Welcome to our next Quarterly instalment of our newsletter. Read on for news, upcoming events and gallery exhibitions!
From the Committee
Our President, Colin Bushell writes: If there is one thing I have noticed over these last couple of months, it is that The Gap Creative is unlike any other community group I have ever been involved with. While there is the required level of oversight and regulatory control needed to run a proper, legitimate organisation, the pumping artery that feeds our existence is the enthusiasm and positivity of our management team, and the vocal support and engagement of our members.
I am not comfortable with the title, President. In fact, I am not comfortable with titles full stop. That said, the role, like all the others that we are deigned to have, are merely hooks to which everyone can hang their hat. And no one – I am pleased to say - is so obsessed with their own hat (made up of skills, time and enthusiasm) that they cannot swap it with others at will. The result is an organic organisation that is getting things done, and not getting bogged down in the bureaucracy of disassociation.
In a period of four weeks, this amazing team has worked individually and as part of small teams to get events from the discussion stage to ‘locked in’ and it is due, in no small part, to the ingrained sense of a common goal within The Gap Creative that is making this happen.
Over many years of travel, I have an unwritten rule that says, ‘never go back’. This frequently requires a leap of faith and a turn to the right, when all guides say go left! Mistakes might be made, opportunities missed, but progress will always succeed; positivity will always overcome. As David Lynch said, “Negativity is the enemy of creativity”.
None of us have the time for constant meetings, so we operate fluidly, communicating daily, but moving forward always. As a result, the Open Studio is locked in. The Gap State High School Gallery is locked in. The Gap Soiree is locked in. Other events wait in the wings.
Membership of Gap Creative does not demand anything from you. We are here to showcase our wonderful creative community and to help those who may not have the networking and marketing components of their trade fine-tuned be as able to participate equally.
All we politely ask is that you support, comment, suggest, turn up, laugh, create and chat at any opportunity you may have. As Bertolt Brecht once said, “No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand”.
Colin
Upcoming Events
We are thrilled to confirm that our inaugural exhibition at The Gap State High School is full steam ahead!
There will be an official opening night on June 16th - public welcome!
For our members, keep an eye on your emails for more details.
The Gap Creative Open Studios
Announcing the dates for our 2023 Open Studio event - 19th & 20th August
The Gap Creative Open Studio event last year was a great success with 14 artists participating across 9 studios. We are now looking to build this into an annual event for The Gap Creative and have emailed further details to members.
An online application process similar to last year will be developed soon.
New Members
We have welcomed a few new members over the last few months, lets give a warm welcome to:
Peni My creative process/practice
I started my journey 12 months ago and continue to learn, importantly I’ve found my happy place. I see, how I feel, colour combinations of nature. I don’t have social media set up yet as l’ve been concentrating on the art. Now the paintings are selling I can afford to start tippy toeing into the world of social media
Cathryn Lloyd From Catherine My arts practice is based around mixed media and collage. Nature is probably my greatest source of inspiration as well as the ordinary everyday things that happen. I love colour, patterns, textures, materials that stimulate my creativity and imagination.
I believe there is no one way to be an artist. The artist may go beyond creating work that satisfies their creative impulses to commenting about and reflecting back to their society/community. They may choose to use their art for change and activism. This is a very personal choice and artists journey through and arrive at their destinations in different ways.
Michael Genner
We asked Michael... Tell us about your creative process and/or practice?
My creative process is haphazard, absorbing musical and other works, letting them sink into the well and drawing down on them when the world or inspiration demands.
While I enjoy composing to a brief, I delight in the rare moments the muses enliven something in me and a fully formed work emerges in minutes. I am fascinated by the many faceted creative process and hope someday to tame it so I may be more productive.
After years composing work for small scale film and theatre I now mostly attempt to write songs that are accessible and diverse in style. My main influences are songwriters - John Prine, Mark Knopfler, Dylan, various jazz guitarists (Metheny, Abercrombie, Towner, Frisell) and film composers (Carter Burwell, Morricone, Elfman etc)
Welcoming New Members for 2023 + Renewal of Memberships for Existing Members
As we roll into a new year our Membership opportunities have never been better! Some of our main FAQ's is can a hobby artist or a part-time creative join - and the answer is YES! Of course. We have Professional artists within our community of course, but a vast majority of our creative community are part-time artists, passionate hobbyists and even 'create when we have a chance' folks too.
One of the many great benefits of membership will be the ability to draw upon the skills and resources of other local Gap creatives and businesses every step of their creative journey. Some of our Top Member Benefits include:
– Gain support from a diverse team of professionals and artists
-Have you ever wanted to run a workshop or an exhibition, but found the process to hard or a venue to expensive? We have experienced artists who can provide guidance or tips as well as strategic workshops to teach you these skills
– Would you like to form a creative, practical or logistical partnership with other local businesses? Collaboration is the name of the game! There are so many wonderful opportunities to collaborate with like-minded creatives and becoming a member will give you many opportunities to meet and connect with 'your creative tribe'.
