CREATIVE LADIES IN THE HILLS AND VALLEYS DOCUMENTARY

WHY CREATE A DOCUMENTARY?

The women artists' 2021 documentary began as a local response to COVID-19 and lockdowns. It was designed to empower women by giving them the opportunity to tell their stories, promote their art practices, and build local and online audiences. It also showcases the local area, and promotes positive wellbeing through connection, community, creativity, recreation and being amongst nature.

ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY

There are five participating women in the documentary. They each bring a unique personality, craft and wisdom about how to navigate life, creativity and self-care.

The artists all live and work in the Yarra Ranges, which embraces the Yarra Valley region and Dandenong Ranges. It is a sub rural region on the fringe of Melbourne, Australia which is known for its natural beauty, slower lifestyle and strong sense of local community.

The project has been funded by the Yarra Ranges Council community grants and supported by Auspicious Arts.

FEATURED ARTISTS

The artists featured in the documentary include the following local creative practitioners and positive female role models.

• Alana Langan is a designer, stylist, creative director, writer, author, plant stylist and co-owner of Ivy Muse. Read more about Alana: www.ivymuse.com.au

• Clair Bremner is a full time painter, who captures the natural beauty of the local area in her works. Clair also teachers art and painting workshops. Read more about Clair: www.clairbremnerart.com

• Nikki Browne is a Bidjara artist who shares her Indigenous culture through mixed media. This includes painting, weaving, beading, sculpture and other traditional crafts. Find out more about Nikki on social media: @nlbrowne35

• Claire Murray is a florist who creates arrangements using fresh flowers, dried flowers and natives. She forages for unique flora and regularly hosts a stall at the local markets under her business name Fern Grove Florals. Find out more about Claire on social media: @ferngroveflorals

• Ilana Greener is a local illustrator who designs children’s artwork. She curates beautiful prints, cards, merchandise and toys to delight both the young and young at heart. www.littledreaming.com