Aliça Bryson-Haynes of RARA Studio. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Studio Space: RARA Studio

February 25, 2017

The first Studio Space for 2017 features RARA Studio, a Melbourne-based ceramic practice. Up until recently RARA Studio was a collaboration between Aliça Bryson-Haynes and Ria Green, but Ria has recently stepped aside to focus on her own art practice. The work features hand-built porcelain functional ware such as mugs, bowls, plates and spoons, along with decorative and jewellery pieces. Organic forms, pastel colours and geometric patterns are a common theme.

Aliça's studio is a sun-filled room in her home in Melbourne's inner north and she shares her workspace with three adorable studio mates - Jack Russell Teti and cats Claudia and Sybil. Aliça had moved into the house just two weeks before my visit but was all set up, with no unpacked boxes in sight. In fact, the house looked so great I just had to include some pictures of it too.

As a child, Aliça and her family moved around Australia and as an adult she's spent time living overseas, in the UK, France and Indonesia. She's been back in Melbourne for six years, the longest she's spent in one place.

Aliça's background is in painting and she completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Fine Art in London, before returning to Melbourne to complete her Masters in Fine Art. She comes from a creative family and has a collection of treasured ceramic pieces created by her mother, grandmother and uncle. Aliça even learnt some ceramic skills from her mother, who practiced pottery when Aliça and her three brothers were children.

RARA STUDIO: Q&A

I know you've recently moved. How long have you been in your current workspace and where did you work from previously? I’ve been in the new place around two weeks but it feels like longer! I’ve been spending a lot of time nesting, which makes it feel like home. I used to live and work in Fairfield, in a cute old Californian bungalow in a north-facing studio out the back of the house. It was actually quite similar in feel to the current studio.

Do you prefer working alone or with/near others? I think my ideal is a bit of both. I really love collaborating and having someone to chat with and bounce ideas off and create things you couldn’t do by yourself. But I also love the freedom and quiet of working alone. Well, I’m never really alone, as the pets love spending time in the studio, keeping me company!

How many hours a week do you spend in your space? At the moment a lot – most days I’m in here working or popping to the post office or to Northcote Pottery to drop off or pick up something. I’ve been working on some custom orders, some new pieces for stockists and thinking about the year ahead.

What's your favourite thing about the space? I love the big north facing windows – the light is so lovely and as they are nice and low, the pets get a great view too! Lots of pink nana roses out the front to look at. I like the floorboards – we took up an old carpet when we moved in and were happy to find the boards in good condition. I’m also pretty excited about the new shelves that my partner helped me build! They are made of hardwood boards that I salvaged from a house that was being renovated in Fairfield and some old bricks leftover from an exhibition last year.

How, if at all, has your workspace (this or previous) influenced the way you work? I think having a workspace at home definitely has an influence on the way that I work or don’t work! I have to be pretty disciplined, so I don’t get distracted and decide to do some gardening or go back to bed, haha. But I really love working from home – it’s very relaxing, convenient and can be very productive. I can work as long as I want to, pop out to make tea or go for a walk with Teti to get some fresh air.

What does your dream space look like? I think my dream space would have a similar feel but be bigger, with heaps of wooden shelving and more plants! You can never have too many shelves or plants.

What inspires your work? There are lots of things that inspire me - nature, historical objects and a wide range of artists - particularly painters. I’ve always loved painting, especially the simplicity of minimalism and the softness and colour pallet of impressionism. A lot of it, especially the making of clay shapes, comes very naturally and I let my hands take the lead.

RARA STUDIO: LINKS

Website www.rarastudio.com

Shop http://rarastudio.bigcartel.com

Instagram www.instagram.com/hellorarastudio

Facebook www.facebook.com/hellorarastudio

And don't forget to follow Studio Space on Instagram: @studiospace_ #hellostudiospace

Aliça's desk. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Bookshelf in Aliça's studio. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Studio bookshelves and Aliça's dog Teti. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Giant studio monstera. Aliça's desk. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Illustration of Aliça and Teti the dog, by Seth Searle. Weaving by Ria Green. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

RARA Studio earrings. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Some RARA Studio bowls and spoons. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

In Plain Sight (Pink), 2016, pigment ink print on archival rag paper. From an ongoing collaboration between Aliça and Lizzy Sampson. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Aliça and Claudia the cat. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Tea in RARA Studio mugs. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Loungeroom. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

Some of Aliça's succulents. Photo © Susan Fitzgerald 2017.

