Mount Martha artist Melanie Bloom is on a journey of self-discovery, blossoming into her new role as a full-time fine artist. Her professional life has unfolded in three inter-related acts. She was a portrait and wedding photographer for ten years. The next 16 years were dedicated to designing interiors for retreats and private homes. Now Mel draws, paints in watercolour and makes ceramics in her third and favourite act so far.
Arts
Mount Martha resident, author, and human rights lawyer and advocate Scott Leckie has spent his life pushing boundaries. Over the years, he has written 26 books, many of which discuss housing rights and land solutions for climate displacement. His work has helped shape international policy, including UN resolutions, guiding principles, and judicial decisions.
Wildlife painter Nicole Barros wanted to create an intimate art gallery where she could share space with other talented artists offering affordable art directly to buyers. For art lovers, art is not a luxury; it’s essential, a daily source of joy and inspiration.
Not many guitarists can say they have had a Gibson guitar made especially for them, but when award-winning Frankston South blues guitarist Geoff Achison won the Blues Foundation (USA) Albert King Award in 1995, he impressed Gibson so much that they custom-made an instrument for him.
Never in a million years did Rosebud go-go dancer Vicky Sapkin think professional go-go dancing was in her future. In 2024, she established her business, 1960s Dance Party, and has since taught both private and public classes.
In her white weatherboard studio in Mount Eliza, overlooking the Moorooduc plains, award-winning ceramic artist, Manuela Ferstl throws and squashes, rolls and coils, concocts glazes and experiments with firing. She’s an artistic alchemist creating genuinely unique work.
Despite having a Ned Kelly Award under his belt, national recognition, and publishing deals, Brendan James Murray has chosen to stay in the classroom at Frankston High School, teaching English and English Literature to teenagers.
We tell stories written by men, mostly directed and conducted by men, through the male gaze. So it’s no wonder that the soprano always has to die for her transgressions. My PhD project drew on the stories of these women.
Mount Eliza painter Debbie Mackenzie creates serene landscapes and seascapes. She started painting seriously 17 years ago and gone from strength to strength ever since with six sell-out solo shows in a row.