Issue 8 * 2012
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POM POM POPPY Handmade. Unique. Gorgeous.
For lovers of bespoke accessories Shop online www.pompompoppy.com.au Follow on facebook.com/pompompoppy
Locally grown and made food, produce, art & craft, fashion & accessories, plants and live entertainment. Market Dates 2012 Sat 17 March, Sat 19 May Sat 18 August, Sat 17 November. All markets are from 9am - 2pm.
www.grassrootsmarket.com.au
Upwey Village Green, behind the shops in Upwey
Great theatre shows @ Burrinja The Mikado - Saturday 13th October @ 8.00pm The Gilbert and Sullivan Company of Australia are back with their brand new show. With a cast of six, this new version of The Mikado is full of musical delights as well as some surprise appearances from Peter Allen, Dean Martin and Kamahl that will have audiences in gales of laughter.
Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica Thursday 25th October @ 8.00pm Playwright David Williamson asks the question “What do a classical musician and retired country and western singer have in common?” Not a lot according to Monica who really just wants Gary, aka Rhinestone Rex, to do the job he’s being paid for and renovate her kitchen. Burrinja Cnr Glenfern Rd & Matson Drive, Upwey ph: (03) 9754 8723 w: burrinja.org.au
Caravan Burlesque
Thursday 1st November @ 8.00pm From multi-award Photo: Jodie Hutchinson/Rebecca Hayes winning Finucane & Smith, creators of global smash hit The Burlesque Hour, comes a travelling emporium that fuses Parisian nightclub with jaw-dropping cabaret and seductive spectacle, tipping a velvet wink to Australia’s wild past of touring vaudeville and variety.
building community through arts
Editor’s rave It’s Spring at last. I’m really looking forward to some warm weather and all the things that come with it. Like stepping out more often to enjoy the hopefully warmer and longer days. It’s also the season when everyone starts to thaw and new ideas begin to flourish.
We are lucky to have such a diverse and vibrant culture and this issue we’ve shown it with a new Street Style section featuring some fabulously dressed locals and visitors. There’s an article about permaculture and how you can get involved and much more.
This issue we’ve got a few festivals covered. Belgrave seems to be where it’s all happening at the moment with two new upcoming festivals for art and music, Reverberations and End of the Line, which should be a great addition to your calender. There’s also new shops and galleries. I have highlighted two in this issue, a new jewellery store called Little White Box and a gallery by the tiffany bishop COLLECTIVE.
I’m exhausted just thinking about everything that’s happening, and really looking forward to this Spring feast. Email me your Spring events and I can put them on the facebook page to help spread the love. Or send me a photo of your bookshelf, so I can start a collection.
There’s a brief history of the ‘Sunnysiders’ an artists colony in South Sassafras (now Kallista) during 1910-1930. Now celebrated by a new festival. I was involved in designing the logo, flyers and program and it’s a fascinating story. The beautiful front cover design is by Nadia Turner who is the featured artist this issue. As there are so many creative souls in the hills we also have an article about Bethany Davis the creator of Muddlarks children’s waterproof clothing and Squiggly Rainbow who makes delicate and beautiful terrariums. Plus we have the work of Andrew Chapman a documentary photographer who is currently exhibiting at Burrinja. Also from Burrinja we have a story about the Open Studios Exhibition generously donating some of their commission to DRERS.
Don’t forget you can see this issue and all the back issues online at www.hillscene.com.au
Editor/Designer
Adriana Alvarez
Cover
Nadia Turner
Proof Reader
Louise Bloxham
Contributors Stephen Whiteside, Yvonne De Lacy, Carolyn Oates, Zoe Goldberg, Christina Reeves, Andrew Chapman, Brent and CJ Dakis, Squiggly Rainbow, Tiffany Morris North, Tiffany Bishop, Bethany Davis, Rachel Hickingbotham and Adriana Alvarez facebook: The Hillscene For submission and advertising enquiries e: hillscene@westnet.com.au www.hillscene.com.au Printed by Ferntree Print on Envirocare 100gsm recycled paper. © Copyright 2012
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Nadia Turner Words by Adriana Alvarez In a cafe in Belgrave I meet up with the wayward Nadia Turner. I have been meaning to talk with her ever since I saw her exhibition at Limerence late last year. I loved her work so much I bought one. It’s sitting on my bookshelf, a dapper fox with a knowing smile on it’s face. Nadia Turner is an artist and illustrator whose works are incredibly intricate, beautiful and whimsical. They are inhabited by divine creatures that are exquisitely dressed or adorned with feathers and finery, with detailed patterns, flowers or antique scrolls. A world where fairy tales and journeys to lands never before heard of seem possible. They seem otherwordly and from a distant past but somehow timeless rather than old fashioned. Nadia studied illustration at NMIT, she was always interested in art but didn’t get into RMIT so she did the illustration course instead when she found out about it. After TAFE she did a government supported program which helps you set up your own business and sent out her promotional flyers to publishers. One publisher Brolly Books got back to her and she’s been working with them and other companies ever since. She has been mainly illustrating kids books such as ‘Spiderlings’, ‘My Dinosaur ABC’ and ‘The First book of Baby Animals’ for the last few years, but also loves painting. The exhibition at Limerence is the first thing of her own she has done for a while.
