A full day private tour to introduce you to Kangaroo Island’s creative side - the solitude, wildlife and stunning coastal landscapes have inspired many Islanders to express themselves artistically using a variety of media. A range of these artists have studios or galleries where we can gain an insight to their art, and explore their influences. Choose the art or studios you wish to visit - some of these require a prior appointment to ensure access.
Mark Capon
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Neil Sheppard
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Rustic Blue
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Fine Art Gallery
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Roo Lagoon Woodwork Shop
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Mark’s formal training as a ceramic artist is obvious in the precision and quality of his work. The range covers tall elegant vases, utilitarian platters, teapots and sculptural pieces, many featuring whimsical fish designs. Mark’s attention to detail extends to creating his own pigments and equipment. Given his ceramics are built up by hand and then
Neil or “Shep” as we know him, cannot be pinned down to a particular style. Some of his acrylics have a great sense of freedom, loose vibrant expressions of colour which contrast strongly with Mark’s precision. Other pieces are more disciplined and illustrative. Shep often pursues a particular theme for a while - beachscapes, fishing boats, rural scenes or vineyards, then might have a series with a Japanese feel. A visit to Shep’s studio is always surprising!
Combine the talents of a oil and gas field safety specialist and a paramedic and you probably would not expect a tranquil gallery featuring superb photographs and some unique acrylics situated just off the south coast road. Smilie and Coralie have also gathered a range of quality Australian jewellery, clothing, stationery and even organic chocolate sourced from artisan designers and producers from around the country.
This new venture, housed in a Victorian-style 2 storey limestone building, combines a picture framer and retail outlet for the best of Island art. Featured media includes: bronze, cast glass, ceramics, found object sculpture, pastels, oils, acrylics, and original photographs. This gallery, located in Kingscote, is a good reference point to identify artists with whom you may wish to meet or view more work.
Located in the centre of the Island on a farm this workshop is close to the source of rich, heavy deep red seasoned timber. Artisan Jon Gloyne turns up beautiful art and utility pieces from red gum and cup gum - often tempered by nature in bushfires prior to Jon getting it onto his lathe. Select something from his range in the studio or ask for something to be created for you and forwarded home.