Art in the Hills

On the weekend we followed some of the art trail exploring open studios in Perth’s hills. We found magic tucked away in hidden retreats, open homes and purpose-built studios.

It was a challenge choosing a mere handful from the 65 artists who showcase their extensive range of media. In a neighbourhood we discovered some hidden gems. Each artist I spoke to happily gave permission for photos to be taken of their work. Here’s a mere handful of the extensive range on display at some of the studios.

Peach Tree Gallery

Hidden Gems

We started our trek with a visit to The Sound Temple in Sawyers Valley.  In a stunning setting, (one home is built in the style of a lodge), works by Brenda Stovell and Mike Moore were captivating. With a Celtic background of my own, I was fascinated by Mike’s sculptures of the Celtic Cross. Also on display were his works which captured his in-depth knowledge of Mesopotamia, areas in South America and Byzantium imagery.  

Creative Journals

A different approach to creating and saving memories, Brenda’s beautifully crafted journals inspire me to create my own. I have heritage lace, doylies, sheets of music, old paper from the early 1900’s, ribbons, buttons and fabric that would be a great start! Perhaps, one day….

Brenda’s art included a brilliant rendition of our iconic red-tailed cockatoo. We have many of these birds in the hills, often sitting in the gum trees, targeting anything below as they peck the honkey nuts from the branches! Beware! It pays to be wary if they are in a tree in the back yard. It can, quite literally ‘rain’ gum leaves and honky nuts that have had no opportunity to break out in blossom!

Brenda’s creative Journals inspired me to attempt one of my own.

We peaked inside The Sound Temple. As there were people already inside, we chose to appreciate the deep resonance of the drum as it vibrated through the space within.

Art connects with literature

Beautiful landscapes and a stunning portrait graced the Fly My Darling Studio.  The artist, Johanna Zeelenberg, shared some of her family stories and experiences during her time living in the West Australian town of Wittenoom, a town now completely dismantled due to the risk of asbestosis. We shared stories, mine in the light of Michelle Johnston’s novel, Dustfall which captured much of the life and outcomes Johanna spoke of. A somewhat sobering reminder of a harsh reality lived in a harsh environment.

Johanna’s art reflected the environments she has lived in. A beautiful work of art capturing the family matriarch stood out as a lone portrait.

Captivating reflections
Fly My Darling Studio entrance
Stunning Grass tree by Johanna Zeelenberg

Love of the Land

A drive further into the hills, almost on the other side of the Darling Scarp, we discovered Leith Street Studio. Here I fell in love with Kat Hardwick’s art. Only the week before, in conversation, had I realised a desire to explore abstract art and Kat’s spoke to my heart. I’ve no doubt it has everything to do with being a girl who loves the land, meeting another! I could sense the stories and connection in her work – that magical space where an image touches one’s soul. I am delighted to give Petrichor a new home!

Art & Hot Beeswax

I was intrigued with Melissa De Winter’s encaustic (hot beeswax) works. For a wonderful few minutes, she gave a short demo of her technique. Much patience is needed as the process is repeated many times in creating a complete image.

Melissa De Winter demonstrates part of the process of her encaustic artwork

Heading back to base

On the return trip, feeling quite sated with the few studios we’d seen, we visited studios in our immediate neighbourhood. Katey Cunliffe’s Intuitive Art is a delight with its detail and bright colours.  Magic comes to mind, as her work illustrates and captures the connection of one’s inner world with all that is, in the physical world.

Some of Katey’s art is mounted on aluminium

Playfulness in art

Our final port of call before walking back to our base, (yes, it is very close by!) was Jeremy Holton’s Peach Tree Gallery.  I have a few of Jeremy’s paintings in my home. His vivid, playful renditions capture my imagination. From his varied range two I chose are a vivid pastel and ink flowers and an acrylic rendition of daisies in a bowl.

Check out more inspiring talent in Mundaring Hills Open Studios!

You may be lucky enough to find a slice of apple pie – more like delicious apple strudel, a Fly My Darling Studio special made by her mother.)

Some studios are open all week from 21st – 29th October, 2023. There are many more than we managed to visit. As you head along the Great Eastern Highway, take a left or right turn into the suburbs along the way.

Stop and enjoy a drink and chat on the deck at The Sound Temple.

Or be fortunate to catch a brief demo at The Hive.

Or simply share a conversation with a total stranger about the wonder of art and how it connects to one’s soul.

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4 Replies to “Art in the Hills”

  1. Thank you for this wonderful review for MHOS… 2024 (our 15th year) will be better and bigger than before…. Visit for the first time or visit again, there’s always something wonderful to discover. 💕

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