Artist's Date: Monte Lupo Art Exhibition

I first came across the Monte Lupo creations when I was at an open house. This house featured some of their major works and I was absolutely delighted with them.

Then last weekend, I wandered into a gallery that instantly filled me with joy — exhibiting works from the Monte Lupo Arts Collective. The walls were alive with colour, texture, and personality, every piece telling a story. From intricate ceramic sculptures to bold, playful mosaics, the space felt like stepping into a world where art was not just beautiful, but deeply meaningful.

Monte Lupo is more than just an art collective. It’s a vibrant community that provides training, employment, and creative opportunities for people living with disabilities. Each artwork is the result of skill, patience, and imagination — and knowing that your purchase directly supports the artist makes it even more special.

As I moved from piece to piece, I could see the heart in every brushstroke and the individuality in each sculpture. No two pieces were the same, and all had that handmade magic you simply can’t find in mass-produced art.

Monte Lupo also offers pottery classes in Brisbane, where you can learn to create your own pieces from scratch on the pottery wheel, or join a Paint Your Own session and bring a ready-made sculpture to life with your own colour palette. It’s the perfect way to connect with clay, creativity, and community — and walk away with something truly unique.

Visiting the gallery reminded me that art isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about connection, empowerment, and expression. If you’re in Brisbane, I can’t recommend Monte Lupo Arts Collective enough. Whether you visit the gallery, take a class, or simply explore their work online, you’ll be supporting artists whose talent is as inspiring as their stories.

Monte Lupo Arts.org.au

A Few of My Favourite Things - An Artful Exercise

We all have treasures in our homes – those little objects that carry stories, spark memories, or simply make us smile.

My house angels. What I imagine my guardian angels look like after a lifetime of watching over me.

Maybe it’s a ceramic vase you shaped with your own hands, a painting you poured your heart into, or a faded quilt stitched by your grandmother. These pieces are more than “things” – they’re part of our personal museum.

A simple pot my father painted during WW2 in Katherine while stationed there. He loved spending time with the Indigenous people.

When we slow down and really notice them, we connect not only with the beauty around us, but also with the creativity, love, and history that flows through our lives.

Here’s a simple, joyful exercise to try this week:

1. Take a wander through your home

Move slowly, as if you’re seeing everything for the first time. Look for items that make your heart lift – something you’ve created, something handmade by a loved one, or a piece that has been passed down to you.

A pottery vase my son made in primary school.

2. Capture the moment

Use your phone or camera to take a photo of each item. Experiment with angles, light, and background – you might be surprised how artistic an everyday object can look when framed with care.

3. Gather your collection

Print the photos or create a digital album. Give each one a title and jot down a few words about why it matters to you. Was it a gift? Something you made during a special time in your life? Does it remind you of a place or person?

I bought this oil lamp at The Palace of Knossos in Crete, Greece in 1987. It's a lovely reminder of a fabulous trip.

4. Create an “at home” gallery

Arrange the printed photos in a journal, on a pinboard, or in a frame collage. This becomes a visual reminder of the joy and meaning that already lives in your space.

A memory from Venice, I didn't buy it there though, I came across it in an op shop here.

5. Reflect

Ask yourself: What do these items say about me? My style? My creative journey? You might discover themes, colours, or textures that inspire your next piece of art.

Many years ago my son wanted to get into special effects in the movies. I'd come home to find him creating models and plaster casts. Many a time I'd pull up in my car to find a mate lying on our massage table in the front yard in the sun, with straws up their nose, and plaster all over their faces. It amazed me that they'd be willing to do that for him. This is the only piece I have left and have kept it for about 30 years.

Why this matters

This isn’t just about objects – it’s about noticing, appreciating, and documenting the beauty we already live with. As artists, this practice deepens our connection to our work and to the stories we want to tell.

So put on your favourite music, pick up your camera, and go on a little treasure hunt in your own home. You might just fall in love with your world all over again.

What I realised doing this exercise was that mostly I'd picked out pottery or crafted items, tactile ones. It's an interesting exercise, I invite you to have a try and let me know what you come up with.