“Of all the devices available to us, stories are the surest way of touching the human spirit.”
we acknowledge the Dja dja people as the traditional owners of this land
we acknowledge the Dja dja people as the traditional owners of this land
CASTLEMAINE FRINGE FESTIVAL: 2023
‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’
PRESENTED by JOANNA LAURIE- BLACK IRIS STORYTELLER
‘STRAWBERRY THIEF’ BY WILLIAM MORRIS
STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE
‘WILLIAM MORRIS & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF’
MARCH 24TH & 25TH 4PM-5PM FULL $25 CON $15/ 15 +
BUDA HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDEN, CASTLEMAINE
Join me as we amble together through the wondrous & prolific world of William Morris; grandfather of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Artist, poet, wall paper designer, furniture, textile and interior designer, embroider, tapestry maker, writer, book publisher, font designer and utopian- At 15 C.S.Lewis wrote to his father about Morris “besides being a poet- Morris was a wall paper designer, a potter, a hand loom weaver and everything else you can think of” (letter to his father, 25 May 1915) Inspired by nature and beauty, William Morris paved the way to ‘Environmentalism’ and as the Founder of he created and inspired and influenced both C.S Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkein. We do a little digging to discover how Morris's legacy weaved its way into the creative lives of the Leviny sister’s of Buda Historic House in Castlemaine, and how through the Arts & Crafts movement inspired the budding artistic community of Castlemaine. Morris’s vision, creativity and humanity are as relevant today as they were a century ago.
“Stories communicate what is generally invisible and ultimately inexpressible...”
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FRINGE ART WINDOW TRAIL: 2023
‘WILLIAM MORRIS & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF REIMAGINED:BY LOCAL ARTISTS
MARCH 17TH- 2ND APRIL
81 MOYSTN RD, CASTLEMAINE, THE TASTE KITCHEN (THE OLD VIDEOLAND)
Be sure to stop by to peer through the window into the ‘William Morris & the Strawberry Thief’: ReImagined by Local Artists. Joanna Laurie has weaved a picture of William Morris- displaying items collected from her personal ‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ collection. Local artists JASON REASON, ALICE STEELE & PATRICIA BULL exhibit their RE-IMAGINED work around the iconic ‘STRAWBERRY THIEF’ pattern by designer William Morris. For more on the artists click the button below.
Wish you could steal away a piece of classic STRAWBERRY THIEF HOME WITH YOU? VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!
MORE ON THE 2023 FRINGE ART windows TRAiL…
Castlemaine Fringe Festival and Business Mount Alexander invite you to take a tour of the Shire and take in the variety, creativity and ingenuity of local artists. The Fringe 2023 Art Windows Trail features small works hidden in shop windows, installations taking over empty buildings, and art that transforms our streetscapes into a multitude of galleries…
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…this is what happens when visual artists come out of the studio and into the street! Breakfast in Maldon, down the road to Newstead for morning tea, head to Castlemaine (via Guildford and Campbells Creek) for lunch with a sneaky afternoon jaunt to Harcourt before you head out to Taradale or Elphinstone for dinner. Along the way you’ll be travelling through a feast of artwork in public spaces, viewable day and night. A list of artists and traders and where to find them will be released on the 15th March.
‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ BOOK DISPLAY CASTLEMAINE LIBRARY
MARCH 17TH- 2ND APRIL
CASTLEMAINE LIBRARY. 212 Barker St, Castlemaine VIC
Come and visit the William Morris Book DiSplay at the CASTLEMAINE LIBRARY, borrow a book about Morris or a related book…did you know that Morris was penned over 25 books and inspired C.S.LEWIS who said…
“But my great author was Morris. I had met him first in quotations on Norse mythology. After that I read all the Morris I could get...”
BORROW TODAY! Check out the wonderful ‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ books related to Morris- including books about his daughter, May Morris (Arts & Crafts embroider), fellow MORRIS& CO and life-long friend biography, Edward Burne-Jones…
ROUNDTABLE CONVERSATION @ PHEE THEATRE,
-CASTLEMAINE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2023-
‘THRIVE AS AN ARTIST: What doEs it take?’
PHEE BROADWAY THEATRE, CASTLEMAINE, MARCH 28TH , 6PM-7: 30 PM * FREE EVENT * RESERVE YOUR SEAT
“Artists cannot help themselves;
they are driven to create by their nature,
but for that nature to truly THRIVE
we need to preserve the precious habitat
in which that beauty can flourish.”
