By Parker McKenzie
A local artist has featured in the global TV show Colour in your Life, where she was filmed creating an abstract landscape in a Ferntree Gully art studio.
Entering into its 23rd season, the show was created by Graeme Stevenson OAM and now films in seven countries and is broadcast in 50.
Artist and teacher Olga Megele said it was brilliant to have the spotlight put on Ferntree Gully Art Society, where part of the show was filmed at their gallery and studio called The Hut.
“I think you probably see on a video that I’m quite nervous. They’re asked questions about the history, so it was difficult because I wanted to get the facts correct,” she said.
“We spent time there and filmed around The Hut and then we went back to my studio and did the filming there.”
Aside from the Ferntree Gully Art Society, Ms Megele is also a member of MAVA, The Contemporary Art Society and Oak Hill Gallery and has exhibited art at locations throughout the Dandenong Ranges and Victoria.
Ms Megele said she felt most comfortable when painting and talking about her art with interviewer Sophia Stacey.
“I’m a teacher, so I’m used to demonstrating and that part I was comfortable with,” she said.
“It’s been really positive. I belong to a couple of other groups so I’ve had some lovely feedback from people.”
The show, which Mr Stevenson describes as “a bit like a cooking show but for artists,” has been viewed over 100 million times through online streaming and is aired on TV networks in over 50 countries. Ms Megele’s episode was filmed in Ferntree Gully by Natascha Wernick.
Ms Megele said the experience has opened up new avenues for her.
“In the future, there’s the possibility that I could do an online tutorial,” she said.
“I’m really happy with it, I think it worked out really well.”
You can watch the episode at www.colourinyourlife.com.au/tv-show-ep/olga-megele or see more of Ms Megele’s art at www.olgamegele.com
