One of the great joys of presenting Artfulmind Gallery/Shop pop-ups is telling makers and artists their wonderful works have been adopted. Another is having the novel experience of needing to remake the gallery due to the gaps created by artworks finding a welcoming home. Artfulmind Gallery/Shop is getting a makeover this week in time for next Saturday’s pop-up. Come and see for yourself.
Adoption Process
The first visitor at last Saturday’s Artfulmind Gallery/Shop in my Erowal Bay studio had come to the pop-up at Huskisson Artisans Market (Sunday 26 April), was intrigued by what she saw and wanted to see the full selection of art and hand crafts.
Visiting Artfulmind Gallery in my studio—in its lush habitat garden at the edge of Jervis Bay National Park—is a very different experience to the pop-up in the hub-bub of the busy Arts Muster artisans’ market in Huskisson Community Centre.
The quiet, intimate studio setting in Erowal Bay allows for more leisurely conversation and consultations about particular works, the maker, the processes involved, and perhaps to meet the maker, if they happen to be in residence at the time.
The visitor in question told me her husband and daschund dog were waiting in the car. I invited them both in. I thought all three might enjoy seeing Liane Wilcher’s captivating dog sculptures—My Flat Mate ‘Woofs’—especially the daschund. They did.
There was much marvelling at the clever design of these 3D sculptures assembled from 2D components, which completely capture the essence of 11 breeds of ‘woofs’. Harry the (real) daschund got somewhat distracted by the appearance of my neighbour’s staffie who took up residence for the day outside the studio door, on occasion becoming a trip hazard in her enthusiasm for the comings and goings.
After careful consideration of a diverse range of items, Harry and his humans adopted three Sentinels, soft felted wool and silk sculptures by Samatha Tannous, along with Joy I (Red) and Joy II (Yellow), two bold, dynamic pastel drawings by Judy Panucci, plus some bundles of cloth art scraps by Julie Paterson.
Judy Panucci, Joy I (Red), Joy II (Yellow) Pastel on 300gsm Arches paper, detail. Sold. Photo Judy Panucci.
Personal attention
As well as being a pleasure, the degree of personal attention I can give visitors to Artfulmind Gallery in my studio also allows me to witness which works of art and craft attract them, what they return to in circulating around the gallery, and what they finally choose to acquire and bring into their home. From my point of view, it looks very much like the artworks are choosing them.
When Liane Wilcher’s Staffie sculpture chose a visitor to give her a forever home during Saturday’s pop-up, it prompted thoughts of the unadulterated joy of Adoption Days at animal shelters.
You may have seen videos of dog adoption days on social media. People willing to give a dog a home turn up at animal shelters. The potential adopters sit still in two long rows forming a channel. Dogs are brought in one at a time and allowed to choose their human. The excitement of the dogs, the surprise and delight of the people being chosen is truly life-affirming.
Boost of Joy
Artfulmind Gallery is open for two more Saturdays in this series of pop-ups: 09 and 16 May / 11am-4pm. Come and immerse yourself in a trove of beautiful things for a welcome boost of joy. Peruse and, perhaps, let a work of art choose you.
Maybe you will adopt a small group of Debra Garrett’s Archi Forms. Each one unique, made to play with and formulate endless variations of your own cityscape.
Perhaps a unique functional item will find a home with you—one of Judy Panucci’s hand painted trays, or Jo Victoria’s exquisite porcelain incense holders, magical stem vases, printed beakers or delicate, sea-creature dishes.
You may meet an evocative artwork embodying a sunset, the beach, underwater worlds.
Possibly you’ll be attracted by the delightful presence of Greer Taylor’s flocks of Birds—some painted, some drawn.
And who could resist the appeal of a plump, beautifully fashioned cushion or adopting an adorable bunny or two …
These are just a few of the things waiting to greet you in Artfulmind Pop-up Gallery/Shop. Enjoy the works of 20+ skilled makers and artists—textiles, ceramics, wearable art, homeware, jewellery, painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media artworks, and more.
Prices start at $10. Many items under $100.
Where / When
Artfulmind Studio, Grandview Street, Erowal Bay. Open twice more in the current series of pop-ups: Saturdays 09 + 16 May / 11am-4pm. Email natalie@artsmuster.com.au for address.