PHEE BROADWAY THEATRE, CASTLEMAINE 28TH MARCH Free event!
CASTLEMAINE FRINGE FESTIVAL, TUESDAY 28TH MARCH *** FREE EVENT : RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Join us for a community roundtable discussion as we dive deep into the question,
‘THRIVE AS AN ARTIST: What does it take?
What do you think it takes? What has it taken you-or taken from you? Or, whats doe’s it GIVE you and GIVEN to you? Together with our roundtable of local artists and art community supporters explore this question with a dash of seriousness and a dollop of vulnerability & frivolity.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE ROUNDTABLE?
The evening will be in two parts. The Roundtable will discuss the question in depth, offering insights reflections and experiences from their journey as artists and supporters of the local Castlemaine Arts Community.
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MEET THE ROUNDTABLE OF LOCAL ARTISTS AND ART COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS:
Jason Reason HAMMER & NAIL
Dale Cox, DALE COX ART
Eden Swan, ARTIST & MUSICIAN
Kerri Douglas, KOORI ART DESIGN
Mark Anstey, LOT 19, FOUNDER & MAKER
MC: Azzy Star, Director OF THE FRINGE 2023
HOST: Joanna Laurie, STORYTELLER
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS EVENT? MAD ABOUT MORRIS
“As a storyteller I so often feel that I am NOT THRIVING in my art- or at life ( a little vulnerability here) so I asked myself- who is my mentor for THRIVING? Out of any artist I know or knew of, who REALLY THRIVED- and what exactly does it mean to THRIVE as an artist in the fist place…have I taken on a cultural belief of what it means to THRIVE AS AN ARTIST? ( success…) Is that what I believe too; or have I just taken it on without really choosing if that is what I believe…
The artist that came to mind as someone who really thrived- not just financially, but creativity and socially- was William Morris. This lead me to wonder HOW Morris thrived. How did he do it…and where their things he did that I could incorporate… the next question was how are artists and the artistic community in Castlemaine and the surrounds THRIVING now- and what does it take for them to THRIVE?
So the idea for a ROUNDTABLE CONVERSATION between local artists and the community came about!”
* THANK YOU TO THE FRINGE FESTIVAL & MT ALEXANDER SHIRE COUNCIL FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS EVENT
“As a storyteller I so often feel that I am NOT THRIVING in my art- or at life ( a little vulnerability here) so I asked myself- who is my mentor for THRIVING? Out of any artist I know or knew of, who REALLY THRIVED- and what exactly does it mean to THRIVE as an artist in the fist place? Have I taken on cultural beliefs of what it means to THRIVE AS AN ARTIST? ( success…) Is that what I believe too; or have I just taken it on without really choosing if that is what I choose to believe?”
MEET THE ROUNDTABLE…
JASON REASON
HAMMER & NEEDLE Faraday
In 2015 Jason moved to Faraday on the skirts of Castlemaine upon returning from living in Hong Kong.
“I have had the great fortune to build my dream workshop and studio and have all the space I could want to be creative, build things, take up space, grow veggies and enjoy plenty of peace anD quieT after busy and fast paced life.”
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…I like to get involved with the local arts community, and attend many of the great events that always seem to be on offer; I volunteered at a few things to give a little support back, and once I started at the Artists markets I soon got involved on the committee and became treasurer for a period of time.
My work and creativity is multifaceted but essentially based around fashion. My true creativity comes from my own manufacturing; which includes a lingerie brand (iole lingerie) and a leather brand (hammer & needle) which people better know me for around town from the markets-currently in a bit of a holding pattern.
I also utilize my skills to set up to assist other Australian brands with local manufacturing. And lastly I consult to large brands and retailers on operations and off shore manufacturing supply chains.
I am very fortunate to do all these things collectively, and Castlemaine remains an important and supportive part of that equation.
Jason has drawn on his skills in both leather work and women’s fashion to create cheeky piece for the FRINGE WINDOW TRAIL: ‘William Morris Re-Imagined’…be sure to stroll by….
Limited items are available as part of the ‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ Event Series… Visit the STOREWhatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
KERRI DOUGLAS
KOORI ART DESIGNS & EDUCATOR Castlemaine
Kerri Douglas is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Bangerang Aboriginal artist.
