Geelong creatives unite: Local artists showcase home grown talent

Three local artists have teamed up to present an exclusive showcase of work celebrating nature, the region and the talent that resides here.

The exhibition, entitled Home Grown, will be housed at the Pakington Street-based homewares store, Iconiko.

With the work of landscape artist Nic Everist, acrylic painter Abby Lee and ceramicist Elizabeth Bell on the display, the show marks the store’s second original art installation.

Lee said the exhibition was about highlighting how much the trio love Geelong.

“We’re hoping to celebrate being local artists and being in Geelong and how Geelong is supportive of artists, but also the inspiration of our works,” the 25-year-old said.

“For instance, the majority of my works are native flowers that are native to Australia and are seen around Geelong, and the colours that I use are similar to the scrubs and the nature that surrounds Geelong whether it’s the You Yangs or out near Armstrong Creek where I currently live.

“For Nic, she’s got some ocean pieces which are inspired by the Surf Coast but also around Geelong, and Elizabeth Bell has tied in those natural, earthy colours into some of her pieces as well.

She said each piece in the exhibition had a story behind it, adding to the meaningfulness of each piece.

Everist, who is now based in Barwon Heads, is known for her art which documents her lived experience and builds connections between her thoughts and feelings and the places she visits.

Lee’s work is filled with symbols of connections forged in adopted spaces, reminiscent of her own relocation to Geelong from Warracknabeal, and reminders to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and support local economies.

She said everyone was welcome to attend the exhibition’s free opening event this Saturday, March 16 from 11am.

“If you just love art and you have a passion or you just like looking at art, come have a look,” Lee said.

“We’re all female, local artists and we’ve put so much love and passion into our pieces.

“They’re beautiful pieces; they’re all original works, so we’ll never do any of them ever again. They’re one of a kind, which is really special.”

Iconiko is at 1/118 Pakington Street, Geelong.