We jumped into 2022 with some aspirations and a little reluctance, our summer more humid than before and it feels like more hot days than before. The beauty of it all, especially living in a high fire risk area, is that we have not had the hot Northerlies or Fire Ban Days that usually overshadow the joy of living in the bush.
Preparedness is key to knowing we cannot do more than we have for the safety of our home and so we keep up the watering and loving the recently installed rain water tank.
In this La Niña season temperatures are cooler and this summer was predicted to have more rain than usual.
New Year found Walter in hospital again, coming out on New Year’s Day. It was also our first anniversary with Dolly our kelpie, who is loving the Yarra bank walks, meeting lots of play mates and swimming in the river. She has grown in confidence, curiosity and trust of humans. She no longer is afraid of wheeled vehicles on pathways, such as prams and bicycles and has much respect for road vehicles.
With Qantas now flying into USA and especially Nashville TN, I am planning to get there to spend concentrated time with my daughter Cecelia and her husband Tony. They are thrilled to finally have their own house and backyard. They have revealed skills in carpentry, painting, recycling and putting them to good use in house improvements.
Walter is ‘back in the studio’ working on new paintings and pleased to be part of the AGRA upcoming exhibition of selected artists. He is planning a solo exhibition later in the year at the Victorian Artists Society Galleries.
Currently my artwork Conversation is included in the YAVA Inaugural Small Sculpture Exhibition INterior in Healesville, coinciding with the Yering Station Sculpture Art Award. Initially planned for October 2021 were postponed to when galleries could open and welcome visitors.
About Conversation:
Based on cultural tea drinking rituals, the marble tea caddies in the artwork Conversation, are a symbol for relationships. Relationships between family and friends that strengthen solid foundations through the ritual of drinking tea. Rituals that are passed from generation to generation.
The exhibition continues until March 6.
https://www.yava.org.au/interior
https://www.yava.org.au/yvayeringsculpture
February 28 I will deliver artwork, Hard Baked, to The Hut Gallery, Ferntree Gully for the exhibition Smorgasbord a MAVA collective exhibition. Open 1 – 10 March.
https://www.thehutgallery.com.au/
In March 2020 my exhibition at Art at St Francis was cancelled after five days due to the first wave of Covid 19. Brigette has offered space for a solo exhibition in March.
Asia Series: Cultural Costume Reimagined will be showing at Art at St Francis’ 9 March to 4 April.
https://stonycreekstudio.art/2022/01/14/the-asia-series-at-art-at-st-francis/
The weekend of 19/20 March after a two year hiatus, showcases the Warrandyte Donvale Rotary Art Show, in conjunction with the Warrandyte Festival. Four of my artworks will participate in the show as it is a pleasure to support the excellent work of Rotary. Official Opening is on Friday March 18.
https://www.warrandytedonvalerotary.org.au/art-show.html
Walter and I have found a window of opportunity to take a regional gallery tour 1 – 4 March.
We will visit Michelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art Gallery, where my daughter Melissa has arranged for a tour with gallery director Adam Knight. https://mitchelton.com.au/gallery/
Shepparton Art Museum recently had a major rebuild and are currently featuring the work of Lin Onus: The Land Within. https://sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/
To complete the tour we will head North to Benalla to lunch with my sister from Yarrawonga and visit the Benalla Art Gallery. Situated on the edge of Lake Benalla, the gallery hosts changing exhibitions and features some three centuries of Australian Art. https://benallaartgallery.com.au/
Victoria is rich in regional galleries, who present superb exhibitions. Always well worth planning a short trip to visit a few.
Plan a visit to Warrandyte to experience the Pottery Expo on the last weekend in February 26/27, on the River bank; following the theme Clay Communities. https://www.potteryexpo.com/
The final hurrah on this blog was the Fresh Perspectives event, held at wonguim wilam park on Saturday February 5. We celebrated summer with music, food friendship and pleasure whilst enjoying the projection of photographs by local artists, under the Bridge. The display of images in Taffy’s Hut continues until June 30. Read about the event (pg. 19) in the February Issue of Warrandyte Diary. Get all the news on the Festival (pg. 13) and Pottery Expo (pg. 8) https://warrandytediary.com.au/2022/02/
Cultural Costume Reimagined
National costume identifies culture and the significance of nations’ customs.
