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Artist Interview: Roberta Joy Rich
Roberta Joy Rich is a creative currently based on Wurundjeri and Bunurong lands of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne, south-eastern Australia). Through video, performance, installation and multi-disciplinary projects Roberta’s work explores constructions of ‘race’ and gender identity. “Rich aims to de-construct colonial modalities through arts practice while ascertaining empowering forms of self determination, often referencing her own [diaspora] African identity and experiences.” In this interview Roberta reflects on finding joy in creativity at an early age, the impact of artist residencies in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and exciting new works in development. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your art practice. I’m a multi-disciplinary visual artist working across a…
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Melbourne Exhibition Showcasing Artist and Filmmaker Ez Eldin Deng
“40 Days Exhibition – A Journey Back in Memory” is an art exhibition at Sunshine Art Spaces Gallery showcasing the creative and storytelling talent of Melbourne artist and filmmaker Ez Eldin Deng . The exhibit features a series of photographic and video works representing the artist’s journey back home to South Sudan, and exploring themes of identity, culture and the idea of living in two worlds. “My journey back to Sudan brought a storm of happiness but with it a rain fall of bullets. The sadness I felt was enough to break my heart apart. It was a challenge not to listen to people who discourage your thoughts of love…
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A Melbourne Comedy About BFFs Who Are Unapologetically Themselves
A new IGTV series unearths the comedic voices of writer/performers Betiel Beyin and Leigh Lule. The four-part comedy series, Lil CEEBS, was filmed in Melbourne’s West and follows the story of Zion and Ruby, as they put their friendship to the test in search of a tolerable, easily replaceable friend – who’s willing to be the third wheel. The mini-series aims to showcase the importance of friendships when it comes to identity, acceptance and belonging. Through Zion and Ruby’s blind optimism, absurdity and self-sabotage, Lil CEEBS spreads joy and plenty of second-hand embarrassment. “We want to make a show about two young black girls from the West-side, who are unapologetically…
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FRESH! Interview with Nikki Tran and Simon Trevorrow
With the ever growing popularity of web series taking over the internet two Melbourne based filmmakers have joined forces to create a comedy web series of their own. We caught up with local writer and producer Nikki Tran and producer Simon Trevorrow who have just got back from the LA Film Festival where episode 6 of their web series FRESH! just finished screening. We chatted to them about all things FRESH!, how they got into the film and tv industry and what’s on the horizon for them now that FRESH! has wrapped production. Tell us a little bit about yourselves and what you do? Nikki: I am a writer and filmmaker…
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Fipe Preuss Brings Creativity, Arts & Community Together
Fipe Preuss is an artist who uses creativity as a driving force throughout her arts practice, her business and her community building and facilitating. She’s an inspiring (and very busy) woman making waves in Melbourne’s arts community and beyond. We’re proud to be collaborating with Fipe and Nuholani in an upcoming community fundraiser Hula / Ori Fitness Workshop at The Art Room in Footscray, SAT 28th April, 2-3pm, $10pp (details here). Grab a cuppa and read on to learn more about how Fipe found dance through a process of healing; her creative practice; and the upcoming workshop. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do? I’m a…
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‘Aeasi (as far as the eye can see above the sea)’ A Solo Exhibition by Amie Batalibasi
‘Aeasi (as far as the eye can see above the sea)’ is a retrospective exhibition of works by Australian Solomon Islander (Feralimae/ Kosi) filmmaker Amie Batalibasi running from the 5th – 22nd of October at Blak Dot Gallery in Brunswick. Batalibasi is an Australian Solomon Islander (Kosi/ Feralimae) writer, director and the 2017 Merata Mita Fellow through the Sundance Institute Native American and Indigenous Film Program. Her creative practice is driven by a passion to collaborate with diverse people and communities at a grassroots level, to unearth stories that have the possibility to spark empowerment and create change. Through photography, video art, documentary and narrative film, as well as…
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Local Filmmaker Matthew Victor Pastor Takes His Short Film to Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Matthew Victor Pastor is a local filmmaker who makes bold narrative films about identity in modern Australia. Born in Dandenong, and of Filipino/Malaysian heritage he tells stories of his upbringing within the Filipino family. Screening next week as part of the 33rd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, ‘I am JUPITER I am the BIGGEST PLANET’ tells the story of a Filipino Mom in the harsh entertainment district of the Philippines. We recently caught up with Matt to learn how he got into filmmaking and what inspires his work. How did you get into making films and why? As an only child I always gravitated to storytelling. Dad used to take…
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Nani Puspasari is an All-Round Creative Cheerleader // Melbourne Artist Interview
Nani Puspasari is the ‘all-round creative cheerleader’ behind the Melbourne based label Designani. One glance at her website and you can see how her arts practice is driven by a desire to ‘pursue happiness, fun, balance and progress’. Whether it’s her bold but minimal graphic designs, colourful pop art-ish paintings or dreamlike yet quirky handpainted ceramics (including her bacon plate), there’s something for everyone here. I met Nani at a Melbourne market, said hi, got chatting and I’ve been a fan of her work ever since. Enjoy the read – she’s someone you’ll want to follow on every social platform! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am an…
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Interview with Tab Sejoe of Feather and Spear
Designer, wanderer and creative dreamer, Tab Sejoe creates the earthy, original and sometimes cheeky cards and art prints that her label Feather & Spear has become known for, and much, much more. Made in the very heart of Melbourne, Feather and Spear features the screen-printed cards and fine art prints from Tab’s original illustrations and hand made vibrant textile accessories made from fabrics collected throughout the African continent. The creations are unmistakably African in inspiration, with a little Melbourne personality. We caught up with Colour Box Studio member, Tab, to find our more about her creative practice. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’m the…
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Ch-ch-ch-changes: A new focus for Colour Box Studio in 2017!
