The Artisan Collective at Port Stephens

John Clarke is a local identity, broadcaster and author. He has gathered together collections of old articles, stories, shing techniques and awesome local photographs to create his fascinating books. “To me, shing is a way of life, in this sport everybody wins; it is all about the experience not the result. The Artisan Collective Port Stephens is also all about the wonderful journey, local people achieving something together.”

Peter Masters is an art photographer who is passionate about creating images. He loves the ocean and deep moody seascapes most of all, but also works with conceptual photography where many elements are combined to complete a work born in the imagination. “The support I have had from the amazingly creative people in the collective has encouraged and inspired me.”

Maria Hine works in mixed media, sculpting and carving in diverse mediums. She believes her work is influenced by her Italian and French heritage. “I think my cultural background is reflected in a Renaissance style. I aim for beautifully flowing realistic and abstract works.”

Ileana Clarke is a prize winning local artist, who also teaches at Tomaree community college and Maitland Regional Art Gallery. She primarily works with painting and drawing using a mix of mediums like watercolour, charcoal and acrylics. “My work can appear dark and moody but I try to show a balance with some light. The Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang describes opposite forces as complementary or interconnected and this is my search.”

Jessica Wolfe creates one-of-a-kind vintage and retro inspired handmade fashion and accessories. Quality detail, bold colours, quirky prints, and mindful materials are her signature style. “All of my items are handmade with love in my home. I take items which may have not have seen the light of day for decades from grandma’s linen cupboard and transform them into functional creations so they may be seen, appreciated and reloved.”