tues-Fri, 10am - 5.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

Interview - Madeleine Beatty

resin jewellery by Madeleine Beatty - aka Madz has Runaway

I wanted to write the perfect introduction for this interview with my beautiful friend and craftsperson extraordinaire Madeleine Beatty... but it's so hard to write about someone you are close to! I just can't seem to adequately describe Maddy's many talents and general loveliness.

Instead I will summarise.

Things Madeleine Beatty is extremely good at:

- drawing
- painting
- sewing (bags, clothes, anything and everything)
- making stunning one-of-a-kind jewellery and accessories using resin and fabric
- combining colours, fabrics and patterns in the most perfect groupings
- taking photographs
- being generally lovely, giving hugs, making and sharing cups of tea :)

Whilst her talents are many and varied, of late it's Maddy's resin jewellery and accessories that have been getting all the attention! Maddy selects and handcuts tiny strips of printed fabrics and papers, and carefully embeds these in each cast resin piece.... she has an intuitive knack for pairing colours and fabrics in the most perfect combinations. Each piece of jewelery is unique, and handmade from scratch... which in winter means braving the cold to cast the resin out in the garden shed - and then spending painstaking hours sanding and polishing the finished pieces. It's a labour of love, and the result is eyepopping everytime!

Maddy's stunning work is stocked all over Melbourne under the label Madz Has Runaway (stockists listed below in the interview), and is also available online at www.georgielove.com.

You can also email Madeleine with any questions about her work, to order something special, or just to say hello. She's the kinda girl who'll reply for sure :) (madzhasrunaway@hotmail.com)

Thanks so much for your time and all the beautiful photos Maddy! xx



Tell me a little about your background - what did you study and what path led you to what you’re doing now?

When I finished school I studied Creative Arts at Melbourne Uni / VCA. After that, I continued with my painting and had a few solo and group exhibitions. I also worked for a while helping make sets and props for stage productions and the Myer Christmas windows. I've always been happiest doing crafty things and working with my hands.

How did your focus on resin jewellery come about? Is this the primary focus of your business now? Do you still spend time on your other creative outlets (painting, sewing etc?).

It just started as a hobby really. I started making bags with interesting fabrics and unusual cute features, like velcro panels which hide a surprise underneath, because I needed a bag and couldn't find quite what I was looking for. I made them for many of my friends for their birthdays that year and when I felt more confident I approached a few shops in Melbourne. I really love fabrics and textiles and eventually I was taught about using resin, and it seemed like another way to experiment with fabric in jewellery. Now, I make a lot of resin pieces. I still make the occasional bag and have plans to have another painting exhibition in the not too distant future... I like mixing it up and having a few things on the go!


Where is your work stocked in Melbourne and online? Do you have any stockists in other states or overseas?

In Melbourne, Madz Has Runaway is stocked in Monk House (102 Lygon st, Brunswick East), Kids in Berlin (472 Victoria st, North Melbourne), Wilkins and Kent (230 Brunswick st, Fitzroy), Corky St.Clair (3 Campbell Srcade, Degraves st. Subway, Melbourne), April May (107 Scotchmer st, Fitzroy North) and Pomme (rear 138 Main st, Mornington). Online, at www.georgielove.com. In Sydney at Mushu (540 Crown st, Surry Hills), and Betty Mim ( 167 Darby St, Cooks Hill) in Newcastle.

Badges and brooches

A lot of professional crafters say that they love the creative side of their job, but hate the paperwork and the ‘salesperson’ side of things. How do you approach the ‘business’ side of things? Do you struggle to ‘market’ yourself and/or to approach stockists etc? Do you have any advice for potential crafty-businesswomen about this?

I've never been good at the marketing side of things, especially approaching shops. It can be quite intimidating at first and you feel like a hawker, but it's always been fine in the end. Mostly people who run these types of shops are passionate about supporting local designers and are really kind people. I'm yet to master the art of paperwork - I have a filing cabinet and a patient accountant, so I get by.

Which designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

Florence Broadhurst designs give me goosebumps. Akira Isogawa’s paper-dolls initially inspired me to start working with assembling fabrics, papers and found objects which is now a main part of my work. Two of my favourite painters are Marisse Maas or Cy Twombly.

