COASTALWATCH
ILLUSTRATING A NEW CHAPTER By MEAGAN JACOBS
H
ow on earth does South Coast artist/illustrator Julie Sydenham manage to fit it all in? Between family, business, running art classes, volunteering with Escape ARTfest, singing with the Glorious MUDsingers choir and playing ukulele – Julie cannot imagine life without being surrounded by art and her other creative passions. Having spent years drawing and painting, producing ceramics and loads of other creative activities, illustrating had never been on Julie’s radar. That was until her young daughter Jasmine wrote When I Grow Up, this was the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Now with five books under her belt, Julie is comfortably ensconced in the world of illustration. Inspiration for Julie always comes from the words of the stories she is presented with, along with discussions between herself and the authors. “I firstly sit down and do a few initial sketches based on what my mind sees. “Once presented to the authors, the ideas evolve from there. I try not to talk to them too much before I do sketches, as I don’t want their visions to influence my own. Occasionally we’ve even had to re-write little parts of the text to suit my imagery, especially if I’ve gotten a little carried away with something – which happens a lot!” says Julie. Collaborating with author Di Morrissey on the recent release of Sonoma Meets Miss Mouse, Julie’s use of mixed media, texture, bird’s eye perspective and rich saturated colour evokes a sense of pure magic to this wonderful, heart-warming children’s book. Julie is currently working on two new books and can see herself pursuing illustration for many years to come. Perhaps a future project for this busy artist will be a story of her own.
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COASTALWATCH
Seeds of Change B y A lice M o f f itt
T
hree years ago, when Steve and Kerryn Martin made the move from Tasmania to the small South Coast village of Bemboka, they didn’t have to worry about job hunting – their online seed business was able to move with them. Kerryn and Steve stumbled upon the area by chance and describe it as the perfect place to live. “It’s a friendly, lush, green valley with great soil and a great growing season, located between the Snowy Mountains and a whole string of awesome surfing beaches. We wish we’d discovered this place 30 years ago”, Steve says. The Lost Seed came about around 14 years ago, when Kerryn and Steve were “looking after” a tiny island off the south coast of Tasmania. They opened a health shop and found their best sellers were the organic vegetable seedlings Kerryn was growing. Before long they were stocked
in Mitre 10 stores and nurseries around Hobart. Former Gardening Australia host Peter Cundall started buying them regularly at the Hobart markets and often spoke about them on TV and radio. Kerryn invested a great deal of time into researching and testing seeds that were reliable and had a good germination rate. She used only the best seeds to fill packets and customers began to get consistently great results, which helped the business develop a good reputation. After deciding to discontinue the labourintensive seedling punnets, Kerryn and Steve now concentrate on their boutique seed business, which aims to revive old, forgotten vegetable and herb varieties. They sell an array of over 800 non-hybrid, non-GM, rare and heirloom seeds via their online store. Their seeds are also a favourite of the popular Melbournebased Little Veggie Patch Co. who install,
promote and educate people about chemical-free vegetable gardens. Their most popular sellers are the Black Cherry Tomato and Golden Bantam Corn but Steve lists some of the more unusual varieties, such as Painted Mountain Corn, Drunken Woman Lettuce, Green Cossack Kale and Ten Commandments Gourd, as his favourites. Rather than trying to be experts in every variety they sell, Kerryn and Steve grow around 120 varieties themselves and outsource the rest to trusted growers. They continue to test the seeds they buyin however, to make sure the quality is of the highest standard. They only buy small quantities at a time from their growers to ensure “freshness and quick turnover”, says Steve. www.thelostseed.com.au Ph: (02) 6493 0486
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COASTALWATCH
Global Allure S tor y an d photographs b y R ichar d M orecro f t
“I
