From Amateur to Artist
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New documentary series From Amateur to Artist goes behind the scenes with Canberra’s creatives.
Canberra is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s creative hubs, but what really goes into becoming a successful artist?
A new documentary series from local writer, photographer, filmmaker and designer Julia Faragher answers that question, following the lives of five young artists as they tackle motherhood, mental health, femininity, social justice, growing up and finding their creativity. From Amateur to Artist will premiere on Thursday 14 March at Palace Electric Cinema and will also be released online.
Featuring Ali Clinch, Faith Kerehona, Bre Lily, Tina Nikolovski, and Lucy Sugerman, From Amateur to Artist highlights the diverse and talented women that are the at the heart of Canberra’s artistic community. Each short episode will contain an interview with the artist, alongside footage of their daily life and a local performance or exhibition.
Applied theatre practitioner Ali Clinch.
Applied theatre practitioner Ali Clinch is the Artistic Director of Acting With Ali, a drama, dance and music school in Queanbeyan. She is also an Associate Artist with Rebus Theatre, working on several projects that use theatre to incite social change. She got involved with From Amateur to Artist to help redefine the stereotype of what it means to be an artist.
“I wanted to highlight the blessings and challenges of being a female artist in Canberra,” explains Ali. “I’m in my early thirties and am both a mother to a young child and a carer to my father with dementia. I’m interested in how the role of carer and motherhood impacts my creative work and how I can engage with creative projects.”
Tina Nikolovski – fashion and commercial photographer and founder and director of Devojka Models and Models 101
Tina Nikolovski is an internationally published fashion and commercial photographer and the founder and director of Devojka Models and Models 101. The title of the series resonated with her journey to balance her creativity and mental health.
“I battled depression and anxiety for nine years of my life, and photography has always been an outlet for me,” Tina says. “I know that by sharing my story, especially via this project, I will show others who may be experiencing the same challenges that it absolutely is possible to fulfil your dream, despite all odds. I believe that we all have creativity within us and a desire to express ourselves in some way.”
Multi-disciplinary artist Faith Kerehona.
Multi-disciplinary artist Faith Kerehona expresses her creativity using photography, street art, painting, drawing and video. She is passionate about exploring themes of sustainability, racism, metamorphosis and technology, all while studying Visual Art and Sociology with a minor in Environmental Studies at the ANU.
“As a young Canberra street artist, being involved in this project is a great opportunity to communicate my message about sustainability and social justice.”
Multi-disciplinary artist Faith Kerehona.
22-year-old student nurse and jewellery designer Bre Lily also wanted to share her story to encourage others to follow in her footsteps. Bre works as a support carer for young women with disabilities and studies full-time, as well as handcrafting pieces for her brand Eucalypse as a way to combine her love of jewellery with the beauty of Australian nature.
“I felt this project would be a great opportunity to show young women that it is possible to chase your dreams and achieve your goals no matter your circumstances. While it has been a juggling act at times, I have found it incredibly rewarding to pursue multiple passions of mine.”
Australian National Busking Champion Lucy Sugerman.
Australian National Busking Champion Lucy Sugerman has been performing around Canberra since she was just nine years old. Lucy is no stranger to sold-out shows, but this documentary series offered her a chance to share a different part of her life.
“Canberra has been such a supportive city in what I love to do so I jump at any chance to celebrate the arts in Canberra. I was really excited to find out someone was creating a series supporting diversity and the arts, particularly with young females like myself, as its something I am quite passionate about.”
On 14 March, join the stars and director of From Amateur to Artist at Palace Electric for the premiere screening, followed by a Q&A and networking opportunity. From Amateur to Artist is supported by the YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Grant Program.
the essentials
What: From Amateur to Artist
When: 6 pm, 14 Thursday March, 2019
Where: Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law Street, New Acton, 2601.
How much: $10
Website: fromamateurtoartist-event.getqpay.com
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