Exhibition No.15 By Georgia Harvey

This month we welcome talented ceramist Georgia Harvey to A Small Space with her exhibition "Bilateral" - recent explorations into raku. An investigation into a set of glaze combinations, playing with the transitional zones between melt points, and celebrating the unexpected contributions of the fire.

These flat pieces have two sides – each side comes out of the fire with a different story to tell.

Thematically these pieces are joined by their two-dimensionality. The form really affects the way the glazes behave - one side cops the full brunt of the elements inside the kiln, so the glaze on that side melts at a different rate to the side which faces inwards. Then, when the work from the kiln is pulled at high temperatures to smoke (part of the raku process), one side is smothered in newspaper and sawdust and the other is exposed more to the air. It is the suffocation in the combustible materials that causes the glazes to change colour, so for example a copper blue-green will convert to a bronze or red, so how and where the piece is placed will affect the end results. The two sides of the piece can come out with wildly different results - the way they're presented in the window allows for some of the back side to be seen - Georgia Harvey.

Georgia's exhibition is on now until December 3rd. To learn more about her work visit:

www.slipresist.blogspot.com.au and www.georgiaharvey.net

Exhibition No.14 By Melissa Pacella

Today marks the first day of Craft Victoria's Craft Cubed Festival 2013 and A Small Space is once again taking part in the creative festivities. 

With over 100 workshops, events, markets, talks, open studios and exhibitions happening all over Melbourne and Regional Victoria, we are proud to be amongst such an outstanding cast of hosts.  

This month, in association with Craft Cubed, we welcome talented Melbourne designer [of many things] Melissa Pacella to A Small Space with her exhibition Swedish Forest. 

'Swedish Forest encapsulates the adventure from child to adult and the appreciation for primary school art class. Travel, adventure and awareness met in a Swedish forest in 2007 - a forest filled with green triangles by a striking indigo blue lake. From that very walk, the memory reached for watercolour and painted triangles en masse to form this piece of Swedish Forest. May this exhibition trigger memories of illustrations from your childhood and moments that brought you to complete awareness.' 

Melissa Pacella is a Melbourne based designer with a passion for painting, illustrating, visual merchandising, cooking and photography. Watercolour is her favourite medium and she finds inspiration in nature, vegetable gardens, kids' books and cooking in her little kitchen. When she isn't putting colour to paper you'd be likely to find her op-shopping, planting something or entertaining the people she loves. 

To learn more about Melissa or to purchase one of her beautiful pieces of work check out her website http://www.shopoflittlepieces.com/

Images by Melissa Pacella

Exhibition No.13 By Grant Osborne

This July we are extremely proud to welcome Grant Osborne to A Small Space with his exhibition Fluro Dreamscape 1. A sculptor, photographer, multi-media artist and filmmaker, it seems like there isn't much Grant can't do. 

By exploring the theme of landscape in a conceptual way, Osborne investigates its dynamics, including the manipulation of its effects and the limits of spectacle based on our assumptions of what landscape means to us. Rather than presenting a factual reality, an illusion is fabricated to conjure the realms of our imagination. 

His sculptures don't reference recognisable form. The results are deconstructed to the extent that meaning is shifted and possible interpretation becomes multifaceted. His works establish a link between landscape's reality and that imagined by its conceiver. 

Grant currently lives and works in Melbourne, Australia. 

Fluro Dreamscape 1 can be viewed at A Small Space until July 31st 2013.

To learn more about Grant visit www.grantosborne.net and www.electricvelcro.com.au

Exhibition No.12 By Courtney Holm

Augment is a capsule menswear collection designed by Courtney Holm. This month, A Small Space is lucky to have one look from the newly graduated designers range.

The collection was inspired by the metamorphosis of future prosthetics and the natural form. Courtney Holm explored the idea of body modification through artificial enhancement and technological augmentation. The result is a menswear collection of cool, interchangeable separates in a grey scale colour pallet paired with bold, transformable outerwear. Her signature of hand sketched patterns and digitally manipulated prints were engineered to express irregularity and mechanical forms that embody both sensitivity and strength.

Courtney continues to explore masculinity and fashion using technological fabrications, sportswear elements and detailing with fine quality craftsmanship. She is currently working on launching her menswear label Article. by Courtney Holm and will be releasing a limited edition range of backpacks in the coming months.

To learn more about this months featured artist Courtney Holm visit www.courtneyholm.com 

Exhibition No.11 By Katie Dello

Katie Dello is one of those people who effortlessly manages to work on a variety of projects all at the same time. Together with an incredible eye for detail and a wealth of creative industry experience she really is an inspiration [and a super lovely person to match]. A Visual Merchandiser by trade, Katie has worked in the fashion industry for 15 years. Within that time she has been fortunate to travel the world and work with some inspirational people.

Amongst her full time career as a Visual Merchandiser she also creates beautiful macramé installations. What started as just a hobby has developed into a love of creating beautiful installations that inspire people and make them think ‘I want to make those’! 