Contemporary fashion continually rebels against customs, whilst simultaneously appropriating traditional costume style and materials.
Intrigued with contemporary indigenous Asian fashion designs I have attended fashion parades, exhibitions, designer studios and bespoke boutiques during my years of travel throughout Asian countries.
Asia Series is based within fashion forms and styles that combine traditional
costume design with 21st century fabrics and concepts of four countries.
I have introduced a personal heritage symbol into the works that include silkscreen printing and Japanese paper collage.
The artworks are float mounted and framed to harmonize with the colour tones of the work.
9 March to 4 April 2022
Opening times:
Mo to Fr 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday 10 to 2 pm
https://www.stfrancismelbourne.com/art/
I am an Australian artist who creates artwork based at Stony Creek Studio in Warrandyte Australia. Between 2005 and 2019 I maintained a work studio at Huanghua Studio in Beijing China.
A major highlight in 2021 was Deep Blue Crossing, a solo installation, presented in partnership with Fed Square, Melbourne.
I participate in many local, national and international exhibitions and undertake many workshop programs. I am the recipient of several Residency Awards including Arthur Boyd’s Bundanon AIR and Montsalvat Artist-in-Residence, Manningham Arts Fellowship and Residence in Australia. My international residencies include Australia/China Council Residence Award in Beijing, Da Pu International Art Centre in Da Qing, Centre D’art I Natura AIR Farrera Spain, 99 Art Museum AIR in Beijing, the 3rd Heshun International Art Festival AIR Shanxi, Erdos Inner Mongolia International AIR, Hudson Centre for Contemporary Art AIR Hudson Valley New York, Shimenfeng Celebrity Culture Park Wuhan.
As secretary for the Artists 2000 Foundation I have received grants for curatorial and workshop projects in Australia and China based on International Cultural Art Exchange.
I am the recipient of several commissions including Tianjin Port Authority 60th Anniversary, BHG and Cocoa Cola Art Project, Western Academy of Beijing, Willoughby Visual Art Biennial, 27 Degree East Lake Ecological Sculpture Biennial.
I completed a Master of Arts at RMIT, Melbourne in 2002. My art practice is based on cultural diversity, belief systems, rituals, and icons that form the celebrations of these. I use a variety of media to enhance and harmonize with my conceptual expressions encompassing places of worship, sacred sites, spirituality and related symbols. Human characteristics impact upon natural environments and my environmental concerns relate directly to Australia, whilst conveying a global awareness.
I am Patron for Tasun Creative Art in China, Secretary for the Artists 2000 Foundation, Website Administrator and bi-monthly Bulletin editor for Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and an independent curator. Memberships include: NAVA, MSWPS, MAVA, Artaviso
Between 2005 – 2016 I was curator for the Nv Yishu (Female Art) Series of bi-annual Touring Exhibitions and Meeting Halfway in Guangzhou China and the Chinese Museum in Melbourne; commissioned in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of Australia China Diplomatic Relationships.
My artworks are held in collections with:
Shimenfeng Celebrity Culture Park – Wuhan China,
BHG Beijing Hualian Department Store Co., Bundanon Trust, Loyola College, Nillumbik Shire Council, Containers Packaging, Zhengzhou Contemporary Art Museum, Australian Consulate-General Guangzhou, Redtory Art & Design Factory, EMG Art Guangzhou, Dapu International Art Centre, Da Qing Normal University, Imago Mundi: Luciano Benetton Collection, Heshun Cultural Development Art Museum, Private Collections, Hudson Center for Contemporary Art, Tasun Creative Art
All things in perspective, Melbournians received lockdown relief on 22 October, at 70% double vaccinated, we had a few uplifting moments, albeit hesitation with the installation at Fed Square. Booked to install on 27 October, Fed Square staff were confident it would go ahead. Much to our pleasure 29 October gave more freedoms at 80% double vaccination.