Colour Box Studio is back after the summer holiday period, and we’re approaching 2017 with new projects and goals. We had a mammoth year of creative programming at VU at MetroWest, including our annual Members & Volunteers Exhibition, Throw Up Your Art, a networking event featuring an artist talk by illustrator Carla McRae, several creative workshops, and our Spring Pop Up Shop which ran for four weeks and featured work by 30 talented local artists and makers. It was so great to work with VU at MetroWest, to be a part of the space and to be back in the heart of Footscray with our community! Colour Box Studio has changed…
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Colour Box Studio Round Up: 2016 What a Year!
2016… oh what a year! We here at Colour Box Studio have worked hard to host a creative program packed with local art, hands-on workshops, and many opportunities to meet like-minded creative people like yourself. In 2016 the Colour Box Studio Management family grew and welcomed interns Prue Blake as Social Media Coordinator, Liam Anderson and Rose McNeill-Young as Members & Volunteers Coordinators, Winnie Vuong and Lilly Desormeaux as Events Coordinators, Catherine McLean as Marketing Coordinator, Belinda Neilson as Projects Coordinator, and Angela Shi as Graphic Design and Content Creator. We thank everyone who has participated in our 2016 program, whether it be exhibiting work at our group exhibition, hosting…
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We’ve Got Your Weekends Leading to Christmas Sorted!!
1. The Big Design Market As the name suggests, The Big Design Market is THE market of markets. Held at the stunning Royal Exhibition Building, this is a great place to get some inspiration and to find a wide range of aesthetic goodies to fulfill your Christmas wishes. Say hi to our Colour Box Studio members Kelly and Julie of Aacute and Hanna Mancini of Hannakin whilst you’re there. Dates and times: Friday 2 December 2016, 10:00am – 9:00pm Saturday 3 December 2016, 10:00am – 7:00pm Sunday 4 December 2016, 10:00am – 5:00pm Address: Royal Exhibition Building (9 Nicholson St, Carlton) Website: http://melbourne.thebigdesignmarket.com 2. Lifestyle for Kids (LFK) Christmas Market Lifestyle for Kids…
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Interview with CBS Member & Visual Artist, Ferney Caro
Fascinated with shapes and colours and how they fuse amongst the layers of paint, Ferney Caro’s work is a research about painting itself. Ferney is the Colour Box Studio member and talented visual artist behind amazing works of acrylic on canvas, and winning exhibitor at our annual members and volunteers exhibition, Throw Up Your Art. We caught up with Ferney to have a chat about what influences him, his current projects, and what creative projects he is cooking up for 2017. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am a Colombian-born, Melbourne-based emerging visual artist. How did you start your creative business/arts practice and why?…
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It’s the Spring Pop Up Shop’s Final Week
Can you believe there’s just one more week left to check out our Spring Pop Up Shop? Come on down before 2PM on Friday, November 4 (opening hours below) for your last chance to pick up some art and objects made by 32 Melbourne-based creatives. Got the late night shopping bug? Feed it on Thursday night (November 3) at the Spring Pop Up Shop’s closing party. We’ll be open until 8PM. You can enjoy some tasty snacks on us! West-side insider information: The Footscray Night Market is launching at Footscray Station on the same night. Multitask by coming down to the ‘Scray to check that out, then pop around the…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Robyn Deboar
Robyn Deboar is an illustrator originally from the south coast of Adelaide who’s passionate about creating art that expresses everyday joys in life. We interviewed Robyn and found her responses just as poetic as her artworks and illustrations. You can purchase Robyn’s work and prints at the Colour Box Studio Spring Pop Up Shop, running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am a compulsive doodler and started at a young age. As an illustrator I am constantly exploring possibilities and pushing myself into the unknown often surprising myself. I love playing with ink and nib, watercolours, pencils and…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Beck ‘Wally’ Wallman
Beck Wallman started her business Wally Paper Co. out of a love of greeting cards and a desire to see some more unique messages on the front of them – like “Happy Birthday ya filthy animal!” We chatted to Beck about her move from working as an art director to running a greeting card company and late-night brainstorming. You can check out Beck’s quirky cards for every occasion at the Colour Box Studio Spring Pop Up Shop, running till 4 November. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’m obsessed with cards and keep all the decent, great, terrible, cheesy, funny and soppy ones I’ve ever received. I have boxes and boxes of them.…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Hanna Mancini
Hanna Mancini of Hannakin has been involved with Colour Box Studio for a few years now, with her fairytale-style illustrations, prints and cards having been featured at several Colour Box Studio Pop Up Shops and other events. We spoke to Hanna about her creative projects – from colouring books to felt brooches to dolls and more – and how her childhood adventures in rural Victoria inspired the curious characters and themes in her creative work. Check out Hanna’s work at the Colour Box Studio Spring Pop Up Shop, on till November 4. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I paint whimsical watercolour illustrations, hand sew little wool felt brooches and one of a…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Kinga
