You don’t choose art, it chooses you, is the firm belief of Antonia Battistessa. Born and raised in the Swan Valley, Antonio says art is magical and has the power to connect us. Although you may not know his name you have likely seen the passionate blacksmith and artist’s work in iron, copper, wood and steel.
He created the entry statement at RiverBank Estate, the gates at Limeburners and Giniversity in the Valley (when it was Carilley Estate) and recently refurbished his original front door to the widely photographed St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth.
Antonio opened his studio 50 years ago when he was 21 and says it is not about money, it is about the euphoria art gives to you. One of his influences is grape vines and Antonio still owns the family vineyard with his brother John, with the produce of their old vines in demand from winemakers.
Reluctant to say he is eyeing retirement, Antonio says most of what he does these days is of his own choosing, not commissioned work. However, you will soon see his Slumdog statue for Baskerville Tavern.
12 Neuman Rd, Herne Hill. Open by appointment only, phone 0407 177 197.
Flowers that last forever have become the specialty of glass artist Jennie Merritt.
Jennie has had a studio at Whiteman Park for nearly eight years but only worked there fulltime since 2021. She lit her torch for the first time in December 2009 and hasn’t stopped. Jennie started with botanicals but is now drawn to daisies, sunflowers and poppies. A glass posy vase of simple discs, leaves, bellflowers and bud pulls takes about an hour to make 12 stems.
Jennie sculpts everything hot in the torch flame using tools and gravity. The glass then must cool slowly in her digitally controlled kiln for another three to four hours. The next day, she cleans and assembles the arrangements. She also makes colourful glass jewellery and is shifting to more botanical and flower-themed pieces.
Adding dried and preserved flowers to arrangements allows Jennie to complement the glass ones, resulting in a sustainable, longer lasting alternative to fresh flowers.
Village Mall, Whiteman Park. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Thomas Maurer’s 3-D works need be seen in person to be believed. Photos don’t do justice to his creations that come to life with when viewed with the naked eye.
An angle grinder starts the process of crafting a piece from a flat sheet of aluminium. The challenges of being an artist in a pandemic led to Thomas making some smaller pieces that are easier to sell and ship overseas. They also take only three to four days to make, while large pieces take six or seven weeks to evolve.
If you haven’t stepped into the gallery in a few years, it has been extended and has a new lighting system that makes the 50 pieces pop.
Part of the magic of Illusionary Art is the pieces don’t appear the same by day and night, constantly moving and changing with light and colour.
Thomas says the most common response from visitors is “wow” — something that just can’t be conveyed by social media.
633 Great Northern Hwy, Herne Hill. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Offering art alongside bush tucker, Dale Tilbrook says Maalinup is a bit of everything – a place to look, learn or buy.
A Swan Valley local since 1998, Dale is a Wardandi Bibbulmun woman from the Margaret River/Busselton area. She runs Maalinup alongside her brother Lyall, welcoming visitors from near and far to taste jams, chutneys, olive oils, learn about Aboriginal bush foods, and gain a better understanding of Aboriginal art and culture.
Maalinup moved from Henley Brook in March 2023 to its new home in a historic building backing onto the Swan River at Mandoon Estate. The gallery represents the Juluwarlu Art Group, a collective of Yindjibardni from the Pilbarra, while local artists whose works are on display include Joanne Parfitt/Bungaan, and Aileen Garlett.
Hand-painted emu eggs, tablecloths, tea towels, bags, and small canvases are all affordable ways to support Aboriginal art while taking home meaningful gifts and souvenirs. Dale also offers bookable art and culture experiences.
10 Harris Rd, Caversham. Open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Venture off the beaten track and you will find one of the oldest privately owned and funded galleries in Western Australia.
Ron and Terrie Gomboc purchased a 4.5 property in 1980 and two years later, cemented their lifelong commitment to art by opening Gomboc Gallery. A builder in a past life, Ron constructed the gallery, foundry, studio and workshop.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Gomboc Gallery to the WA arts scene, showcasing not just Ron’s works but hosting hundreds of exhibitions and helping to mentor, nurture and promote other artists. Gomboc Gallery has five exhibition spaces and represents artists including Margaret Woodward, and the late Andrew Sibley and Robert Juniper.
Ron’s sculptures are held in public and private collections around the world. In 2011 he created the statuettes for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television (AACTA) Awards. A giant replica stands in the grounds. This year Ron celebrated 20 years of exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe and is preparing for his 21st entry to the Bondi edition.
Ron says he never imaged 44 years ago he would still be working seven days a week but he sees art as his total passion, not a job. While softly-spoken Ron prefers to stay behind the scenes, wife Terrie is the gallery’s unsung hero, director, and face that will meet and greet you on arrival.
50 James Rd, Middle Swan. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
A day out at Whiteman Park often revolves around enjoying nature but for 30 years it has also been home to the Village Art Gallery.
At one time it only featured ceramics and pottery and had closed when Michael Rice took over the lease nine years ago. Now Michael is one of eight resident artists who have been there from six months to six years showing original paintings, prints and commissions.
A visit can often include the chance to see artists at work and chat about their pieces. Expect to find landscapes by Susan Robinson and captivating owls by Julie Sutherland.
Ian and Symia Hopkinson, resident artists for six years, hold “artists together” sessions on Fridays offering the chance to work on your own artistic endeavours while seeking help and suggestions. Symia also conducts children’s art classes on Saturdays.
Village Mall, Whiteman Park. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Bonnie Atlan’s eponymous gallery is located in historic Guildford but her art journey has taken her around the world.
Discovering painting as a five-year old growing up in Milwaukee, USA, Bonnie found her destiny. Bonnie studied graphic art and design and lived in New York and Chicago before runway modelling led her to Paris and marriage. Three children, multiple exhibitions and stints in California and the South West of France saw Bonnie’s artistic style continue to evolve.
A week in Perth in 2003 saw the Atlan family move to Perth almost on a whim and Bonnie has lived here since, her work inspired by blue skies and magical sunsets. What started as an art and furniture gallery called Stories on the Wall, evolved into a colourful world of Bonnie’s designs. Creations including original oil paintings, prints, scarves, clothing and vintage rugs all make up the treasure trove that is Bonnie’s World.
She paints at her home studio in The Vines and the reproductions are professionally photographed and edited to match the exact colours and details of the paintings.
175 James Street, Guildford. Open Thursday and Friday 10am to 3.30pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.
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