Art Talk with Chanelle Chambers

Growing up in a family with some fairly creative individuals, Chanelle has always held a deep appreciation for creativity. Witnessing the so-called ‘uncreative’ ones express their creativity has reinforced her belief that everyone possesses an inner artist waiting to be unleashed. Art has given Chanelle a voice and purpose, and she is dedicated to helping others find their creative outlet as well. Catch Chanelle’s work this month at Bivs!

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist 

My mind tends to race, but being by the beach brings me peace. I studied graphic design and focused on meticulously illustrating dog portraits, capturing all their unique traits and personalities. When a friend asked for an Irish seascape, I discovered a love for the palette knife, allowing me to create textured waves and sandy shores, which was a fun change from my usual 2D work. This new technique gave me a sense of freedom, and now 2 years on, my art embraces a more fluid style with tonnes of water and loose strokes, moving away from the millimeter micromanaging I used to focus on. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Back in the day, I used to travel a lot, just like many others from my gen, always hunched over my SLR camera, capturing beach photos that I was strangely fixated on without understanding why. Nowadays, the surf spots and sandy beaches I visit with my kids and my hubby, who loves to surf, are what truly inspire me. These moments (and the recycled beach finds) spark my creativity and help me craft dreamlike scenes that blend my memories with the ocean's beauty.

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you? 

I often find that the artworks I refer to as "problem children" become my favourites. I’ve discovered that I love a good challenge, and the pieces that really test me are the ones that offer the most important lessons, especially those that stare at me for months, demanding a solution. A standout example is my piece called “Sundae Sesh,” which was quite the struggle; it features pastel colours and thick textures reminiscent of an ice cream sundae, bringing back fond memories of lazy Sunday afternoons at the pub on Cottesloe beach — a place that many from Western Australia can relate to.

How did this collection come about? 

I find it tough to concentrate on a single perspective, so this collection really emphasises contrast, a key element in my artistic journey. It reflects the tension between my swirling thoughts and the serene seascapes I create to find calm for myself and others. The soft charm of southern beaches on a rainy day stands in stark contrast to the bright colours of northern beaches basking in sunlight. I'm truly fortunate to draw inspiration from Western Australia's breathtaking coastline, and I appreciate BIVS for giving me the chance to display my art.

Follow Chanelle on Instagram here

Art Talk with Laura Burton

Laura Burton is an abstract painter originally from Yorkshire, UK, now living Perth. Laura explains her painting style as ‘experimental and free of boundaries or expectations.’ She loves experimenting with colour and texture and uses range of mediums, her favourites being acrylics, oil pastels and spray paint. Catch Laura’s works, part of her series ‘If walls could talk’ this month at Bivs!

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist

I enjoy painting during the more peaceful hours of the evening. Once my children are tucked into bed, I head to my outdoor makeshift studio, light a candle, turn on my favourite playlist and burn palo santo wood to unwind from the day and to stimulate creativity.

I love working on a large scale as I can explore with fewer constraints. I deliberately avoid over-planning, preferring the freedom to follow where the energy of the paint takes me. I am often so deep in the ‘flow state’ the hours fly by (note to self - I must learn to get more sleep!).   

My go-to mediums are acrylic paint applied with a palette knife and oil pastels. Texture, texture and more texture please! One of my favourite ingredients to add to acrylic paint is baking powder, it creates a gritty and rough consistency, as opposed to plaster that I mix in for a heavier smooth finish.

I have been sketching and drawing since childhood, that quiet kid who would sit for hours carefully shading the house plant or an ornament. Over the years, I’ve evolved into an abstract artist – I love the curiosity that is generated, and when someone connects with my work it’s the best feeling in the world. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from old buildings and weathered walls, I find them so soothing to look at. There is also a romanticism related to their history. Like most things in life, their truth cannot be understood on first glance, you have to take time to stop and look closely to understand the story they have to tell. 

How did this collection come about? 

I was curious about the untold stories concealed within historic walls, and the energy they perspire. This collection was born from the intention to grant these walls a voice, achieved through the deliberate choice of colour and medium. Each piece resonates with a distinct energy, from the serene to the chaotic, whilst trying to create balance through shapes and lines.

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you? 

“Bello” was inspired by a recent trip to Venice with my sister. It’s my favourite piece in the collection!

Follow Laura on Instagram here

Art Talk with Matt Tinney

Matt Tinney is a TV journalist and presenter who has had a love for photography since he could hold a camera. After years of hiding his passion, the 38-year-old burst on to the art scene with a series of fine art photographic prints. The father-of-two has been in hot demand since revealing his photographic talent. Matt has released collections featuring Italy, Perth and Greece and a special series to raise funds for Pride WA. Matt has been photographing at Rottnest Island, over east and in Singapore and plans to release new collections soon.

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist 

I work in TV News, but I’ve always loved photography. As a kid, I took photos on holidays, often asking my mum, dad and brother to step out of shot, so I could capture a spectacular landscape (minus them in it). The love of photography grew but I kept my passion hidden for decades. Back in 2020 after the pandemic hit, I started building an online print store and printed large-scale versions of my photographs on top-quality Ilford paper. But life got in the way and I never thought I’d get the store  off the ground. A chance meeting with Perth photographer Kathryn Sprigg put me back on track. We connected on Instagram in 2021 and met for lunch. We’ve been eating and drinking, talking about life and laughing ever since. I’m forever grateful to Kathryn for encouraging me. Now, my prints appear in homes around Perth, Australia and overseas. I get my printing and framing done locally to support the WA creative industry.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from exhibitions, museums and work online,, learning about new styles and techniques which I can incorporate in my own work. At this stage of my practice, I love the freedom of being able to make any idea happen, without being wedded to a particular theme or style. I’ve released collections featuring Italy, Greece, Perth and a special series Splash! for Pride WA. For that series, I wanted to combine men in bathers in Perth, but not at the beach. Instead in the middle of the city! The Splash! series is about taking the plunge, challenging what's normal and being open to the beauty of seeing things in a new way. I aim to convey a story through my photographs and perhaps allow people to see the world in a new way. 