Kerri lives on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria with her family. It is her passion and love for her culture that inspires her artworks, using a variety of different styles to reflect Nature and her Aboriginal heritage…
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… Kerri uses her artwork to educate others about Aboriginal Culture. She uses mainly acrylics on canvas but has also experimented with Ochres for some of her works. Kerri has recently found time to weave as another medium to reflect her cultural connection. In 2018 she held Djaara Djandak art exhibition in Castlemaine for Aboriginal artists living in Mount Alexander Shire. Outside of her artwork, Kerri has a passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal children in education and strives towards this through her position as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer at the Department of Education and Training.
Kerri is a member of the Indigenous Art Code that proudly supporting the ethical sale of Indigenous Art. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.Description text goes here
MARK ANSTEY FOUNDER LOT 19, MAKER & BUILDER Castlemaine
Mark began his professional life as a registered nurse but gave his creative self the lead, and has been a thriving furniture maker for the past 25 years. In 2001 Mark bought the land where LOT19 now stands and over the ensuing 20 years has built 21 studios, a gallery, stages, commercial kitchen and auxiliary structures.
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Mark has designed, funded and ran the multi-platform arts program including recently appointing Lot19 Creations Ltd with a Board of Directors who will eventually inherit Lot19 so that it can continue to serve the people as a not-for-profit community asset, with artists at its heart. Mark has served on the Castlemaine State Festival Board and Goods Shed Development Sub-Committee for eight years. He is a passionate philanthropist and maker of things, and often refers to his gnarly hands as his ‘weapons of mass construction’
DALE COX,
DALE COX ART Castlemaine
Dale has lived in Castlemaine for…
Contemporary Artist Dale Cox works across a diverse range of visual media including Film, painting and sculpture, often appropriating found objects as materials for alteration and reinvention.
Challenging conventional notions of painting – Cox enjoys blurring the boundaries of his painting practice into hybridized painted sculptural works, documentaries, video art and film. Cox’s sculptures (often also painted!) explore issues concerning changing perceptions towards Australian History, including the commoditization of the Australian landscape among broader Environmental Themes.
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Dale Cox holds an honours degree in Fine Arts (Painting) and is represented by Australian Galleries Melbourne and Sydney, Dale has for the past 15 years presented numerous solo exhibitions and participated in several curated group exhibitions, including at the National Gallery of Victoria and The Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Cox’s paintings and sculptures can be found in significant public, corporate and private collections worldwide.
EDEN SWAN
ARTIST & MUSICIAN
Castlemaine- recently moved to Melbourne
Eden Swan (she/her) is an Indo-Australian interdisciplinary artist and musician exploring the biology of loss and psychology of fear through performance in both instinctive and performative settings. Eden draws on her expertise as a hyper-marginalised person to create works that celebrate otherness as a specific act of healing and inclusion for non-normative bodies and divergent minds in exclusive spaces and institutions.
AZZY JAY
FRINGE DIRECTOR & MC Castlemaine
Azzy Jay has been living in Castlemaine since 2017, moving from Northcote (cliche or what) With a background inevents, festivals and public health Azzy brings together people, support and experience to create unique opportunities and spaces; understanding that community thrives when people have the chance to connect and participate. She also knows how to use cable ties, owns a number of (all currently awol) staple-guns, knows where to borrow things like dome tentsand can locate a shed full of lights, costumes and fancy glassware at a moment's notice! When she's not at work or making Fringe things happen, you might find her making lampshades (Ha, she wishes!). She also rates herself as an MC, I guess we shall see about that shall we!
JOANNA LAURIE,
STORYTELLER & HOST Riddells Creek
WURUNDJERI WOI WURR\RRUNG COUNTRY
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS EVENT? "I often feel that I am not thriving as an artist... when I saw the FRINGE theme was 'THRIVE',I wondered…
“Who is an artist who thrived professionally and as a human being?”
'MAD ABOUT MORRIS' based on William Morris (1834- 1896) artist, designer and poet was prolific in his creative pursuits. Throughout his creative life Morris pursued the question, 'What does it take to thrive as an artist- and as a human being?’ I was curious about how artists in Castlemaine- a town famed for its arts community, thrive.
Thank you to the FRINGE & Mt Alexander Shire Council for supporting this event.
