Artists on display

By Paul Pickering
FOR an art enthusiast, the opportunity to venture into a private studio – that most personal sanctuary of the artist – is a rare and cherished insight into the creative soul.
With the Dandenong Ranges Open Studios Weekend and Exhibition launching this week, it is again time to explore the cosy hillside hideaways of the region’s celebrated and emerging artists.
This year, 26 hills artists will open their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday, 26-27 May from 10am to 5pm.
Each featured artist will display one piece in the Open Studios Artists Exhibition at Burrinja’s Jarmbi Gallery from Thursday, 17 May until Sunday, 3 June.
Burrinja’s executive officer Ross Farnell said: “The Open Studios Weekend is the perfect time to take a drive through the hills, put a face to the name of your favourite local artists, peek inside their private working spaces and learn what inspires them.”
At Kallista’s Wood Alchemy Studio, inquisitive voyeurs will be afforded the most personal insight into the work and life of 23-year-old Daniel Rigos.
Daniel, a former Monbulk College student, quite literally grew up in this home studio set up by his father, Yanni.
It was from this forested fortress of solitude, Daniel says, that he developed a deep connection to nature and a fascination with the connection between earth and air.
Given the inspiration behind Daniel’s work, it is no surprise that his painting The Reunion of Opposing Thought was chosen to adorn the brochure for the Jarmbi Gallery exhibition entitled Elemental: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water.
“My work definitely draws on the connection with nature that comes from living in the hills all my life,” Daniel said.
“It’s such an inspiring setting.”
Daniel says it will be a privilege to display his work alongside his father and artistic mentor.
Since graduating from Monbulk College in 2001, Daniel has attained an honours degree in fine arts from RMIT and bachelor of arts in digital arts from the Australian National University in Canberra.
His varied works in the mediums of painting, photography and video have featured in a number of Melbourne exhibitions, and can be viewed at his website www.danielrigos.com.
More information on the Open Studios Weekend and Exhibition, including a downloadable touring map, is available at www.burrinja.org.au.
Burrinja is at 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey. Phone 9754 8723.