Deep Blue Crossing went live to the public arena, officially, on 1 November. NGV Ian Potter opened the doors on 3 November. On display at Fracture Gallery read more about the project here: https://stonycreekstudio.art/2021/10/06/deep-blue-crossing/ and here: https://fedsquare.com/events/multicultural-week
It has been an exciting experience and I thank the team at Fed Square who have been extremely supportive throughout the project.Great to see it was picked up by some of the Social Media organisations:
WHAT’S ON MELBOURNE
https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/search/this-weekend/page-5
URBAN LIST
https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/things-to-do-melbourne
The famous Warrandyte Diary featured an article in the Diary Bulletin October and November Issue:
WARRANDYTE DIARY AND BULLETIN
https://warrandytediary.com.au/category/editions/
https://warrandytediary.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DOWNLOAD_Bulletin-OCTOBER-2021.pdf
The installation continues at Fed Square until November 30. I thank all who have given me feedback and sent images on their perspective of the artwork.
November has been one of the wettest, stormiest periods in weather history. Our new 5500 litre Rainwater tank was filled to overflowing within ten days of installation.
Melbourne Cup Racing was particularly fortunate on the first Tuesday in November to have about 26 degrees with sunshine.
At least the dog got a bath and smelled especially human good for a little while. Dolly is gaining her confidence with water, enjoys paddling in Stony Creek and is taking to the Yarra. Still a timid dog, she is now curious, letting more females give her a pat and socialises well with other dogs.
Pouring rain, high winds and falling trees seem to be a symbol for the chaos that has erupted throughout Victoria and the many protests. Lockdown has confined us, in between breaks, for over 260 days since the start the pandemic. Victorians, we have down well to reach our 90% double vaccinations, however, it has affected each and every one of us in more ways than I know. I can only speak for those around me and the effect on my mental and physical health. We congratulate ourselves for a job well done, and well deserved and now we face the consequences.
Along with the flood of rain, came a flood of opportunities, so much so that I could not keep up and give each worthy event the promotion it deserved.
My artwork has participated and continues to participate in several online exhibitions.
SHADOWS AT PLAY – A MAVA Collective Online Exhibition
https://www.mavacollective.com/shadows-at-play
Shadows can produce darkness, highlight the light, evoke beauty or something more sinister. Shadows can be very obvious or somewhat subtle by definition. Shadows at Play is a collection of over 60 artworks exploring the theme with sculpture, NFT’s, moving image, digital works, paintings, illustrations, photographs and more.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED – A MAVA Collective Online Exhibition
https://www.mavacollective.com/no-strings-attached
No Strings Attached is an exhibition that takes the definition in its literal form. Most of the artwork in this exhibition requires framing or mounting of some sort. Each piece is the same size and the same price. We wanted to keep it simple and yet provide opportunities for our art buyers to purchase Christmas gifts at more affordable prices. All the artworks are A4 in size, $150 in price, and ready for a frame or mount of your choice.
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES – MSWPS ANNUAL EXHIBITION – Online Exhibition
https://mswps.com.au/changing-perspectives-2021/

The creativity, diversity, and artistic excellence of our members will be showcased in this exhibition. Sincere thanks to Sophie Gerard, Assistant Curator of Australian Art NGV and judge of 2021 Annie Davison Oliver Award and Valda Cuming Sculpture Award.
Chinese Abstract Art (Nantong) Exhibition: A Hundred Years of Zhang Jian – Curator: Ma Yiying
I received a social Media Wechat message from Ma Yiying advising that my artwork is in this exhibition in China. A pleasure to know that pandemic and all my work continues to be featured in China.
The previous blog mentioned eight artworks hibernating at Fitzroy Stretchers since mid-July. After four months, I finally managed to arrange the framing, now completed, and collected the work on Monday 22 November. Art at St Francis Gallery has had to postpone again and we will connect in 2022, looking to the future.
MSC MARITIME ART EXHIBITION Online https://gallery.missiontoseafarers.com.au/
BLUETHUMB – 10 Day Collector Sale
Where art buyers connect with Australia’s emerging and established artists. You’ll only find original art for sale here.Welcome to Bluethumb, the Home of Australian Artists.

