Creativity is Contagious: Pass it on.
- Cindy Watson
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Albert Einstein just might have had educators in mind when he said those words and throughout long teaching careers Robin Dale and Trenton Harris have passed on the joy of creative expression and knowledge to countless students, without losing their own passion for art-making. Their dedication to exploring all things art has led them to opening their studios for the first time this year as part of the MHOS family.
This week I was lucky enough to visit both Robin and Trenton in their respective studios and to indulge my curiosity about why, how, and where, they live and paint.
First up was Robin Dale who welcomed me into her Tin Shack Studio and house. Robin lives on a few acres in Mundaring, and I immediately felt like I had stepped into a quintessential artist's dwelling, with its delightful rambling garden, character-filled studio and art-filled home. Every corner and wall had something new to offer, with many of Robin's own works on show, as well as paintings by her mother and grandmother.
Whilst being a relative newcomer to the area, Robin is no stranger to opening up her studio to visitors, having been part of both the Kalamunda Art Trail (Whistlepipe Studio) and the Southern Art and Craft Trail (Dingo Flat Studio) in Walpole.
After moving to Mundaring two years ago Robin continued her art practice, painting her passion for the environment, travel and people. Robin's work is developed according to her emotional, physical and intellectual connection to the subject, and she chooses her medium accordingly. Painting, drawing and mixed-media work including found objects and hessian all attest to a life of art, experimenting and pushing to find the limits of a style or medium.
Drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape and its travellers- whether animal or human- Robin's work features cool blues and the rich colours of a beloved landscape, as well as beautifully observed charcoal portraits.
If you wish to immerse yourself for a short time in an oasis of peace, art and creativity Tin Shack Studio is a must-see in October.
With instructions to drive all the way up to the studio at the top of the hill, I visited Trenton Harris on a cool overcast day, and stepped into an airy, light-filled space filled with vibrant, colourful paintings.
Trenton trained as a Visual Arts and Media teacher and has worked in both mainstream schools such as Balga SHS, as well as at the Burbridge School for students with special needs. He has stepped into semi-retirement with a mission to continue and expand his creative life.
Citing his varied influences as including the Impressionists, the Heidelberg school and Jackson Pollock, Trenton is clearly driven by a love of colour with gorgeous neon pinks, oranges and blues featuring in many of his works- both large and small.
Whilst working predominantly in acrylics, Trenton employs an eclectic approach to his creative expression with mixed media, silk-screen printing and film-making in his repertoire. This led him to creating his one-man show- Back to the Drives- which included large scale art works, film and acting. Contrary to the words of George Bernard Shaw that "He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches." Trenton Harris embodies a life of passion for both teaching and creating.
With his current work centred on environmental themes of the bush, and referencing his time in Cunderdin and Gnowangerup, Trenton invites people to step into his paintings and spend time immersed in colour, movement and beauty.
It was a pleasure to spend time with fellow teachers, listen to their stories and talk about the need for arts education and its ability to enrich every student's life.
Put these new studios on your art trail must-see list, for both the beauty of their surroundings and the artists' dedication to creativity for all.
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