Studio Diary - July 2025

Charlotte Wensley
Jul 31
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

A table with colorful patterned papers, a blue-handled scissor, and a clear plastic bin. Abstract prints on wall in a creative studio.

In recent weeks, I've found myself encountering a series of disruptions to my work routine, which have in turn shifted my focus away from thoughts about where my work is going.

I found myself painting a door this past week, rather than a canvas...(it's a long story, which I'll be able to explain if you come and see me at open studios in October - it involves a bit of show and tell.....)

Anyway;

it's a strange but interesting place that feels a little bit unsettling, like I'm staring at a threshold, waiting to see whether or not I dare to cross it. I can feel a space on the other side that is brooding with potential that hasn't yet been realised. I have no idea whether what's on the other side is a big change or a small one, or maybe the universe is just encouraging me to adjust my working rhythm and a create a little more space for new thoughts and ideas to emerge and be given life.

I've been thinking too about the underlying themes in my work, the ideas that go beyond the bold colour, layered texture and painterly expression. I recognise that I find myself permanently absorbed by the notion of 'memory' and this feeling that I’m chasing a dreamlike, in-between space, where shape, light, and colour meet with emotive memories. Themes of impermanence, transience, vulnerability, and the quiet tension between fragility and resilience are feelings that re-surface and recur regularly.

But what does it all mean?

I'm feeling a familiar pull towards experimentation, particularly with my prints, and my recent dabbling with clay has me thinking more and more about 3 dimensions.

Maybe it's time to expand beyond my current work and encourage more discomfort into my process, and explore a few tangents in the studio, even if I have no idea what they might look like yet!

It's a fine line between safety and growth, between staying with what’s known and stepping into the unknown.

More and more I’m questioning what truly resonates with me now, in this moment and thinking about truth, in what stories I have to tell, and what emotions I want to share.

And then the big question comes.....how best to do that? Growth rarely comes from a still and static place; growth comes when challenge and uncertainty are knocking at the door. So I’m leaning into it and trusting that either something new will take form or some less radical adjustments are waiting to happen.

And now the new door is hung, and the threshold is visibly there before me, I just need to step through and into the in-between and allow the waiting transformation to quietly begin and reveal itself.

Colorful abstract butterfly art with event text "On the Wildside," at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, 31 July - 7 Sept.

This is one of my (good) disruptions!

I was invited to participate in this wildlife-themed group show curated by Fiona Groom at the Butter Factory Arts Centre, so I've been working on a collection of new paintings, looking at some of Australia's most vulnerable and endangered insects.

This exhibition 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.

Join us for the opening celebration event on Saturday 2nd August - all welcome! Drop in and see the show and chat to the artists from 4pm to 6pm, 11 Maple St, Cooroy.

Here's a sneak preview from install day - it was quite a challenge to get all the artwork hung in one day!

Learn more about the exhibition concept and themes

A collage of an art gallery featuring colorful paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. Various artworks are displayed on white walls and wooden stands.

Take deep dive into my 'Legacy' collection and view the paintings

Colorful mosaic of four butterflies. Each is uniquely patterned on vibrant backgrounds—blue, yellow, green, and orange.

| Blog Catch Up

It's no surprise that experimentation has been on my mind; the benefits of it, ways into it and of course - embracing failure!

Art supplies, including paint tubes and a roller, on a colorful surface. Leaf prints and cutouts in blue and green tones are scattered on paper.

Fostering artistic growth through exploration and experimentation

Working on my Legacy collection paintings and art cube have prompted me to take a closer look at using limited colour palettes.

Abstract artwork with geometric shapes, circles, stripes, and splashes of pastel blues, pinks, and yellows. Bold patterns create a dynamic mood.

Harnessing the power of limited colour palettes in your painting

| Studio Notes

A three dimensional disruption has been happening to shake things up a bit!

I've been working on an 'Artcube' for our upcoming Noosa Open Studios (10-19 October) fundraiser. These will be auctioned on 16th September at a special event at The Doonan.

There will be 30 or so beautiful art cubes to bid on, all painted by artists participating in this year's art trail event.

Keep an eye on @noosaopenstudios for more details and a behind the scenes look at this project unfolding in various artists studios!

Colorful cube with blue and pink patterns sits on pebbles, surrounded by lush potted plants in a garden setting, creating a vibrant scene.

| What's On

Colorful butterfly art with text details for "On The Wildside" exhibit at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, July 31 to Sept 7.

Abstract artwork with vibrant colors and patterns. Text on lavender: "Pocket Pieces @ Stevens Street Gallery, 7 AUG to 4 OCT, 2 Stevens St Yandina."

Abstract art with geometric shapes in vibrant colors. Text reads: "Winter Showcase @ Noosa Art Gallery, 10 June-31 July."

| Final Thoughts

So until next month, join me in leaving the door open for artistic growth and inviting uncertainty into your creative space over the next little while and see what happens........