An artwork lasts a lifetime.
Don’t miss a rare opportunity to save on original Australian artworks.
Save 10% off any order using code COLLECT10
Save 15% off orders >$1,500 using code COLLECT15
Sale ends 29 NOV on bluethumb.com.au
https://bluethumb.com.au/denise-keele-bedford
FRESH PERSPECTIVES
With my two images selected for the next photographic event Warrandyte will hold an event Under the bridge on 5 February 2022, featuring all selected images.Photo posters have been installed at Taffy’s Hut and will remain in place until June 2022.
In conjunction with the event artists are displaying samples of their photos in Warrandyte Village for the month of December.Warrandyte Community Centre, next to Library as the Art Space.
1 – 30 December Open Wed – Sat 10am to 3pm. Denise will be on site 10 – 12:30 on 1,8,15,22, and 29 December.
After a flood of info on my activities, Walter is thrilled to be featured on the Victorian Artists Society website: PROFILE WITH VAS https://vasgallery.org.au/Walter-Magilton~22021
And what a buzz to have Deep blue Crossing featured at The Atrium at the same time as Found and Gathered an awe-inspiring exhibition on Until 20 February 2022.
Found and Gathered: Rosalie Gascoigne | Lorraine Connelly-Northey brings attention to the shared materiality at the heart of the practices of Rosalie Gascoigne (1917–1999) and Lorraine Connelly-Northey (b. 1962). Both artists are known for their transformative use of found and discarded objects to create works of art that challenge our understanding of the landscape, and Country.
https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/found-and-gathered/
Presented by Denise Keele-bedford in partnership with Fed Square
Fracture Gallery, The Atrium Fed Square 1 – 30 November 2021 24-hour Viewing
Wednesday 3, 10, 17 and Thursday 25 November I will be at fracture Gallery from 1 -4pm.
You are welcome to view the work anytime during November and please contact me if you would like me to meet you on site.
In celebration of Multicultural Week at Fed Square, an armada of origami boats will sail through Fracture Gallery, accompanied by rainbow colour beams dancing across the space. The installation uses colour to convey the kaleidoscopic diversity of nations who have traversed oceans and created a fusion from their cultural inheritances that transforms Melbourne into a unique multicultural society.
Read more on the project here:
https://fedsquare.com/events/multicultural-week
Deep Blue Crossing acknowledges our First Peoples, our first-generation migrants who continue to enrich Melbourne’s heritage, and all people of different backgrounds, ideas and cultures who contribute to the harmony of future generations.
With Thanks to: Stony Creek Studio, Kayendee Acrylics, BMG Australasia, Karyn Blokkeerus, Megan Caine.
I also thank the exceptional team at Fed Square who have guided the installation process with consideration and professionalism.
From the beginning of contacting Fed Square with an art installation concept, through Covid restriction concerns, to promotion, schedule planning, contact assistance and ongoing through November, my experience has been one of feeling completely supported.
Walter is a Fellow of the Victorian Artists Society (VAS) and has recently been included in their online gallery of artists’ profiles.
Walter’s Profile can be viewed through the following links:
https://vasgallery.org.au/Walter-Magilton~22021
Walter also received the following email from VAS:
Congratulations, you have been selected to exhibit your work in the 2021 VAS Mavis Little Artist of the Year (AOTY) Award Exhibition. This award is valued at $10,000.
Shadows at Play is the latest online exhibition for MAVA Collective
Open for Viewing until December 20.
My artwork Eclipse is one of the participating entries.
Check out the exhibition here:
https://www.mavacollective.com/shadows-at-play?page=2
Shadows can produce darkness, highlight the light, evoke beauty or something more sinister. Shadows can be very obvious or somewhat subtle by definition. Shadows at Play is a collection of over 60 artworks exploring the theme with sculpture, NFT’s, moving image, digital works, paintings, illustrations, photographs and more.
Late October 2020, Pam Howman, a Warrandyte friend and Warrandyte Church member, suggested that I meet her for coffee. It had to be take-away and out-of-doors.
