An Inspiring Story of Bravery & Creativity
I’ve been dreaming about opening Studio Selkie for years. Even though starting a small business has been absolutely terrifying, seeing the space set up and ready to welcome people makes me giddy.
It just feels good creating in here. I really believe art should be accessible, and that making things together is one of the best ways to support community wellbeing.
Knowing Studio Selkie can become a small part of nipaluna’s already beautiful creative community feels pretty special.
Choosing Being Wild Over Burnout
Studio Selkie came out of burnout, a moral dilemma, and a stubborn feeling that I needed to do something a little wild.
I’m a high school art teacher who, like so many others, hit burnout.
I loved the bustle of an art room, and the thought of losing that part of my life made me incredibly sad.
Healing with Art Therapy
I also retrained as an art therapist through Murdoch, but I couldn’t quite reconcile charging clients when there’s no Medicare rebate.
I truly believe in art therapy! I just felt the people who needed it most often couldn’t afford it.
At the same time, I had this quiet little whisper that refused to go away: just do it.
Have a crack. Build the community art space you’d always imagined.
The thought of never trying became scarier than potentially failing.
That feeling is also where the name Studio Selkie came from.
The Selkie myth is all about longing and returning to your true wild nature.
Maybe it wasn’t the smartest marketing choice… but I’ll choose magic over logic every time.
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Crafting a Welcoming & Joyful Studio Space
I wanted Studio Selkie to feel somewhere between a working art studio and your best mate’s lounge room.
It was really important to me that it didn’t feel like a space designed only for “real artists”.
Where Making Matters
This is a place to wander in, muck around, and make scrappy art just because it feels good.
So many people have been told they’re not artistic enough, or don’t feel welcome in creative spaces.
I’d love Studio Selkie to help dismantle that myth.
Discovering A Supportive Hidden Gem Studio Space
The studio is tucked away with no street frontage, so I’m embracing the “hidden gem” idea!
It’s set up as a walk-in, self-led studio where, for a small fee, people can use a huge range of art materials without committing to a class.
I’m always around if people want ideas or prompts, but the focus is on having a play.
You can drop in for a two-hour session without booking or grab a half-day pass if you have your own supplies but need somewhere to spread out.
Bring your lunch, make yourself at home.
Leave the washing and come make something!
Winter opening hours are:
Wednesday–Friday: 10am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm
Sunday: 11am–4pm
Every second Friday evening is ‘Collage Hangs’. A relaxed collage night that’s heaps of fun. We grab a pizza from TiAma next door. Yum.
The studio is currently for ages 14+, and I’m always keen to collaborate with other artists looking for a space to run workshops, while making sure there’s still plenty of time available for casual drop-in making.
15 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004
Taking the Leap with Something Important
I wish I’d known just how hard it is to get the word out, and then actually get people through the door.
Although… maybe I’m glad I didn’t know. It might have tipped my fear over the edge, and I never would have taken the leap!
I’m incredibly grateful for platforms like Art Trails Tasmania, and for every person who’s wandered in, had a look around, made some art, and believes in what Studio Selkie is trying to build.
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The Joys of Sharing Creative Space
Watching people settle into the space has been the best part.
Numbers are still small, but everyone who’s come in has given lovely feedback.
A couple of people have even messaged me to say they’ve framed the artwork they made here, which burst my heart.
Knowing that this slightly wild idea has turned into a real place where people can make things with their hands makes all the stress, fear and tears worth it. (This is where I need to thank my husband for putting up with me when I was absolutely mental during set up!)
It’s actually been wonderful for our little family. We moved to Tasmania just over two years ago, despite never having visited before.
I just had this very strong feeling we were meant to come.
We haven’t regretted it for a second, and I honestly think Studio Selkie was quietly calling us here all along.
We live in a tiny house, so having this creative space has been pretty wonderful for all of us.
Art Trails Tasmania: An Artist Led Project
One of the most important features of Art Trails Tasmania is being able to introduce you to a wonderful community of Tasmanian artists, their workshops, exhibitions, creative small businesses, art retreats, events and their stories.
Each month in our free Community newsletter we share their stories directly with you, along side inspiring Creativity Calendar posts and the empowering Skills Sharing Series so you can develop the skills needed to craft the life enriching creative business of your dreams. Enjoy!
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Contemporary Art Path to Studio Selkie
I trained in contemporary art before adding a Dip Ed, and I think years of teaching high school art has turned me into a complete bitsa. I do a bit of this and a bit of that.
I love painting large abstract works just as much as I love intricate collage, slow stitch, and trying whatever random thing has caught my attention that week.
The list of things I still want to learn is endless.
To be honest, opening Studio Selkie might have been a cheeky excuse to surround myself with art materials and justify collecting all sorts of random bits and pieces.
My marketplace game is strong!
About the Studio
Studio Selkie has grown out of years of thinking about how to break down the barriers that stop people from making art.
Space and cost were always the big ones.
I wanted to create somewhere people could experiment without having to buy all the gear first.
I’m slowly building up a collection of bigger-ticket equipment too. Things like a UV light box for cyanotype printing, projectors and a printing press.
They’re the sorts of tools people might need once or twice for a project, so it makes sense to share them.
Friday night Collage Hangs are so fun. They’re a great excuse to get off your phone and make something with a friend. Come for a date night, bring a mate, or come on your own—the studio is really welcoming.
One awesome woman, Gloria, who was travelling around Tasmania by herself, came to the studio three times.
Watching people connect through making art together is exactly why I started this whole adventure.
I’ll definitely be doing more evening sessions in the future.
It feels like Studio Selkie is only just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what grows from here.
If you’re curious, have questions, or you’re an artist looking for a space to run a workshop, I’d love to hear from you. Can’t wait to meet you, Mel.
15 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004
Be sure to follow the Studio Selkie on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, sources of inspiration and delightful updates.
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Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
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Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
Also being shared are the supporters of our artists, the galleries, shops, cafes, art societies and groups, places to stay and artist in residencies.
