Monsalvat

WARNING: This post comes with lots of photos....16 to be precise!

Which isn't bad really considering that during my visit to Monsalvat in Eltham, I actually took 40 in total.....without even trying.

Imagine my delight when a friend invited me to join her for a visit to Montsalvat.  It had been on my list of places to visit for quite a while, but for various reasons previously, I hadn't managed. 

So I was thrilled to finally appreciate this amazing place where inspiration permeates every pore of your being as you wander through the beautifully aging buildings.

From its beginnings in the middle of the 1930's it was a centre of creative activity and remains so to this day and is still ‘home’ to a number of artists, including painters, sculptors, instrument-makers and jewellery makers. Many live at Montsalvat, while others choose to visit in order to teach classes or workshops.

 

(The Meeting Pool restaurant)

Montsalvat was founded by Justus Jörgensen and is Australia’s oldest artists’ colony and home to practising artists. It remains to this day a working not-for-profit arts centre administered by a board. Set in 12 acres of established gardens, the historic buildings include charming mud brick cottages and the impressive Great Hall.

To read Justus's complete biography click here 

 (The Meeting Pool restaurant entrance)

In 1935 Jörgensen purchased land and with his friends commenced work on the buildings that became Montsalvat. The first buildings were two small ‘French Provincial’ style cottages where they could stay at weekends. One was referred to affectionately as 'Lil's House'. Lily was Jutus' wife.

(Entrance to The Barn Gallery)

During World War II Monsalvat become almost self-sufficient with a market garden, poultry farm and small dairy. Several more buildings were hastily built for the ‘farm’ - the dairy, barn, stables, silos and storehouses belong to this period.

There are gardens, steps, nooks, twists and turning paths to explore, whilst soaking up the creative energy which radiates from every aging stone and building. 

There always seems to be a surprise around the corner or at the top of a flight of stairs.

(The ornamental pool)

Jörgensen had the ability to make use of whatever material was at hand. The earth and stone from the excavations formed the walls, with other materials sourced from wreckers’ and builders’ yards across Melbourne.

 ( The Bluestone Chapel )

The Chapel was the last building to be completed before Justus Jorgensen died in 1975. Despite failing health, Justus taught himself to drive a small cubdozer in order to move bluestones to the building site. Completion of the chapel became his obsession as he made it known this was where he wanted to be buried. 

Montsalvat is a stunning location and has been used for photographic shoots from fashion shoots to a large-scale TV production. From the splendour of the Great Hall to the old-fashioned charm of the white mudbrick stables, there are many locations within the 12 acre property to choose from. 

Montsalvat is also the perfect setting for a romantic wedding.

Every path invites you to explore....

 ( The Great Hall)

This mainly stone building includes two galleries, a studio and a large dining hall.

An artists cottage with actual resident artist in situ...take a peek through the window....

Artists can reside at Monsalvat from 2 weeks up to 6 weeks and sometimes further. 

Jörgensen established Montsalvat as an arts colony and centre for creativity in all its forms. Montsalvat still fulfils this vision through its resident artist community and strong focus on events presentation and educational development. Whilst artists are encouraged to focus on their own work there are opportunities to come together within the Montsalvat community to share their inspiration, research and talent. 

Workshops are available...

Check out the website for futher details...click here

Some of the other stunning residents of Monsalvat...

(The whitebrick stable block)

I had a wonderful day and even though my friend wasn't happy that the sun didn't shine...I think Monsalvat shone enough without it!

One last photo just in case you're not into art or architecture....how about some rusty machinery?

 I hope you enjoyed your visit to Monsalvat. It's a magical place and one I know I'll revisit soon.

Have a great week...wherever you are :D

Mirka Mora at Heidi Art Gallery

Yesterday, I was finally able to use my son's Christmas present.

It wasn't the usual CD, Cookery Book or Perfume (although there's nothing wrong with any of these presents and I would have gratefully accepted any one of them) but this present came without wrapping, no tell-tell lumps and bumps, or perfumed smell - just a thin envelope.

I was intrigued....

Inside it contained an invitation to have the honour of meeting Mirka Mora, at the Heidi Museum of Modern Art for arvo tea (afternoon tea for people outside of Australia).

(The Heidi Museum of Modern Art)

It was brilliant to sit amongst Mirka's paintings and listen to her reminisce about various times in her life. She is an incredible inspiration, not only for her Art, but to live life to the full. The only time the smile evaporated and reluctance came across was when the curator mentioned her lucky escape from entering Aacuschwitz and the Germans, but then she beamed her smile across the room proclaiming how lucky she had been. I was left with the impression that she could have talked for hours, in her beautiful Parisienne accent about so many interesting times, and I for one would have happily sat and listened, as I'm sure would the rest of the visitors in the room.

We later moved on from the Gallery for tea, sandwiches and cakes, taking a leisurely stroll through the gardens.
Mirka took time with everyone and her personal charisma shone like a beacon.

Signing autographs and even impromtu drawings, whilst constantly entertaining everyone with her wicked sense of humour and infectious smile.

The painting of the rear glass windows at Heidi.

The afternoon light coming through the window is perfect to show off her work.

I love this picture of Mirka.....

A little information....
Madeleine 'Mirka' Zelik was born in Paris in 1928 to a Jewish Lithuanian father, Leon Zelik, and a Romanian Jewish mother, Celia 'Suzanne' Gelbein. In post-war Paris at the tender age of 17 Mirka met her future husband, Georges Mora. They soon married and their first son, Philippe was born in 1949. Two years later the young family emigrated to Australia where they became the centre of a flowering artistic and intellectual Melbourne. Mirka had early training in mime and drama but it is painting that has been her focus. She had two more sons but still managed to pursue a successful artistic career. She works in a range of media including drawing, painting, embroidery and doll-making, and has made numerous public artworks including mosaic murals at Flinders Street Station. In 1999 she had a major retrospective at the Heide Museum of Modern Art which was seen by 16,000 people. In 2002 she was made Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. She lives in Melbourne alongside her son William and his family, and continues to paint daily

To find out more about Mirka and her amazing life...
http://www.intprods.com/pdf/WickedButVirtuous.pdf