t may look like a technicolour squid here in the shop,” says Dave Venn, cradling one of his creations in his hands, “but when this thing hits the water, it dives under the surface, pulls a trail of bubbles behind it and behaves like a fastswimming fish. And that’s what the marlin is looking for.” In a quiet backstreet in Huskisson, there’s a burgeoning international industry. The hand-crafted big game lures which Dave makes in his small workshop are travelling the globe, ordered by fishermen – and women – who want the feel of a mighty billfish or tuna on the end of their rod. “I’ve even had orders from Hawaii – and that’s where this type of lure was invented. But the USA is a big market for me”. Dave’s workshop is a treasure-trove of glistening stylised fish heads, complete with huge eyes to make them more convincing in the water. Many of the polished acrylic forms contain slices of shimmering shell or prismatic material and the “bodies” are multi-tendrilled skirts of silicon, sparkling with metallic fragments. They seem more like polychromatic sculptures than pieces of fishing tackle; but as Dave explains, they’re carefully designed to work in a convincing way. “When the lure goes out at the back of
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the boat, the lead weight in the belly pulls it down, then the shape of the head pulls it back up. It porpoises along just below the surface. The marlin looks up, sees the boat, which it thinks is a bait school of small fish, and the lure looks just like the slightly larger fish that might be chasing the bait school. And that’s the fish that the marlin wants, so it grabs the lure.” Dave’s been making his personally styled lures for over 12 years now. Each one begins life with the careful construction of eyes, reflective material (like shell pieces) and shaped lead weight. They’re placed in a silicon-rubber mould and the resin poured in. After it’s set, Dave individually lathe-spins and polishes each one to crystal clarity, then attaches the skirt. And the names he gives these creations reinforce their Aussie heritage – Chook, Dingo and The Ripper are some of his most popular. But their success in fishing tournaments is what counts. “The heaviest bluefin tuna world record was on one of my lures. So was the heaviest marlin ever taken off Sydney. One of the boats from Galveston over in Texas won $196,00 in prize money in one competition on my lures ... but I don’t see any of that money!” Dave chuckles ruefully, but business isn’t
so bad. He’s flat-chat polishing up a big order in the workshop due to be sent off this afternoon, and at over $150 each for the largest lures, these are not playthings. On a shelf in his shop, gleaming, newly polished heads are standing up on racks. They look, well ... alluring; so tempting to pick up and roll around, seeing them flash and sparkle. But there’s a note stuck below them, which says, in bold texta, “What is your life worth? PLEASE don’t touch the lure heads.” The big fish may not be able to resist, but I’ve got the message.
COASTALWATCH
A local designer with a difference By ALEX ANDRA STRONG
W
e are truly lucky to live on the stunning South Coast, not only to be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of our famous coastline and rolling green hills but also for the many talented, creative designers living and working here, constantly inspired by our pristine landscape. I recently stumbled across the label NortjebyGeraldine, a collection of linen clothing by local designer Geraldine Nortje who is creating fashion with a sustainable edge. Geraldine’s love for fashion began many years ago in her homeland of South Africa where she first designed, manufactured and launched her own label. Since relocating to Australia, her love for fashion has evolved to focus less on current trends and more on what women really want to wear, with designs that are edgy and fun. With this thought she set out to produce a collection of easy-to-wear pieces that complement our laidback lifestyle. Producing designs that you can casually dress up or down, Geraldine has taken inspiration from her surroundings and created a refreshingly individual style that reflects the colour of our landscape. There is a sustainable integrity evident in her design and manufacturing process, which involves carefully sourcing sustainable linen fabric and uses organic dyes in an ancient technique to create the strong colours of her signature look. Geraldine’s bubbly personality is reflected in her work with a bold fusion of relaxed Australian style and South African cool. Her designs are unlike anything else you will find on the South Coast, redefining linen and giving it a fun new image. 114 Queen Street, Berry geraldinenortje@gmail.com Follow NortjebyGeraldine on Facebook + Instagram
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COASTALWATCH
Fashions on the Field B y L esle y R oulston
S
tarting out as a marketing idea casually discussed at a conference in Cairns, the Turfco Cows have become a local icon with a dedicated fan following. You may have seen them situated in the Turfco fields on the lefthand side of the road at Jaspers Brush, along the Princes Highway heading south towards Nowra. They have indeed been a successful marketing tool, says Turfco’s Scott Parker, who regularly paints the cows according to the occasion, and have taken on an identity of their own. “It’s not unusual to hear horns beeping,” he explains, “or to see motorists stopping to take pictures of the cows.” They are indeed an eye-catching sight on the beautiful country landscape. “There was originally one purple cow in