Another of her passions is harps, she has been playing them for years and has recently started to paint them for Harps Australia. A local business in Upwey that makes harps in their home workshop. She has already painted two and is working on more. Nadia has always loved mythical artists who explored the psyche and fairy tales. For her own work her inspiration starts with a sketch, an idea or a story. “I like people to put their own ideas to the work” she says. She moved to Belgrave because “it’s lovely” says Nadia. “A little community. We had people we knew up here and there’s artists and musicians and a chance to get involved in general. Belgrave is a little hub where you run into people a lot and get to know them.” Her plans for the future are to make more works for exhibitions, commissions and paint more harps. “To move to a fine arts route rather that illustration for a while. Perhaps take up writing.” She is currently working on a project with her publisher to write a children’s book based on the paintings in her exhibition about journeys. “There were five main images and characters and there will be a story about each one with them somehow meeting” says Nadia. If her stories are as elaborate and ornate as her paintings that’s a journey I’d like to take. To see more go to www.waywardharper.com or www.waywardharper.blogspot.com.au
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Open Studios helping hand Words by Adriana Alvarez The annual Open Studios Exhibition held in Burrinja Gallery in May this year is a staple of Dandenong Ranges cultural life. This year’s theme ‘Curves and Corners’ was decided upon after some brainstorming sessions between artists and staff as it could be meaningful on many different levels. Silvi Kreinberg one of the artists explains, “It could be literal but touches on a deeper understanding of the ebb and flow, the ups and downs of life.” Members of Burrinja staff had in the past given to charities and pitched the idea to Open Studio artists about making a donation from sales of the exhibition.
DRERS President Frank Watson at the top of the stairs being passed the cheque. Below left to right: Stephen Powell, Amy-Jo Jory (Burrinja Arts Officer), Juliet Widdows, Brook Winfield, Marta Salamon, Sylvi Kreinberg (at back).
The local not-for-profit charitable organisation Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Services (DRERS) was chosen because of it’s focus on homelessness and it’s dedication to Ima ge cou rtes y of Bur rinja aiding local people regardless of race, class, gender or religion. It was agreed that artists would donate 5% of their commission from exhibition sales to DRERS and Burrinja also agreed to donate 15% of their commission, taking the charitable donation up to 20% of all sales. “DRERS was suggested by Burrinja and voted on by the artists as a great cause to help the local community. Open Studios is a local event and it’s good to have a charity that helps people in need in the area,” says Silvi. The exhibition presented a range of mediums from 33 participating studios. A total of thirteen artworks sold and DRERS received a donation of $625.00 from the 2012 Open Studios Exhibition. In the increasingly difficult environment of general hardship and financial insecurity in the Hills Community, Burrinja is proud to assist the coming together of local artists in the community to support and raise awareness of charities such as DRERS. Their work in the community is invaluable and any support large or small wil go a long way. To find out more about DRERS go to www.drers.org.au For more information about Burrinja visit www.burrinja.org.au
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Get into Art! Burrinja Open Day
Sunday 21st October 11am – 3pm The annual Burrinja Open Day has free activities and events for the whole family. This is a great day to experience Burrinja - a celebration of performance and art in all their forms for everyone from young to old. The main theatre will come alive with the many talented performers of the Dandenong Ranges, and you can explore the theatre, galleries and studios, take in music with your coffee in the café, enjoy the annual Ferntree Potters sale and join in a workshop to learn new skills. Check burrinja.org.au for full program details.
Burrinja Cnr Glenfern Rd & Matson Drive, Upwey ph: (03) 9754 8723 w: burrinja.org.au
“there’s a BUZZ around town” Journey around the quirky, the creative, and the exquisite delights of Belgrave and explore the variety this vibrant hub has to offer. Visit the business directory at www.belgrave.net.au for more details. The Annual Halloween Treat Trail is coming up on Saturday October 27th with a whole new set of questions for the trail. Fun for all the family between 11am and 1pm ~ learning lots about the people and places around town while gathering treats along the way. Dress up and join in the fun!