How did this collection come about? 

The Azzurro collection features a series of photographs I took over a period of almost 10 years in Italy. My mum’s family immigrated to Australia and cultivated in me a passion for all things Italian - food, music and talking loudly. I’ve made numerous trips to Italy, travelling from Sicily in the south to the Cinque Terre in the north. I love processing the shots using Lightroom - accentuating aspects of the photographs  so the final images convey the feelings I got when I took them. What takes the tiramisu though is seeing my work in people’s homes and knowing it’s bringing them joy!

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you? 

My work “The Dive” is one of my favourites and it’s the one I get asked about the most. I took it in Santa Cesarea Terme in Puglia which is the ‘heel’ part of Italy. Most people ask me, “Was this set up?” The answer is no. I was just swimming and enjoying the sunshine when I saw this bloke diving off the rocks and he was amazing. So I grabbed my Canon camera, scrambled up to the top of the rocks and started taking a series of photographs. I was really happy with them. But for me this one photograph was special because of that kid in shot. He just walked in and I love the way he’s looking on in awe, perhaps pondering whether he could do the same one day. I think it symbolises the feelings in us when we ponder doing something outside our comfort zone. I have this fine art print in the biggest size possible in my living room and it always stops me in my tracks. I think in many ways in my photographic journey I am that kid, learning from the masters of the craft and coming up with my own ‘dive’.

Follow Matt on Instagram and check out his prints online.

Art Talk with Sara Adams

Sara Adams is an emerging contemporary artist from Perth whose style blends boldness with a meditative soothing aesthetic. Sara draws inspiration from nature, the intricate patterns of mark making and the delicate details of embroidery. Sara’s stunning works are now gracing the walls at Bivouac.
Get to know the artist…

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist.

I have always enjoyed being creative and would spend hours drawing in my room as a child, however my adult career took a very different route. I studied at University for 10 years, and worked for almost 20 years in public health strategic planning for the WA Government. After experiencing severe burnout late 2021 I used embroidery and art to recover and have not looked back - art really was always my first love.

The meditative style of my work is probably no accident as the creation of my work is a form of active meditation practice for me, giving me a sense of calm and peace.

I have loved experimenting and exploring my artistic style. My house is full of inspiration such as plenty of indoor plants, embroidery hanging on the walls and various artworks - some that are very graphic and others that are delicate and detailed, including Indigenous art and watercolours.

I have two young daughters, a husband and a dog, so life is full, fun and busy. My art practice brings a welcome focus amongst the chaos of life.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I love nature and plants, particularly botanicals with strong almost architectural lines. I also love intricate details such as embroidery and mark making, so my art has evolved to blend those two. In more recent times I have enjoyed exploring light and dark in my pieces, almost as a reflection of modern life, where there are ups and downs, highs and lows.

My preference is to use earthy tones, as I feel they add another dimension to the soothing experience I aim to evoke in my audience. My choice of acrylic paint allows me to bring in a graphic element to my work, combining that with acrylic pens that bring the delicate details.

How did this collection come about?

This is my debut collection so it is a reflection of my exploration as a new artist, combining my inspirations as discussed above, along with the influences of some of my favourite other artists such as Sally Ford, Karina Jambrak and Kristina Forrest. I started with digital art before I moved to painting, so my collection began with a more graphic aesthetic and has evolved over the past 6 months to incorporate the inspiration I have taken from my embroidery and mark making.

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you?

My “With the Wind” painting is probably my favourite as it symbolises a need to be flexible, and move with the ups and down of life. Perhaps a symbol of what I have had to do since leaving my other career to embrace my love for painting.

Follow Sara on Instagram and Facebook.

Art Talk with Kate Goff

Kate Goff is a fine artist with the eye of a graphic designer.

At the intersection of fine and commercial art, digital and analogue, the present and the past her work is an embodiment of the liminal space.

Kate begins with photographs taken with a manual camera and black & white film. She then manipulates the image, adding the geometric shapes, colour casts and elements familiar to the design world.

View Kate’s works at Bivouac and get to know the artist…

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist.
I started out studying photography and visual arts, and eventually found my niche in my own style of photomedia art. This involved high contrast black and white photography mixed with graphics. I also studied graphic design briefly, and worked in the printing industry. This gave me the skills to create my own style photomedia art, a bit photography, a bit collage and a bit graphic design. I like to work with composition and contrast. 

When/ how did you get into photography?
I started about 20 years ago, hard to believe it was so long ago! I finished my undergrad in Photomedia in 2003. I originally went to uni thinking I wanted to study film, but ended up crossing over into photography as I loved darkrooms and manually developing photo’s. 

What is your favourite subject matter to shoot, where is the majority of your practice focused?
Peoples faces, negative space, working with the rule of thirds and composition.  

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Old black and white photographs, 70s - 80s print media

How did this collection come about?
In 2021 I began working with manual black and white film again, after being inspired by the native Australian wildflowers on Railway Parade in West Leederville near where I lived. I created a series of collage works such as ‘Purple: Melia Azedarach’ (currently on the walls of Bivouac). As well as this I started to concentrate on simpler, more traditional style black and white photography and digitally adding subtle tones of colour. 

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you?
Plants, East Fremantle (Pink Cast) 2022

What other projects are you working on and what are you looking forward to in 2023?
Always working on more projects, always working on new art works for exhibitions. Getting back into manual black and white photography.

Art Talk with Tyler Brown

We sat down with Perth photographer Tyler Brown to chat about his practice, his inspirations and his Italy exhibition currently showing at Bivouac that was captured over 10 nights across Florence, Tuscany, Rome, and the Amalfi coast. 

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist.
I’m a 36 year old father of 3 who has been lucky enough to create a career out of photography. I’ve been shooting full time covering 40-50 weddings a year which has taken me to places such as New Zealand, Bali, across Australia, and as far as Italy. In my spare time if I’m not surfing, I’m working on personal passion projects mostly around travel photography and portraiture.

