Ceramicist Cassy Macarthur collects “wild clay” for her practice - image Josh Waddell, 2021

meet our community

Read more about some of our amazing network of creatives and artists, scattered throughout our city.

Charlotte Grimes

Charlotte is currently exhibiting her exhibition, The Ineffable, at Unicorn Lane from 28 September to 8 November 2020 — **Charlotte is currently exhibiting her exhibition, *The Ineffable*, at Unicorn Lane from 28 September to 8 November 2020**

When did you discover your interest in photography?

Growing up I loved art, particularly drawing and painting water colour, because of the way an image can convey a story with so much emotion. So when my dad bought me my first real camera for my 12th birthday, I have been fascinated ever since with what I can create with a camera and Photoshop.

How long have you been practicing/studying photography?

I have been practicing photography for five years as a hobby, but have been studying it at school for nearly two years now.

Do you have a particular style or topic/theme that you like to photograph?

I became inspired by the adventurous, raw portraiture of Steve McCurry, and the imaginative artworks by surrealist painters such as Salvador Dali. This developed into a keen interest for surrealistic portraiture. Throughout this series I have been exploring how we all have a unique approach to navigating the human condition, yet we are forever connected to each other by the emotional landscape that we share. Lament, Reverie and Solace have been influenced by the COVID-19 Pandemic. With these three in particular, I wanted to highlight that our worlds have been turned inside out, where our existence is now defined by our homes and the natural landscapes around us.

What do you enjoy most about photography?

The thing I love most about photography is the absolute joy I feel when I know I have managed to capture the beauty of a moment, exactly as I experienced at the time. It is so exciting challenging myself to explore new ideas, to tell a story through an image, which may not be able to be expressed through words. I feel photography allows me to explore my surroundings with wonder and to discover different points of view. I try to create pieces of work that highlight the human condition and the world around us in a different light.

Are you currently working on a project?

I am currently in the process of printing the three COVID-19 inspired images onto glass, to see how the change of medium influences how they are experienced and interpreted.

Where do you wish to go with your art/ photography practice?

I am hoping to have my work exhibited in other galleries in the future, as well as starting a photography business.

D5028A9C-257E-4B91-8CBD-E4D0D44C3D31 - Charlotte Grimes.jpeg

Kathy Horvat29 September 2020

Local artist groups and networks

If you would like your association, group or network highlighted, please drop us a note!

Ballarat Arts Alive is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit org that provides a forum for discussion, advocacy and development supporting the arts and artists of Ballarat and surrounds. Regular events are held to meet up.

More info

**Crafts Council of Ballarat** is dedicated to promoting and supporting the art and craft community of the Goldfields, with a shopfront located at the Adam Lindsay Gordon Collage.

more info

**Ballarat Art Collective** welcomes new members from all walks of life to regularly gather together and share their passion for art in all its forms.

More info

**Goldfields Printmakers** is a collective with a website for Printmakers who produce works predominantly in the art form of print and base their practice in the Goldfields region.
The websites role should act as a resource for these artists to connect and share their knowledge.

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**The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC)** was established by members of the Ballarat and District Aboriginal community in 1979, delivering health, social, welfare and community programs to local Aboriginal people.

more info

**Soldiers Hill Artist Collective** is a diverse group, who’s objective is to maintain an open and inclusive collective that is focused on promoting local arts and artists, whilst reinforcing the positive social benefit of the arts within the immediate community.

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**Sonika** is the City of Ballarat Youth Services' FReeZA committee. Sonika meet regularly to plan projects, events and gain event management skills. Sonika also runs a range of free or cheap all ages events that are drug, alcohol and smoke free.

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The **Ballarat International Foto Biennale** attracts significant International and Australian photographers as one of Australia’s pre-eminent photographic festivals. It is a not-for-profit event that immerses the historic town of Ballarat in photographic art.

More info

**Ballaarat Quilters** founded in 1996 by a group of women who wanted to promote the art and craft of quilting in Ballarat. A not for profit association where members meet regularly for a sit, sew and a chat together and exhibit their works to the Ballarat community every two years.

more info

**Ballarat Society of Artists** unvite you to come along and enjoy a friendly get together with other artists and creatives at to our monthly meeting.
BSA meets on the 1st Saturday of the month (except Jan) at 10.30 am at the Brown Hill Uniting Church Hall, Humffray Street North, Brown Hill.

Ballarat Writers.jpg — **Ballarat Writers** is a grass-roots organisation promoting local writing and writers in the Western Victorian region, with monthly Members’ Nights, regular competitions and workshops.

More info

Artists, Makers & Creatives

meet our community

Charlotte Grimes

Local artist groups and networks