View St. Artist Collective
Come inside Bendigo’s hub of contemporary art, where you can browse, shop, and chat with Artists in their studios. Located within the Valentine’s Antiques building, the View St. Artist Collective showcases the diverse work of 6 talented local artists.
Discover everything from water colour paintings, and hand dyed silk garments, to contemporary artworks, jewellery, drawings, gift cards, prints, and more.
Helena Richardson-Collins, Llanvair Gallery
As a unique artist who grew up in country Victoria, Helena Richardson-Collins ran a studio/gallery in Docklands in Melbourne and is now settled in Bendigo. Using the Australian landscape as her inspiration and driving force, Helena’s artistic expressions have found voice in a range of mediums that, at times, blurs the boundaries between them.
With such diverse applications as framed silk landscapes, handmade felt garments, silk ‘Australian landscape inspired’ fashion garments and boldly textured oil and acrylic paintings, Helena’s stand-alone artworks bring together exquisitely original concepts and styles that are filled with vibrant colours and rich textures.
With years experience in silk painting, Helena is an expert in this challenging medium. Silk painting uses a technique where a brushstroke, once applied, cannot be taken back thereby making Helena’s skillful choice of colour, space and juxtaposition critical in the process as her one-off silk pieces are created. From there, the framing commences, or the sewing process begins with a unique sympathy to feminine modesty and allurement not often evident in current fashion forums.
Boben Mammen
Boben Mammen's evolution followed a gradual path. Beginning with an early fascination with art, he pursued a Fine Arts degree. His journey encompassed exploration in illustration, Middle East advertising accomplishments, and a rekindled artistic focus upon moving to Australia. He adeptly worked with various mediums, capturing realism and surrealism, infusing their emotions throughout his 35 years of experience. This journey beautifully merges inner passion with a worldly voyage.
As an artist Boben has created both realistic as well as surrealistic paintings, through the medium of oil painting, acrylic, water colours as well as ink illustrations. Over the years, his art has reflected his state of mind intuitively. Having battled financial as well as emotional issues, estrangement and solitude over his lifetime, Boben has drawn immense strength through his fortitude, spirituality and humble origins from a village in Kerala.
“Life holds infinite surprises for each of us, I have realized that our joy will never be as vibrant if we don’t go through adversity as well. I intend to continue channeling my abundant experience, the grit which keeps me hopeful, myriad colours and landscapes I have witnessed, to my paintings and hope to portray my evolution as a human being in my work”.
Alicia Thomas, Sandhurst Art Studio
Born in country Victoria Alicia was always creating art as a side hobby, something to fit in, in between pursuing a career in nursing, doing the admin tasks for the family business, raising children and looking after ageing parents. Doing art ‘on the side’ eventually led to her completing a Diploma of Visual Arts at Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE and a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Majoring in Fine Art, at Latrobe University.
Popping in for a coffee with an artist friend in 2020 at her studio, after months of living in a global pandemic during which she lost her mother and father, the opportunity presented itself to have her own studio space at Valentine’s, where she could both create work and offer it for sale. Alicia didn’t need anymore proof that life is short and we need to grab opportunities with both hands when they pop up. After a 55 year gestation, Sandhurst Art Studio was born.
Alicia enjoys navigating between an array of mediums including oil, watercolor, pencil, ink, etching and linocut printmaking. Her art is generally figurative, symbolic, detailed and considered. There is no fast execution as she immerses herself in creating work often symbolic of a lived experience.
Sarah Wallace-Smith, Art on View
Sarah is a versatile multidisciplinary artist located in Bendigo. Her artistic creations are deeply rooted in her rural upbringing, familial experiences, and connections to the military. Through her paintings, Sarah employs intricate layering techniques that skillfully integrate a diverse range of materials, from the fluidity of water colours to the unexpected inclusion of gunpowder.
“Art is how I communicate when I have no words. It helps me to breathe. When the work flows, I feel that all is well, and somehow, I’m happily juggling all those balls that make up one’s life. Equal measures of reflection, and fierce determination affect my studio practice on a profound level.”
A newfound passion that Sarah never envisaged, has been watching incredible women fall in love with the one-off pieces of art that she creates. A connection is now shared, a tangible outlet to express complex emotions, and experiences, somehow shining a light on our own personal stories.
When you have one of Sarah’s pieces, or have created your own, you'll understand. You can say “I see myself, and this piece is testament to my journey”.
Chris Duffy - Ha Ho Art
Born in Melbourne 1966 Chris Duffy is an Australian artist renowned for his vibrant, street-style pop art.
Based in Bendigo, Victoria, Duffy operates under the moniker "Ha Ho Art." His work often features bold colours and dynamic compositions, reflecting his unique artistic vision.
In 2022, Duffy unveiled a street-style pop art exhibition at the historic Dudley House in Bendigo. This exhibition showcased his distinctive approach to pop art, blending contemporary themes with traditional techniques. The event was well-received, highlighting Duffy's contribution to the local art scene.
Duffy's artistic journey includes notable projects such as a mural in Chancery Lane Bendigo honouring trailblazer Edward de Lacy Evans, further cementing his role in enriching Bendigo's cultural landscape.
Through "Ha Ho Art," Chris Duffy continues to engage audiences with his compelling and energetic artworks, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in Australian pop art.
In Chris' studio you can find stunning original artworks on canvas, perfect for contemporary homes and lovers of Pop Art!
Frankie O
Frankie studied a Bachelor of Fine Art at La Trobe, Bendigo (1997) and came out with a love of figurative oil painting. Her work reflected emotive stories usually with a biographical background.
They were dark and moody with a touch of symbolism and a nod to Greek Mythology. Now with a world of travel and experience under her belt, you will generally find her trying desperately to recreate the places she has travelled, with something of an illustrative, urban sketch type style. Frankie has traded oils for watercolour, canvas for a touch screen tablet and figures for architecture.
An Eaglehawk arist, Frankie O showcases her dynamic work at the Studio. Seamlessly transitioning between traditional and digital art, her pieces resonate with vibrant colours and expressive lines. From teaching to motherhood, Frankie's journey adds depth to her evolution, bridging mediums and defying artistic boundaries.
Kim Lowe - 2inspire
Bendigo based visual artist, Kim Lowe blends her traditional painting skills with a career in marketing, bringing about a perfect marriage of her two passions.
Working in watercolour, acrylic and digital mediums, Kim’s style is colourful, bold and contemporary.
Inspiration comes from her surroundings and passions including animals, nature and local history. Kim finds beauty and joy in painting pet portraits, landscapes, and even finds something special about abandoned buildings and urban decay.
Well established in the Central Victorian arts community, Kim enjoys supporting other creatives and is passionate about bringing people together through art for happier, healthier communities.
In Kim's studio you will find an array of original artworks including iconic Bendigo buildings, pet portraits, watercolours, digital prints, gift cards, and more.
Explore Bendigo Art
Step into Valentine's Antique Gallery & Art, a haven for art enthusiasts in Bendigo. Our gallery houses a vibrant collective of local artists whose diverse works mirror the city's essence. Beyond the art, discover the passionate artists and their captivating journeys. Embrace our collaborative spirit that celebrates diversity and artistic expression. Whether a collector or curious soul, join us in the narrative woven by hands and hearts and be part of our creative journey. Unveil stories, and embrace art at Valentine's Antique and Art Gallery.