- Do you want a dedicated gallery space to feature your artwork with regular gallery events run by a dedicated team? Earlier this year, we launched our new gallery space, in partnership with the wonderful Charity Trek2Health. Each year, we have opportunities to open to the public and future customers for your art collection!
With a multitude or fellow creatives and local business relationships at hand, The Gap Creative will be a one stop shop to assist you when you are looking to take on that new challenge.
To check eligibility (mainly, to be a local of The Gap with your studio or home within our Suburb) and to sign up - click here: https://www.thegapcreative.com.au/become-a-member
Thank you to our sponsors!
Kakadu Organics
Kakadu Organics is an Indigenous owned and operated shop in Samford Village. Featuring original artwork, organic products, Native Bush Foods and fresh gourmet salads, juices and smoothies. Kakadu Organics supports Indigenous Woman Entrepreneurs with in-store products as well as working with local and national tourism.
To get in touch, visit them in store in the Samford Country Centre (Across from Drakes) Monday-Saturday 7am-2pm http://www.kakadutinytots.com.au/
Spot Art Spot Art is an established Brisbane based company providing effective solutions for all your web, design and printing needs. We believe being a small agency allows us to offer the sort of personal customer service the big agencies just can't provide. Our clients range from "Mum and Dad" businesses through to multi-nationals.
As a small but professional operation with more than twenty years experience, we have the time and the expertise to focus on delivering unique, creative, cost effective and targeted results. Our award winning designer will produce stunning and effective designs while staying within your design and printing budget. If your needs extend to websites, our experienced website developer can create a new website or manage your existing website to improve your online presence.
To get in touch with Kym https://spotart.com.au/
Ruby Red Jewellery
"As a jewellery designer and gemmologist, I am passionate about creating unique, custom pieces that tell my customer’sstory, combined with a style that feels great when worn. Often the gem inspires the design.
I also specialise in making the most of your existing assets by working with you to re-model unwanted and no longer worn jewellery. I am currently studying jewellery valuation through the NCJV and look forward to offering this service early next year".
To get in touch with Katherine
https://www.facebook.com/RubyRedJewellery
Planet Marketing is a boutique marketing agency based in The Gap. We specialise in providing marketing services for small businesses. With over 30 years’ marketing experience, we help businesses grow sales, customers, and increase brand awareness.
We can help with all your marketing needs: providing businesses with marketing services including strategic marketing plans, digital marketing services, brand and website development, content plans and copywriting, social media services, logo development and design services, photography, publications and magazines, stakeholder engagement, consumer focus groups; marketing workshops, consulting & one-on-one marketing mentoring.
To get in touch for your businesses marketing needs, click here:
www.planetmarketing.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/PlanetMarketingAustralia
UCreate Art
Create Art Studio is a small business here in The Gap. Owned + Operated by Karen Bessell.
U Create aims to make a difference by inspiring individuals, nurturing creativity and providing the tools and ideas to spark imagination. With visual art programs, creative workshops, art and craft classes, parties, events and arts education U Create offers something for everyone.
Owner and founder of U Create, Karen Bessell is a ball of energy and ideas, ensuring the melting pot of creativity is constantly boiling over and every week is different!
To get in touch with Karen https://www.ucreateart.com.au/
Conversio
Alex Stathakis started his career in sustainability and climate change in 2009, which, coincidentally or not, ended the second warmest decade on this planet on record.
In 2015, Alex left EY and founded Conversio so he could focus his practice on helping businesses adopt sustainability practices that were tailored to their specific needs. Within Conversio Alex supports a wide array of clients, from SMEs to international airports, to determine their carbon footprint and energy intensity. He also helps them identify opportunities to save energy and reduce unnecessary costs.
To see how your business can be more aligned with sustainability, contact Alex here: conversio.com.au
Strategic 360
Strategic 360 is a local Brisbane Business supporting other businesses with Strategic advisory services, Estate planning, Superannuation, Accounting & Tax + Bookkeeping.
Strategic 360 Team loves to help people achieve what’s important to them….. the 360 way.
We are a people first company, we care deeply about the people behind the business. It’s responsibility to those people that drives our passion and focus.
Get in touch here: https://www.strategicbas.com.au/
Ky Garvey of Totally Lit Podcast
She is a Children's Book Author, Podcast facilitator and and all around creative human!
Totally Lit is a monthly podcast celebrating reading, writing and creating literature.
Join your host children's author Ky Garvey as she chats with authors, illustrators & all types of creators of books and stories. Be inspired to read, write, create, ignite!
Check out her page here: https://www.facebook.com/totallylitpodcast
Brisbane Inner West Realty
Starting from humble beginnings, Kathleen has worked hard to create one of the The Gap's fastest growing referral businesses. Along with her husband, Stephen Doyle, she is a true believer of constantly adapting and developing her real estate knowledge and skills.
Together they run a highly successful and much-awarded small business and employ a team of local people who share the same country-style ethics and commitment to customer satisfaction.
𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒔 + 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒘: www.biwr.com.au