lovin’ Belgrave • Great shopping adventures to be had. • Exciting new arts events to get involved in. • New businesses settling in and old ones to rediscover. For more information about what’s on in Belgrave, visit www.belgrave.net.au or like the facebook page www.facebook.com/beltraders Contact Marina on 9754 1027 or beltraders@belgrave.net.au
Spring Calendar October 27th Halloween Treat Trail
Belgrave Arcade studio & gallery
September 22nd 1-4pm @ Tin Shed
October 20th www.reverbfest.com
November 24th www.endofthelinefestival.com
Sunny sid e r s at K a ll ist a
guest, finished C. J. Dennis, their most famous and ide ites Wh hen Step by text ntal Bloke’ Excerpts from writing ‘The Songs of a Sentime 1913/14. in text by Yvonne DeLacy ide’ nys ‘Sun at in an omnibus † ers, writ of p grou . a e them wer s to k ider boo nys The Sun He dedicated the gregated at a circle artists and intellectuals who con Other members of the ‘Sunnyside’ – 1930. 1910 from ide, nys Sun d calle ty Gunn proper included the writer Mrs Aeneas today’s from d tche stre ty per pro acre rs David Low The 10 (‘We of the Never Never’), illustrato s Bridge on gley Bea to n dow nue Ave Gye (who ide Sunnys (creator of ‘Colonel Blimp’) and Hal * ek. including Cre ks, as Sassafr illustrated most of C. J. Dennis’ boo erta Rob and ) Gilbert rry’ b We In 1910, John Garibaldi (‘Ga ‘The Sentimental Bloke’), sculptor , ide’ nys ‘Sun outside der, ders ken Flin Roberts purchased a wee (creator of the statue of Matthew a was erts Rob ters . pain ista) and Kall in South Sassafras (now Melbourne’s St. Paul’s Cathedral), way Tram of rne ann bou McC Mel senior executive with the Percy Leason (co-painter with Dick e n wer Joh , ple en’) cou elev & Omnibus Company. The iconic painting ‘I allus has one at † † ck. linto . arts McC k enthusiastic patrons of the Shirlow, Harold Herbert and Alic Garry and an occasional Frank Roberts, the eldest son of The painter Tom Roberts was also † to ve mo to job k ry. ban Gar city of his trait Roberta, gave up visitor, and painted a por the like s tree fruit and ies berr Mont St Quentin, the block to grow * Frank was killed at the battle of e, arriv to ted star ors † visit ry Roberts local settlers. When France, in September 1918. Gar se-drawn of his son that th dea Garry arranged for obsolete hor the at f suffered such grie nyside’ and artists left ting por omnibuses to be taken up to ‘Sun sup for the passion he had the homestead broader the in self placed in the paddocks around him d erse † him and he imm ts. artis ing visit for tion oda * to provide accomm Kallista community. 3; the house John Garibaldi Roberts died in 193 . Sunnyside was sold and Roberta left the area John Shirlow, Mrs Aeneas Gunn, Dave Wright, * burnt down in 1935..... C.J. Dennis, J.G. Roberts, Bert Roberts (in bus).
Image courtesy of the National Library Australia.
* Text by Yvonne DeLacy †
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Text by Stephen Whiteside
The Sunnysiders Festival was created to celebrate this memorable period. The Festival celebrated poetry, song and visual art as homage to the spirit and intent behind the Sunnyside artist colony and was first held in Kallista in early Spring this year. If you would like to join in the next Sunnysiders Festival please express your interest via www.sunnysiders.org.au
log life 604FROMBELGRAVE AUG 21 2012 | SEAT WARS The 6.04, starting at the beginning of the line as it does, is empty when we board in the morning. There’s only about 10 to 15 people that brave the early morning trip from Belgrave, so seats are always easy to get. It’s not until we reach Camberwell (usually), that finding a seat becomes a more hit and miss affair. Which brings me to the number one unwritten rule about early-morning commuting. I’ll uppercase it so you’ll realise the importance. EVERYONE HAS THEIR REGULAR SEAT Woe betide the irregular commuter that hops on and plonks themselves down on the nearest available. If it’s someone’s regular seat, there will be hell to pay when the “official commuter” gets on. The other morning at Upper Ferntree Gully a young man boarded – headphoned, iPodded
and messenger-bagged – and sat himself down on the closest seat to the door. Little did he know that this seat, through mutual agreement, is always reserved for bearded public servant from Bayswater. (I’m guessing he’s a public servant – nylon wind breaker in fetching shade of tan, sensible slip on shoes and does the crossword from the previous day’s Age. Early start to build up flexi-time hours.) The tension started to rise. As the stations rolled by (Ferntree Gully, Boronia), the 6.04 regulars glanced furtively at each other. What would happen? “Now arriving at Bayswater.” He got on. And, without looking (obviously), promptly sat on the lap of the usurping young man. Much confusion and many stifled giggles from the regulars. Anonymous Thoughts of an early-morning commuter. 604frombelgrave.com/