When/ how did you get into photography?
I was always keen to get into it but there were other priorities. A trip to New Zealand in my mid 20’s is when I finally had my hands on a camera.  A close friend, who was unfortunately diagnosed with a brain tumour, decided to create a celebration and get married. It was Ben and Clare who asked me to shoot their wedding. I hired a bunch of camera gear and that was the beginning of my new obsession. I quit my job in 2014 and started shooting full time.  

What is your favourite subject matter to shoot, where is the majority of your practice focussed?
I love people. And I’m like a moth so I’m obsessed with interesting light. So trying to blur the lines between photography and creating a graphic purely by using interesting light is what gets me amped. Majority of my time is spent shooting weddings. There is so much stimulation for a busy brain like mine, yet I tend to get this hyperfocus. Every wedding is different, every couple behaves differently so I love trying to crack their code. Being reactive to the changing environment on a busy day is pretty exciting. There’s also a lot of satisfaction in shooting something special for people in a way they wouldn’t be able to do themselves.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My girlfriend Tahnee inspires me along with a bunch of my best mates. They are all so talented and just pushing the limits in difficult Australian light and making it look amazing. They all just have so much style and I love that. Apart from that, cinema is a big inspiration. It’s annoying but my brain is constantly working out how every scene is lit and what lens is being used. 

How did this collection come about?
My amazing couple Erin and Nasir brought me on their honeymoon where they wanted to elope in Tuscany. I squeezed in a total of 10 nights in between weddings back in Perth. I would shoot 3 times a day in each place I stayed. I covered Florence, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi coast, back to Florence, Tuscany for the elopement before flying back home. 

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you?
My jaw barely left the ground the whole trip. There was something really special about the Amalfi coast. The light was so gentle and it just photographed differently compared to home. It had a painterly look to it.

Any special interests/projects you'd like to pursue in the future?
Currently working on an exhibition concept. Some mixed media ideas and just some different way of telling stories using art.

Are there any notable achievements, career moments or awards you'd like to mention?
A career highlight would be shooting a full day wedding with my 9 year old twins Mason and Scarlett. It was their year 1 teacher’s wedding and their teacher only booked me if the twins could join us. I was so proud seeing how hard they pushed themselves and how well they listened. Observing them making other people feel comfortable while being photographed was just magical. They shot some pretty impressive stuff as well.

Tyler’s work will be showing at Bivouac from June to July, be sure to come and check it out! For more information or to get in contact with Tyler, head to his website – http://tylerbrownphotography.com.au

Art Talk with Reza Dashti

We take a moment to chat with Reza Dashti on his Whispering Timbers exhibition at Bivouac.

Tell us about yourself and your practice as an artist
I immigrated to Australia in 2011. I was born and raised in southwest Iran, a region that was directly impacted by the Iran-Iraq war. My parents always appreciate all aspects of the arts, and as such drawing and painting have been my passion since I was a very little boy. When I was a teenager I started creating mural paintings that predominantly reflected the war conflict. Since I have been in Australia I have continued my practice, exploring different mediums and styles. 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My new country Australia, Aboriginal lands, peaceful culture and sensational oceans have all inspired me deeply and have changed my perception of the beauty of life. There are two types of subjects that I normally paint, portraits and oceanic landscapes. I like to switch from one to another because I love them both equally. Portraits are inspired by individuals and landscapes usually are inspired by the stunning Indian ocean!

How did this collection come about? 
I usually paint in acrylic. One day I applied a thick and chunky coat of paint to a timber sheet with a palette knife as an experiment. The outcome was to me, sensational and thrilling. The texture was amazingly soft and showed three dimensions perfectly. I experimented more and more and I'm now in love with timber painting although for specific mediums or styles I still use canvas. 

I usually talk and whisper with the timbers while applying paint to them. I feel they hear me and aid me to create an emotional art piece. That’s why I called this series “Whispering with Timbers”. 

Is there a piece in the collection that holds special significance for you? 
I love all my art pieces. For the landscape collection “The Rise” is a piece that I can hear wave sounds when I look at it. From my portrait collection “Pride” is different to me because I fell in love with the portrait model.

Artist Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Karoon.colour 

Annie Harvey's Exhibition

Annie Harvey (she/her) is a 22 year old photographer, videographer and artist based in Walyalup (Fremantle). With an eye for live performance and portraiture, Annie’s unique approach allows her to seamlessly move between a range of styles. 

At the heart of Annie’s work, she is dedicated towards pushing herself to shoot outside the frame. She is passionate about the sense of community she feels within her field of work and is driven by her desire to capture the raw emotion and energy of any project that comes her way.

Annie’s collection showing on the walls of Bivouac called ‘Do You Feel Slow’ is an exploration of the slowness and tangibility of photography, immortalising time and capturing little surreal slices of the world.

Art Talk with Elton D’Souza

We take a moment to chat with Elton D’Souza on his exhibition at Bivouac.

We’re so happy to have your artworks gracing the walls at Bivs. Can you walk us through how this collection came about? 

Thank you. I have a large body of artwork from 2016 onwards and I started selling prints in mid-2019, where I did a variety of market events in Perth. In general, the artworks you see are the successful ones, which some I consider flukes.

Your work references Japanese anime and even reminds us of Studio Ghibli! What would you say your style is?

My style is pencil on paper; the feeling that anyone can do it, anyone can pick up a pencil and paper. I guess, I just happen to spend a lot of time mastering that craft. Up-close you can see the texture of the pencil and the paper, and all that colour you see is via digital texture brushes. I then add gold leaf to add an extra dimension to the art work and to make it pop.

I own 8 of the Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) storyboard books, the blueprints of his movies; he uses pencil on paper in such a way that nothing else is necessary. I’m moving towards more storytelling which works as a sequence of illustrations, and hence comics/manga & animation short films. I try to cram as much story as I can in the single image that is an illustration.

What inspires you to create these incredible scenes and characters in your work?