Images from the Akira Isogawa paperdolls exhibition at NGV in Melbourne in 2005

Where else do you find inspiration – ie books, magazines, your environment, travel, your family and friends?

I find inspiration in everyday things and I like old books and magazines from the fifties and sixties. Also when I was overseas, I was very inspired. Maybe when you travel, you look at everything with fresh eyes.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

I do most of the resin work in the shed so now that it's getting colder, I put on all my thermals and my woolley hat, and try to be brave. I'll try to make several bracelets and brooches a day, maybe make some new moulds, sand and polish some pieces and lately I've been sculpting some new designs for pendants and earrings. Then, I'll assemble some more fabric combinations that will probably end up in resin the following day. Also, I have to correspond with shops, drop off orders and on my more virtuous days, maybe think about doing some paperwork. If I feel like I'm on top of things, then a tour of some op-shops or fabric shops counts as work.

Maddy's studio and home in Brunswick... love the fabric stash and vintage stamp collection!

What are you most proud of professionally?

I'm so happy about everything that has happened so far. The opening day of my first solo painting exhibition is still up there as one of the best days of my life.

What's the best thing about your job?

Being my own boss - if I want to watch The Golden Girls at 3pm, I can! I've never been good at routine, so each day can be a bit different which suits me well.

And the worst?

Working with resin means I have to be very safety conscious all the time and it's quite a temperamental medium to use.

What would be your dream creative project?

So many - it depends how big I'm dreaming. I'd like to have a go at most creative things - textile design, book illustrations, making furniture. Maybe someone would like to pay me to go to markets all over the world sourcing vintage fabrics and curiosities and then I’m allowed to make things with it all when I get home!

What are you looking forward to?

I'm going to Japan soon and I can't stop smiling when I think about it! Also, in the second half of the year I'll probably be doing some more market stalls with my friend Sophie who has a label called Mistress of the Upper Fifth. It can be tiring, but fun to meet other designers and chat to people who like what you make.

Melbourne Questions –

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

At Pizza Meine Liebe in Northcote. It was delicious, but also I was with great friends in the gazebo in the garden with fairy lights which made it all the more lovely.

What and where are your favourite shops for the materials and tools of your trade?

I'm lucky that sometimes people give me scraps of fabric - sometimes I only need a small piece, and then nothing goes to waste. Otherwise GJ's (443 Lygon street, Brunswick) often has something a bit different from the big fabric chains.

Where would we find you on a typical weekend morning?

I like going to Camberwell market when I can. Or riding around Brunswick to meet up with friends. Or in the shed.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

The coffee and the mushroom pizza at the Mediterranean wholesalers on Sydney Rd.

Melbourne's Moving Galleries PLUS Interview - Amber Wallis

Eamonn Verberne - Who Did That?
type c photograph
2007

Magdalena Bors - Sunrise
pigment print
2007

Both images above, and Amber Wallis' Untitled (Ghost and Paper Planes) below, are part of the Moving Galleries Autumn 2008 exhibition.

I got an email last week about a fantastic Melbourne initiative... Moving Galleries is a travelling exhibition of art and poetry, showcasing the work of young and emerging Victorian artists on Melbourne’s metropolitan trains.

The inspiration for Moving Galleries came from the success of public transport art and poetry initiatives abroad, particularly London's highly successful Poems on the Underground concept. Melbourne's Moving Galleries exhibition was first launched in 2005, and saw 480 artworks travel on 20 Connex trains. In 2007, the project secured long-term funding, enabling it to evolve from a ‘one-off’ exhibition into an ongoing non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting creativity in Melbourne’s public spaces.

Amber Wallis - Untitled (Ghost and Paper Planes)
mixed media on board
2007

One of the contributers currently exhibiting in the Moving Galleries Autumn 2008 exhibition is Melbourne artist Amber Wallis. Her painting Untitled (Ghost and Paper Planes) (above) immediately caught my attention - I love the careful balance of muted and striking colours, and the forms which at first appear entirely abstract, but seem to morph into figurative characters the longer you stare... beautiful.