Little White Box Words and images by Adriana Alvarez When Tony Celik came up to Belgrave for a coffee one day he thought to himself, this would be a good place for a store. He had sold his jewellery business seven months earlier and could see that Belgrave had a good atmosphere. “Belgrave is having a renaissance, it has a lovely vibration. With new and interesting shops and it’s very refreshing driving up here every day,” says his wife Annette who works with him at The Little White Box. Belgrave’s new jewellery store. Tony has been a jeweller for thirty years and was the Chairman of the Victorian and Tasmanian Jewellery Association for several years. His business partner Lynne Cunningham has a background in jewellery retail. So it’s an exciting partnership for their business. “Tony can produce any sort of jewellery,” says Annette. “From a simple chain to the most personalised pieces, like an engagement ring or a frog brooche.” He works with all facets of jewellery making and will work with his client to achieve the piece they want. The Little White Box has jewellery pieces made by Tony as well as fashion jewellery, silver and gold jewellery and other pieces made for the store. “We have a wonderful blend of all different jewellery,” says Annette. “we also have watches and you can come in and have a battery changed or have your old jewellery melted down and made into something new.” Providing a service for your jewellery needs close to home so you don’t have to travel down the hill or further afield. Having very recently opened (just a few weeks ago) they plan to be constantly evolving with new and different things coming in. So it’s worth dropping by regularly to see what they have in store. Little White Box - 1702 Burwood Highway, Belgrave
www.facebook.com/LittleWhiteBox www.little-white-box.com.au 10
design
Muddlarking about. . . . . . Bethany Davis, the creator and designer of Muddlarks waterproof children’s clothing was born in Upwey (literally!) at the house her parents currently live in and grew up in the hills. At 17 she moved to the inner city to finish VCE at Swinburne as it was an art based school. From there she continued to study ‘Clothing Industry Studies’ at RMIT in Brunswick where she was awarded student of the year and won the Textile Institute design award – the prize being a scholarship to study in Paris at the Paris school of Fashion with other students from all around the world. She worked as a pattern maker, assistant sales, product developer and graphic designer for 3 separate children’s clothing companies after her studies. All jobs which prepared her for her future business. Having diverse interests she took up boxing and turned professional for 2 years. Bethany also joined the MPs in the Army Reserves. It was when she met her partner Kev (who had emigrated from England to the Hills approximately 16 years earlier) that she moved back to the Hills and together they bought their first home in Belgrave. Kev is a builder and very keen motorbike racer. As a resut they spent their early days riding bikes and renovating.
Then their two kids came along, Bobby is 4 and Isla is 21mths. Isla suffers from epilepsy and has had a rough start. “Caring for Isla has taught me a great deal about not only epilepsy but the challenges parenting can bring”, says Bethany. “It’s amazing how much having children changes your life. I didn’t want to continue to commute to the city each day for work and inspired by the kids, Muddlarks was created” says Bethany. When her son was one she couldn’t find waterproof clothing for him, realising there was a gap in the market she created her own. “After many, many long nights of research, design and development Muddlarks was born and the response to it has been very rewarding. Apart from production everything from web design to photography has been done locally in the Hills. I remain committed to staying local and hope to continue expanding Muddlarks with more styles each year and possibly adding a summer range.” Kev proposed to her this year on her 30th birthday. “I think the Hills have a vibrant, unique and proud community and is a great place for kids to grow up,” says Bethany who plans to buy some land in the Hills (of course) and get married on the land before building a dream home for their family. To see Muddlarks range of waterproof clothing go to www.muddlarks.com.au 11 11
News from my inbox Calling all artists! Here is the latest offering from the creative duo at Limerence, Brent and CJ Dakis. We love your work. We are in the middle of organising an arts festival for Belgrave! The idea is to use numerous spaces all over Belgrave on November 24th to house markets, music stages, perfomances, workshops, and anything else creative. We have chatted to so many creatives in the store and it just seems there is nothing in Belgrave itself for us; Kallista has its market, so does Upwey, there is now an arts market happening in Kallista too, and Selbyfest etc. So we created ‘End of the Line’ festival :) This year it will be one day, next year we are planning on a week long festival. We have a website registered www.endofthelinefestival.com and the logo which you have seen. We have Samantha Dunn on board, as well as Tiff Bishop, Marina from the Traders, and Josh Collings who is a good friend of ours with a deep history in events organising. We would LOVE to have you be involved in whatever way you think you can! There is an ‘Expression of interest’ form online to get out to as many creative people as we can stalls for artists, roving performers, musicians etc. Here is our mission statement too :) “The End of the Line Festival is a one day community arts event being put together by volunteers of the Belgrave Community Arts Partnership. The aim of the event is to develop opportunities and connections between artists and the wider community, strengthening a sense of community spirit by engaging and inspiring us all through art exhibitions, craft workshops, entertainment and market stalls showcasing the handmade work of local artisans and craftspeople. 12
