Christmas Gift Guide: The Art-a-holic
Whether it’s a drawing here or a painting there, art is always a good idea for gifts. However, we are once again faced with the challenge of not always knowing someone’s art tastes, so here is a range of different artists and art we have (and love) here at The Collective Beat and The Mill Marketplace for the next Frida Kahlo or just an art appreciator in your life.
PHOTOGRAPHY
JORDAN ROBINS, KAREN RUTHERFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
If it’s Australian photography you’re after this Christmas, Jordan Robins (left) and Karen Rutherford Photography (right) have got you covered.
Jordan specialises in underwater photography where he captures incredible ocean scenery and wildlife. His over-under images - a style of photography which captures both above and below the water in a single image - are a staple and a style that makes his work instantly recognisable. Growing up on the NSW South Coast, Jordan feels he is lucky enough to be in a position to be able to pursue his passion in his home town.
Karen Rutherford is a Helensburgh based photographer whose work ranges from animals and landscapes to buildings and waterfalls. Karen says she has always been a creative person so the transition to photography was as natural as anything for her.
You can find Jordan Robins Photography in The Collective Beat Kiama, The Collective Beat Huskisson, and in our sister store, The Mill Marketplace in Pyree, open Wednesday to Sunday; you can find Karen Rutherford Photography in The Collective Beat Handmade Gallery in Kiama.
PEN TO PAPER - THE HANDMADE GALLERY
ANNIE APPLETON, TOMMI AND BOO, SEAGARDEN, WUURRI ART, WILD DIVINE
While The Collective Beat’s Handmade Gallery is the newest store in the TCB fam, it sure has made a name for itself with these incredible artists we have inside!
Annie Appleton Art (left) is a self taught charcoal artist specialising in wildlife art, and it is clear to see why that is her specialty. Her passion for art is accompanied by her passion for wildlife, and has donated just shy of $3,000 thanks to her artworks and exhibitions.
Tommi and Boo (second from left) is the brainchild of artist and mum, Sarah who named her art business after her actual children. Tommi and Boo features a number of whimsical collections which are perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, or anywhere in your home you feel just needs a little something extra.
Seagarden (centre) is the work of marine scientist, Lena, who brought her passion for art and ocean life together to create incredible, detailed paintings of some of her favourite marine animals. Perfect for the ocean lover, or taking a piece of the ocean home with you.
The incredible works of Wuurri Art (second from right) come from Aboriginal artist, Tenae. Wuurri Art was with us at our first pop up shop over the 2021/2022 Summer, and we are so glad to have her back with us!
Finally, those funky emu friends are the work of Wild Divine (right), and be sure to come in store and check them out because there are plenty more where they came from!
All of the artists you see here are stallholders in The Collective Beat Handmade Gallery in Kiama, open 7 days from 10am.
PEN TO PAPER - THE COLLECTIVE BEAT
SARAH YEE, EMELY HANDMADE GIFTWARE, FOXYTROT, PANKEEN, MY TINY EXPLORER
This bunch of artists appear to focus on Australia from the looks of these images, however, there is so much more in store for you to find out about these five small businesses!
South Coast artist, Sarah Yee Art (right) focuses on the environment and our impact on it, but there are a special few works where she chooses brings her artworks to life with the use of gold leaf foil, and doesn’t it pay off?!
Emely Handmade Giftware (second from right) hand paints the most incredible floral pieces and much more! Each brushstroke is a journey and the love that is poured into each work is evident, however, it’s not just paintings at Emely Handmade. You can also find journals, mugs, cards, and more!
If you’re a diehard Vegemite fan (like us!), this particular Foxytrot (centre) art print is definitely for you! But Foxytrot does more than Vegemite, and has just introduced organic cotton tea towels with Foxytrot designs on them!
Pankeen (second from left) was created to showcase designs that have drawn inspiration from our planet’s flora and fauna. The team at Pankeen also strive to do their best in the most sustainable way possible, using recyclable, compostable and biodegradable packaging.
The works of My Tiny Explorer (right) are really quite incredible. Focusing on Australian natives, My Tiny Explorer began as a way to pass the time on maternity leave and has since flourished into an incredible business. With a wide range of prints, stickers, and flashcards, as well as products made from My Tiny Explorer fabric, there is definitely something for everyone here!
You can find Sarah Yee Art in The Collective Beat Milton; you can find Emely Handmade Giftware in The Collective Beat Gerringong and in our sister store The Mill Marketplace in Pyree; you can find Foxytrot in The Collective Beat Milton and The Collective Beat Handmade Gallery in Kiama; you can find Pankeen in The Collective Beat Milton; and you can find My Tiny Explorer in The Collective Beat Kiama.
PEN TO PAPER - THE MILL MARKETPLACE
DRAGONFLY ART, SALTY ART BY MIA, ARTOMOBILE
Artists of The Mill Marketplace! And what a range we have…
Dragonfly Art and Tuition (left) brings the monsters from your dreams onto the page, allowing you to make friends with them through her incredible ink artworks. Madi has also been known to host a workshop or two at The Mill Marketplace during the school holidays, so keep and eye out for any announcements!
The paintings from Salty Art by Mia (centre) truly are amazing, as they whisk you away to the deeps of the underwater world. Mia is passionate about the diverse life of the ocean and strives to bring awareness to the conservation of it’s health and environment.
Artomobile (right) has a range of colours and designs for the car enthusiast in your life! And, purchasing from Artomobile gives you the perfect dad-joke that goes along the lines of “I bought you a car…” (and won’t set you back thousands of $$$).
These three incredible artists can all be found in our sister store The Mill Marketplace in Pyree, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am.
CREATIONS FOR THE HOME
BELINDA DOYLE, BLUSHING ROSE, PLEASANT VALLEY SUNDAY, LITTLE SPOON HANDSTAMPED, ZEYNEP TESTONI
Take a trip to the coast with Belinda Doyle Designs (left), a South Coast based artist and photographer. Belinda creates the most stunning resin surfboards, cheeseboards, and homewares perfect for the entertainer.
If it’s macrame that you’re after, look no further than Blushing Rose (second from left) who hand makes the most gorgeous creations. Ranging from hanging plant holders and baby teething rings to dog leashes and lanyards, you are sure to find something for the boho lover in your life.
Pleasant Valley Sunday (centre) knows how to stitch! With cheeky quotes, whimsical landscapes, and even designs with crystals sewn in to them, there is definitely something for you this Christmas at Pleasant Valley Sunday.
The perfect gift for a new family this Christmas is definitely from Little Spoon Handstamped (second from right) who takes spoons (and other cutlery) and, as the name suggests, hand stamps quotes, sayings and figures onto them. Ranging from decorative bundles to unique jewellery, the mama, papa, baby set is the perfect family gift this Christmas.
Inspired by her home in the village of Gerroa, Zeynep Testoni Ceramics (right), creates functional and decorative art. Zeynep even hosts pottery classes in her home studio if you’re interested in giving an experience as a gift this Christmas.
You can find Belinda Doyle Designs in The Collective Beat Kiama, The Collective Beat Gerringong, The Collective Beat Milton, The Collective Beat Huskisson, and our sister store The Mill Marketplace in Pyree; you can find Blushing Rose in The Collective Beat Kiama; you can find Pleasant Valley Sunday in The Collective Beat Kiama and The Collective Beat Gerringong; you can find Little Spoon Handstamped in The Collective Beat Kiama and The Collective Beat Gerringong; you can find Zeynep Testoni Ceramics in The Collective Beat Gerringong.
So, no matter the taste of your “arty friend,” we are sure that there will be something for you to find at one of our stores this Christmas.