I say my art is inspired by Adventure, Fantasy, Dragons, Japan in general, Studio Ghibli for sure, a bit of Kim Jung Gi, Shaun Tan and Esad Ribic, amongst many other artists. I read comics & manga, watch movies and nature too. I like to say I’m inspired by real world problems and their solutions, of which the storytelling through comics and short films are better suited. It all starts with a single illustration.

“We got a battle”

This one has a deeper message to it, along the lines of environmentalism and animal rights but it is super vague. Messages aside, I am to impress and create something beautiful. I think it’s deep and intricate enough for viewers to spend years figuring out the meaning or some sort of meaning from it. Many of my works at first glance - it’s all cool colours and shapes, but then on repeated viewings there is more to see, such as the little objects here and there. The fisherman’s ‘head’ represents his consciousness perhaps being changed or ‘mind blown’ as if learning something new. The big fish is sort of a spirit creature trying to communicate with the fisherman. There’s a bit of pollution everywhere too which helps get the ball rolling for the viewer to think that there is perhaps a deeper meaning.

“Future Stories”

This one is inspired by Terrace House, Studio Ghibli, Japan in general and Nature. It was also used in my comic/manga, “Cleo’s Drawings and the Frog Prince”. It also featured in Harvard College Children's Stories of which then went on to be winner of Adelaide Books Children’s Illustration Award (2020).

The piece started off with this small thumbnail draft.

I wanted a huge circle of gold on it, hence the sun (or the moon in the night-time version). I went on from there and it came out as it did. The architecture is dominantly Japanese inspired but there is a tint of European architecture in it. I also love piano, hence the piano in it.

"Where is the town?"

Kirby's face can be seen on some windows. A customer once said that perhaps Kirby swallowed the whole town and then moved location, which makes sense with the little character saying, "Where is the town?, I wonder". I originally imagined the character was simply lost and that there was lots of mist hiding the town. My intention was to simply draw a pleasant looking town,  mixed with Asian and European architecture. I wanted a person for scale and I was also trying to involve more comic book techniques into my illustrations, such as the speech bubble.

“Attack on Titan Dragon”
This one I did in 2014. It had taken 6 months, a few hours every week. I started off with the head of the dragon and continued to create from there as I drew the rest of the body, which shows bones and muscle tissue too, a concept shown in an anime called Attack on Titan. Though this is an original piece of art that stands alone. The little man has a magic staff, a bow and arrow, a sword and a dagger, to highlight how I like to be all of these classes when playing a video game. Many video games force you to be one or the other. This is also a metaphor, that we can have multiple passions and skills that you might need in order to beat the ‘boss’/dragon.

Thanks for the interview!
-Elton D’Souza ART

Art Talk with Azita Conte

Your paintings have such a dreamlike quality. What or who would you say has had the most influence on your painting style?
I love Tamara De Lempicka's style, clean lines and angelic looking portraits. I like my art to transfer the viewer to another time or place and away from all the hassles of daily life.

Your show at Bivs features gentle blues and apricots. Do you have a favourite colour of the moment?
My favourite colour at the moment is pink. Colours for me are more than a visual experience, colours are shaped by memories, sense of place and time. It is impossible not to use blue in my paintings considering we are surrounded by the beautiful Indian ocean.

Are the people in your portraits real people? Is there anyone you would like to paint?
All the people in my paintings are real people, I like to look at a face and then filter it through my eyes, that is where I get creative and it is the most enjoyable part of the process. I usually do not have a special person in mind to paint. I choose the subjects based on the feelings and emotions that I receive from the person in a photo or video. It is more about connection.

What’s next on your art calendar?
I am working on creating new art works. I am also creating a few still life and landscape paintings.

Rumour has it that you own a pet whippet. Please tell us more about your adorable furry friend!
Her name is Noona and she has been with us for 11 years. She is the sweetest girl! She is influencing lots of my paintings these days. I am trying to capture her life in some of the paintings, such as her love of lying on the couch in the sun! She has these beautiful big round eyes which makes it difficult for me not to paint them!

You can follow Azita Conte at @azita_arts. Her exhibition is gracing the walls at Bivs and original artwork is available for sale.

Art Talk with Bianca Tuzée

"La Forme - where mystery and reality collide” is Bianca Tuzee’s first exhibition. We took a moment to chat to Bianca about her work.

Tell us about your photography style

Mysteriousness is enticing - it leaves a lot to the imagination.

My portraits for this exhibition depict the female form as it is. I always endeavour for my end result to be an honest portrayal of the woman or women I have photographed. I like to believe these images represent a sense of familiarity - When I photograph women I have an impulse to capture the finer details of who they are - The details that make them simply human. 

From the words of Helmut Newton, a man who has been a great inspiration to me over the years. “Nothing has been retouched. I photographed what I saw.”

What inspired this series?
Growing up as a ballerina, I was surrounded by women who showed admirable physical and mental strength. I saw what happened behind the scenes when the embellished costumes and made up faces were stripped away. These women strived to take the lead and shine.

I believe that’s where my inspiration has stemmed from with this series I have accumulated over the past year. I am constantly in awe of women who express themselves; who have strength as well as softness. 

For me, the camera is there to magnify the parts of the female form that oneself often forgets to deeply appreciate.

We’d love for you to share some of your favourite pieces from the exhibition…

This image was taken at the end of last year at my old ballet school, Charlesworth Ballet Institutes’ Nutcracker. 

I was backstage in the wings taking photos and had to be quick with the shots I got. This was the lead soloist performing her part. I was watching her backstage before she went on and was reminded of the professionalism these athletes have. Her focus and composure was inspiring

This woman features quite a lot in the exhibition. 

I remember taking this image and thinking how refreshing and beautiful this frame was. Every time I photograph this woman now I am always drawn to her tiger stripes and she made a comment afterwards saying “I've learnt to really love my tiger stripes, it makes me feel womanly.”

Comments like that are gold to me.

This woman is a muse of mine that I will have for a lifetime.

She manifests authenticity. At this moment she was about to grab something from her bag and I quickly snapped the shot. 

This whole shoot was an abundance of laughter.