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Studio Space: Marc Martin

July 27, 2016

The latest instalment of Studio Space features Marc Martin, a Melbourne-based Illustrator. Marc's light-filled studio is located above a store in the outskirts of the city. He shares the open-plan space with a group of other creatives, some indoor plants & occasionally, a dog. His space is bright and well equipped, with a workbench, a collection of books and magazines (for reference and inspiration), lots of art supplies and of course, a computer and scanner. One of the best things about the setup is it allows him to stand up while working, which he does about 50% of the time.

His background is in graphic design and in the past Marc ran a design studio with a friend, before deciding to become a full-time illustrator about four years ago. He works mainly in watercolour and his work is evocative, rich in detail and colour. And one of the biggest breakthroughs he discovered a little while back - a hairdryer! It now plays an integral part in the process of producing his work (hope I'm not giving away your trade secrets, Marc!) - no more smudges.

Marc has written numerous books, published through Penguin in English and other languages, including A River, A Forest, Max and The Curious Explorer's Illustrated Guide To Exotic Animals. He's just finished his latest book, details of which are yet to be revealed. He's also interested in the creative freedom self-publishing offers and is looking to self-release a book next year.

Marc also works as a freelance illustrator and is represented by the Jacky Winter Group. Some of his freelance clients include Monocle magazine, Wired magazine, The Financial Review, Virgin Atlantic, Assemble Papers and ACMI. He's also designed and illustrated material for various festivals. He says a good balance for him is 50% client illustration work and 50% self-directed book work.

MARC MARTIN: Q&A

How long have you been in the space and where did you work from previously? I’ve been here for about 5 or 6 years. Every now and then I get tempted to move, but this space is just so central and full of great people, so there’s really no reason to look anywhere else.

Yours is a shared space. How many other people work in the space? About 15 people. It’s a mix of photographers, designers, artists, writers, people studying and other creative pursuits. It’s a good bunch of people.

Do you prefer working alone or with others? In terms of a working space, I definitely prefer working with others around. It’s nice to be able to go to a space where you can get some work done, but also have the ability to chat to people and be social if you need to be. I worked form home for while, and that just made me feel very isolated.

How many hours a week do you spend there? A full working week, so pretty much 9-5, Monday to Friday. I think it’s important to treat being an artist like any other job, especially if you want to be successful at it.

How, if at all, has the space influenced the way you work? I’ve been here so long that it’s hard to say if the space has influenced my work. I know I’ve changed the way I use the space - initially I was just doing all computer based work, and slowly I’ve migrated to pretty much all hand drawn things these days. So less sitting and staring at the screen and more active, gestural work with paint and paper.

What does your dream space look like? It probably looks something like a log cabin in the woods somewhere, with a big window overlooking a lake where I can sit and make art.

What inspires you, personally or professionally? Friends, nature, travel, film, books, art, photography. I’m just about to head off on a long-deserved holiday to Ningaloo reef, so I’m pretty sure some time snorkelling, swimming with whale sharks and driving through national parks will get me inspired too!

MARC MARTIN: LINKS

Website: www.marcmartin.com

Shop: marcmartin.bigcartel.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/marcmartinart

Instagram: @marcmartinillo

Snapchat: marcmartinart

And don't forget to follow Studio Space on Instagram: @hellostudio_ #hellostudiospace

Marc holding one of his books, A River. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Marc working at his computer. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

One of Marc's studio mates and her dog. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Marc's workspace including standing desk. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Studio windows from the road. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

All photos copyright Susan Fitzgerald 2016.

