Meet a creative in their studio

THE studios of some of Golden Plains Shire’s northern-most artists and craftspeople will be open to the public this weekend as part of the returning Hidden Gems initiative.

On Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 March, people can enjoy the miniature arts trail between 10am and 4pm by exploring the studios of painters, a printmaker, artisan furniture maker, a ceramicist, and Aboriginal art specialist at Haddon, Nintingbool, and Cambrian Hill.

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with creatives, see their practice in action, and to purchase unique, handmade work.

Ceramic sculptor and potter Steve Drew is one of the makers involved who set up his workshop in the bush in 1973.

“I’ve always had a love of clay, the tactile qualities of it, and what you can do with it,” he said.

“I concentrate less on domestic work now, and do a lot more sculptural-type work, although I still make bowls for general use.

“I basically work around the image of the horse, which has always kept me interested, even from when I was at art school.

“There’s a subtleness to these works which are simplified, rather than being decorative with lots of brush-on colour. They’ve got a bit more zen about them.”

Drew said there’s been a small resurgence in pottery in the surrounding area and he encourages the public to head along and see the talent in the Shire’s north.

Vida Pearson and Fred Ross, Stella Clarke, Kate Wise, and Raintree Art are also taking part. All the studios are within 10 minutes of one other.

Visit vidapearson.com/hidden-gems for more information and studio addresses.