Studio Diary - July 2025

Charlotte Wensley
Jul 31
4 min read

Updated: Oct 12

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 encountered several disruptions to my work routine. These changes have shifted my focus away from my usual thoughts about where my work is headed.

I found myself painting a door this past week instead of a canvas. It's a long story, which I'll explain if you come and see me at the open studios in October. It involves a bit of show and tell.

The Threshold of Change

It's a strange but interesting place. It feels unsettling, like I'm staring at a threshold, waiting to see if I dare to cross it. I sense a space on the other side, brooding with potential that hasn't yet been realized. I have no idea whether what's on the other side is a big change or a small one. Perhaps the universe is encouraging me to adjust my working rhythm and create more space for new thoughts and ideas to emerge.

I've been reflecting on the underlying themes in my work. The ideas go beyond bold colors, layered textures, and painterly expressions. I find myself absorbed by the notion of 'memory.' I chase a dreamlike, in-between space where shape, light, and color meet with emotive memories. Themes of impermanence, transience, vulnerability, and the quiet tension between fragility and resilience frequently resurface in my thoughts.

The Call for Experimentation

But what does it all mean? I'm feeling a familiar pull toward experimentation, particularly with my prints. My recent dabbling with clay has me thinking more about three dimensions.

Maybe it's time to expand beyond my current work. I want to 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. It's about staying with what’s known and stepping into the unknown. More and more, I’m questioning what truly resonates with me now. I think about the truth in the stories I have to tell and the emotions I want to share.

Embracing Growth Through Discomfort

Then the big question arises: how best to do that? Growth rarely comes from a still and static place. It emerges when challenge and uncertainty knock at the door. So, I’m leaning into it. I trust that either something new will take form or some less radical adjustments are waiting to happen.

Now that the new door is hung, the threshold is visibly before me. I just need to step through and into the in-between. I must 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 a wildlife-themed group show curated by Fiona Groom at the Butter Factory Arts Centre. I've been working on a collection of new paintings, focusing on some of Australia's most vulnerable and endangered insects.

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

Join us for the opening celebration event on Saturday, 2nd August. Everyone is welcome! Drop in to see the show and chat with the artists from 4 PM to 6 PM at 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 a 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. I’ve been considering the benefits of it, ways to approach 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 has prompted me to take a closer look at using limited color 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 around 30 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. Invite uncertainty into your creative space over the next little while and see what happens.