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the field,” Scott says, “but there is now a mother, bull and calf.” The cows themselves are constructed from fibreglass and are manufactured in Perth. Scott uses local water-based paint from Berry to decorate them and has recently added timber cutouts to increase the effect. He paints the cows according to the season whether that is Mother’s Day, Easter, State of Origin, Christmas or even St Patrick’s Day. The cows are spray-painted and now have well over one hundred coats on them. Scott designs the artwork and paints the cows himself, with the occasional assistance from his children. The cows have created a lot of interest from the public with a Facebook page “The Purple Cow’ dedicated to their antics. One local says the cows provide
much amusement for seniors travelling to Wollongong for treatment. There have been many positive comments like these as the cows have indeed become a local favourite. This fascination and passion may have been sparked early on, explains Scott, as he grew up next door to a dairy. He never expected though to be one day painting cows as part of his job description! Next time you find yourself travelling along the Princes Highway near Jaspers Brush, don’t forget to give a wave to the Turfco cows! www.turfco.com.au/purple-cow www.facebook.com/Theturfcocows
COASTALWATCH
Moruya’s Textile Treasures B y A lice M o f f itt
A
fter the birth of her third child, a maternal creative urge propelled Fleur Gunn to start her own business upcycling pre-loved and vintage materials. Throughout her childhood, Fleur was surrounded by beautiful fabrics, thanks to her mum Christine’s, love of sewing, embroidery and patchwork. Christine was living in Queensland when Fleur decided to give in to the impulse to start her own business, and the pair began collaborating over the phone. “There seemed to be an abundance of old, hand-made tapestries in op-shops about five years ago – although not so much anymore – and we decided to use some to re-cover ottomans, cushions, doorstops and dolls,” Christine says. After Fleur received such a positive response selling their wares at the Moruya markets, Christine made the move to the South Coast to help her daughter with the growing business. The name Dowry is a reference to the forgotten practice of passing down precious textile heirlooms from previous generations for a woman’s “glory box” or “dowry”. The duo acquire the textiles, which Fleur describes as “old and oncetreasured”, which are used to make Dowry’s wares, by scouring op-shops, buying bales of fabric from vintage suppliers and via generous donations from locals, friends and family. They hope to travel to India and the United States in the near future to go on a textile treasure hunt. In October, mother and daughter team opened a bright and cheery Moruya shop-front, which is home to their diverse range of clothing, cushions, chairs and other miscellanea. Behind the shop-front is their studio where the process of fabric cleaning, restoration, designing, cutting and sewing takes place. With the exception of the furniture upholstering, which is outsourced to a local professional, Fleur and Christine design and make every Dowry item here, including a range of sundresses and kaftans made from vintage tablecloths. Christine credits the incredible support and creative atmosphere from the local community as a driving force behind Dowry. “This area is so rich in creativity. Everyone respects each other’s talents and lots of people are doing what they love – including us,” she says. Fleur, a trained herbalist who has been a South Coast resident for 13 years, is constantly surprised by who is attracted to Dowry’s pieces. “It’s obviously mostly women, but the age and demographic is so varied. Basically it’s anyone who appreciates beautiful, quality textiles,” she says. 18 Ford St, Moruya. Ph: 0417 326 432. www.dowry.com.au Open Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 9am–1pm
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COASTALWATCH
A Bird’s Eye View B y L esle y R oulston
D
