Bronwyn Kidd is an internationally award-winning fashion, portrait and art photographer whose work spans major advertising campaigns and iconic portraits across fashion, film, theatre, sport, and politics. “I want my work to be timeless,” she says. “There is a sincerity in all of my pictures. I have to feel a connection with every photo I choose to present.”
Arts
Moorooduc master potter John Stroomer is internationally recognised for his crystalline glazes, a complex ceramic technique that produces gem-like crystals through carefully controlled cooling. Now, he is exploring a bold new direction in a collaboration with visual artist Marta Gola who paints her exquisite nudes onto John’s pots, resulting in genuinely striking and original works.
Mt Martha artist and retired surgeon David Freedman has unveiled A World of Dogs in Watercolour, a beautifully illustrated book celebrating over 140 dog breeds. His intricate paintings capture both familiar family pets and rarer breeds, highlighting the personality, expression and charm of each dog.
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.
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.