Having been taught the basics of macramé by her mother many years ago, she decided to team up with a fellow macramé enthusiast Kashia Kennedy to teach a class for their friends as a test run. Since then the workshops have taken off and together they have formed Top Knot Workshops.

This month A Small Space features a snippet of Katie’s fantastic macramé skills. Her installation runs through to April 9th so make sure you check it out. Some of Katie’s work can be purchased from Erax March on Smith Street [only a few doors down from A Small Space]. Her work can also be viewed at The Fair Foodstore and Two Birds One Stone.

Macramé workshops hosted by Katie and Kashia are currently being held at The Fair Foodstore in Richmond. To find out more about the workshops follow Top Knot Workshops on Facebook or email Katie at katiedello@gmail.com

Exhibition No.10 By Elin Johansson

This month we welcome Swedish born creative all rounder Elin Johansson to A Small Space. We love the story behind Elin's exhibition and we are over the moon to have her be a part of A Small Space journey. We were fortunate to catch up with Elin and have her tell us about her exhibition and her heart felt story.

My exhibition "Home is where my heart is" is my way of expressing the challenge of being torn between what is supposed to be home and what I feel in my heart is my true home.
I first moved to Melbourne when I was 21. The idea was to study in Melbourne for a year and then move back to my native Sweden. That didn't exactly happen. Instead I fell madly in love with Melbourne. After three years I had to move back to Sweden and it quite simply broke my heart. Since then, I've been back to Melbourne to live, twice, however significant occurrences back in Sweden have always taken me back, forcing me to leave the city I have fallen in love with. 
Each part of my exhibition at A Small Space represents my two homes and how they are connected. Being brought up in Sweden has of course influenced me and made me become who I am today. We will always be shaped by traditions, cultures and our families but I still feel that I've found my own way of interpreting these 'rules'. This is why I chose to knit a very traditional Swedish pattern but using very untraditional colours. The friendship bracelet component of the exhibition represents the connection between my Swedish background and my true home, Melbourne. Even though I don't live in Melbourne, it will always remain as my true home. 

It has been a true luxury having the opportunity to come to Melbourne as I've been able to start a new life, a life where I can be myself without having to think about what other people might believe is right or wrong. I've always had a restless soul, I've always wanted to explore new places, meet new people. I will never settle with something that's just ok, if I feel that something more exciting or better is waiting around the corner I will always find a way to explore it. Sometimes I get disappointed, sometimes it's even better than I could have expected. but I feel that if I don't follow my heart I will always have that feeling of 'what if?'

In December 2011 I moved back to Sweden and started my own business, Sunday Street Agencies. I have previously worked a lot with product development, design and manufacturing so I felt it was time to try to do it under my own name. Being a freelancer is a bit of a struggle but having the luxury to choose what to work on is a joy. Again, it's giving me the freedom to be me. 

When I was asked to contribute to A Small Space, I was really flattered but also a little frightened as I have never done anything like this before. It has been a long process and a lot of sleepless nights but finally it's done and I am so proud of it. 

I have always loved knitting and making things for my family and friends. It's my way of relaxing, allowing me to focus on the task at hand instead of thinking about the millions of other things I could potentially be doing.

So I guess I am always in search for something more but one thing is certain, I've found my true home, and that is where my heart is, in Melbourne. 

Elin's exhibition is currently showing at A Small Space until Tuesday, 5th February 2013.

To learn more about Elin's work visit   www.sundaystreetagencies.com 

Exhibition No.9 By Charlotte Swiden

We feel rather privileged to be featuring talented designer Charlotte Swiden this month. Founder and designer behind Swiden Design, Charlotte creates beautiful, playful products for your home and everyday living.
Charlotte Swiden was born and raised on the southern shores of Sweden where she spent most of her days climbing trees, eating strawberries and looking forward to summer. Charlotte's designs and creative techniques have been greatly influenced by her Swedish heritage and love of nature. Like most Swedes she likes order, structure, white space and more white space. 
Now living in Melbourne, Australia, Charlotte can be found in her studio working on a wide range of projects whilst being a Mum to her little boy Lukas. Preferring to work with her hands, Charlotte's work utilises a variety of techniques including drawing, hand painting, cutting and pasting. 
Charlotte give us the story behind her newest project 'Sprattelgubbar' for A Small Space. "My Dad was telling me a great story of how he used to make 'sprattelgubbar' for his twin cousins. Inspired, of course I had to try and make my own version of these traditional toys. Sprattelgubbe sort of translates to 'wiggle man' but the English name seems to be Jumping Jack."
Come see these little men and women at A Small Space from December 5th 2012 to January 8th 2013. In the meantime make sure you check out Charlottes beautiful website and online store here.

www.swiden.com.au
www.charlotteswiden.com.au

Exhibition No.8 By Takie

Every month we are overwhelmed with the incredible talent that is featured in A Small Space and this month is no exception. Introducing talented street artist Takie. 

