The following weekend I got around to some of the studios at Leichhardt’s Open Studio Trial.
The first studio I went to was the painter, Neil Frazer, who shows at Martin Browne Contemporary Gallery here in Sydney. He had a very cute black pug dog modeling on the artistically paint splattered floor.
Neil Frazer has a great space, a lovely white box, reminiscent of a gallery space, so you can clearly see the work in progress. The paintings are predominantly landscapes, loosely based on trips to regional areas in Australia and NZ, and Neil is particularly attracted to places with rugged physical aspect.
http://www.martinbrownecontemporary.com/ArtistNFrazer.html
Another interesting space was Pseudo Space, and Mulit Arts cross disciplinary experimental house gallery which encourages artists to to exhibit new works. There was a classic share house kitchen, with bottles lined up and help yourself by donation to drink and snacks, and out the back was a group conference/event in action, on the terrace lawn complete with dogs and milk crates.
http://pseudospacegallery.blogspot.com.au/
The photographer Jenny Rix has a lovely studio space, with artful alcoves made by fabric hung in banners along the corridor to display her photographic works. There was a lovely alcove of paper cut out figures, and tranquil courtyard with a low lying fountain, and paper mache bowls created by Mina Rix.
http://www.jennyrixphotography.com.au/
La Fabrique, the studio of Peter Griffen and Denise Lithgow, a live in converted warehouse space, 30 x 10 meters, allowing both an open plan living and studio space. The entrance had a little tea corner with views the communal street.
Redlips Studio Gallery has a flourish of red velvet curtains and fun hand painted chairs.
The last space, Zen Garage, is a community space for people passionate about automotive culture. Its within a studio complex, and right next to an interesting timber yard.
There is also art in the street, a passionate display on the porch of a Leichhardt terrace.
Kate Dorrough 