The event will take place in a variety of locations throughout Belgrave village but focusing mainly on the Hayes car park/Cameo Cinema end of town. There are so many under-utilised spaces at this end of Belgrave that those who live in Belgrave don’t even know about- it is our aim to shift the context of some of these spaces and take people on a journey to explore these hidden treasures! This is not your typical suburban ‘market’, it is not a commercial enterprise, this is about creating an opportunity for members of our community to join together to celebrate our unique and diverse creative expression through exciting and uplifting festivities. So we are looking for artists from a wide range of art forms/mediums to display their work (the more imaginatively the better!) and where possible engage people in their process through demonstrations, workshops or performances. We feel that this event has real potential to not only strengthen our community, but to develop an identity as a vibrant artistic hub of the hills showing those from outside the area that Belgrave is more than just ‘The End of the Line.’” So yeah, that’s where we are at the moment really. It’s pretty exciting, there is a lot of interest and we are hoping for it to become a yearly thing that Belgrave can boast :) www.facebook.com/ endofthelinefestival
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NEARLY A RETROSPECTIVE ANDREW CHAPMAN 29 August – 28 October 2012 at Burrinja. A long time Dandenong Ranges resident, Andrew Chapman worked as a newspaper and freelance photographer for over 30 years. This exhibition features documentary work, spanning over 40 years and offers a fascinating insight into Australian social and political life through the lens of one of Australia’s most prominent documentary photographers. “I fell in love with photography around 1970 and nothing much has changed with that love affair. I am essentially a documentary photographer, I like to record life as it happens and leave a visual trail for subsequent generations to interpret. I prefer photographing ordinary people. There are no expectations and the chances of getting a less set up shot are better.” - Andrew Chapman To see more of Andrew Chapman’s work go to www.bigcheez.com.au
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exHiBition
Permaculture grows Words and image by Christina Reeves You may have noticed there has been a bit of ‘greening’ around Upwey. Local Permies are working with community groups and traders in the area to encourage growing herbs, veggies and fruit in the local area on any available land, and are also investigating the establishment of a local Community Garden/Public Orchard. There are many ways you can get involved even with limited knowledge of Permaculture. Most of the active local groups have a strong social element and a lot of people who have become involved in these initiatives feel a very strong sense of connection to their community and to each other; some even feeling like they have established a ‘second family’. Why not join one of the local groups or come along to an event to see for yourself what all the hype is about. COMMUNITY HARVEST – is a social group with an interest in food security, sustainability and environmental issues. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month, rotating to different houses for a shared dinner (usually prepared from home grown produce or ‘low food miles’). A topic of interest is chosen every month and may include watching an educational DVD. Please contact Michelle Jones for more information*. SUNDAY MORNING ‘PERMIE’ BREAKFAST AT MAGPIE CAFÉ – This is an informal social gathering of anyone interested in Permaculture and related topics. People come and go throughout the day from 9.30am. Many friendships have formed over coffee and free range eggs. Excess produce and preserves are swapped, networking takes place, initiatives are 16
Mon thly food swa p at Upw ey
sparked, projects discussed, support offered and received, hints and tips on gardening and recipes etc. take place. This is true community building in its most basic form. All welcome. Just drop in when you feel like it. PERMABLITZES – On the 3rd Sunday of the month (when the weather is conducive) an informal ‘permablitz’ is organised at someone’s house. This is in the form of a ‘working bee’. Everyone rocks up with tools and equipment and a lot of work gets done in a fun social atmosphere with yummy food! Definitely the best way to tackle those large projects and have fun at the same time. MONTHLY FOOD SWAPS – ‘Locals feeding Locals’ is held on the last Saturday of every month out the front of Magpie Café in Upwey. Locally-grown chemical-free fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and seedlings are available to buy or swap. New stalls welcome. Bring your homegrown excess produce to swap-share-meet with your local community. Our aim is to create community awareness around food issues, provide access to fresh, healthy food, increase local food availability, food security and build community resilience. Please contact Michelle Jones for more information*.
