STEP INTO THE STUDIO
Breaking free from the pressures of everyday life and being immersed in the tranquility of art is a creative escape form loved by many – and for good reason. Looking beyond life’s necessities and instead turning to deeper forms of expression are just some of art’s plentiful benefits, where inspiration is ignited at every turn. With hens celebrations moving beyond the traditional night out, many brides-to-be are instead opting for alternate celebrations – whereby invigorating art workshops are becoming the ideal event to farewell single life. Editor of Melbourne Wedding & Bride, Bethany Hayes, speaks with authorised wedding celebrant, Debbie Waite, about how her newest venture – Studio 123 Blairgowrie – is helping to reshape and reinvigorate pre-nuptial celebrations.
PULL QUOTE: “The catalyst for its creation was to utilise both my celebrant qualification and my art teaching skills to offer something different for a hens day out.”
Trained as both a graphic designer and art teacher, creativity has been at the very core of Debbie Waite’s life to date. Spending years teaching art, ceramics, photography and textiles across some of Melbourne and Sydney’s top schools, Waite has spent her fair share of time crafting the tapestry of a colourful career. Unifying her teaching skills and creativity, a career change to an authorised wedding celebrant has seen Waite celebrate and unify couples during one of life’s most pivotal moments for the past four years. Now seeking to unite her qualifications and seize a gap in the market, Waite’s newest creation, Studio 123 Blairgowrie, is revamping hens celebrations across Victoria.
1, 2, 3 ACTION
A sea change to Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula and renovation of her own Blairgowrie beach house formed the early beginnings for what was to become Waite’s Studio 123 Blairgowrie creation – an idea that been with the celebrant for much of her life. “Since the age of twelve, I have always dreamed of building and creating my own art space full of my own work, and to share my experiences and skills with like-minded souls,” says Waite. A weatherboard, light-filled and purpose-built art studio which doubles as a guest bedroom – complete with a kitchenette – makes up this artistic coastal retreat. But it’s what goes on in this studio environment, that truly sets it apart.
“We named it ‘Studio 123 Blairgowrie’ and I can run small weddings in the garden area in front of it,” Waite explains. “I also designed an inspirational space inside to run fun, relaxed and creative art workshops with hens and friends with a light lunch.” This art-inspired space might seem like the antithesis for a typical hens celebration – but its creative space, relaxed essence and calm vibe is often exactly what some brides-to-be long for in the lead up to their wedding day. “[The studio] offers its visitors a unique, creative, fun day out with friends to create several completed art pieces that they are proud to take home,” Waite also notes.
With her skills as both a teacher, and now a celebrant keeping Waite busy, Studio 123 Blairgowrie has proved to be the perfect fusion between her skills. “The catalyst for its creation was to utilise both my celebrant qualification and my art teaching skills to offer something different for a hens day out, or as part of a hens weekend away, prior to their big day,” she says. And it’s in this space, where brides-to-be can truly unwind against the rugged natural surrounds – concentrating on the great company of friends and family, and the blank canvas before them. “[Participants] will learn new skills or rekindle some old ones, but they may be inspired to return with other friends – such as mothers or daughters – to try out other workshops,” the celebrant explains. “These workshops are set in an art-inspired space where they can unwind, have a break from their busy lives, and create in a fun environment, with like-minded souls and soft music in the background.”
THE ART OF LOVE
The natural bush setting of the space is perhaps one of the studio’s biggest drawcards – positioned very close to the wild back beach, as well as the “iconic rock pool at Bridgewater Bay”, with birds even occasionally dropping by the garden. “It is hard not to be inspired by this environment!” Waite affirms. With a serene environment in check, the actual art created on the day can be as authentic as possible – produced in a calm space, with the creativity for each bride or friend to produce their own unique vision.
Offering acrylic canvas painting, still-life nature printing, botanical canvas painting or pastel drawing, Picasso self-portrait painting, ceramic painted bowls, mosaic plate workshops and even flower-girl head piece workshops, Waite’s artistic workshops accommodate for ample different forms of art – and she looks to keep extend its repertoire in the future. “Possibly in the future Studio 123 Blairgowrie could include bucks workshops [too]; painting, drawing, linocuts, clay sculptures and pottery wheel creations,” she notes. “[As well as] mother-daughter art workshops including high tea, Easter, Christmas and children’s workshops.” While the studio space is fluid in its function, for those opting to utilise it for a hens weekend away or workshop afternoon, it’s quite the way farewell your days as a fiancée, and look brightly ahead to the union that awaits you and your partner; doing stunning artworks with friends, in a picturesque location.
ONE TO TREASURE
While any new business adventure takes time, drive, and perhaps above all – passion, Waite affirms that having confidence in yourself can make all the difference.
“If you are passionate and experienced, it will flow easily and be successful,” she explains. When asked about her highlight of Studio 123 Blairgowrie to date, Waite’s answer is happiness it brings her clients – and this happiness is something she hopes the workshops will further enhance long into the future. “Helping people develop their skills and seeing the pride and happiness they feel with the end result,” she highlights. “I have created a space full of good vibes, chatter and laughter where people can enjoy getting into the creative process, disconnecting from their mobiles and connecting with something both real and hands-on.”
Images courtesy of Debbie Waite Celebrant