FRINGE 2023: ART windows TRAIL
WILLIAM MORRIS & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF RE-IMAGINED’: BY LOCAL ARTISTS
VISIT US ON THE ARTS WINDOW TRAIL TASTE KITCHEN, 81 MOYSTEN ST, CASTLEMAINE: ( THE OLD VIDEOLAND- NEXT TO TASTE KITCHEN) ‘STRAWBERRY THIEF RE-IMAGINED’ IS A ROLLING WINDOW TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM MORRIS & HIS MOST ICONIC PATTERN ‘STRAWBERRY THIEF’: TAKE A PEEK THROUGH THE WINDOW AS THREE LOCAL ARTISTS BRING THEIR CREATIVITY AND BEAUTY TO EACH OF THEIR PIECES, EACH ADDING THEIR WORK OVER THE COURSE OF THE FESTIVAL…SO BE SURE TO DROP BY MORE THAN ONCE…
ALICE STEEL
ARTIST & BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST Castlemaine
Alice Steel is an artist and a biological scientist who brings these two fields together with her unique hand-painted jewellery. Her detailed and creative designs express a deep respect for nature, taking inspiration from Australian flora and fauna. All her pieces are individually cut from sustainable, repurposed high-density board, ensuring they are both lightweight and strong. Her use of vibrant colours and bold patterns makes each piece a joyful to wear. A love of birds made Alice the perfect choice to ‘reimagine’ strawberry thief into a delightful jewllerry collection of earings and broaches. Visit the store to purchase or order your own pair!
Alice Steel has some fabulous ‘STRAWBERRY THIEF’ delights- earrings and broaches using her trademark colourful & dynamic style to this famous pattern… VISIT THE STORE TO ORDER.
JASON REASON :
HAMMER & NEEDLE Faraday
JASON REASON HAMMER & NEEDLE FARADAY
LEATHERWORK & WOMEN’S FASHION
Jason Reason, founder of HAMMER & NEEDLE began his foray into designing and crafting leather goods after working with women’s fashion for more than 20 years. It all stemmed from a desire to have his own high quality handmade products that were built to last. Jason has drawn on his skills in both leather work and women’s fashion to create a cheeky creation for the FRINGE WINDOW TRAIL: ‘William Morris Re-Imagined’…be sure to stroll by….
LOCAL ARTIST: JASON REASON: REIMAGINED…? WATCH THE WINDOW…
Ahh, you thought I was going to tell you? Noooo! Keep an eye out for Jason’s marvelous creation in the window over the course of the festival…
PAT BULL VERTEBRAE STUDIOS ARTIST & TEXTILE WORKER Wesley
Hill
PATRICIA BULL, VERTEBRAE STUDIOS: ARTIST & TEXTILE WORKER
Pat completed her BA in Textile Design at RMIT in 1987, majoring in screen-printing. Pat moved to Castlemaine and established Vertebrae Studios where her philosophies of Recycling and mania for collecting have become practice; utilizing the found reinterpreted to new products; assemblage and mosaics, furniture and soft furnishings including pinnies, tea towels and lampshades. She works in the mediums of drawing, collage, relief prints [lino], and scratchback illustrations. Pat has exhibited solo exhibitions and group shows in Melbourne and Mount Alexander Shire. Internationally she has been represented in Germany and Poland and interstate in Australia. Her work is included in public collections in City of Moreland, Kangan TAFE, International Poster Collection University of Connecticut USA, and in private collections. Pat has bought her expertise to design cushion, pilliow’s and lampshades for the WINDOW TRAIL: Cushions and pillows are for sale - so you may take a little ‘strawberry Thief’ inspiration for yourself! Limited items available. Visit the Store for details!
Local artist: PAT BULL: RE-IMAGINED LAMPSHADE, PILLOWS & CUSHIONS
Pat has created some beautiful cushions & pillows, giving the ‘Strawberry Thief’ a double dose of her motto and all things ‘RE’ : Re-cycle, Re- vamp, Re-claim, Re-duce & Re-Invigorated! Pat incorporated new and treasured- from the materials collected over the years, to recycling lampshades to wonderful effect!
Be shore to visit the STORE to steal away an iconic ‘Strawberry Thief RE-IMAGINED’ PILLOW OR CUSHON for yourself. Genuine MORRIS & CO material.
Limited stock available. ** STORE LAUNCH: SUNDAY 19th FEB!
TO CONTACT PATRICIA: For commissions etc please email on patbull@dodo.com.au
Visit the store to steal away a bit of your own ‘strawberry thief’ by our local artists- limited stock, BE QUICK!
