Artisans’ heartfelt show

AN EXHIBITION, which opens at Silvermist Studio in Healesville on Saturday, 30 July, brings together two very different artisans silversmith Cathy Van Den Essen and feltmaker Nathalie Parker. While their crafts may be different, their passion for the creative and practical elements of their work is a common thread reflected in the title of the exhibition Made From the Heart.
For Cathy, who majored in gold and silver smithing as part of a bachelor of arts craft degree at Monash University, the exhibition is the result of three months’ work creating eight main pieces and a collection of smaller items all in silver.
Cathy designs and makes the pieces, which are simple in design and beautifully crafted, in her backyard studio in Healesville.
Nathalie, also from Healesville, discovered the creative potential of felting through Healesville Spinners and Weavers Group three years ago.
She has been producing beautiful clothing items, including ponchos, hats and scarves, ever since.
“I’ve always had a passion for clothes and materials ever since I was a little girl and felting is part of that,” Nathalie said.
“I can express my love of colours through felting much more freely and beautiful things make me happy,” she added.
A selection of Nathalie’s brightly coloured scarves and hats will form part of the exhibition sometimes providing a stunning background to Cathy’s brooches.
All items in the exhibition are for sale.
Members of the public are invited to go along to the opening at Silvermist Studio, 136 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, between 3pm and 5pm.
Silvermist is open at other times from 10am to 5pm Thursday through to Sunday, or by appointment with resident jeweller and owner Tim Peel.
Phone 5962 5470.