Luckily for me, Amber was open to answering some questions about her work and her involvement in the Moving Galleries project. I especially love the description of her creative process - 'I like to be clear headed, drink lots of tea and generally make a mess'. Fantastic! In this interview Amber also mentions many other incredible local artists to keep an eye on... Be sure to follow all the links! Thanks so much for sharing these great finds Amber, and for being so accommodating with my last-minute request for an interview!

If you have chance, please visit Amber's upcoming group show Thank God We Died Together at TCB - and of course keep an eye out for her work and the work of other local artists on public transport across Melbourne!

Tell me a little about your creative background – what path has led you to the style of work you are producing today?

I graduated in Photography in 2002 and began drawing around the same time. I found that with drawing I could capture my un-photographed memories and experiences in a succinct and cathartic way. To me my drawings and paintings have always been like photography somehow, a direct moment, flash of experience or an image that hovers in memory slightly distorted.

The style of work I produce today is really in its infancy but also remains fairly unchanged from the first initial doodles. It is just changing in size, colours and mediums. I remain interested in creating a great line, colour, form, composition and gestural energy. My work is fairly abstract to the viewer although to me it seems really literal. People often want to know what it is, or what its about but I enjoy the process of the viewer imbuing my work with their own meanings. Shapes and forms are slightly uncanny in their ability to morph into people’s own interpretations. I really enjoy that.

Amber Wallis - And My Brain Falls Out
oil stick, gouache, pencil, ink on paper
2008

How did your involvement with the Moving Galleries project come about? What initially attracted you to the idea?

I had a show with Utopian Slumps gallery last year and Moving Galleries did a call out to Artist Run Initiative’s to participate in the Autumn 2008 series. Utopian Slumps put me forward as an artist and I was accepted.

I have seen similar projects in other parts of the world, art in the public arena can only be a good thing right? I also had seen the project where musicians and performance artists did a show on the City Circle route and I thought that was fantastic and exciting. A friend of mine sent me a poetry book from the New York project and it was really good.

What other exhibitions / creative projects have you been involved with in Melbourne?

Oh too many to name! Melbourne is a great city and there are some really wonderful curators and galleries and networks of people making art happen. I am lucky to be involved with Utopian Slumps as an artist and volunteer. I am also lucky to be involved with art doers like Amanda Maxwell, Conor O’Brien, The Contextual Villians and Melissa Loughnan, without a great group of art nerds around so much wouldn’t take off. I have a show coming up at TCB called Thank God We Died Together, with Nathan Gray, Dylan Martorell and others, which will be really fun.

Lucy's note - you must check out those links! Amazing work - I'm ashamed I haven't heard of all these names before... Nathan Gray especially - look here and here... amazing amazing.

Which designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

Cy Twombly, Tony Tuckson, Amy Sillman, Rhys Lee, Philip Hunter and absolute establishment like Gorky, Miro, Goya, Francis Bacon etcetera. I am really old school in my inspiration and output I think. I am not inspired by the design world at all.

Amber Wallis - Untitled (Clea and Rangitoto)
medium acrylic, oil, oil stick, pastel, pencil on linen
2007

Where else do you find inspiration for your work – ie books, your environment, travel, your family and friends?

I find constant inspiration in music and writing. I really love Keri Hulme and Jeanette Winterson and trawl their work for images. Poetry is also really great for that. Day to day emotions and remembering certain situations or intense pivotal moments, just recollecting and almost getting into a trance of a remembered experience can be really powerful.

I tend to listen to the same music over and over while I paint. My mix is generally The Pink Mountain Tops, Black Mountain, Smog, Songs: Ohia, Set Fire to Flames and generally depressing ex lovers music.

I really love to travel, place is really important. I still draw alot based on my time in Canada, New Zealand and the Southern Highlands in NSW. I have only done a handful of drawings which may have some roots in the Melbourne experience and I have been here three years now so that gives you an idea how much I trawl through the past.

What does a typical day at work in the studio involve for you?

