By REBECCA BILLS
IT’S the one weekend in autumn where artists around the hills open there studios so anyone can experience the artistic world that flourishes within.
The 2014 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios is the 11th year the event has run and is an opportunity for art lovers to take a behind-the-scenes look into the life and work of some of the finest artists this region has to offer.
Artist Emma Jenkins will be opening up her Ferny Creek garden cottage this year as part of the event.
Ms Jennings creates intricate paintings in gouache and watercolour on traditional Japanese papers, museum grade prints and cards with archival bamboo paper alongside a large range of decorative wrapping papers.
Open Studios co-ordinator Amy Middleton said Ms Jennings was delightful.
“Her detailed work is testament to the sweetness of her character,” she said.
“I am thrilled with the standard of artists taking part in the program this year.
“As well as those studios that are renowned for being part of Open Studios, we also have some incredible new talent for visitors to enjoy.”
One such talent is Upwey resident Jessie Yvette Journoud-Ryan who will be showcasing for the first time her mosaic works created largely by recycled crockery found in op shops around the hills.
Her studio located in Burrinja Cultural Centre has been the place of creation of works inspired by crockery.
Ms Journoud-Ryan said she moved from the hills to France when she finished her primary school studies for six years.
“It’s interesting, years ago I did all my secondary schooling in France and as part of my Year 11 and 12 studies, I attended a national ceramics school in Burgundy,” she said.
“In the last four years, I’ve gone back to that interest.
“There really is a joy out of making something new out of something that has been broken.”
Ms Journoud-Ryan said she first visited Open Studios three years ago and was blown away by the wonderful authentic experience.
“It is so rare to rock up to an artist’s house and have a chat,” she said.
“It’s such a real personal experience and added a real person dimension to the artwork itself.”
The 2014 Dandenong Ranges Open Studios program will see 32 sculptors, painters and designers across the region open their studios with visitors able to participate in workshops, classes and demonstrations as well as purchase pieces directly from the artist.
For those planning on visiting the open studios, they can download a guidebook complete with information on the weekend’s events, participants, studio opening times and places to eat from the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios website at www.openstudios.org.au.
Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend is on 3 and 4 May with all studios open between 10am and 5pm.
Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Group Exhibition ‘Balance’ is running from 22 April to 18 May at Jarmbi Gallery, Burrinja – corner Glenfern Road and Matson Drive, Upwey.
