Elaine Camlin offers a range of unique local cards. Photo: Chris Roe.
Who are you and what is your business? Hi! I am Elaine Camlin and I am a local artist. I have just started a new business, Unique State Art Space, that focuses on printmaking and art therapy workshops with a creative retail space stocking printmaking and drawing materials, gift boxes and a gallery of works on paper from drawings, linocuts, and etchings.
Where did you begin? I have been practising in Wagga for 10 years, since returning from uni in Canberra. I have always known that my career would be in art, and I like to bring out the joy of creativity in everyone and I am so excited to be able to create with others in my own space!
What do you produce? In my arts practice I make etchings, normally hand-coloured, and watercolour drawings, I love organic objects and love everything that nature offers – shape, colour, texture. Unique State also supports artists based in the Riverina and brings Australian printmakers to a local art market. Sales of original artworks and artist cards directly support studio artists to sustain an income from their work and nothing is mass-produced! I am a trained art therapist and my children’s and adult workshops are tailored to be accessible for all.
Where can we buy your products? In-store at Unique State – 43 Tompson Street, across from Pack and Send. My workshops are also listed and available to purchase online or you can use your Creative Kids vouchers. I have three shopping evenings organised each Thursday leading up to Christmas (8, 15 and 22 December from 4 pm – 8 pm), where people can purchase artworks, gift vouchers, workshops or gift boxes while enjoying Christmas refreshments and gift wrapping.
Unique State Art Space provides a space for many local printmakers. Photo: Chris Roe.
What should we buy for gifts this Christmas? The January school holiday workshops have just been listed, which would make a wonderful gift for kids who love art or who already have everything else on their Christmas list. Same goes for adult workshops! I also have a range of gift boxes at great prices if people want to explore watercolour, lino printing, plus one for the kids that’s only $20. Our artist cards are also a wonderful gift to give or send when you need something small.
What’s your favourite product that you make? At the moment, my favourite items are framed works by local artists, especially the colourful still-life drawings by Georgia Crowden, beautifully printed and hand-bound journals by Melissa Martin, animal prints by our youngest artist, Eli Sullivan, and my new range of hand-coloured etchings. All come beautifully gift wrapped with an artist bio.
What would you make if you could do anything? More time! I would love more time in the day to create, play and connect with people at Unique State and with family and friends. But, apart from the unrealistic, I just love to make with paper – prints, drawings, papercuts, collage and everything in between. I love learning, unlearning and relearning old and new skills.
Elaine provides artist gift packs to get you printing and painting. Photo: Chris Roe.
What’s your favourite coffee spot? Saturday coffee stop is always The Brew! But, during the week, I love the convenience and friendly service at The Fast Lane.
Who is another local producer you admire? I admire all the artists at The Art Factory, and the creative energy in the space. I also love Karrindee Blooms, and I have a number of watercolour cards that have been drawn from Jeremy’s beautiful fresh protea. I also love Tayla Martin Photography as she does an amazing job photographing my work for my cards – even when I throw a tricky metallic background her way!
What do you want for Christmas? My sister just had a baby, and I became an auntie for the first time, but they live in America and we clearly won’t be visiting for Christmas – or anytime soon. What I would love would be baby Fletcher cuddles!
You can call in and say hi to Elaine at Unique State Art Space in Thompson Street, or check out the Facebook page here.
Region Riverina is committed to celebrating our local producers and creatives and encourages everyone to buy locally.
If you’re aware of someone who’s making something amazing, let us know!
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