An inspiring maker in textiles and print – Surf Coast Arts Trail artist Gillian Farrow

DEANS Marsh artist Gillian Farrow loves to make, repair and embellish and loves to learn new skills.

The artists said there was something wonderful about how a print paste takes to fabric.

“It can have a beautiful luminosity, especially on natural fibre such as linen.

“Textiles, it’s fair to say, are my first love and I work as a printmaker on textiles, using screen printing, stenciling, stamping and any mark-making I can print with.

“With print-making there are always things to experiment with and learn from.

Living in the Surf Coast Shire’s beautiful hinterland, Farrow often finds her work reflecting her environment and surroundings.

“Not in a literal landscape sense, but through texture and colour,” she said.

All of her passion, method and artistry will be on show for people to absorb and admire when she and sculptor partner Ian Westwood open the doors of their beloved ‘Shed 290’ studio for this year’s Surf Coast Arts Trail.

The Trail, on August 3 and August 4, will feature hundreds of artists ranging from hobbyists to professionals, exhibiting and demonstrating skills in mediums ranging from painting, sculpture and textiles to jewellery, ceramics, glassware and performance.

Venues from coast to hinterland will range from private studios like Shed 290 to community venues and arts hubs, engaging and enthralling thousands of visitors.

“We love the Arts Trail, and participate because of the people,” Gillian said.

“We have met so many lovely and interesting people who have made their way to Shed 290. We both really want our shed to be a welcoming space to enter, and we love to talk to people who come in.

“Deans Marsh has a strong creative community and our arts group SPaRK will open at the Footy Shed Gallery and the community hall to showcase many artists and creative makers from around these parts.”

Farrow said she and partner Ian were “creative collaborators”, and describes Shed 290 as “full of possibilities!”. “My studio is a bit of a visual overload, it’s very colourful with lots of layers of things. It is organised because I hate spending five minutes trying to find something, and it is full of projects on the go. It is a very creative space, and also part loungeroom.”

She started her work in creative fields working on special effects in film industry art departments.

“It was great training to use my hands and make things, learn a range of skills and above all give me the confidence to give anything a go,” she said.

“I studied Textile Design at RMIT, where I fell in love with screen printing and repeating patterns.

“After graduating I set up my own print studio, and then relocated to establish Shed 290 with Ian.”

Farrow said drawing is often her project starting point, giving her a visual on her idea.

“From there I think about how will I make it, what materials might I use, and the method and then I must just start making, or trialing and testing on how I can achieve the end product.”

For more information on the Surf Coast Arts Trail, head to surfcoastartstrail.com.au

Patrons at on this year’s Trail can be in the running to win one of three $250 eftpos gift cards by scanning QR codes displayed at venues. The more check-ins people register, the more chance they will have to win.

//SPONSOREDC CONTENT