Big sculptures and creative studio awaits as arts trail approaches

JUSTIN Zahra says being an artist is hard work and a tough journey, but that he also loves the fight and it’s what he’s meant to be doing.
Justin, an artist for about 25 years, works out of his Curlewis studio creating sculptures, handmade objects – ranging from functional to non-functional – and paintings.
Justin will be taking part in the upcoming Northern Bellarine Arts Trail 2019 – open studios – on Saturday November 2 and Sunday November 3.
He said while the trail will be just a normal day for him, he was looking forward to seeing lots of people visit his Lake Street property.
“People will be able to see lots of sculptures, handmade objects ranging from functional to non-functional, and aluminium to mild steel, and then paintings inside the studio, which are abstract and also portraits, landscapes and 3D and 2D paintings,” Justin said.
With a background in hot-rodding, motorcycles and surfing, Justin said those hobbies all influenced his work, plus nature itself.
“I’ve been based here in this sculpture park for eight years… it’s still not finished but a work in progress,” he said.
“I’m about to start work on the front paddock with big scale sculptures and garden, which will help gain me more exposure.”
Justin said his whole property was basically a gallery, with every little corner a backdrop for a possible artwork.
He said more people visited his gallery on the weekends and in good weather, but that the developing Drysdale bypass had discouraged many people from coming in.
“It’s a lifestyle, it’s hard work and it’s a hard journey, but I love it and I love the fight and it’s what I know and what I’m meant to be doing,” he said.
The Northern Bellarine Arts Trail 2019 will include Portarlington, Drysdale, Curlewis, St Leonards, Clifton Springs, Indented Head, Mannerim, Leopold and Moolap.
The event is being organised by ceramic artist Kaye Clancy, printmaker Pip Williams and painter Linda Gallus, who wanted to give artists living on their side of the Bellarine a chance to take part in a trail.
For more information follow “Northern Bellarine Arts Trail” on Facebook, or email Kaye on [email protected] or Pip on [email protected].