JOANNA LAURIE BLACK IRIS STORYTELLER & HOST
Riddells Creek
Joanna weaves the story of William Morris into a visual landscape- delving into her own ‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ collection to showcase the wonderful local artists that have come onboard with this window ‘WILLIAM MORRIS & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF: RE-IMAGINED’ BY LOCAL ARTISTS.
THANK YOU TO CLAIRE RIVERS, A NEW ARTIST TO CASTLEMAINE, OUR PHOTOGRAPHER FOR DOCUMENTING THE ROUNDTABLE & STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE-FRINGE 2023
CLARE RIVERS, PHOTOGRAPHER,
Just arrived in Castlemaine!
Over my twenty years living and bringing up children in East Gippsland I became embedded both in the beautiful landscape and the vibrant and emerging art scene. It was my involvement in and appreciation of the community that drew me toward capturing moments of vibrance and connection. Over these years I was lucky enough to be invited to document many arts events, as well as some private events and portrait work. I have very recently moved to Dja Dja Wurrung country and am very much looking forward to my new chapter and the opportunity to work within the lively and warm-hearted community of Castlemaine.
Enquiries please contact Clare via email: secondskin66@hotmail.com
PERSONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I JUST WISH TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED BRING ABOUT ‘MAD ABOUT MORRIS’ CASTLEMAINE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2023
STORYTELLING PERFORMANCE
BUDA HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDEN: Thank you so much for the beautiful space and support!
ROUNDTABLE CONVERSATION: THRIVE AS AN ARIST: WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
Azzy Jay: FRINGE DIRECTOR & MC, Thank you for all your support & encouragement, and stepping in as MC
THE ROUNDTABLE: Mark Anstey ( also for your networks and suggesting so many great people!) Jason Reason, Kerri Douglas, Eden Swan & Dale Cox- for making the time and effort to be part of this.
FRINGE: Thank you for making the event FREE so more people can come & upholding the ROUNDTABLE Donations, & Mt Alexander Shire: For the venue- PHEE THEATRE, thank you!
ART WINDOW DISPLAY:
THE ARTISTS: JASON REASON , PAT BULL & ALICE STEELE- so much time and effort you have put into your beautiful pieces- thank you! ELLA HUGHES , FRINGE WINDOW MANAGER- Thank you for all your wonderful help & encouragement!
JEFF: “KITCHEN NEXT DOOR”, who gave us the window and was so welcoming and generous.
MY MUM, SUE- who helped clean & set-up the window display.
JESS ( My U.K Cousin) who gave me some of the William Morris material for my 40th birthday present.
Claire Rivers- a new friend who moved to Castlemaine recently & who just happened to be sitting outside the window when mum & I bumped in on a 28 degree day… and for your photos on the nights of the festival and photographes of the beautiful shop item- “I need to make them pop Claire!”
Mark ( cousin of Jeff) - who stopped to help us try and wedge the cot through the door… Mark we did get there in the end.
MAD ABOUT MORRIS BOOK DISPLAY
CASTLEMAINE LIBRARY- for hosting the William Morris Book Display and being so generous!
OTHER: MY FRIENDS: Sal, Tamara, Phoebe, Kate Pompa and others for encouraging me- you know who you are! Gela my ‘head & heart’ support, thank you, Lynette- my life mentor and wise woman! My family-dad David & sister Kate for doing all the stuff that just helps- hijacking your computer for hours when the puppy chews through the computer charger chord… MONTY: My new puppy who I have waited for at least a decade…you have kept my spirits high & bright . Grace- your acupuncture at HEALING WELL, Castlemaine & my excuse for coming to Castlemaine… not that I really needed one
TO WILLIAM MORRIS- whose Beauty and ‘rooms of delight’ have cheered me up when I was unwell- who took me on a lovely breadcrumb journey through the U.K and who continues to inspire and amaze me with the depths of his enthusiasm, drive, imagination and humanity.
AND FINALLY…
SPECIAL FRIENDS… SALLY GUILDFORD, MEEAH, PHOEBE LINES , MARTE, TAMARA, KATE POMPA ( UK) , KAGGI & PATRIC, MICHAEL, my sister Kate & LYNETTE & DAN ( EMP), GELA CREATIVITY CIRCLE- KATE, SAM, LUCY & PHOEBE…. FOR supporting me and encouraging me through some very dark days to get here!
ME: YES ME! THANK YOU FOR SAYING YES, for biting off way more than you could chew and just having a BLOODY GO!