Well I like to be clear headed, drink lots of tea and generally make a mess. Sometimes the mess works and other days you just have to try again. I sit on my green comfy chair and stare at what I work on for great lengths of time. Hopefully a day involves a flourishing wave of productivity where the mojo is working. A day that pushes personal boundaries, breaks some habits and maybe involves a good line or two.

Amber Wallis - Untitled (Landscape)
mixed media on canvas
2007

What would be your dream creative project?

To spend a few months every year staying at Corey’s Cottage at Clea, just outside of Captains Flat. I would like to work in the studio everyday, having a fire by night, bathing in the bath under the stars and walking with Odin to the dam for a swim every morning. Ah heaven!

What are you looking forward to - professionally or personally?

I would love to do art full time, be in love and travel…keep it simple ya know. Everything else would be a bonus.

Melbourne Questions –

What/where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

This morning, baked eggs at Katy’s café The Breakfast Club, St Georges Road, Northcote

What and where are your favourite shops for the materials and tools of your trade?

The mistints outside any paint shop sold cheap. Any art supply store that gives a student discount, Fitzroy Stretches are really nice and Omnus Framing, they always do a good job.

Amber Wallis - A Memorable Decline (Fear of Sheep) detail
black and white photograph on fibre based paper
2002-2006

Where would we find you on a typical weekend morning?

Drinking tea in my kitchen listening to some sweet record, cooking some huge fatty breakfast for friends.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

Me!

Amber Wallis - Untitled (Landscape Clea)
medium acrylic, oil, oil stick, pastel, pencil on linen
2007

Interview (part 2) - Sophie McNeur

As promised, today I am posting the second installment of my interview with art consultant and curator Sophie McNeur, in which she offers her valuable advice for buying fine art in Melbourne. Included are Sophie's tip-offs about the best places to view and buy 'affordable' artworks, and detailed information about mounting, framing and displaying works on paper and photographs once you've made your purchase... priceless information for any budding collector :)

Thanks again for sharing all your secrets Sophie!

What advice can you offer to newcomers who are looking at buying a piece of artwork for their home? Where is the best place to start?

Do your research!

I start by looking at what the public institutions are collecting. Starting out it is most important to visit public galleries. As you look around the National Gallery of Victoria, you get a sense of what appeals to you. Then research the style/artist which resonates with you. Find out where you can acquire their work or be directed toward artists working in a similar genre or with compatible themes.

Can you list a few galleries in Melbourne that you would recommend if people are in the market for ‘affordable’ artwork?

If you can spend a little more definitely visit Sophie Gannon Gallery in Richmond. The gallery is situated amidst a cluster a commercial galleries all worth a visit. It is near enough to Space Furniture for different kind of Art fix!

the current exhibition at Sophie Gannon Gallery - Nicholas Harding: on drawing and paint
May 6 - May 31 2008

The current exhibition at Sophie Gannon Gallery - Nicholas Harding: on drawing and paint

In the swell (red boogie board and figures)
Nicholas Harding 2008

(part of the current exhibition at Sophie Gannon Gallery - Nicholas Harding: on drawing and paint)

Speedos and lotion bottle
Nicholas Harding 2008

(part of the current exhibition at Sophie Gannon Gallery - Nicholas Harding: on drawing and paint)

Sophie Gannon Gallery
2 Albert st
Richmond 3121

Open Tues - Sat, 11am - 5pm or by appointment

Neon Parc
1/53 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000

Open Wed - Sat, 12am - 6pm or by appointment

Recommendations for artwork under $2000:

- Art Fairs (Melbourne Art Fair is coming up soon, 30th Aug - 3rd August 2008)

Melbourne Art Fair
Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne

- For emerging artists VCA graduate exhibitions are brilliant. It is an achievement to be in a graduate exhibition. (VCA publicise upcoming events like this on their website here)

- Metro 5 Art Award - finalists artworks are for sale + some artists do not yet have representation. (The 2008 Metro 5 award exhibition is very soon, June 10th - 6th July! More info and a list of artists here)

Natasha Bieniek
3 A.M. (2008)

(Part of the Metro 5 Gallery upcoming award show, June 10th - July 6th 2008)

David Eastwood
Gold Room (2008)

(Part of the Metro 5 Gallery upcoming award show, June 10th - July 6th 2008)

Metro 5 gallery
1214 High st
Armadale

Open Tues-Fri, 10am - 5.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

- Until Never
2nd floor, 3-5 Hosier Lane
Melbourne
(enter from Rutledge Lane)

Open Wed-Sat, 12-6pm

When they’ve selected something to buy, what key things should buyers look out for when purchasing an artwork, ie:
- should the work always be signed and dated by the artist?

