ARTISTS Danny Stanley and Sophie Honess are housemates, creatives and partners.
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They're about to embark on their first exhibition together, Big Vibe Country.
Stanley's an illustrator, painter and cartoonist while Honess is a textile artist who learned her craft through the traditional Aboriginal art of basket weaving.
"Our studios are across the hall from each other so it's good," Honess said.
"We'll yell out every now and then, 'What do you think?' and come and have a look.
"Our art is our life, we're giving everyone a little peek of what we do at home when we're together."
It's the first art exhibition to be held at Hissy Fits Cafe, owned by Claire Rice and Jordan Kachel.
Generally non-conforming, Rice said her cafe has always been that way too.
An art-lover herself, she wants to make it a space where artists feel comfortable to show their work without the pressure of sales or specific styles.
"I believe people who make art shouldn't have to fit stereotypes," she said.
"That's not true art, it deviates from the idea of art that I love which is that anyone can do it and it's boundary breaking.
"I didn't want that rigidity and structure in an exhibition space I was creating, I don't want that sterile, library hush-hush kind of feel.
"I want people to have fun, be loud, look at things, get emotional and have a good time."
The pair's colour schemes are reflective of one another, and both feature bright, almost fluro colours.
The idea is to bring out the underground art scene in Tamworth, given that country music has a fair share of the stage.
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Exhibiting works from artists that aren't established or from metropolitan Australia is half the point, and textile artist Honess said it's a far less stressful environment.
"What's awesome about a DIY exhibition is that it's very casual, because of that were are no guidelines on having to sell at least 40 per cent of our works," she said.
"It's really casual, easy, it's not intimidating - it's nice to start in a safe space with someone you know."
Big Vibe Country is a BYO alcohol event with some finger food available on the night. Artwork will be available to purchase and the event is on Saturday May 4 and starts at 7pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