I had been suffering for weeks with a distressing skin complaint and after finally getting an appointment with my dermatologist, Pam and I were amazed how quickly the treatment worked.
Pam wanted to introduce me to a walking trail Research. We met at the local Research Café and in the window was a quirky black chook painted on a piece of old pailing fence.
Pam went on to explain that there were many quirky animal paintings on pieces of fencing along the walking trail.
Off we went along Main Road where it was such a joy to discover random paintings sitting in the grass and leaning against trees and poles.
I took several photos which I passed onto Sandi Miller at Warrandyte Diary. Not knowing any of the story behind the works I suggested that Sandi take a drive and do some investigation.
Early this year the Warrandyte Diary ran a story on Joan Denison and her quirky paintings.
Joan’s Iso Chooks became such a success that she was calling out for more used fencing material.
James Poyner states; “These cheerful Iso chooks became an overnight success and what started as a distraction for her street soon saw Joan painting thousands of Iso Chooks which now adorn gardens and shop fronts all over Eltham.
They are scattered through the gardens of Austin Hospital and are being given to new Australian Citizens at Nillumbik Citizenship ceremonies.
My daughter, Melissa, working from home for the past 17 months, is quite isolated out near Wallan. On March 13, 2020. Her office in Southbank advised all employees to collect their computers and go home. Like many people we did not see each other for several months and this year has been difficult, as we all know.
In May I decided to give her a surprise gift of Joan’s Iso Chooks. What I didn’t realise was that I had to go on the new waiting list. I finally received notice that my Chooks were ready for collection on 25 July. Waiting to be able to see my daughter, we missed the opportunity between Lockdowns 5 and 6.
I sent her parcel last Saturday and yesterday received the included image.
She claimed that they are adorable but not sure where they can be installed. Her husband, Troy, is concerned that they will be destroyed if placed outside in the weather. I guess he likes them too.
What I love about their story is that something of little monetary value that I gifted to brighten and create a smile on a temporary level, has become highly valued as a symbol of optimism, bringing great joy and pleasure.
If you happen to be wandering or driving the streets of Eltham, when possible, keep an eye out for an old piece of timber, with a few splashes of colour; that I am sure will make you smile.
Boats provide the physical means for movement on water, they are buoyant and shaped to provide stability. The boat can symbolize a journey on the sea of life, the ups and downs, joys and thoughts of pleasure and fun filled days.
Ahoy me Mateys
Free Public Event:
Sunday 19 September 2pm (be on time Lest ye Swab the Decks)
Finns Reserve at the Yarra River on the Corner of Union Street, Lower Templestowe
MEET AT THE MAIN CARPARK – Look for the Pirate Flags
BRING YOUR PICNIC BLANKET AND A MUG FOR KOMBUCHA
Participants are encouraged to wear Pirate Gear
Denise Keele-bedford is the recipient of a Manningham Arts (FAIR) Fellowship. Her culmination of the Fellowship includes a Free Family Friendly Public Event of activities based on Pirates, Boats and all things Nautical.
19 September is also “talk like a Pirate Day”. https://www.talklikeapirateday.com.au/
The day is to raise funds to support families affected by Childhood Cancer.
It is a great event to bring kids of all ages.
Follow along the Treasure Trail for activities that include, A Pirate Name, A Pirate Hat, The harmonic voices of Women of Notes, Pirate Language, A performance of The Owl and The Pussycat, Sharon Jackson Hoop Dancing, Story Surprise, Sea Shanties, Trout, Unique Zen Jackson performance, Poems and to Support Childhood Cancer Families.
Thanks:
Kittenbound Studios – Renee McCrae
KittenBound Studio’s is a page for Renee McCrae to run havoc, while sharing her modelling, acting, music, artistic, scientific and environmental adventures with you all.
One second it could be hula hooping, the next it could be a crazy science project.
It could be a model shoot, or cooking edible mushrooms locally found.
Who knows? Life is an adventure full of knowledge and fun. Why not share!