Looking over these images makes me smile because they showcase this woman in her raw glory.

You can follow Bianca Tuzée at @biancatuzee. La Forme will be gracing the walls at Bivs for the next two months.

Art Talk with Peta Roebuck

Our latest exhibition "What we didn't know we'd miss during a global pandemic” by Peta Roebuck.

In this collection of works, Peta has reflected on the things we didn’t know we would miss during a global pandemic. A celebration of our ability to physically connect again in Perth, Peta aims to create a sense of playful optimism and gratitude in her works.

We have a chat with Peta about the exhibition and how the project came to life.

We’re so happy to have your artworks gracing the walls at Bivouac. Can you walk us through how this collection came about? 

Thanks so much, I’m stoked to see them there! 

I have spent the last few years working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer and mural painter. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to make gig posters and explore my love of characters, geometric patterns, textures and colour. This collection was a chance to go deeper into ideas that pop up in my head as I’m creating work for clients and make work outside of an assigned brief, work that inspires me and that I find beautiful. I spend a lot of time working on the computer creating digital artwork which is where the precision in my design comes from. I really enjoy the happy mistakes that come with the painting process (I love to paint murals whenever I get the chance) and find the results interesting when the digital and hand-made processes are combined. 

When I started making this work pre-pandemic, the ideas were going in a very different direction. During the strange circumstances that came with the global pandemic, I found myself thinking about how we took for granted the ability to spend time in groups and the simple joy that this can bring us. I thought it was pretty special that this was being globally acknowledged and it seemed like an interesting theme to explore in my work. 

Many of your artworks feature food. We were definitely all cooking more during iso. Did you master sourdough or banana bread? What else were you whipping up?

I am lucky enough to live with some amazing cooks and found the frequent family dinners my housemates and I were having during isolation to be one of the best silver-linings of this unique time. I was also lucky enough to work at Bivouac many years ago where my love of food deepened as I saw it bring people together. 

We’d love for you to share some of your favourite pieces from the exhibition…

Nostalgic

I have very fond memories of of playing with a parachute in groups as a young kid, lifting it up and changing spots with someone on the opposite side. I remember thinking it was so big compared to my tiny self at the time! It was another chance to play with geometrics and simple layouts. I was admiring the colour palettes used by Japanese illustrator Takei Takeo when I painted this piece. 

Clubb Medd

This design has evolved for different purposes. It originally was an idea for a friends music label ‘Word of Mouth’. It then became a music poster for local musician Fraeya. For this exhibition I added some dancers at the top and it reminded me of ClubbMedd, a Perth dance party that takes place at the Navy Club, where the old floor feels like it is going to fall away under the weight of many of dancing bodies. 

Year of the Flood

I’d been sitting on this idea for many years. It sits outside of the theme of the rest of the exhibition as it is based on a quote from Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood- “What breaks in daybreak? Is it the night? Is it the sun, cracked in two by the horizon like an egg, spilling out light?”

Tandem Cycle

This idea was born when I was making a logo design for my friend who restores beautiful vintage bikes (@coasterz). I was inspired by old Japanese graphic design and geometric patterns. I enjoyed playing with the subtle details that could be created by adding minimal texture with pencil and gouache paint. 

Now that we are moving into the new, new normal, what’s on the horizon for you?

I will be working on some illustrations for a storybook written by the Conservation Council WA, illustrating local author @k.j.writer short story ‘Rita’s Balloon Saloon’, as well as continuing my freelance design and illustration business painting murals, making animations and creating artwork for local musicians.

You can follow Peta Roebuck at @onomatopeta_ or see what she’s up to on her website. All original pieces have sold out but you can purchase limited prints from Bivouac.

Peta Roebuck's solo exhibition

Big thanks to everyone who came down last Monday night for Peta Roebuck's solo exhibition "What we didn't know we'd miss during a global pandemic". Peta's work is now gracing the walls at Bivs.​ All originals have been sold. Limited edition prints are available.

Inspired by vintage Japanese graphic design and surrealism, Peta creates bold and colourful works that juxtapose precise digital design with the happy mistakes that come with traditional media. Her mixed-media practice incorporates digital design, gouache and pencil.

In this collection of works, Peta has reflected on the things we didn’t know we would miss during a global pandemic. A celebration of our ability to physically connect again in Perth, Peta aims to create a sense of playful optimism and gratitude in her works.

Peta is a freelance designer, illustrator and public artist who regularly creates music posters for local Perth bands as well as murals and other commissioned works. Peta has painted murals in Mt Hawthorn, East Victoria Park and Mirrabooka and has been involved in various group shows in Perth. Find more of her works on Peta’s Instagram: @onomatopeta_.

25% of all sales will be donated to Sisters Inside, a not for profit who both strategically advocate for the collective interests of aboriginal women in the criminal justice system as well as provide services to address their more immediate needs.

​Cheers to Atomic Beer Project for the brews. Love to the Bivs team for the food, booze and your time guys. Photos by our very own talented Alice. She's a weapon with the lens!

Moroccan Orange and Saffron Prawns with Chimichurri & Macadamia

Want to try something new over Easter? We’ve got a goodie! Our chef Frankie Dawson gives tiger prawns a Middle Eastern twist.

Moroccan Orange and Saffron Prawns with ChimiChurri & Macadamia

INGREDIENTS

3 kgs prawns 

Bag of macadamias

Prawn Marinade

0.5 g saffron 

6 garlic cloves  

3 red chilli 

1.5 Tbsp caraway seeds 

1.5 Tbsp ground cumin 

1.5 Tbsp ground coriander 

1 sprig thyme (leaves only) 

5 Tbsp chilli flakes  

2 Tbsp crushed black pepper 

1 Tbsp paprika 

2 Orange Zests

300 ml Canola Oil 

Chimichurri

150 g coriander leaves and stalks

150 g parsley leaves and stalks

150 ml olive oil

4 Tbsp good quality red wine vinegar

1 green chilli 

1 small shallot

3 garlic cloves

METHOD

Prawn Marinade

1. Put saffron in a pot and cover with about 100ml water, bring to a simmer

2. Roughly chop garlic cloves and red chillis 

3. Remove thyme leaves from stalks

4. Place all ingredients into a bowl and pour saffron mix in

5. Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz til smooth, adding more oil if needed

Chimichurri

1. Roughly chop herbs and place everything in a blender. Blitz to pesto consistency, season to taste

Prawns

1. Butterfly the prawns and marinade, preferably overnight

2. Roast macadamias and microplane (shave)

BBQ

1. Season the prawns with flake salt and then BBQ the prawns shell side down

2. Serve prawns with chimichurri  drizzled over and lemon wedges

3. Sprinkle with macadamia

Enjoy!

