Nosing around – part 2

 

This post is a sequel to my last post where I let you in on a few hot spots around Collingwood, Melbourne.

 

Smith Street – Fitzroy on the left and Collingwood on the right.

 

Now I shall ferry you about Fitzroy and show you a few treasures.

 

Neil’s Art Store entryway

 

Neil’s Art Store, located at 44-46 Greeves Street, Fitzroy is a one stop shop for art materials and equipment.

 

Merchandise galore at Neil’s Art Store

 

They are especially handy for products of a printmakery nature!

 

Paul and Ben waiting in the wings at Neil’s Art Store

 

You will be taken good care of by the charming Paul and Ben who can give you all kinds of advice about all kinds of interesting things art related and otherwise.

 

Shop Sui shop front

 

A hop, skip and jump away at 227 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy you will find the fabulous Shop Sui by Sylvia Tai.

 

Sylvia Tai submerged in squillions of goodies at Shop Sui

 

If you need the perfect gift for that perfect someone (or even a treat for yourself!) Sylvia is your lady.

Her super store is overflowing with a superabundance of super cute stuff – it is a must see.

 

Fun stuff at Shop Sui

 

Just over the road at 228 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy you will find the scrumptious Fatto a Mano organic bakery.

 

Fatto a Mano window display

 

They make a multitude of delicious snacks and treats.

Amongst my favourites are the tomato focaccia, sour dough rolls and cranberry cookies.

 

Fatto a Mano focaccia

 

You will always be greeted by a friendly face at Fatto a Mano.

 

The effervescent Rita and Sandra at Fatto a Mano

 

If in Fitzroy and in need of a spicy feed make your way to Trippy Taco at 234 Gertrude Street.

 

Trippy Taco facade

 

This vegetarian restaurant is a fiesta of flavour.

My regular order is the vegan nachos but I also enjoy a taco now and then.

 

Tasty Trippy Taco vegan nachos

 

Thanks for taking the tour!

 

In closing here’s a blast from the past that provided inspiration for this post…

 

 


Nosing around – part 1

 

James Rouse on the cover of Time Magazine

 

‘Cities must be fun.’

James Rouse (1914-1996)

 

Marvellous Melbourne, Australia, c. 1995

 

Melbourne, Australia.

Judged the world’s most livable city in 2011.

Contentiously referred to as the cultural capital of the country.

The place I have called home since 1995.

 

Mercator Studios at the Abbotsford Convent

 

I’ve previously featured my studio at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.

It is very close to the inner city suburbs of Collingwood and Fitzroy, which I frequent for various reasons.

I thought it might be fun to take you on a tour of a few of my haunts.

Firstly, here is Collingwood through my (somewhat blurry, black and white) eyes!

 

Australian Galleries Smith Street entry

 

Australian Galleries in Collingwood represent my work and I exhibit at the 50 Smith Street gallery space.

 

Nick and Kate at Australian Galleries Smith Street

 

The Smith Street gallery is managed by the most excellent Nicholas Thompson and Kattie Bugeja.

As well as the main gallery space that presents an exciting range of exhibitions, the Smith Street location also houses an intimate print room.

 

Australian Galleries Smith Street print room

 

In the print room you can view work by a plethora of awesome artists including Deborah Williams, Graeme Drendel, Alexi Keywan… and me!

 

Street view of Fluff Hair

 

Located a few doors along from Australian Galleries at 46 Smith Street, Collingwood is the fantastic Fluff Hair.

 

The phenomenal Mario of Fluff Hair

 

This funky salon is where I have my coiffure styled by scissor genius, Mario Italiano.

Relaxing follicle conditioning and hot beverages are ably provided by the enigmatic Brendon.

 

Brendon manning the desk at Fluff Hair

 

Amble on down the road a little further and you will come across the astounding St Luke Artist Colourmen, purveyors of quality art supplies, at 32 Smith Street, Collingwood.

 

St Luke Artist Colourmen shop front

 

What a sweet shop is to a kid, St Luke Artist Colourmen is to artists!

 

St Lukette Kez ready to assist you at the St Luke counter

 

Kez Hughes and Paul Williams of St Luke are fabulous fonts of information regarding anything and everything art related.

 

St Luke staffer Paul stocking the shelves with goodies

 

Round the way at 9 Campbell Street, Collingwood you will find the inimitable Neo Frames.

 

Entrance to Neo Frames

 

These guys are who I trust to frame all my art – drawings, prints and paintings.

The customer service and workmanship at Neo are beyond compare.

 

The wonderful Neo Frames workshop

 

Give Bob and the crew a visit if you have any framing needs.

If you’re lucky dashing shop dog Neko may be around to give you a friendly greeting!

 

The lovely Bob and Neko at Neo Frames

 

In a fortnight i’ll scoot you all over Fitzroy in Nosing around – part 2.

Until next time!