Open Studio Trails

ARTISTS across the Bellarine will fling open their studio doors and welcome members of the public into their studios this weekend.

It’s a rare opportunity to discover what inspires and motivates local artists and perhaps find your own inspiration too.

‘Open Studios Trail’ is part of Geelong Design Week and you can get access to the studio map via the ‘Geelong City of Design’ website.

Vice-president of Barwon Heads Arts Council and Open Studio Trail co-ordinator Kaz Shirley said she has had great feedback from visitors and good sales at some venues.

“All of the artists I’ve spoken to have enjoyed the process of preparation and hosting.”

Ms Shirley, who is an abstract artist represented by Hive gallery, said the variety of studios participating was impressive and rewarding for artists and visitors alike. “It’s always lovely to chat to visitors about the creative process.

“One of the lovely things about artists on the Bellarine is the variety of artistic endeavours and the depth of talent.

“We are forever discovering new artists and creatives to add to our events.”

Ocean Grove Studio@54 artist Kerrie Bedson — whose work will feature in the new Netflix surf-based teen drama, Surviving Summer, being filmed on the Great Ocean Road — specialises in ‘fibre arts’ and her materials range from seaweed such as kelp to pigs’ gut and intestines.

“It’s the same intestine casings that are used when making traditional sausages, I just use it for making art,” Ms Bedson said.

“All the kelp I collected from the beach in Ocean Grove … while I like to be inspired by nature, often my artworks are metaphors for other things in life.”

Many of the artists draw inspiration directly or indirectly from the Bellarine environment.

Marine biologist and glass artists David Hobday draws his inspiration from the ocean and creates glass waves trapped in time.

Ellen Sawkins of Two Worlds Colliding Art studios draws much of her inspiration from the stunning sunsets she can see from her studio.

Boathouse Studios artist Janet Smith’s studio will transport you to somewhere between the south of France and Sicily.

Ms Shirley said they wanted to give artists a test run ahead of the Bellarine Art Trail on the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

“We wanted to give our artists a warm-up event ahead of the very successful Bellarine Arts Trail, which I am pleased to announce will be back on this year,” she said.

The studios will be open as part of the design week program for a second and final time this weekend.

Download the map at geelongcityofdesign.com.au/designweek-events/open-studios-trail/.

A separate Northern Bellarine Arts Trail will be held on April 10-11.