Perth Hospital Meals

Last week Bivs cooked up 50 meals for Perth Hospital Meals first delivery to RPH Emergency Ward to feed front line medical staff.

Perth Hospital Meals brings the same ideas from the crowdfunding Frontline Foods program in the US to Perth. Local restaurants cook up meals that health care workers can zap and eat when they get a moment to rest. Your contribution allows this to happen.

​​The goals are simple:

1. Feed our clinicians who are stressed, tired, and generally don’t have time in this environment to make and bring their own food.

2. Make the process simple and efficient for hospitals.

3. Employ restaurants and their teams during this really difficult time.

We're excited and proud to be involved in this community initiative. Big ups to legends Alex Louden and Mike O'Hanlon for making this happen. ​

​You can donate here to show your support. We're all in this together.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Moroccan Orange and Saffron Prawns with Chimichurri & Macadamia

Sick of the same old dishes for Christmas? We’ve got a goodie! Our chef Frankie Dawson gives tiger prawns a Middle Eastern twist to enjoy over the holidays.

I love this recipe. It’s a great one for Christmas Day because everything can be prepared in advance. All you have to do is fire up the barbie! I’ve used beautiful Skull Island tiger prawns for this recipe. 

I recommend splashing out on a good quality red wine vinegar for the chimichurri, such as Forum Cab Sav from Simon Johnson. Its delicate and well-rounded flavours will make your seafood sing.

Moroccan Orange and Saffron Prawns with ChimiChurri & Macadamia

INGREDIENTS

3 kgs prawns 

Bag of macadamias

Prawn Marinade:

0.5 g saffron 

6 garlic cloves  

3 red chilli 

1.5 Tbsp caraway seeds 

1.5 Tbsp ground cumin 

1.5 Tbsp ground coriander 

1 sprig thyme (leaves only) 

5 Tbsp chilli flakes  

2 Tbsp crushed black pepper 

1 Tbsp paprika 

2 Orange Zests

300 ml Canola Oil 

Chimichurri:

150 g coriander leaves and stalks

150 g parsley leaves and stalks

150 ml olive oil

4 Tbsp good quality red wine vinegar

1 green chilli 

1 small shallot

3 garlic cloves

METHOD

Prawn Marinade:

1. Put saffron in a pot and cover with about 100ml water, bring to a simmer

2. Roughly chop garlic cloves and red chillis 

3. Remove thyme leaves from stalks

4. Place all ingredients into a bowl and pour saffron mix in

5. Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz til smooth, adding more oil if needed

Chimichurri:

1. Roughly chop herbs and place everything in a blender. Blitz to pesto consistency, season to taste

Prawns:

1. Butterfly the prawns and marinade, preferably overnight

2. Roast macadamias and microplane (shave)

BBQ:

1. Season the prawns with flake salt and then BBQ the prawns shell side down

2. Serve prawns with chimichurri  drizzled over and lemon wedges

3. Sprinkle with macadamia

Enjoy!

Art Talk with Dylan Tarbett

Our latest exhibition ‘On William - Front to Back’ by Dylan Tarbett documents the spaces and characters of a William Street share-house using black and white 35mm film. No posing, no set-ups, no editing – just people and spaces as they are.

The exhibition was the first public show for the Perth-based street photographer, and the launch at Bivs was a great success! Customers love coming in, sharing a meal and taking a look at the many scenes Dylan captured over the years.

We have a chat with Dylan about the exhibition and how these photos came to life.

Your exhibition launch had a great turn out. You sold a few photographs too! Did you expect it to be such a success?

I honestly had no idea what to expect. This project has been a few years in the making and the photographs are really close to my heart, so being able to firstly share this project with my friends, family and the public has been very humbling. Selling some photos was something I really didn't expect and meant a hell of a lot to me.   

How do you know the Bivs crew?

So, I first met the boys (Tony, Jez and Luke) about a year back when they moved into Juanita’s in Subiaco. I’m a part-time barista at Boucla cafe, which is just next door and I guess we all just got along. 

For someone who hasn't seen ‘On William - Front to Back’, can you describe the kinds of scenes they will see?

I would describe ‘On William - Front to Back’ as a classic look at a first-time youth share-house. The exhibition takes you on a journey through the house on William Street, starting in Hyde Park and then ending in the sketchy alleyways of Highgate. 

What’s your favourite and least favourite thing about sharing a home with others?

My favourite thing was just living with your best friends every day, cooking dinner, food shopping and just waking up. It was a really beautiful time in all our lives and the photos in ‘On William’ are some of the fondest memories I have. My least favourite would have to be the bathroom – it was cold, wet and disconnected from the house. So early morning winter runs to the toilet were probably the toughest decisions of the day. 

Did you plan to take photographs on this particular subject or did the collection materialise quite naturally?

It actually was a combination of both. I was taking photos pretty much daily and there was just some really good energy. The environment felt like it needed to be captured. I always had the intention of doing something with them, I just didn’t know what. When Tony mentioned the idea of having an exhibition at Bivs, it all just fell together.

What kind of everyday occurrences inspire you to take a photograph?

One thing about myself that I've learnt, I guess through travelling, is that I'm able to connect with people quite easily. I don’t always need to speak the same language or have known that person for a long time but I’m able to get a sense of who they are and give them a sense of myself. So with my photography, I always try to capture that connection in a moment, and then share it with the viewer. 

