This NAIDOC Week, we spoke with Gamilaroi artist Shannon Kelly, whose work explores strength, culture and belonging. Living and creating on Worimi Country, Shannon uses both traditional and digital mediums to tell stories that honour the past and uplift the next generation.
In this bonus interview with Newcastle artist Melody Suranyi, she shares the artists who inspire her, her dreams of international residencies and fashion collaborations and the colour palettes currently lighting up her studio. Plus, Melody offers honest, heartfelt advice for emerging artists navigating the highs and lows of the creative journey.
Following his feature in Issue 23 of Swell, we caught up again with Dan Marshall for a bonus Q&A to find out what’s been happening since we went to print – from landing a global book deal with Penguin Random House (which was all a bit hush hush when we published his story) to presenting at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, and who’s on his dream dinner party lineup.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if we made a magazine…” It was during a coffee break that sisters Kristy Coady and Rebecca Geraghty realised they shared a dream of one day creating a magazine. Even though they had built a successful design agency, Design Bug, the thought of launching a new business was daunting. But they were confident in their ability to design a magazine that would look good on coffee tables, so they took a chance by deciding there and then to make their dream a reality.
What exactly is weaving, I hear you ask? It’s a form of textile production and fibre art where a loom (usually wooden) is used to weave yarn together at right angles to create a fabric or cloth. After doing some research, and sitting down with Rainie Owen aka The Unusual Pear, I am now officially obsessed, and I’m sorry (not sorry) to say, you will be too.
Newcastle creatives Linzy Whiteley (Gracie Face) and Melody Suranyi have recently combined their expertise in jewellery design and art to produce a special collection of earrings. We chatted to Linzy and Melody to find out more about their wearable art collab and what else they’ve been up to.
Annalisa Lawrence is a Newcastle-based artist who creates under the name Saltwater Woman, using acrylics, resin, and mixed media to depict playful, textured scenes of women and children at the beach. Annalisa describes her largely self-taught style as a purposeful mess, aiming to bring attention to the entire creative process – the imperfections and beauty that unfold along the way.
Common Circus are set to celebrate their 10th birthday on October 19, with a festival inspired fun day at their Hamilton store. Think live music, a petting zoo, face painting, coffee, donuts and an art exhibit featuring some of Newcastle’s favourites. We chatted to owner Lauren Henry about this exciting milestone.
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.
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.