*Michelle Jones - mob: 0409 526862 email: michellejones58@optusnet.com.au
eco matters FRUTCO – Friends of Upwey & Tecoma Community Orchard are a small group of local people researching areas of public land with a view to establishing local community gardens and public orchards. Please contact Michelle Jones for more information*.
establishing a local Food Co-op and producing a local Food Guide. Interested people can join the Facebook group called Transition Sherbrooke Food Co-op for more information and meeting dates or contact Taj Scicluna thepermapixie@gmail.com
BACKYARD REVOLUTION – Is an initiative to motivate people to take the first steps to start growing their own food. Packets of easy to grow seeds or established seedlings are handed out by Yarra Ranges Local Councillors in late February/ early March and late October every year with the notion that Labour Day and Cup Day become days that beginners put aside to plant a garden each year. Information on growing basic food will be issued with the seeds. Please contact Michelle Jones for more information*.
UPWEY ULTRALOCAL PERMACULTURE FACEBOOK GROUP – This is an interactive forum where group members share all sorts of posts, information, swap ideas, organise excursions, permablitzes and discuss permaculture in general.
PERMACULTURE DISPLAY GARDEN – located at the back of the Upwey Community Link. 3 raised garden beds have been planted out and are regularly maintained by community members as a display community garden to show locals how easy it is to grow an abundance of food in a restricted location. Please contact Michelle Jones for more information*. HILLS FOOD NETWORK – a Transition Sherbrooke initiative, is a newly formed group
What is Permaculture? Graham Bell describes permaculture as “a way of life which shows us how to make the most of our resources by minimizing waste and maximising potential. Living ecologically doesn’t mean giving everything up, but relearning the value of nature
PERMACULTURE PARENTS OF THE HILLS FACEBOOK GROUP – is forming a collective of local, like minded parents wanting to make some small and big changes in the lives of their families and inspire others to do the same. This group will meet at each other’s homes as a simple traditional mothers group but with the intention of helping each other with garden designs, work and ideas. Hopefully growing to building children’s community gardens in the local area. PERMACULTURE VILLAGE AT CONFEST – The local Hills permaculture group have a vision to establish a Permaculture Village at Easter Confest 2013. Anyone interested can join the Facebook Group ‘Permaculture Village at Confest 2013’
and understanding new ways of being healthy…Conscious design of a lifestyle which is highly productive and does not cause environmental damage… Meeting our basic needs and still leaving the earth richer than we found it.” The permaculture movement has become more popular
in recent years with people becoming educated on genetically modified foods, the health benefits of home grown food and the importance of establishing food security given the uncertainty of our future in light of peak oil, climate change and global financial crises issues. 17
street style
Cindy and Arminka from Kallista Seen at Kallista Markets. Cindy goes to CafĂŠ de Beaumarchais in Sassafras every weekend for breakfast. Her grey tights are from a soap shop in Olinda (Verve?)
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Images by Zoe Goldberg and Adriana Alvarez
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Scanlon, 1 Christine from Kallista. Favourite shops in the hills? Kallista Bio-Dynamic Market and Limerence in Belgrave.
from 2 Linda, Belgrave Heights.
Recommends - Voski and Beggars Boutique in Upwey, Rambling Rose in Tecoma, and her jacket was from Kallista Markets.
ahav Ron, from 3 YElwood.
At the Fashion meets Fiction Launch, Upwey. Man about town with his own fashion resale store. www.paris99.net 19
music Coen Dixon
Jed Rowe
Fats Wah Wah
Lily and King
Carolyn Oates
Reverberations Words by Carolyn Oates It seems that everywhere you turn in this part of the world there is some artistic expression actively being displayed or created.
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Everything from paintings and sculpture by local artists in cafés, to live music or poetry readings in the plethora of great live performance venues scattered around the Dandenongs. Then there is the variety of locally created crafts that you can find on a stall in all the local markets that run in a different hamlet each week.
most progressive, diverse and talented artists, musicians, crafters, writers, actors, comedians, performers and people. Hills folk are a tight knit community that celebrates all of life’s riches. Reverberation is a culture festival which offers a snap shot into the world of delights which the Hills has to offer. It aims to promote local talent and businesses in a broad spectrum of forums and mediums in a supported and open minded environment.”
So here is where the vision for a new festival was brought together over a few beers in a local alehouse to see an annual celebration of this broad collection of the arts into a culture festival. The inaugural Reverberation Festival will be on Saturday October 20 at Ruby’s in Belgrave, and it will be a day-long celebration of the fine culture the Hills has to offer.
When you live here, I think it becomes easy to forget just how good we have it here. I am reminded not to take this for granted when I pay a visit to any other part of Melbourne and look around at what culture is on offer. Sometimes it’s hipster, sometimes intellectual, and many a time it’s nothing more than a way to fill a wall space or an empty stage.
