Artist and Studio Trails are becoming increasingly popular across the country, showcasing local talent and boosting local economies. These events allow communities to discover new aspects of their own surroundings and engage with interesting people. Typically organised by community groups, cooperatives, or supportive local councils, these trails highlight the importance of artists in our society.
As artists, we know our studios are sacred spaces where creative processes unfold, eventually leading to public displays. For me, walking into my studio feels like coming home to a ‘safe haven’, filled with treasured collections and lifelong creations. This cluttered space is invaluable to me, even if my family wishes it were more organised.
Following studio trails can sometimes feel like navigating a goat track, but it’s a journey worth taking.
I’m excited to participate in the Gympie Region Studio Trails this year. The trail runs every weekend in July, and my studio will be open to the public on Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, from 10 am to 4 pm. Thank you, Gympie Regional Council, for recognising the significance of the visual artists living and creating in our local community.
Preparing my studio for visitors involves a lot of cleaning and organising to ensure it is presentable. While it’s a working studio where I spend most days, my challenge this month is to transform it into a space of organised chaos and cleanliness for the event and at the same time not to disrupt this order until after the Studio Trails.
One thing helping to ease my stress is an upcoming artist residency at Canaipa (Russell Island), from Thursday to Sunday. This residency is part of the Wild/flower by Design touring exhibition where I’ll connect with like-minded artists and enjoy some much-needed wildflower therapy.
This preparation means I haven’t had much time for writing lately, but I’m looking forward to welcoming visitors to my very tidy studio on July 27-28. I’m eager to share my work and will have for sale some select pieces from both my back catalogue and current projects. Additionally, don’t forget to ask me about your chance to win a $250 voucher from the Gympie Regional Gallery Shop by completing a visitor survey.
Many visitors have found that exploring studios rekindles their own creative aspirations. This could be you, and it’s a fantastic outcome of these trails. So, check out the trail map and design your own goat track.
It’s a fun day out, and I invite you to join in. Because I said so!
Joolie Gibbs - July 2024.
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