Yes - if it’s not ask if it can be.

- How should photographs/prints be numbered?

That’s up to the individual artist; some emerging photographers produce editions of 5, 6, or 10. Tracey Moffatt’s something more series of 9 images are an edition of 30. If they were not the public institutions would not be able to collect them, and an artist of her international reputation is aware of this, and will usually produce a higher number of edition works.

Two images from Tracey Moffatt's Something More series (1989)

- What is the maximum size an edition should be? How does the size of the edition affect the price of each piece?

Some photographic galleries increase the cost of a photo as each auditioned work sells. An artist such as Tracy Moffatt needs a higher edition to create a market. When an edition is completely sold out naturally the works value increases. Auction houses can play a role at this stage.

- How should photographs/works on paper be framed/mounted to best protect the work?

I frame contemporary works in the original format of the artist. The photographs should be archival prints. Photographs are a special case because some types may be affected by alkalinity: they should not therefore come into contact with an alkaline buffered board. A pure, unbuffered cotton museum board is now commercially available. UV filtering glass should be strongly considered for conservation level. Light exposure has a pronounced effect on paper condition and pigments. The back board should be made of a stable, rigid material, such as pH neutral conservation backing board.

- Should buyers be wary of where they plan to hang their piece at home? (ie is it bad to hang original artwork in a damp place like a bathroom, or in direct sunlight etc?)

- Store photographs in a cool environment as this will help to slow deterioration.

- Avoid very damp or dry conditions, and particularly fluctuations between the two. Aim for a stable environment and if possible, a relative humidity within the range 30-40%.

- Avoid displaying photographs at high light levels or for extended periods of time. Ultraviolet filtering glazing helps protect photographs during light exposure.

- Keep handling to a minimum and avoid touching the image later. Make sure your hands are clean and dry or wear cotton gloves, and handle photographs by the edges, using a support such as a sheet of stiff paper or card to move fragile photographs.

- Keep and display photographs in good quality storage and framing materials.

Can you list any upcoming Australian artists worth keeping an eye on?

Anthony Lister
Jasper Knight
Kirra Jamison
eX de Medici
Marc de Jong

Kirra Jamison
May your wishes all come true (2007)

(image from the Sophie Gannon Gallery website)

Your personal favourite artists - either from Australia or worldwide?

Lucian Freud, Anselm Kiefer, Francis Bacon, Gerhard Richter, David Salle, John Michel Basquiat, Balthus, Banksy and Paul Cezanne.

David Salle
Mr. Lucky (1998)

(image from the Saatchi Gallery website)

Do you have a favourite piece of artwork that you own? What is special about it to you?

Marc de Jong painted the first painting I bought - ‘Mad Max’. Marc has since done a series of these works - more info here.

Interview (part 1) - Sophie McNeur

Today I am very excited to share the first installment of this two-part interview with Melbourne based art consultant and curator Sophie McNeur. When I first started thinking about doing a little research into commercial art in Melbourne for this site, Sophie immediately popped into my mind as the best person to talk to! Sophie started her career in the fine arts at Metro 5 Gallery in Melbourne - a gallery specialising in contemporary work, and with a reputation for supporting and representing emerging Australian artists. After three years here Sophie moved on to Gould Galleries (where she now works) - a very different gallery with a focus on highly respected established Australian artists. Gould exhibits works by Australia's most important 19th and 20th century artists, as well as a select group of the country's most dynamic contemporary and international artists.

Sophie's responses to my questions were so fantastically detailed and carefully considered, so I thought it best to break up her interview in two parts. So, today is an introduction to Sophie, her career pa