Stony Creek Studio – https://stonycreekstudio.art/

Established in 1973 Stony Creek Studio is situated at the junction of the Yarra River and Stony Creek in Warrandyte. The studios of husband and wife team Walter Magilton and Denise Keele-bedford offer an exciting range of traditional and contemporary artwork.
Manningham Arts – https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au
Fletchers Real Estate – https://fletchers.net.au/
Fletchers is a proud, fourth-generation family-based real estate agency with a history of 100 years in the industry that has earned us an unsurpassed reputation in servicing our clients.
Since Fletchers inception in 1919, the face of real estate has changed remarkably. Fletchers has evolved accordingly, embracing new technology and communications systems, structured ongoing training programmes, a state-of-the-art integrated database and a strong focus on customer service. As pioneers in many of these areas, we are proud to say that we are well respected in the real estate industry.
Volunteers – Anne, Melissa, Jane, Ann-Maree, Jacky, Beatrice. Volunteers are the crew who are most essential to an event flowing. They are the ones who from start to finish look after the Public, helping them move safely through the events. They hand out maps, help select pirate names, teach hat making, inform and guide participants. They are the ones with the Red Bandannas and the Flags. Most importantly they are the ones who will accept your donations in return for a gift.
Good Brew – https://goodbrew.com.au/
We brew a delicious range of Kombucha, shipped straight to your home or available at your local health food store.
We aim to produce and deliver all of our products through the most environmentally friendly and sustainable methods that we can. Local, sustainable and organic suppliers are used where possible in our production chain to deliver quality products. Both of our warehouses (one in Brunswick VIC and one in Daylesford VIC) utilise solar panels. Staff are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes to work and get lovely bonuses for their efforts. The descriptive labels of our bottles are made from 100% recycled paper with vegan ink, plus they don’t use any glue.
Sharon Jackson
Trout
Jock McNeish – Strategic Images
I’m Jock Macneish OAM, an architect, illustrator and cartoonist with a special interest in work systems.
I studied Management Science with Marvin Weisbord, Margaret Wheatley and Fred Emery and have illustrated many books on how people can best work together. I worked as a staff cartoonist for The Age and Post Courier and as a set designer and producer for the ABC in Melbourne and Sydney.
Story Surprise – https://www.storysurprise.com.au/
Lauren and Anthony bring you Story Surprise! This is an ongoing series of funny, interactive, educational and stimulating videos and podcasts featuring songs, stories, art and craft.
What started as a few videos to connect with friends and family across the globe has turned into ongoing series! Each theme tackles important childhood learning concepts. Recent themes include feelings, motivation, and uniqueness.
Women of Notes – Ruth Schoenheimer, choir leader
Women of Notes began almost 25 years ago at the Donvale Living and learning Centre.
During those years we’ve sung for local council events, art gallery openings, private parties, retirement villages, flash mobs, and at our annual Big Sings with choirs and singers from all around Melbourne.
We’ve sung with people from many places around the world, delighting in the sharing of music and culture.
We’ve sung at the funerals of a few of our beloved choir members, and discovered both how difficult it is to sing whilst crying, and also how magically the human voice, folded into song, transforms grief into something more bearable.
We’ve helped raise funds for neighbourhood house programs, asylum seekers, cancer research, fire and flood victims and many other wonderfully worthy causes.
Women of Notes are proudly and passionately dedicated to making joy through our music, both for ourselves and for our community.
Now and Not Yet – https://www.nowandnotyet.com.au/
Now and Not Yet is a not-for-profit social enterprise. We live in Warrandyte and are committed to seeing our community flourish. Having places and spaces where people can connect, hang out and do what brings life to each other is vitally important. We believe it’s better to give than receive, so our profits go back into supporting Warrandyte.
Legacy Removals –http://www.legacyremovals.com.au/
Our business began as a specialist removal service for Melbourne’s premium auction houses.
Transporting paintings and antiques that cost more than the average house taught us the importance of performing our work with meticulous care. We bring this same level of professionalism, planning and care to all our removal work. So whether you’re moving from the suburbs to the city, whether you’re moving home, growing a business or buying that unique item, Legacy Removals will ensure the process is hassle free.
EVENT: Row, Row, Row Your Boat