Tell us about your first brush with a camera and how it became the regular practice it is today?

I actually won a Town of Vincent photo competition when I was about twelve for a photo series called ‘Locked in Nature.’ Pretty arty… It was a photo story about a lock that had been embedded in a massive tree. $150 was a big deal for me as you would imagine. But it definitely became a regular practice when I first started ‘On William’ a few years back.

What have you got planned for your artistic future?

I really want to start looking into art residencies around the world. My passion is street photography and I've been travelling around Asia documenting people for the last few years on and off. So finding a residency somewhere would be a goal for sure. 

Anything cool, interesting or intriguing you’ve seen on William street lately?

If I'm honest, I haven't been photographing on William since this project, but I did recently travel to China and document that. Such a chaotic place, with so much activity going on. Definitely recommend heading there if you're looking to do some street photography. 

Stop by Bivouac to see Dylan’s exhibition ‘On William - Front to Back’. You can follow him at @hoy.robbert.photo

Meet Our Head Chef Frankie Dawson

Our head chef Frankie Dawson is one creative cookie. She’s cooked multiple cuisines in various London restaurants, including the top Middle Eastern venue The Barbary.

Frankie brings this wealth of experience to Bivouac. We’re lucky to have a chef who researches the origins of food and recreates these yummy dishes to share with the people of Perth.

With a new menu on the table, we spoke to Frankie about her experience as a chef and Bivouac's new menu. 

Tell us about your journey as a chef? What’s been some of the highlights of your career?

I think being offered the head chef job here at Bivouac is a highlight for me. I had been hungry for my own kitchen for a while, but had been waiting for the right opportunity. I get a lot of creative freedom here, which is what all chefs want at the end of the day.

Your cooking has spanned many cuisines. What are your favourites to cook?

My mum is Anglo-Indian, so Indian has to be my favourite by a long shot. I grew up eating a lot of curry and watching my Grandma make Indian sweets and curry puffs. She would tell me stories about going to school with a tiffin carrier of curry and chapattis, and smuggling her pet monkey into class. So I was fascinated with the country from early on.

Each time I go to visit, I keep a diary of absolutely everything I eat, and am always referring back to that for flavour ideas and inspiration. I love Mughal style which was the regal cooking during the Persian rule. This includes dishes such as kofte, shish, raita, biryani and flatbreads. At The Barbary, I learned about Middle Eastern food, and realised how much crossover there was with Indian recipes. That opened up a whole new world for me. 

What’s the best part of working at Bivouac?

It has to be the team for sure. The kitchen and front of house team all work well together and have a lot of fun. Front of house have been really open to my ideas. It’s great to have a team who want to be part of the journey of discovering new ingredients and introducing them to our customers. There’s a team of strong independent women at Bivs. We’re all really supportive of each other and that forms a great bond. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does its pretty magic.

You’re also an artist. How do you weave your other creative processes into your cooking?

Haha. I’ve not been doing much drawing recently! I started a degree in printed textiles and one in illustration, but didn’t finish either. I was working in hospitality to support my studies until I realised hospo was where I belonged. I apply a lot of the skills I learnt studying art and design to kitchen work. You have to have self discipline for both and be prepared to immerse yourself in an idea or project. Studying design, you put a lot of research and experiments into a project. This is how I approach food. I throw myself into researching a culture or cuisine because I want to honour the traditions and techniques whilst putting my own spin on things.

You’ve just launched a new menu at Bivouac. Can you walk us through some of the dishes?

I’ve kept some of the favourites but given them a twist for the season change. There’s the inevitable return of the Cauliflower, which caused uproar when I took it off. Man, people go crazy for that vegetable! I’ve created a smoky, gluten-free Ajo Banco which sort of reminds me of a Vegan Taramasalata. It pairs really well with the sweet peppery vinaigrette that we douse the crispy cauliflower in.

Everyone is loving the Goat Nuggets. We also have a main of Slow Braised Goat Shoulders, shredded with herbs, spices, shallots and braising liquor before shaping and crumbing. It’s served with a Tunisian style Caponata.

The Palestinian Chicken is now served with some beautifully preserved lemon leeks and a rustic, skin-on babaganoush. I try to minimise wastage wherever possible, so if there’s part of a vegetable that’s edible and tasty, there’s no way that’s going in the bin. We put so much love into these chickens. They’re poached in master stock before drying out the skin for two days. We make a Palestinian 9-spice which we fold into butter and roast the chickens in.

We love the sound of Maakroun white bean, silverbeet & tomato sugo, pecorino. It sounds delicious! Can you explain what it is? 

So Maakroun is a pasta dumpling dish found in the mountain villages of Lebanon. It’s similar to gnocchi, and usually served very simply with garlic and olive oil. We’re serving ours with a ragu style sauce with Greek flavours. There are many versions of Maakroun over the Middle East, most of which are sweet biscuits or ‘Arabic’  – watch this space!

What’s your process when creating new dishes?

Hmm, it really depends on what’s caught my eye at the time. Sometimes I’ll start with one ingredient I want to use, and think about pairings, layers of flavour and textures. Other times, it will be a specific recipe or dish I want to play around with. I don’t really have a set process other than pages of notes that would look like gobbledygook to anyone else! I also have a library of cookbooks I refer to for inspiration. When I’m designing menus, my apartment will be sprawled with books opened and bookmarked at different pages. 

As you can see, we’re so lucky to have Frankie Dawson as head chef at Biv! Check out our new Winter menu here.

Meet our Artist Call-Out winner Pete Long

We have always loved featuring local artists on the walls at Bivs. Recently, we made a call out for artists to come up with a concept to reimagine the front windows of the venue.

Artist Pete Long totally nailed the creative brief for our soon-to-be window feature. It is very “Bivs”, encapsulating all the origins of our food and the cultures we’re inspired by.

We can’t wait for it to grace William Street.

We caught up with Pete for a little chat and to find out how he came up with the concept.

Congratulations! You’ll soon have your artwork front and centre at Bivouac. How does it feel being selected?