Vegetables

July 22, 2016

I just love fruit and vegetables and most weeks I go to the local farmers market and buy produce directly from those who grew it. Although often not perfect looking, it tastes so good (and who wants perfect looking produce anyway?) I like that there's dirt on the potatoes, mushrooms and beets, that the apples and pears have russeting.

The other day I decided to draw some of the produce I'd bought that weekend. I'm no great drawer but trust me when I say that the first few greylead sketches looked terrible. I was about to move onto doing something else but then I picked up a new pen I bought in Japan and it was like the pen took over (seriously!) and I was drawing things in a different way. And the drawings just all seemed to fit together. Yesterday I finally had time to sit down at my computer and turn the drawings into a pattern. I might yet tweak it a bit but think it might soon find itself onto a tea towel.

Autumn/winter

July 8, 2016

I feel like I'm getting nothing done lately...just running around in circles each week. But I just had a look at the photos I've taken in the last month (it seems I take my camera with me almost all the time) and I realise I have been doing things, just not what I was planning on doing. So instead of making ceramic things, refining new designs and doing lots of printing I've been walking the dog, cooking winter food (it seems I also do a LOT of cooking), shopping at the market, hanging out in my local Masonic hall and then doing other, non-fun work. But that's OK, because Melbourne in winter is pretty nice.

Kristy in her studio. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Studio Space: Fox & Ramona

April 29, 2016

Fox & Ramona is Melbourne-based brand creating bold and unique hand painted concrete planters, homewares & jewellery. The person behind the brand is Kristy Tull and I had the pleasure of visiting her studio/workshop this month. Kristy's been in her current workshop, situated in the inner west, since earlier this year. It's amazing how well she's settled in and how she's filled the huge space with all her creations, especially as she was working from home before this!

Kristy started out making resin and polymer jewellery while working as an assistant in an architecture firm. She began experimenting with concrete to make small planters and didn't look back - two years ago she quit her day job and started working on Fox & Ramona full time. It seems she's come full circle, having just introduced some fabulous concrete jewellery (here and here) to the range.

FOX & RAMONA: Q & A

How long have you been in the space and where did you work previous to this? I’ve been here for almost 4 months and beforehand worked from home. I’d taken over my garage, living room and dining table so it was time to move out!

How many hours a week do you spend in your workspace? About 30 hours a week in the workshop. Most computer/admin work I take home and do in the evenings - hence why I always send emails late at night…!

How, if at all, has the space influenced your work? I wouldn’t say it's influenced my work as such but it has definitely made life easier, being able to spread out and get messy. If anything it's given me a chance to work on some new projects and designs which I wouldn’t have been able to do at home.

What would your dream workspace look like? Concrete floors, white or exposed brick walls, bright, light and with a big roller door. Preferably in Spotswood, so I could walk to work from home!

Do you prefer working alone or with others? A bit of both. I love having company at the workshop and often have my recently retired Dad pottering around me, which is really nice. It’s also good to have some downtime, thinking time and design time without any interruptions.

Which other creatives inspire you (personally or professionally)?

Rachel Castle - I love the way she uses shapes and colour.
Marnie Hawson - my photographer/stylist extraordinaire - she always captures simply gorgeous photos.
Gorman - Their use of colour and out-of-the-box designs.

FOX & RAMONA: LINKS

Website: foxandramona.com.au

Shop: foxandramona.com.au/shop

Etsy shop: foxandramona.etsy.com

Instagram: @foxandramona

Facebook: facebook.com/foxandramona

And don't forget to follow Studio Space on Instagram - @studiospace_ #hellostudiospace

Large painted concrete planters. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Small marbled vessels, planters and plates. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Grid concrete planter. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

A selection of the larger-sized concrete planters in the Fox & Ramona range. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

The back wall of the studio. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

THE best packing station, complete with massive rolls of bubble wrap and every other thing you could ever need. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Packing an order. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

So many paint brushes! Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Testing new colours and patterns. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Kristy hard at work. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

White Wash planters all lined up and in size order. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Hand painted. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

The exterior of the studio. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

So many beautiful plants! Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Some mugs Kristy made for an upcoming workshop. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

So cool! Made by Kristy for an upcoming workshop. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Studio Space: Esther Sandler/Togetherness Design

April 1, 2016

Esther Sandler in her studio, wearing gorgeous ceramic earrings she made.