uring his 30-year career, South Coast film-maker Damon Smith has worked with some impressive names in the wildlife/adventure documentary world, including Sir David Attenborough, National Geographic and Dick Smith. His latest venture, however, involves pursuing his passion for landscape aerial photography with the best displayed in a series of solo exhibitions around the South Coast. His most recent exhibition “A Bird’s Eye View – Secret Salt Lakes of Australia’s Hidden Heart” is a spectacular collection of photographs of Australia’s vast salt lakes, remote deserts and wild coasts. He has managed to capture, not only some stunning natural images but some unexpected ones too, such as a group of camels running through water in the middle of a remote salt lake. It is one of the most popular photographs in the collection, Damon explains. His change of career has occurred after many years photographing remote parts of the globe and producing television documentaries. Damon has returned 32 South Coast Style
to some of the magical places he had no time to photograph earlier while on documentary assignments. Many of these areas are inaccessible by road and difficult to get to by foot, so few people get to experience their beauty. By using an aircraft, Damon has been able to access remote locations and capture spectacular scenes, many of which he now shares through his photographs. The striking and unusual images Damon captures are not a matter of luck, he is quick to say, but have been typically captured over a period of weeks waiting for the right light and weather conditions. Often Damon would fly out hours before sunrise in order to capture the breaking dawn. First light and dusk, along with differing weather conditions, add new textures to old landscapes, allowing the discovery of new worlds within worlds, Damon explains. Damon’s amazing photographs are the result of 20 to 30 years’ experience as he calls upon the vast knowledge he has gained over decades about cameras, photo angles, light and weather to capture his unique images.
Even though he has travelled the world, Damon is astounded at the natural beauty of the South Coast. Having settled comfortably not far from Berry, Damon spends as much time as possible exploring and photographing the coast. His photographic collection “A Bird’s Eye View” includes spectacular images of Kangaroo Valley swathed in fog, rainbows on the road to Jaspers Brush as well as a beautiful aerial view over Jervis Bay. Damon’s stunning collections are available for purchase and can be viewed on his website. www.damonsmith.com Email: damon@damonsmith.com Mobile: 0428 65 8888
COASTALWATCH
Coastal Chefs Turning the Tide in Culinary Innovation B y C lau d ine T inellis
B
espoke South Coast firm Harbour Publishing House in Ulladulla has laid down the culinary gauntlet with its exciting new publication, Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century, edited by Claudine Tinellis. Inspired by South Coast-based marine scientist, Dr Pia Winberg, Coastal Chef is an eclectic collection of recipes borne from a desire to show everyday Australians how to cook and eat different varieties of seaweed and algae; taking seaweed use beyond the ubiquitous sushi roll. Featuring 19 Australian chefs, 12 of whom hail from the South Coast, this book demonstrates innovative ways Australians can incorporate seaweed and algae into their
diets for better health. Using a selection of 28 different species of seaweed and algae, the chefs were encouraged to give free reign to their creative inclinations and invent exciting recipes. Chefs in well-reputed restaurants around the country have already begun laying the groundwork for the seaweed food revolution. However, Coastal Chef takes this work a step further by pushing western culinary boundaries, showing us how the flavour-enhancing characteristics of seaweed and algae can be used in unexpected ways. Master patissier, Jean-Charles Sommer, uses electric blue phycocyanin Spirulina extract to create a seaweed version of the French macaron, filled with a Mekabu seaweed ganache. Delightfully soft and moreish, you could be forgiven for thinking
this aptly-named “Drop from the Ocean” came from one of the macaron houses lining the Champs-Elysees in Paris – not Ulladulla. Mollymook’s Matt Upson from Tallwood combines the popular nori and wakame seaweed varieties with delectably juicy wagyu beef to create a BBQ beef skewer served with a mushroom and seaweed stir-fry. It’s “surf ‘n’ turf” with a twist that any reluctant seaweed convert will find difficult to resist. Paul Goodenough, head chef from Rick Stein at Bannisters, uses locally grown and harvested Ulva with Ascophyllum seaweed powder to create a tempura seaweed battered prawn and salad that makes a finger-licking starter; guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. Few of us appreciate that humans have been eating seaweed for millennia. Coastal Chef takes readers on a journey of discovery, challenging us to return to nutritional basics. Will you rise to the challenge? Coastal Chef: Culinary Art of Seaweed & Algae in the 21st Century, edited by Claudine Tinellis, Harbour Publishing House, $39.99. Available at www.harbourpublishing.com.au. Material reproduced with permission of Harbour Publishing House. Photos by Nikki Wright.