It feels amazing to have been selected by Bivouac for this opportunity, I’m glad I could create something that resonated with the venue.

What made you submit your work?

I submitted a design proposal because I work close by in the community and appreciate the unique venue, it’s food, coffee and staff, and it’s silly to pass up an opportunity to do something positive through art.

We noticed your Instagram feed says you’re returning to art. We’re glad you returned! Why the break and what brought you back?

It’s a bit of a sarcastic, self-depreciatory remark, referring to how I became pretty heavily wrapped up in the hospitality world. While I was studying I took a small role as a ‘glassie’ at a little cocktail bar and within a few years I was managing the whole joint, and the time I had for my own art was next to nothing. I decided to leave management and start trying to put more time into art and other creative projects.

You work at Ezra Pound, just across the road. And said you come in for coffees and banter with the staff. Any funny/interesting/nice stories to share?

I do, it’s a great little bar and I love working there. I also love the strong community feel of our Northbridge, and especially William Street, venues. The crews from all over are quick to loan equipment, bring coffees, cop a round. There is a real sense of appreciation amongst us. My favourite interaction with Bivouac is always loaning our citrus press in exchange for the best coffee in Northbridge, it seriously saves me on Saturday morning at the beginning of my double shift!

We absolutely love your illustration – it’s so detailed and decorative, and suits Bivouac’s style so much. Can you walk us through your concept?

In bringing together this design I actually went through a few completely different starts before resetting and coming up with this concept, which is a combination of elements that come to mind for me when I think about the flavours and origins of the cuisine served up.

The proposal image that was selected was one half of the idea, of a goat semi-inspired by Mesopotamian carvings and art, adorned in pomegranate, honeycomb, dandelion, mint and octopus with a couple of bees in there. The second half will feature a lion head of similar origin and accoutrement to match and face the first, standing guard either side of the entrance.

How would you describe your other work?

I’m a sucker for overcomplicating everything, and getting really into detailed linework. The subject matter varies quite a lot and I would love to get around to completing all of the projects in my head. I am labouring away at a painting exhibition currently with some heavier themes, on a larger scale, and an aspect of dadaism performance art that hopefully causes a bit of an upset on the night!

You said if you were selected there would be an accompanying illustration to mirror the opposite window. Any ideas?

The second half will feature a lion head of similar origin, based off of Mesopotamian carvings and art, and similar accoutrement to match and face the first, standing guard either side of the entrance.

Any more plans for your art in the future?

Apart from the exhibition mentioned earlier, yes! When it’s eventually ready this will be my first solo exhibition, hopefully not the last. I am aiming to collaborate with businesses in similar opportunities to this one, I want to make merchandise and cool stuff, I’ve been building a board-game for about a decade… anything and everything if it helps support myself and lets me create art!

Follow Pete on Instagram @washedupartist.

Art Talk with Sarana Haeata

Sarana Haeata is a WA artist whose work spans across illustration, ceramics and the written word. She celebrates human diversity with a big dose of girl power. The paintings currently in Bivouac focus on the power of the female form with an interest in minimal line work.

We caught up with Sarana to chat about her new work and artistic life.

We’re so happy to have your artworks gracing the walls at Bivs. Can you walk us through how this collection came about?
Thanks! I began toying with the idea of simple line drawings about a year ago. I wanted to create some more design focused works that could make a bold statement in a home setting - I think I was also really interested in limiting myself, as in limiting my colour palette and seeing how few markings I could make on the paper while still communicating a message.

We love the simplicity of these paintings. They’re different to some of your other artworks. Any reason for this change?
I’d been working on a lot of quite dense artwork for some murals and kids illustrations, so I began craving large, spacious, ‘mature’ (for lack of a better word) art. I tend to have different art styles that I’m in to and explore at different times, although I never leave a particular style behind. I more just put in on hold until I feel like doing it again.

You paint, illustrate and create ceramics. Is there a discipline you prefer?
Ha! I wish. That would make my life much more simple. But no, I actually need all of them equally. Even though I feel like these disciplines are quite separate from each other, in a working sense one area tends to feed off another. So I can take breaks from painting and renew love for drawing, then I’ll transfer over to ceramics. I think if I did just one of the things I’d end up hating it. Maybe I just have a really short attention span...

What would you say are your top 5 creative inspirations?
Music is a big one. Other artists, live shows - either gigs or theatre works. Written works - usually kid’s books (they’re the best).  Dance is also a big inspiration for me.

Photo credit: Rhianna May

You have three kids and one on the way. We’re impressed with how much work you get done. How do you balance showing up for your art and raising young children?
With great difficulty sometimes! Creating is kind of my default setting, so although I find that I’m busy a lot of the time, I also really enjoy what I do. Having said that I have to be pretty strict with myself about when I work. I no longer do anything outside of the kids school hours, and really the bulk of my art is created during my youngest’s nap time. I also have a ridiculously supportive husband and very hands on grandparents so that helps a bucket load.

Do you have a routine?
Yes and no, my routine is pretty much: baby awake -  play, see friends, have nice time. Baby naps - get as much done in the studio as humanly possible. Try to eat somewhere in there as well.

Image credit: Rhianna May

Tell us about your awesome studio – a train carriage!?
Yeah it’s a lovely 1950s wooden train carriage that my husband found on gumtree and we had plonked in the backyard. It’s definitely a necessity to have a studio at home while the kids are young, but one day I’ll move to a studio away from home and we can renovate it into some kind of sanctuary mecca.

You’ve exhibited before. But is it still a thrill seeing your work showcased in public?
Yep, I always find it equal parts nerve-wracking and exciting putting my work in front of the public, no matter what kind of show it is!

What’s new on the horizon (other than your new bubba!)?
I’ll be teaching some ceramics workshops at the beautiful Stackwood, I’m also working on my first kids book which is exciting! And I’d love to paint a whopping big mural in Hamilton Hill but I think I’ll have to push the baby out first before I get to that. But I’ll keep you posted!

You can follow Sarana Haeata at @saranahaeta or see what she’s up to on her website.