This is the Festival’s Mission Statement: “The Dandenong Ranges (affectionately known as the Hills) plays host to some of the
What I’ve begun to appreciate is that the Hills has been a place of inspiration for artists, for a long time. It hasn’t followed trends and people
have felt unhindered to experiment artistically. Yes, this means sometimes we have the whacky, but it also means we can find the extraordinary. Not everyone who creates is a professional, but amateurs have more of an opportunity to thrive here, and push themselves to a higher level of achievement. There is also a healthy level of respect and comradery which sees folk working and jamming together, playing off each other and being inspired by someone else’s contribution. This is something the Hills can be proud of and a celebration of its culture is a great way to share this with friends and family. Do yourself a favour, join in and be proud of where you and your family live. Reverberation Festival is on Saturday October 20 at Ruby’s from 12 noon to midnight. There will be visual art, sculpture, a craft market, spoken word and acoustic music going throughout the afternoon, then a music celebration into the evening. Some of the
artists and musicians being featured are Kaitlyn Rich, Coen Dixon, Lachlan Case, Michael Coe, Lily and King (Album Launch), The Snowball Effect, Fats Wah Wah and Dave Stergo. Carolyn Oates is curating a Songwriters in the Round during the afternoon of the Festival. Carolyn Oates Carolyn is a local singer/songwriter and also offers instrument tuition, for more information go to www.carolynoates.com
Squiggly Rainbow
What is a terrarium?
Many people mistake terrariums and miniature gardens. Terrariums must have a closed lid; the closed lid ensures the terrarium maintains it’s own weather cycle and they thrive on neglect.
Why do you make terrariums?
I make terrariums as it links both my creative desires and my love of gardening. I often say to people I feel like I am painting with moss and plants. To design a whimsical little garden inside a piece of glassware I find is challenging and also satisfying. The reason I have kept making terrariums is the feedback I have received from the people around me, customers and even strangers. The intrigue and wonderment of all who looked into my little glass worlds is encouragement to keep designing and making.
How did you become interested in them?
I picked up a vintage book published in 1973 from the Monbulk op shop on terrariums. I had seen a little necklace pendant on etsy with fake grass inside and a little man standing upon it. My creative juices went nuts thinking I could make terrariums and put little settings inside them. I began with op-shop vintage jars 22
and making my own miniatures. It was a big learning curve. I did some more reading and researching, a lot of trial and error to start with. Then I put some in my stall at The Vintage Shed in Tyabb and they sold so quickly. My first Upwey Grassroots market was so encouraging; I had some amazingly generous and special people give me feedback and prompted me to take it further. I signed up for Craft Markets Victoria and it was quite a hit.
Any other creative pursuits?
I am constantly thinking creatively and at times I seem a little whimsical to my family! I love working with mixed media. I also weave ornaments out of willow and this is something I have not seen anywhere before. My most recent new creations have been using my photographs of terrariums to design fabrics and make cards and brooches.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration mostly comes from nature and the environment. In saying that, it is generally linked in with early childhood and life’s simple pleasures. I do love Andy Goldsworthy’s work.
creative life Tell me about your diverse blog
I had not heard about blogs until my late friend Dee had shared hers with me as she battled with cancer. I did some visiting of different blogs online and felt so much more connection reading real people’s stories. There is one I still follow from that time about 3 years ago – the important thing to remember is that the reader does only see a snippet – not one’s whole life or story. I began my blog when I was still at home full-time with my youngest child. My two boys had gone through a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and our family had lost two dear friends in a period of six months to cancer. Big life changes were taking place as I returned to study as a kindergarten teacher and we looked at relocating our family to a community and school that was inclusive of all our children’s needs. So I blogged about our family, my thoughts and headspace as I continued to live a life with depression and then there was also my creative designs to share. I am sharing a lot more these days about our garden and my family’s journey in sharing a simple life together.
What advice would you give someone wanting to start a blog?
I think it is really important to keep it real. Many bloggers like to just write about the good stuff. It is important to keep in mind how public you wish to be, who is your target audience? Be yourself, be honest and do not defame anyone.
Privacy of your family and friends is important. Share what you are passionate about.
Where can people find your work?
Finders Keepers Market Bazaar in Emerald, The Vintage Shed in Tyabb, Grassroots Market in Upwey (most markets), Red Hill Market, Flemington Market. I also have some items listed on madeit.com and etsy.com
Anything else you’d like to add?
Squiggly Rainbow started as a little hobby collecting thrifted treasures and sewing children’s clothes, it morphed into something completely different as we moved to the hills and I found that book in the op-shop. We are now a registered business and opportunities are popping up in different areas. It is something I did not think would happen, that my little hobby would transform – it really does sound like one of those stories you read about! For more look for Squiggly Rainbow or go to squigglyrainbow.blogspot.com.au/
Finders Keepers A ‘Market Bazaar’ full of hand-made and recycled fashion, contemporary arts and crafts, jewellery and more.