This shelf, which Esther made herself, sits above her desk. I really want to make a shelf like this now! Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

STUDIO SPACE: ESTHER SANDLER OF TOGETHERNESS DESIGN

Esther Sandler is a Melbourne-based illustrator and textile designer. She currently splits her time between freelance work (for brands including Megan Park, Mecca, Limedrop), working on her own label Togetherness Design (which she established in 2011, when she was still a student) and teaching (she'll soon be lecturing part-time in the course she studied, Textile Design at RMIT). Esther works from the home studio she shares with her boyfriend and was kind enough to let me come along and photograph it.

Esther's work features rich, multilayered and colourful patterns, often with plants, animals, imagined worlds and naive and folk-inspired motifs. She often starts out creating a watercolour or gouache painting and then brings it to life using traditional and more recent craft and textile traditions including digital fabric printing, embroidery, sewing and screen printing. The Togetherness Design product range features textiles, paper-based work and hand-formed ceramics.

Esther's other passions include gardening, collecting trinkets, watching true crime documentaries and crafting - check out some of the many ace projects she's created for Frankie Magazine's blog: a decorated umbrella, a shaggy seat covering, a sweet treat doormat, a sleeping kitten wheat pack and resin jewellery.

I hope you enjoy getting a sneak-peek into Esther's workspace. Following are more snaps and a little interview.

Pinboard inspiration. Scroll down for a pinboard close-up. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Very happy monstera. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Close-up of Esther's inspiration pinboard. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Esther's inspiration shelf. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Esther's desk is to the left of the window and her sewing machine is the the right, next to the bolts of fabric. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

ESTHER SANDLER: Q&A

How long have you been in the space and where did you work previous to this?

For the past two years I’ve been working in a spare room in my house that has been set up as a sewing room and creative space. Before this I was working out of my tiny bedroom on a desk that was snuggle fit between my bed and the door - it was such a relief to move to a larger space!

How many hours a week do you spend in your workspace?

I do a mix of working in-house and working from my studio, so this can change week to week. Leading up to busy markets times or while I am working on a large personal project I can be in the space every day, but on average I would guess around 20 hours per week.

Original paintings by Esther Sandler. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Hand-formed and painted ceramic necklaces. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

How, if at all, has the space influenced your work?

Working in a space with plenty of room to store materials, product and knick-knacks is a dream come true and makes it a lot easier for me to become inspired and create. The trick to this however, is keeping things tidy and I am often guilty of making a huge mess on every surface, although I am trying to rein this in a bit!

A bag featuring Esther's digitised painting. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Some cushions stacked up. Available to buy here. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

What would your dream workspace look like?

The main downside to my studio is the lack of natural light, so it can get a bit dark and is particularly bad when it comes to taking photos. Our whole house is quite dark so I often resort to taking photos outside, which is a bit of a pain! My dream space would have large windows with natural light, a bright white wall for taking photos against and a heap of cupboards and drawers for me to store all of my things!

Clutches being sewn up. Available to buy here. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Purses waiting to be sewn up. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Do you prefer working alone or with others?

I enjoy a mix of working by myself and with others. Being alone is best when I have a heap of things to get done but it can also be a bit lonely. In the future I would love to share a studio space with a few of my creative pals and will hopefully get around to doing something about this soon!

Another original artwork. Photo by Susan Fitzgerald.

Which other creatives inspire you (personally or professionally)?

I am constantly amazed and inspired by the work of my friends and other up-and-coming designers from Melbourne and the rest of the country – people like Min Pin, Tara Whalley, Edith Rewa, Cassie Byrnes, Caitlin She and many more. I also find a tremendous amount of inspiration in the work of my favourite textile design heroines from the past and present including Maija Isola, Gunta Stölzl, Jenny Kee, Tsumori Chisato and Collier & Campbell. I could go on and on!