Kinga hand-makes beautiful beaded Kumihimo Jewellery, a style which originated from Japan. Kinga has always had a passion for the arts and dabbled in different crafts but it was not until she retired that she fully embraced this passion and started and selling her brightly coloured bead jewellery. Find Kinga’s jewellery pieces including earring and necklace sets at the Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. My name is Kinga and I have retired from my full time job to concentrate on my passion in arts and crafts. Since my retirement I have been involved…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Lucy Buxton
Lucy Buxton is the brainchild of Lucy in the Sky Illustration, which features beautifully hand-coloured imaginary worlds and quirky characters. With a background in printmaking, Lucy draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli, May Gibbs, Shaun Tan, and sunshine. Her fanciful work can bring a smile to both young and old! Find Lucy’s prints and original framed etchings at Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I am a children’s book illustrator that loves to create etchings of characters and imaginary worlds, and then hand-colour them with watercolour. How did you start…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Emilia Rossi
Emilia Rossi is a passionate designer who handcrafts clay jewellery in beautiful minimalist designs inspired by her travels. Starting out as an Exhibition Designer at the National Gallery of Australia, we catch up with Emilia to find out about what inspired her to start her own jewellery line and what she’s currently working on. Emilia’s handcrafted necklaces and earrings are featured in Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I work as a freelance digital consultant, blogger and jewellery designer, and manage an online wedding marketplace. I enjoy…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Susan Fitzgerald
Spin Spin, by Susan Fitzgerald, is a small West Footscray studio producing fresh, modern and sustainable screen printed textiles, paper goods and ceramics. We chatted to Susan about the benefits of a clean studio, strong coffee and living in a creative city. Spin Spin items are featured at Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’m a Melbourne maker and design & produce a range of screenprinted fabric, homewares, ceramics and jewellery. I love minimal colour palettes and simple, geometric patterns and work with sustainable materials such as organic cotton…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Design Duo Tessa and Andrew of brand Coco & Max
Tessa and Andrew are so inspired by their kids, they’ve named their label Coco & Max after them! We chatted to the design duo about their return to Melbourne after a stint away, what they’re currently working on, and what their brand is about. You can pick up some of Coco & Max’s super unique womens- and menswear at Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. Coco & Max is a design duo – Tessa from Melbourne and Andrew from London. We produce bold and dynamic designs, manufactured entirely in Melbourne. Preaching high quality craftsmanship and…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Design Duo Linda Bennett and Dillon Bailey
Linda Bennett and Dillon Bailey are the talented design duo behind the brand Architact Collective: an ongoing collaboration between an architect and a builder. We interviewed the design duo to find out about how they started their brand, what they are inspired by, and what they’re currently working on. Expect to see Architact Collective’s line of jewellery and homewares crafted in the trending material, concrete, and also line of timber jewellery at Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. The Architact Collective was founded in 2013 by Linda Bennett…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Megan Bonnici
Megan Bonnici is the talented visual artist behind Studio Bonnici. We interviewed Megan to find out about how she started her brand, what she is inspired by, and what she’s currently working on. With a wide repertoire in handmade crafts, expect to see Megan’s gift tags, textile jewellery, greeting cards, cardvelopes, art cards, and mini original art pieces at Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. My name is Megan Bonnici and I’m a Melbourne-based Artist, Designer and Art Teacher. I work across many Visual Art disciplines including drawing,…
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Interview with #CBSpopup Shop Artist Sharni Pasquill
Sharni Pasquill is the handmade artist and creative force behind the fashion and jewelry brand, Lila&I. We interviewed Sharni to find out more about how she started her brand, what she is inspired by, and what she’s currently working on. Sharni’s handmade natural wood and stone polymer clay pendants, and polymer clay earrings are featured in Colour Box Studio’s Spring Pop Up Shop running until the 4th of November. Find more details about the Pop Up Shop here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’m Sharni and I am a jack of all trades and master of none! I love all things art and craft – anything from…
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Our BIGGEST Pop Up in Four Years! Colour Box Studio Spring Pop Up Shop is here.