365 Main St, Emerald. Finders Keepers Emerald
Family Day Care Family Day Care is an alternative to Day Care Centers that provides care for children in the carers’ (now called ‘educators’) own home. With up to 4 children in care it feels more like a family and allows the children to experience a more familiar environment. Ann is one of many educators in different locations across the Shire who are contracted to provide childcare through Council’s registered Family Day Care Service. From her comfortable home in the hills, and for more than thirty years, Ann has been providing quality childcare and education to families living or working in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. All educators are qualified and committed early childhood professionals who design their play based programs to foster learning, have fun and provide the everyday activities of a household routine. Children in Family Day Care may spend the morning gardening, reading, creating art or cooking and in the afternoon go out into the community to visit the library, play in the park or attend play group.
Being able to be more flexible and go out is one of the benefits of Family Day Care. Another benefit is the connection made between your children and the educator who can become like part of your extended family.
Images courtesy of Family Day Care
Words by Adriana Alvarez
The educators I’ve met out and about are always patient and caring and often began working when they had their own children and found that they loved looking after them. All Family Day Care homes are different so don’t be afraid to shop around to find one that suits your values and needs. But all meet the strict safety standards required under the National Quality Framework for Children’s Services. To find out more please contact Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 and ask to speak to Family Day Care.
Yarra Ranges Council Family Day Care LIMITED VACANCIES EXIST Family Day Care is a childcare service providing quality homebased care for children from birth to 12 years of age in the safe, comfortable home environment of registered Educators who are supported by trained council staff who monitor care placements throughout the Shire. For your daily, weekly and before and after school child care needs call Family Day Care. Who can become a Family Day Care Educator? Educators must be 18 years of age or over and permanently reside in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. They must have formal childcare qualifications and be able to demonstrate their ability to provide a quality home based child care service. A thorough selection process takes place to contract Educators to the Scheme. If you require quality home based childcare in your area or would like to find out more about becoming a Family Day Care Educator call 1300 368 333 and ask for Family Day Care. www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
cafe love The General Food Store - Emerald Words and images by Tiffany Morris-North From the moment we entered The General Food Store in Emerald we were welcomed in and, after a quick phone call, were shown to our seats. The atmosphere was lively with people coming and going and the cafe was constantly full, always a good sign. The selection was not large but was large enough to have myself and my dining partner salivating. We had trouble choosing from the menu which is changed regularly and based on seasonal produce. I chose “Save the Wales” which consisted of Welsh rarebit, buttered leeks and poached eggs. Being the Bacon Queen that I am, I decided to add a side of bacon, but I can honestly say that it did not need it. My fellow diner had an “Arabesque” - poached eggs on sour dough, haloumi cheese, beetroot relish and dukkah. The food was delicious and so was the coffee. The special was eggs with truffles - not what you’d expect from a Dandenong’s eatery! It is refreshing to know that our dining habits in The Hills are moving forward and there’s so much available. The dishes were all very reasonably priced, the décor modern and unpretentious, and the waiting staff friendly and helpful. They have a board with the monthly specials, news and seasonal fruit and veggies. Plus you can join a mailing list to receive updates and specials. I look forward to returning and working my way through the menu - although with the selections changing according to the season, I’ll be (happily) visiting for quite some time! 377 Belgrave-Gembrooke Rd, Emerald, VIC 3782 Plus check out The General Food Store on facebook TIffany Morris-North Tiffany is a passionate artist/crafter/foodie living with her family in the beautiful and inspiring Dandenong Ranges. Follow her adventures on her blog tiffanymorrisnorth.wordpress.com 25
Gallery
C ol le ctive s p ir it
tiffaney bishop COLLECTIVE is a recently formed art collective inspired by a successful four year old community arts project called tiffaney bishop & the SCUMPUPS. The COLLECTIVE has developed and sustained a formal collaborative arts practice between adults and young people engaging in professional public, interactive, digital, visual and literary arts projects (a highlight being hoodie magaZine which was recently shortlisted for 2 best design/publishing awards). Thanks to the support of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Art and Culture and Youth Services departments and Cr Samantha Dunn, Tiffaney has been able to rent a space in the Belgrave Arcade and offer local young people a free studio/gallery to make and present work in. The COLLECTIVE also offers intensive mentoring and currently supports 22 artists in residence and is about to launch their first public art project at the Upwey train station, in the Belgrave Arcade 26
and on Bins in Belgrave! Although the studio is reaching its physical capacity in terms of membership, the COLLECTIVE plans to produce a second edition of hoodie magaZine and all young artists and activists are welcome to participate in this exciting publishing project. Everyone is welcome! Drop by the studio/gallery to find out more or visit www.tiffaneybishopcollective.com
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