2021 Wrap-up
As 2021 wraps up, I find myself reflecting on my achievements.
2021 began with some big milestones that propelled me further into the arts community on the Sunshine Coast. Kicking 2021 off with a feature in The Shelter SC Magazine,
my first print appearance. The imagery was taken by the magazine's co-founder Mica Schettini at Ebb n Flow Studio in Noosaville.
In early January, I was invited to show artworks in The Bentley's 40 Under 40 Exhibition held at The Butter Factory in Cooroy. 500 art lovers attended the opening night on the 15th of January, it was truly incredible to see the number of support artists received.
The Shelter SC Launch Party Event in March saw 18 local talents sell + exhibit prints. The night was filled with entertainment, food, dancing + art. I had incredibly positive feedback on my work and enjoyed meeting fellow creatives. I exhibited 3 prints and showcased my first-ever Zine titled 'Dear You', filled with inspiration, words, observation, sadness and love.
This year, I am honoured to have had the opportunity to speak at Sub Tropic Studio in Caloundra for Good Chats. Good Chats is a monthly meet-up designed to build the local creative community on the Sunshine Coast. Speakers are invited to reflect on their life and career, opening the stage at the end for audience questions.
As my creativity flowed and continued flourishing, it birthed the beginning of my most recognised project 'Things I Approve'. Originating from scribbling on dis-used envelopes, I began to write spontaneous notes inspired by true events + thoughts. The feedback from this project has been overwhelming and humbling.
'Things I Approve' encourages stillness and contemplation, creating space for people to slow down, reconnect and look within. Note: It's not all serious, personal humour is also dotted throughout the artwork. I look forward to preparing these artworks for sale in 2022!
Closing the first half of the year, I was amongst the 15 Sunshine Coast creatives chosen to participate in The Refinery 3.0. The Refinery Creative business Incubator is the only one of its kind in Australia, transforming ideas into sustainable businesses - designed by creatives, for creatives. It is an 8-week program, which culminates with the cohort pitching their business idea to an audience of approximately 100 people.
Wearing my power suit, I spoke about my 'why' and what my art will bring to the modern world. I would never have imagined being confident to speak in front of a packed room, but I absolutely killed it. A snippet of my pitch is as follows;
"I create space for the viewer to connect and reflect on themselves and the world around them by painting with vibrant expressive blues to remind them to slow down and take in the beauty of the every day".
On the back of finishing The Refinery, I used learnings to launch the 'I Look For Sunshine' tote bag. The tote is made with 100% organic cotton and printed with water-based inks. Both sides are printed with elements from my I Look For Sunshine Artwork. I got a great response from this product and enjoyed creating content to share with my audience.
Since being on the Sunshine Coast, I have worked casually for fashion label, Palm Noosa. Working with the team at Palm has been a dream come true for my creativity and particularly fashion print skills. I was invited to travel to Palm Beach + Great Mackerel Beach in NSW to assist on their summer 21/22 photoshoot 'Holiday'. I feel incredibly appreciative to have been involved, especially when I had 6 of my fashion prints within the collection. We shot the collection in late June, with the team thrilled for its release in September.
October bought a long-awaited change in the way I worked and painted, with my first Artist Residency at regional Artist Run Initiative (ARI), LANTANA space. Located in Moffat Beach QLD, LANTANA is a socially conscious experimental contemporary art space designed to foster arts on the Sunshine Coast. It has been invaluable to have a space dedicated to creating + connecting with the community.
Concluding recently, RISOFEST 21 heroes the Japanese printer, Risograph. (Plus it's the first printer in the Sunny Coast!) Artists from various disciplines exhibited their Risograph prints at the Various Artists Gallery in Maroochydore QLD on November 18-20th. The colour palette was limited and it was amazing to see the artists interpret the printer + their artwork.
The exhibiting artists were approached by Nina Shadforth to donate their RISOFEST prints to the Sunshine Coast Council's Art Collection. This is a pretty exciting career highlight, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the show and a part of the SCC Art Collection.
The Evelyn Marina x By Billie Collaboration also launched in November. Their collection ‘Wabi-Sabi’ was released and included 2 prints we collaborated on.
The smiley flower and starfish were incredibly fun to draw and emulate the By Billie brand perfectly. You can find these prints in varying styles for fashionable little bubs.
And Finally, it brings me to December.
I am currently preparing for 2 exhibitions in the next 2 months, with one being held on Monday the 20th at LANTANA. It's going to be a casual afternoon with beers and bbq. I'm excited to catch up with the art community and meet some new faces.
2021 has been a year of heartbreak, motivation and inspiration. I have worked insanely hard to create the life that brings me the most fulfilment - Painting, designing, swimming in the ocean nearly every day (it's my doorstep!) and connecting with others.
I can't wait to see what 2022 brings for me creatively, but also looking toward a long-awaited trip home to see my loved ones. Thank you for reading my 2021 wrap-up, and I hope to bring you more inner-workings of Evelyn Marina.
xxx
