MARLIES BENJAMIN

Decoupage

By using colour, design and fine cutting I aim to create unique pieces of decoupage that are functional but timeless in their appeal. I mix my own paint colours for backgrounds and constantly experiment to find new ways to present my work. I work on goose and emu eggs and wooden boxes mainly, but occasionally decoupage under glass and on ceramics.

My Dutch background gives my work a European flavour.

My initial training was with Val Lade. Since then, as a member of the Decoupage Guilds of NSW, Victoria and Queensland, I have attended workshops to fine tune the many techniques required to complete a piece of quality decoupage.

HAZEL COLEMAN

Porcelain Painting

My lifelong interest in all forms of art led to courses in oil painting, water colour, pastel and pencil and the most challenging of all, china painting, for which I have received a number of awards.

I wish to continue to develop my own methods of painting Australian themes including birds, animals and wildflowers (plus roses and other flowers) in Soft Technique. A recent addition of glass painting, an extension of china painting, is self taught.

REGINA KRAWATZ

Woven and embroidered bead jewellery

I am a self-taught artist who creates jewellery for the modern, fashion forward individual, weaving and embroidering hundreds, sometimes thousands of tiny glass seed beads one at a time, combining them with semi-precious gemstones, pearls, crystals and other ephemera into pieces of wearable art.

My inspiration is the materials themselves, gemstones earthy and timeless, and especially the colourful glass beads their colours so rich and saturated, their myriad finishes and the textures created when varying sizes of these glass morsels are placed alongside each other.Each piece is a one of a kind creation made entirely by hand and requires many hours, occasionally even weeks, to complete.

I draw on my knowledge of form, pattern and colour gained from many years working as an interior designer as well as a love of fashion to create miniature artworks which are modern, unique and timeless - pieces that will allow their wearer to express their individuality.

GRACE LEVIS

Nuno Felting and Ceramic Jewellery

I create ceramic jewellery and artistic textiles which capture the distinctive themes and breathtaking colours of Australia.

Born in Warsaw, Poland, I arrived in Sydney in 1990 and since then, have been developing my very own unique jewellery and wearable art. My jewellery collection includes handmade costume jewellery; necklaces, pendants and earrings in magnificent lustres, reflecting oceanic greens and blues, sun drenched earthy reds and purples as well as glowing gold from Australian mines. My textile range features highly elaborate shawls which are made using a combination of ancient and modern techniques to fuse silks, wool, gauze and netting. Each shawl is a unique creation of colour, texture and theme. They can be worn or draped over a lounge or displayed as a wall hanging.

I am continuously researching and experimenting to ensure that my creative output is always original and inspiring.