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COASTALWATCH
HIGH KICKER b y J ane S an d ilan d s
B
ev Long has a wonderful pair of shoes, especially made for tap-dancing. They have metal on the heels and toes, with just a little bit of give, so they make the sound tapdancers call “bright”. But the uppers? They tell the story. These are shoes of many layers: a double sole, then black patent, shiny under lights. Next comes the rich brocade of red and gold: luxury, fun, fantasy. Then the top, closest to Bev’s trim ankles – soft white leather, threaded with laces, symbol of the discipline of practice – the code she lives by. Before Bev and her builder husband Stew moved to Central Tilba six years ago, she taught a range of dance at her own studio in Penrith. She specialised in tap, the dance form that had its origins in Irish step dancing and minstrel shows and went to new heights with black American dancers in the 1920s, the period that Bev loves best. “With tap,” she says, “you don’t need music: it’s the rhythm that takes you there.” And today, in the Tilba Hall, 22 keen students of tap, The Tilba Tappers, front up once a week to her classes to learn the steps, the rhythm, and the attitude. For as long as Bev can remember, the family has danced. “I remember my mother, dancing around the kitchen, and as a teenager, I was a drum majorette – just busting to twirl my baton.” As well as teaching, she performed special event cabaret shows such as Melbourne Cup ladies’ lunches, danced in the Todd McKenney show at the Lyric Theatre and appeared on Dancing with the Stars and the Kerri-Anne Kennerly show. Her favourite songs are from MGM musicals: Puttin’ on the Ritz, Singing in the Rain and Easter Parade, among them, and she is likely to become just a little dreamy-eyed talking about the heyday of the musical. As a child, Bev learnt to play the banjo, the stringed instrument with its origins in Africa, first brought to America by slaves and now most closely associated with jazz, bluegrass and folk music. At age 30, she decided to top up her banjo skills and threw herself into it, practising six hours a day, getting up at 5am while her three children were still sleeping. “Gosh, I love it. I love the sound, the drive, the power, it’s tied to music I love – and it’s a bit of a quirky instrument for a woman to play.” Bev performs regularly with her band, The Jazz Pack, which has regular local gigs, including at both the Moruya and Merimbula Jazz Festivals. And she still practises at least two hours every day. And windsurfing? It started in 1988 because she and Stew wanted a hobby to share. At a welcoming sailing club at Sanctuary Point near Jervis Bay they took their first steps in the world of water. They both enjoyed it and Bev particularly liked the challenge: “I could stay upright – and I could do it.” Her windsurfing trophies, in 2006 and 2007, came next. “I didn’t need to go in for competition, but everything I do is bigger than Ben Hur. It’s just the way I am.”
34 South Coast Style
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Zac’s Place. By the sea at Currarong.
- Zac’s Place specialises in food fresh from the sea and offers a general menu - Enjoy your meal in the dining room, front verandah or terrace - Drop in for coffee and enjoy the sea views while you relax - Great for casual dining or fully catered functions - Proprietors: Paul and Pam Zaccagnini OPEN EVERY DAY : RESTAURANT : TAKEAWAY : GENERAL STORE : BOTTLE SHOP
By the Sea at Currarong
1-3 Piscator Avenue Currarong. Ph. 4448 3177