An Adventure in Art: Noosa Open Studios
Local artist and IN Noosa writer Pete Goodlet shares why he will be throwing open the doors to his Artyard studio and succulent garden during Noosa Open Studios – and why you should join in the adventure.
Noosa Open Studios (NOS) is back, bigger and better and ready to guide you on an adventure into the world of Noosa’s premier artists. Mark it in your diary, for 10 days from October 9 to 18 and you will get the unique chance to explore the magical spaces of our coastal and hinterland artists. In what has been an unusual year, NOS has become Noosa’s biggest cultural event for 2020 – an art experience that you can explore at your own pace in your own car. Grab a friend, grab a guide and set out for an adventure in art.
Artists not only create art; they create beautiful places to live and make beauty. NOS gives you the chance to be welcomed into these creative and often secret spaces. Not only will you get to peruse original artworks, you are bound to pick up some fabulous architectural and garden ideas for your own home!
Mitchell English
As an artist participating in Noosa Open Studios, I love hearing how visitors never knew that our acreage oasis in Peregian Beach existed. They love the sense of space and lushness. Eyes light up with excitement, conversation soon leads to the other fabulous spaces that they’ve visited on the art trail and like all of the artists involved, I love getting to share my work and my space. Art-wise, visitors get to see a range of the artists’ work that is rarely displayed in an exhibition. This may include studies for larger works, prints, and pieces from upcoming and past collections and works-
in-progress. With the cancellation of many exhibitions this year, this might be the only chance you get to see the latest works. A tidy artist is a rare thing – creative minds and all that – so months of preparation will ensure that the studios will be the cleanest and tidiest they have been all year! Many artists have struggled with 2020 as we all have, so if you see something you love, snap it up and you will make an artist’s day as well as making your world brighter!
Now in its fifth year, Noosa Open Studios continues to attract artists from all disciplines from sculptures to woodworkers; potters to painters, and a few surprises along the way!
The Peter Phillips Gallery, studio and garden are always top of the list for places to visit. Awe ensues as you enter a magical botanical garden spotted with sculptures and waterfalls. Peter’s stunning white gallery showcases the dynamic work of this pre-eminent British Pop Artist and global sensation who now calls Noosa home.
Carley Bourne also left the UK behind to make her home in paradise. Carley is recognized for her detailed paintings that draw heavily on her natural surrounds. Her intricate and colourful pieces feature botanicals, florals, fauna and bodies of water.
In the Thomas Surfboards precinct in Noosaville you will find Mitchell English creating what some have called “surf art”. It undoubtedly has a strong Australian coastal aesthetic and no wonder – Mitchell came to Noosa for the surfing and stayed for the lifestyle and art scene. Colourful, graphic, original works will be on display as well as limited edition fine art prints.
Peter Smith
Peter Smith takes metal sculpture to another level as he creates wild and mystical creatures in his Pomona studio. Using found and repurposed materials, this self-taught welder-turned-artist creates amazing works for your garden and home.
African-born Saren Dobkins has been painting professionally in oils for nearly 30 years. Heavily influenced by her childhood in Africa, Saren uses bold colours and strong dramatic forms that explore transience and transformation. Each piece tells a story of identity.
Rowley Drysdale
Renowned ceramicist and mixed media artist Rowley Drysdale creates beautiful works in his subtropical paradise Quixota. Set on a hill, multiple kilns and studios are linked by narrow pathways. Weave your way past towering bamboos and tropical fruit trees to arrive at an Asian-inspired wooden studio perched above a lily-filled dam. If you’re lucky, the jewel-like flash of a kingfisher will complete this magical moment.
This is just a tempting taste of the 75+ artists and studios that you can explore during the choose-your-own adventure program of artists inviting you into their creative spaces over 10 art-filled days in October. You will find other amazing artists on the following pages of this magazine. Book your accommodation now, tell your friends and spread the word. Noosa Open Studios is back in 2020 – bigger, brighter and better!
