Doing what he needs to do

ALTHOUGH Steven Stanley had always been interested in art and creating, the death of his brother was the catalyst for increasing his output and working towards making it a full-time career.

The Bendigo artist’s second solo exhibition, Perfectly Imperfect, is now featured at Heathcote Winery.

“Through my grief following my brother’s death, I realised that life is short and I needed to do what I needed to do,” he said.

“It was very therapeutic.

“I was already starting to go down that path, and I began to think more about who I am and where I fit in the world.

“I have grown a lot on this journey.”

Mr Stanley said his exhibition explores connections with nature, on being grounded and in the present.

“It touches on different aspects of life, especially the joy I get from nature and my daily walks that keep me grounded,” he said.

Mr Stanley wanted his exhibition to be an immersive experience and for people to feel more connected when they viewed it.

“I had some help from some creative friends who helped me bring my vision to life,” he said.

“We had four working bees where we made 200 origami dragonflies, birds, flowers and butterflies to hang from the roof.

“Then it took two days to hang them: a marathon effort.

“The opening was a really special day and exceeded all my expectations.

“I was hoping to sell at least one original and I did, along with lots of prints.

“We held a raffle for a limited edition, framed print valued at $850.

“It was won by my art teacher’s sister, and she cried when she found out.

“The event ticked lots of boxes for me.”

Mr Stanley lives in Bendigo with his wife Ainsley and two children.

Perfectly Imperfect can be viewed daily at Heathcote Winery Open from 11am to 5pm.

The exhibition is free and on display until 13 April. Wine tastings, coffee and food are available.