Open Studio Reflections - What a Weekend!

It’s funny — in the lead-up to Open Studios, life gets so hectic I can barely remember why I was so busy! It just consumes everything. But here I am, on the other side of it, and I can honestly say it was a wonderful success. I couldn’t be happier.

I did miss having my daughter and her beautiful ceramics with me this year. Life threw us a little curveball, but hopefully, there won’t be any unexpected glitches next year and she’ll be back by my side.

Saturday started quietly — as it does every year, really, though I still get that little voice in my head saying “No one’s coming!” But of course, they came. A steady stream of visitors wandered in, curious about my smaller works, my matted paintings, and loads and loads of greeting cards. I found myself thinking, Okay — this might be how it is this year, with the way the economy’s been… people will go for the small treasures.

I’ve never been too preoccupied with selling (well… maybe a little bit!). There’s nothing quite like that buzz you get when someone loves your work enough to part with their hard-earned cash. It’s also great to move paintings out of the studio — it makes physical and mental space for new projects and the next painting adventure. Because for me, every new piece is a little dive into the unknown.

Now, back to Saturday — my darling Rob was the money man, confidently wielding the Square like a seasoned pro, while his brother Drew discovered he had secret barista skills! Friends, neighbours, and new faces filled the veranda. Honey, our enthusiastic meet-and-greet dog, welcomed every car and every person with a wagging tail and a friendly lick. It meant that every visitor stepped onto the studio veranda already smiling.

We had the best time chatting with people — about art, about the valley, and everything in between. It really was the perfect team (plus dog), and by the end of the day we all collapsed in a happy, exhausted heap. Drew even topped his day off with a dip in the dam… pretty sure Honey joined him too!

Sunday was a different story — we were expecting the bus, but nothing quite prepares you for the sudden rush. Rob had a queue of people waiting to pay, while our new Sunday barista, Marilyn, was bravely wrangling the unfamiliar coffee machine. I knew many of the people on the bus, so I was talking my head off while the atmosphere buzzed all around us.

The absolute highlight? Three of my larger paintings sold on Sunday! The first one sold right at 10am, and we joked, “Well — we can pack up and go home now!”

I am deeply appreciative and grateful to everyone who took the time to come out and see me and my year’s work. A special thank you to those who purchased pieces — it means the world. And of course, I’m forever thankful to the incredible team that made the weekend so happy and successful. I must also give a huge shoutout to the Dardanup Art Spectacular & Trail — none of this would happen without them.

Next up for me? First… a well-earned rest. Rob, Honey the wonder dog, and I will head out in our campervan for a holiday filled with camping, painting, writing (and plenty of sniffing for Honey).

When we return, it’s straight into the next adventure — a joint exhibition with two dear artist friends, Catherine Mead and Heather Elliot-Smith. Our exhibition, STRONGER TOGETHER, will launch in November this year. I’ll share more details about that soon.

And as a little aside — I’m thrilled to have been invited to exhibit at Juniper Galleries in their latest exhibition ENRAPTURED, opening next weekend in Darlington, WA. You’ll find details about that on the News & Upcoming Events .

Thanks again, everyone — what a joy this has all been!

Warmly,
Diana