By Casey Neill
AN UPWEY graphic designer is giving a creative voice to hills artists, to challenge preconceptions and push for more gallery space.
Bianca Lentini created The Hills Collective book and website for her visual communication honours degree – but it was much more than just a school project.
“I have been constantly inspired by the community’s works,” she said.
“The process of documenting and curating this project attempts to dispel the preconceived idea that regional areas are simply centres for hobbyists and handmade crafts.
“The Dandenong Ranges is home to a thriving community of artisans who rarely capture the attention of their peers in the city centre.
“Limited opportunities and exposure also makes it difficult for the community to get access to the works of local artists.”
The 22-year-old showcased 15 artists and designers in The Hills Collective, including photographers, painters, print-makers, jewellery designers, puppet designers and illustrators.
She combined her photography and design skills to produce the book and website, which contain photos and interview questions about her subjects’ crafts.
“It has been an absolute joy to meet and to also recognise the diverse creative talents, and to take their works as inspiration for my own practice of graphic design,” she said.
“It was such a fun experience.
“I had the greatest opportunity to travel around the Dandenong Ranges from Gembrook to Upwey and to see some beautiful and stunning studios.
“Meeting each artist and designer was so lovely – to be welcomed into their own homes and studios and to just admire their works and have such a similar creative passion.”
Ms Lentini also discovered hidden creators, including Axel Axelrad.
“He has been living in the hills for over 50 years and designed Ossie the Ostrich and other iconic Australian puppets like Tuckerbag,” she said.
She hopes to continue the project as an arts network and form a creative team to produce a larger book showcasing up to 50 artists and designers.
“And to keep everyone aware of what’s happening in the arts community,” she said.
“I would love to see in the future more gallery spaces running so that there could be more exhibitions on show.”
Ms Lentini also hopes to attract funding to print the book on a larger scale.
As for her own creative pursuits, she’s currently working part time in the event design industry “but would love to pursue my photography skills further”.
Travel and working in the music industry are in her sights.
“I would be most excited to design album art covers for bands and the graphics involved for T-shirts, posters and the projections used in concerts,” she said.
“But maybe one day!”
Visit www.thehillscollective.com for more information.
