Art gives history new life | Margaret River Region Open Studios

Margaret River artist and wood turner Ian Thwaites has opened the doors to his eclectic, treasure trove of a studio as part of this year's Margaret River Region Open Studios event, and the collection is an eye opening look at the possibilities in every day items, right down to discarded trash.

"I have always liked using materials that have some meaning or a bit of history behind them," explained Thwaites as he welcomed yet another group of art lovers keen to take in the studio, nestled in the trees just off Caves Road. "A lot of pieces are the result of a new discovery or a piece of timber that would have otherwise been discarded or forgotten."

Introduced to the art of wood turning early in his woodworking career, Thwaites said working with a lathe allowed him to create the shapes and forms of his imagination, combining fine timber with other materials to create his unique pieces.

The result is a huge mix of expertly-turned pieces, ranging from quirky sculptural works to useful items for the home and garden - including those very special coasters.

"My back workshop was leaking and needed a new wall, so the timber came off one side of the house and before long it was being made into these gorgeous coasters," explained Thwaites' partner and fellow artist, Sarah Scheltema.

With the constant recycling and reuse of materials around their home and collected from their South West surroundings, the pair find one of a kind stories within their works.

"The coasters were spotted by a local who has a very deep, long time connection to the region and we realised the wood used in the coasters actually came from the mill connected to the family. So in a way, that timber is going back home, after being part of this house for many, many years."

Collections of plastic and discarded items become colourful wall art, found timber turned into useful pieces for the home, and misfortunes into works with a story.

"This piece here for example, I was working with a really delicate, thin part of the boat here," explained Thwaites while holding one nautical-themed creation, 'Life As I've Known It'.

"A section broke off, but instead of throwing it away I thought, this will make a good spot for the anchor to hang from, and now it looks like this!"

The sprawling studio and various corners filled with timber, window frames, tree stumps, metal forms and other bits and pieces provide an exciting treasure hunt of sorts for visitors.

Adjoining studios and creative spaces - including one which houses Scheltema's high tech CNC laser machine - are dotted with collaborative pieces and works in progress.

Plaques created by Scheltema on the aforementioned machine are placed throughout the studio spaces to guide visitors and explain elements of the gallery.

"Open Studios has been great so far, there have been lots of visitors to the shed each day, some pieces are being purchased and items like the new bee hotels and the Margaret River Box of Rocks have been getting a lot of interest."

Visit Ian Thwaites' Studio and Gallery at 14 Yates Road, Margaret River. For opening times check the event guide.

The 2019 Margaret River Region Open Studios event is on now until May 12. For the event guide and details on participating artists visit mrropenstudios.com.au