An Artistic Affair…

For many of us, it is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner….but it is, and there is no escaping it!

If you are keen steer clear of the shopping centre mayhem or like myself would prefer to avoid a 3am trip to Chadstone then I have the perfect solution… and with gifts like these, you are bound to be the favourite elf this Christmas!

‘Christmas at The Studio’ is local showcase of artists, designers and craftswomen (or men!) who display their work under the gums on a beautiful property in Merricks, right next to the Tanglewood Estate. Usually occupied by Leisa Warrington (a glassblower), Flick Pope (a silversmith & jeweller) and Julie Niekamp (a painter) it is typically open by appointment only. However on the 25th & 26th of November they will be flinging open the paddocks from 10am – 4pm with 28 stalls each selling one off, beautiful, handmade and original pieces…. just in time for Christmas or perhaps a personal treat!

** I am told that most stall holders don’t sell at any other markets, therefore,  it is wise to get in early and bring cash (no eftpos). For a more detailed map, please see the bottom of this article.

One of the artists featured at this fantastic event is Justine McNamara, a true local based on the Mornington Peninsula and someone whom I have followed and admired my entire life. I was born and bred in Sorrento and have memories of Justine and her creative flare from very a young age (she even used to make ‘peg people’ for me to play with as a child!)

I recently caught up with Justine to get the low down on this fantastic up coming event at The Studio and thought it was the perfect time to pick her brain on some of her favourite places to eat, drink and play  on the Mornington Peninsula.

**Please note: All of these amazing artworks featured on this site will be for sale at The Studio on November 25th & 26th with a variety of print and canvas sizes available.

Name: Justine Mc Namara

Background:  “I was actually concieved in a caravan…somewhere along the coast in Northern Queensland. As the daughter of a builder I lived in 28 different houses before I left home to study at 18, and we camped on the beach every summer when we were young. I cannot deny the influence of my transient upbringing on my interest in the concept of ‘freedom in the tempoary’…and it is something that I am working through in my current paintings.

I also enjoy reworking old 1950′s illustrations that celebrate and support my thoughts on how we romanticise the past…as these times were typically depicted as innocent and cheery. I have two young daughters, who have helped spark the journey to my childhood series as I find myself revisiting my own childhood….and idealising it!”

Where is your favourite place for a feed on the Mornington Peninsula?

“With two young girls who love fine food, eating out makes a very enjoyable experience!

• The Smokehouse is Sorrento is fantastic, the Stringer family are so wonderful and their staff are great! I can also look at my paintings on the walls whilst enjoying my favorite pizza – try the number four!

• For an amazing culinary experience…for the belly and the mind…we head to Montalto. I  love watching my nine year old daughter order the pork belly with seared scallops!”

What is your favorite thing to do on the Mornington Peninsula?

“Swimming with the wild dolphins in Port Phillip Bay. I was lucky enough to work as a dive master aboard Polperro Dolphin Swims for many years in my 20’s..After marrying the captain, 8 years later, it ensured that they would continue to be a big part of my life.”

For more information on this amazing experience swimming with the dolphins click here 

Where do you get your favourite caffeine hit on the Mornington Peninsula?

“Oooooh thats a tricky one! Like anywhere it can vary but I can’t fault the coffee at the Peninsula Pantry.

Another good one is Whitecliffs General Store – It is free trade and the decaf is not chemically treated.  I only have decaf occasionally when I am feeling a bit jumpy..after too many late nights at the easel!”

What is your winery of choice on the Mornington Peninsula? 

“There are so many wonderful wineries now, that all offer something a little different..but I think (apart from Montalto), I really can’t go past T’gallant! They have live music on the weekends..and I love the rustic feel. Its kid friendly and my girls LOVE to dance so it really has everything. We always leave with a bottle of their Juliet Pinot…Divine!”

What is are some of your favourite things about the Mornington Peninsula? 

“I love that the Peninsula still changes so much with the seasons…

I love that I have just worked really hard producing a new series of paintings for Gallery Sorrento which is to be showcased over the summer months!

I love how warm the water is in Feb and March..And I love the feeling of calm once the school holidays are over…even though it has been fun, mostly! (Except for those days when I realise my pantry is nearly empty and I cant bear to stand in the long lines at the super market with my three year old having a meltdown!!)

As troublesome as the lack of parking can be in the summer, I love how it heaves in the summer months, the colour and variety that comes with the passing madness.

I love our beaches, which are truly some of the most beautiful in the world and the way you can ALWAYS find one that is protected from the wind on any given day.

Most importantly the Peninsula is my home, it holds many childhood memories and has inspired much of my work…it will always be a part of me, where ever I go…”

Thanks to Justine for her insight to the Mornington Peninsula and with that in mind, whatever you are doing on the 25th or 26th of November, cancel it or at least make sure you take the time to visit The Studio in Merricks. What’s not to love about the idea of crossing some things off the Christmas list, snapping up some divine bargains and supporting some of the best creators that the Mornington Peninsula has to offer.

BCT

You can also “like” The Studio on Facebook for future updates, link is on the side bar of mymorningtonpeninsula facebook page, click here to be redirected.

**All paintings are copyright and any reproduction or use of images must have permission from the artist.