The Colour Box Studio Pop Up Shop is back! We opened with our first shop in 2012 so we’re excited to be able to offer you more locally handmade and designed art and things in 2016! ——- 2016 SPRING POP UP SHOP October 7 – November 4 It’s spring and Colour Box Studio is hosting a Spring Pop Up Shop! From October 7 to November 4, we will be showcasing a range of handmade and designed art and objects made by over 30 local creatives at our space at VU at MetroWest in the heart of Footscray. On offer will be illustration works and art prints, handmade jewellery in precious metals…
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Interview with Sculptor Carolyn Warren-Langford
Colour Box Studio Member and workshop facilitator Carolyn Warren-Langford is a sculptor from Western Australia who’s passionate about clay. Now based in Point Cook in Melbourne’s western suburbs, Carolyn has taught workshops and exhibited in both Perth, at The Metamorphosis Art Gallery, and in Melbourne, at Brunswick St Gallery and at the Wyndham Art Prize Exhibition. Carolyn first became involved with Colour Box Studio when she participated in the Wyndham Arts Activate professional development program for emerging artists, where she received mentoring from Colour Box Studio to build workshop development and facilitation skills. Carolyn is eager to share her years of experience and passion for ceramics with others. We interviewed Carolyn…
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Interview with TUYA Winner, Ferney Caro
Colour Box Studio member, Ferney Caro was chosen by Sarah Hayes of A Gallery in Preston as the winning exhibitor at our annual members and volunteers exhibition, Throw Up Your Art. We sat down with Ferney to chat about his artistic background, creative process and what it means to be a painter. Tell us a bit about yourself I was born 33 years ago in Colombia. I got my Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts there. I am now studying English in Melbourne. With a cup of coffee in my hand, I am loving this colourful Melbourne panorama. Has art been a part of your life from a young age, or…
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It’s A Double Whammy and You’re Invited
Colour Box Studio is all about celebrating, empowering and supporting artists and creatives through a thriving community. So, we’ve cooked up a double whammy night full to the brim with artistic inspiration, and you’re invited! Throw Up Your Art, Colour Box Studio’s annual exhibition for members and vollies launches this evening at 5pm. To celebrate our fourth birthday, we are showcasing a bunch of work from our wonderful Colour Box Studio members and volunteers from tonight right up until September 9. The artists displaying work are: Kinga, Carolyn Warren Langford of PyreWorks Studio, Anna Sorro, Leesa Gray-Pitt, Ferney Caro, Caroline Esbenshade, @okissu, Mixed Metal Jewellery, Mandyz Art, Kerrie Theodorikakos, Belinda Neilson and Amie Batalibasi.…
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Artist Interview with Local Creative Carla McRae
On Friday 12th August, come along to our Art to Art – Creative Conversations event and hear from Melbourne-based illustrator and designer, Carla McRae! Carla (also known as The Paper Beast) creates beautiful, calming line drawings depicting characters exploring, going about their daily activities or enjoying moments of peace, along with luscious plants and geometric shapes. Carla also creates large colourful murals, books and zines, and is the creative director of Australian sock company Odd Pears. Leading up to our event we asked Carla to tell us a bit about her creative practice. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a freelance illustrator and artist, based in Melbourne. I…
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My Five Stages of Grief for the Australian Arts Industry
By Lauren Wraight Like any arts or visual arts graduate, I didn’t pursue my field out of a desire for a high-paying job or an impressive, powerful career. I pursued it because I love art, cultural engagement, connecting over things that operate in those ‘grey’ spaces outside of the black and white narratives that we’re taught to view the world through. I pursued it because the arts are important. The arts and cultural industries, in all their various forms, remind us of the stories rarely told, identities not acknowledged, and of the sheer size, breadth and depth of the world we live in. It’s easy to give in to despair…
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5 Artists That Inspire Julie from Aacute
A big welcome to our guest blogger for this week, Julie from Aacute! Aacute is a collective of thinkers and makers, stemming from Melbournian sisters, Julie and Kelly Tran. Influenced by the indigenous tribal communities of East Asia and modern, dark urban fashion, Aacute painstakingly handcrafts jewellery forged from a myriad of exceptional materials. This includes signature cut polymer clay, reclaimed leather and granular wood. Aacute also creates quality soy candles formed within customised apothecary jars. Aacute believes in sustainability and carefully selects all materials with the environment and the community in mind, without sacrificing their design aesthetic. Julie will be running a polymer clay jewellery workshop on 2nd July:…
