Tia Alysse is an artist based in Malmsbury. Having studied arts while attending Alice Miller School, Tia’s work often includes influence from her surrounds in the Macedon Ranges. Her new art class series entitled Country Canvases has received support from the state government. She spoke with Oliver Lees
What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges? (A chance to talk about where you grew up, community work, etc.)
My family have been based in the Macedon Ranges for 15 years. I completed VCE at John Marsden’s Alice Miller School in 2017, and from there decided to become a full-time artist working out of my home studio. The native flora and fauna to the Macedon Ranges have become the subject and inspiration of many of my artworks. Living rurally on acreage allows me to have pet deer and horses that feature heavily in my artwork and make a great addition to the perfect home studio. I’m lucky to have such a passionate local client base that hail from the Macedon Ranges and that so greatly value original artworks from young locals’ life myself.
Do you have a favourite part of town?
One of the places I love to go to is Merchants of Malmsbury for a Devonshire tea with my mum and sit among Len’s garden and marvel at his photography and roses. My partner and I also love to get out to Zig Zag Winery. They have a wonderful sparkling Shiraz, perfect over summer, and much-loved during lockdowns. You’re able to relax on the deck there and have a picnic overlooking the vines. For something a little fancier, Miss M’s on Piper Street in Kyneton has a wonderful cocktail and tapas menus – which are to die for. During lockdown, I also walked down to the picturesque botanical gardens in Malmsbury a lot for a picnic to watch the family of geese that live there.
What can you tell me about your upcoming Country Canvases project?
Country Canvases is a series of intimate artist-guided acrylic painting classes. All sittings are BYO food and beverage, we will provide you with all the art materials required to create your artwork, including your take-home canvas. The classes run for three hours and seat up to 15, running on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm. I have created an outdoor space amongst my pet deer and horses, which is perfect for gatherings in warmer months with friends and family. I hope to help people reconnect both from regional Victoria and metro Melbourne in a relaxed country setting, all whilst they have fun, unwind, and create a piece they love.
How would you describe your personal approach to your craft?
I create original works on canvas and paper taking inspiration from my regional surroundings and the animals which I love. I have found a lot of joy recently painting native Australian wildlife such as Major Mitchell’s, Black and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos amongst others. I am always trying to develop my technical skills by persistently putting my brush on canvas every single day. Recently I’ve been acquiring unique materials, box-framed canvases, and large ornate frames, in much bigger sizes than I am used to, and I plan to work on these over the next year.
How can people get involved?
People can get involved and show support by visiting my website, via email, call, text, or message me through Facebook or Instagram handles ‘Tia Alysse Art’ to either book a Country Canvases class or simply come visit my home studio and meet the pet deer. I’m sure there is something you’ll love in my gallery.
Details: www.tiaalysseart.com/
