For Jacinta Fintan, owner of public art agency The Wall Station, murals represent more than just the visual impact they have on a landscape. They can bring meaning to a space and connect people through art. Jacinta talks to Swell about the role of street art in communities, along with Newcastle’s new graffiti removal program Small Walls, and the pivotal part local artists will play.
Get ready to paint the town rainbow as Newcastle’s annual pride festival rolls around again this October. Swell gets the lowdown on the truly fabulous events you can expect this year.
There is a good chance Michaela Werner was in fact a mermaid in a previous life. The New Lambton professional freediver and mum of three, recently added Guinness World Record holder to her list of impressive breath-holding accomplishments but for Michaela, freediving isn’t just about reaching greater depths in the water, it’s about deep diving into life’s endless potential.
Have you ever gotten so engrossed in a book, movie or tv show that you were left craving more from the characters on the page or screen long after you’d finished watching or reading? If so, there’s a big wide world out there waiting for you to take your obsession to the next level and meet people just like you – the world of fanfiction. Hannah shares how she discovered fanfic and all the things she’s learnt about it since.
Xander Holliday makes playful art for well-loved homes. You can’t help but feel optimistic when looking at his work – and he wants you to share in the joy of living amongst colour. Xander talks to us about finding his style as an artist, how to buy art and decorating with colour at home.
Zoe Pohlmann is the Creative Director of Your Home Designs (YHD), a boutique building design firm based in Nelson Bay, while her partner Tyson McDuff owns Fin Design & Construct. When the pair decided to combine their expertise and embark on their biggest project to date – their own dream home and work studio – it’s no surprise that the result is nothing short of spectacular. We caught up with Zoe to find out more.
The Awabakal Wildflower Walk only happens once a year, and it takes you deep into the secret world of plants.
It was a love of fashion, though not necessarily the fashion industry, that drove Emma Hartley to open vintage and pre-loved clothing store The Conscious Exchange. With sustainability at the centre of the business, Emma chats to Swell about creating a circular clothing economy and educating consumers about purchasing more ethically.
After three decades on this earth, Melinda Halloran still can’t use a hair dryer or eyeliner pencil.
It was an ‘adult gap year’ that sparked Libby Helinski’s love of all things Nordic. After spending a year living in Sweden, in a small town right on the Arctic Circle, she returned home to Newcastle brimming with ideas – and Pappa Sven was born.
