Does your garden need something unique to give it a lift? Call in and explore the unique, one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists.
We are very excited to now stock beautiful handmade pots by @MarkGambino, Heather Wilson, Helen Sparrow & @dc_ceramics.
Eltham Iso Chooks by Joan Denison are now available.
Local artists currently featured include:
Melissa Thomas
Melissa Thomas didn’t know what lay ahead and where the journey would take her when she started creating pieces of artwork for family, friends and relatives. Her talent and creativity meant that word very soon spread, and Melissa was asked to create and manufacture pieces for the 1999 ‘Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show’. One piece was a 3.5 meter length Water Feature, another was a Table & Chair setting inspired by a trip to Paris. The display at the Show won a Gold Medal in the Show Garden category. Images of the design were published in an English Water Feature Book and also in Gardening Australia volumes A-Z. Following success in Melbourne and later in Sydney, interest increased dramatically. Working with many Landscapers and Architects to supply their clients with a diverse range of artwork became a full-time job. Melissa’s pieces are inspired by nature and primarily use stainless, mild steel and also glass, as well as recycled material (even before it was fashionable). The success of Melissa’s designs has led to numerous awards, images published in magazines, newspapers and features on TV.
Melissa’s work is diverse, and we are lucky enough to stock some of her pieces. Come in and check it out; We’re sure you’ll be as blown away by her talent as we are!
Mel Rayski-Mati
Mel’s love of metal came from working in Special Effects in the film industry in 1996-98. She is credited on Steven Spielberg’s film, Saving Private Ryan.
Nearly twenty years on and she is still enamoured of how a metal so strong can be bent, rolled and forged into objects of such finesse and beauty.
Mel has travelled to Cambodia to study metal arts and broaden her skills in making sculptures and wall art from many hundreds or even thousands of individual parts that come together to create large scale images and beautiful patterns. Mel is a Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show award winner.
In Mel’s studio, you will find the traditional blacksmiths tools of hammer, forge and anvil, sitting alongside more modern tools like a plasma cutter and machinery that assists with bending, rolling and folding; not to mention the tools and jigs she has made herself.
Often created from found objects and motifs of the natural world, you will be surprised by the versatility of her work – sculptural forms, wall art and utilitarian items such as mirrors; Many of these beautiful works are suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use.
Meredith Plain
‘I am a ceramic sculptor who makes figurative, often humorous works. My frogs, dragons, people and other creatures often seem to develop a life and energy of their own.
I first discovered the fascination of creating creatures from clay in 1989 after a career as a medical research scientist. For almost 30 years I have been working in my studio amid the treetops and down the road from Monsalvat.’
Meredith has developed her sculptures through study of art and ceramics. She has taken part in many exhibitions; undertaken commissions, including Bulleen Art & Garden 3D mural; set up and run the Gallery and exhibition program at Bulleen Art & Garden; and runs sculpture workshops.
Francine Kelsall
Francine started her creative journey with glass almost 10 years ago after being inspired by the work of local artists participating in the 2014 Nillumbik Open Studios. The idea of working with glass captured her imagination. She has spent time learning lead lighting, copper foiling, and fused glass techniques through ongoing study with various artists sharing their knowledge and offering encouragement.
Francine draws inspiration from her travels and time spent with friends, family and colleagues. With a focus on producing practical and attractive pieces of fused glass art; From birdbaths and garden stakes to decorative items such as hanging ornaments, windchimes and flowers. Glass captures the light and mesmerises as it shimmers, shines and reflects.
Francine has enjoyed collaborating with and working alongside like-minded individuals; Working alongside potters, painters, textile artists and jewellery makers, has significantly inspired and benefited her own work with the variety that these diverse art forms have provided.
