Studio Diary - August 2025

Charlotte Wensley
5 days ago
4 min read

Colorful leaves in pink, blue, and purple hues scattered on a light background, creating a vibrant, artistic pattern. No text is visible.

With spring not too far away (in the southern hemisphere) and the weather starting to warm up again it suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't undertaken any kind of hibernation this winter, so I decided that I should have a kind of emergency one, so as not to miss out. I don't know why hedgehogs and bears should have all the fun....

But the sudden desire to feel like slowing down and thinking less about output and more about reflection and just simply being, of course had me a bit worried that this kind of artistic hibernation is a failure of inspiration.

But it is in fact a natural ebb in the creative cycle. It’s the season when the outward push of making recedes, and the quieter work of absorbing, reflecting, and simply being takes its place. In these quieter months, the mind composts ideas as new thoughts are getting ready to germinate and the soul gathers itself quietly preparing for the next burst of creation.

This period can feel uncomfortable, especially in a culture that celebrates constant output and productivity. But hibernation is fertile ground. Reading, wandering, noticing, dreaming, contemplating, researching — all of these feed the inner landscape in ways that seem invisible until, suddenly, spring arrives and with it a rush of new thoughts and ideas.

Like the earth beneath snow, our creativity is not totally dormant in these moments; it is resting, reflecting and preparing for renewal.

With the busyness of Noosa Open Studios just over the horizon and all that's involved in preparing for that, it's important to honor this need for some quiet solitude.

Letting yourself rest when the mind and body asks for it, and creating when your physical and mental energy returns, builds a healthier, more sustainable relationship with your art.

Creativity is cyclical, not linear, it has it's seasons.

To trust that natural rhythm is to allow yourself to create from a place of wholeness, where every season, even the quiet ones, has its purpose.

| Studio Notes

Round Leafed Mallee is my current inspiration for experiments in the studio. Check out my notes and a work-in-progress video of a recent printmaking session.

Eucalyptus leaf prints on paper, with blue patterns. Text: "Eucalypt Prints, Work in Progress" on a blue background.

I also wandered into some making some small paintings on paper and a new 'beginning process'.....

Abstract art with pink, blue, and teal patterns. Right side text: "LEAFY LANDSCAPES Work in Progress" on a blue background.

| Blog Catch Up

I've been writing up notes about my most recent painting collections in my Blog, sharing my inspiration and thoughts behind the making of these paintings.

Monochromatic sketches inspired my emotive colourful landscape in the Wayfinder Series. Read more about the collection concept and my reflections about each painting:

Colorful abstract quilt art with vibrant leaves and trees. Text "Wayfinder Series" overlaid. Bright greens, pinks, and oranges dominate.

Consciously stepping away from the more literal references to landscape in my Latent and Wayfinder series, paintings from my Strangeland Series have taken me on a journey further into abstraction with a greater emphasis on the interplay between shapes, colours and textures. Read more about the collection concept and my reflections about each painting:

Colorful abstract geometric collage with various patterns, overlapping shapes in pink, blue, yellow. Text reads "Strangeland Series."

| On the Wildside

There are only a few more days left to enjoy this fabulous exhibition!

This show brings together the work of 41 artists contributing over 130 works to the show including sculptures, paintings, wood carvings, metalwork and ceramics alongside prints, paintings, drawings and textile art.

The Butter Factory Arts Centre is open:

TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 10am - 4pm

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 9.30am -2.30pm

11 Maple St, Cooroy.

Abstract butterfly art in red, pink, and blue hues. Text: 'ON THE WILDSIDE', Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, 31 JULY - 7 SEPT.

| Noosa Open Studios Art Cube Fundraiser

The Noosa Open Studios Art Cube fundraising auction is coming up on the 16th September, come along and join in the fun on the night or bid online for one of the 30 beautiful hand painted cubes by participating artists.

Buy tickets for the evening or register online here:

Noosa Open Studios website

Colorful box with pink and blue geometric patterns sits on gravel. Surrounded by green plants and pots, creating a vibrant garden scene.

| What's On

Abstract art with colorful shapes in pink tones, text detailing Stevens Street Gallery at Affordable Art Fair, 28-31 Aug, Melbourne venue.

Abstract art with vibrant pink, blue, and green patterns. "Pocket Pieces @ Stevens Street Gallery" text. Dates and address on the right.

Colorful abstract artwork with geometric shapes and patterns. Text reads "Noosa Open Studios 2025" and event details from 10 to 19 Oct.

| Final Thoughts

So until next month, I'm going back to being a hedgehog for another few weeks. Happy hibernating if that's your thing, enjoy the rest and the recharge!