Takie spent the last couple of years in Melbourne honing her street art aesthetic, returning recently to her hometown of Sydney to take up residence at the Tate Gallery studios where she prepared for her first solo show, 'It's All Yours' in August. Takie's work traverses the spectrum from pieces on found objects, paper and wood to street based paste ups and aerosol work. Bold colours, continuous lines, abstract portraits fall victim to her energetic and unpredictable hand. Takie has exhibited in a selection of group shows, most recently 'Change is a Collaboration' at M2 Gallery, 'Sidewayz Art Exhibition' at Global Gallery, 'Trail Walkers' and 'Print & Staple' at the Tate. Closely linked to Sydney Street Art Project she has showcased her skills in live art shows for clients including Art Series Hotels and Redbull. Her work also features as commissioned murals in venues across Sydney, including Truckstop at Beach Road Hotel, York Lane and Fringe Bar.

Takie blogs as part of the Sydney collective The Opening Hours as well as acting as Sydney correspondent for the popular art webzine Invurt.

Takie's Small Space Exhibition, titled 'SEEMWHYKAY' is an exorcism of her favourite colour way; cyan, magenta, yellow and black. The expected colour drains away to pool on the floor as bricks. Leaving portraits of pivotal men who invite you into their black and white space on Smith Street. An ode to where it all began. 

Learn more about Takie and her work here:

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/takie.art
INSTAGRAM: @takie_takie
EMAIL: iamtakie@hotmail.com

Exhibition No.7 By Brooke Holm

We are so delighted to announce that this month A Small Space is featuring a truly stunning exhibition by talented photographer Brooke Holm.

The Woods by Brooke Holm is a beautifully curated collection of photographs that showcase Holm's love and fascination with mountains and the wilderness that surrounds them. 

"Mountains are rather significant to me. I can't describe the overwhelming feeling I get when I see them or when I'm near them. The wind in my face as I stand near the edge, the strong sense of calm that radiates from them and the understanding and challenging of one's place in the world… I could never explain it through words, but maybe through photographs… they are pure freedom." 

Holm's exhibition will have you daydreaming of your next escape to the mountains. But if a getaway is not something that can be seen in your near future then thankfully Holm's stunning photography can be admired and better yet it can also be purchased. 

Visit www.brookeholm.com.au for more information as well as www.etsy.com/shop/takemetothemountains for purchasing enquires. 

The Woods by Brooke Holm runs from Tuesday, 2nd October 2012 to Tuesday, 6th November 2012 at A Small Space. 

Exhibition No.6 By Rob Go

This month we welcome photographer Rob Go to A Small Space. Rob's long career as a successful photojournalist has given him the chance to travel the world, work on a range of incredible projects and meet some truly inspiring people. These experiences, together with a love for traditional film, Rob has developed a passion for 'capturing stories' and it is through his new venture that he does exactly that. Introducing Eversley Studios - Wet Plate Collodion Photography.

To learn more about Rob Go and Wet Plate Collodion Photography visit:

www.eversleystudio.com

robert-go.com

To experience a session for yourself, Rob is holding an all day tintyping event at La Niche Cafe on Friday, September 21st 2012. Here are the details......

Eversley Studio and La Niche Cafe Presents a Tintype/Wet Plate Collodion session
Friday, September 21st 2012 / 10am - 10pm
Bookings in 20 minute slots starting at 10am and with the last one at 9.40pm. Take home a 4x5 inch collodion plate at the end of your session.
Cost: $65 [discounted rate - normally $100 at the studio] per plate with a maximum of two [2] subjects per plate.
Booking and prepayment of $65 fee is ESSENTIAL. Contact Rob: robert@eversleystudio.com

Exhibition No. 5 By Marsha Golemac

Feast your eyes on Marsha Golemac's exhibition Enchanting Form during the month of August at A Small Space.

Paper artist Marsha Golemac brings you an exhibition that showcases the beauty and form of paper. Imagine that crisp, beautiful piece of paper, folding itself at will, transforming, evolving into colour, texture and that feeling of playful wonderment as it takes shape. Enchanting Form will delight, inspire and have you dreaming paper dreams.

Marsha's exhibition, Enchanting Form is in association with Craft Cubed 2012. For more information visit www.craftvic.org.au and/or www.threenationsblog.blogspot.com

A Small Space & Craft Victoria

We are so pleased to have Craft Victoria using A Small Space during the month of August as part of the annual Craft Cubed event.

Craft Cubed is an annual experimental, skilled and ideas-based craft and design festival held across Melbourne and Victoria. It features exhibitions, open studios and workshops, as well as professional development sessions. Thousands of makers, artists and designers participate and attend, and more than 70 venues, studios and galleries are activated for the festival. 

From 3 August to 1 September A Small Space features the work of paper artist/crafter Marsha Golemac. You can learn more about her upcoming mini exhibition here or to learn more about Marsha and her work visit her blog here. 

The full 2012 Craft Cubed program can be found via the link below.