Get to Know Hayley Welsh

Originally from the UK, Hayley has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. With art creating a happy place for her; a way for her to find a kind of peace. Studying Scientific and Natural History Illustration at university before traveling to Australia with her partner Andy in 2009. Stating that her journey down under was a turning point, marking the beginning of the artworks she’s recognized for today. Each artwork she creates serves as a diary entry, reflecting her experiences and emotions. The lost creatures search for their way ‘home’—wherever or whatever that may be. Over the years, her art has evolved from painting on found objects and canvases to creating large-scale works in public spaces worldwide, guided by her iconic surreal creatures. 

When asked about the inspiration behind her artworks, Hayley said “feeling homesick so far from my family, I began illustrating my emotions through wide-eyed creatures. In the process of creating them, I discovered a sense of relief, like I was releasing my feelings through the rhythm of painting. Each creature became a familiar presence, representing my inner voice as I navigated the world around me.”

Whanganui Artwork

One of Welsh’s favourite pieces she’s created is a wall she painted over in New Zealand in Whanganui. Created as part of a street art festival run by her friend and another great artist Cracked Ink. The painting had the words ‘We are the river and the river is us’ with a large, mechanical fish type creature flying with a smaller character on its back. Paying homage to the town built around a section of river. The artwork is all about working together with nature and taking on big challenges together, with the community welcoming the artwork with open arms. Even from miles away, standing on the hilltop and looking down at the town, you can still see the big fish in the distance.

Portsmouth Artwork

Another of Hayley’s favourite works is one created last September in the UK at a festival in Portsmouth. Painted onto the gable end of a family home, this meant the artist was creating an artwork for a family who came home every day. They made her feel welcome with cups of tea and biscuits, adding to the experience and sense of community ingrained in the piece. With the whole street getting behind the artwork and visiting everyday as Hayley painted. Offering up kind words and smiles as they passed by. The piece is of a creature painting a house shape around itself, with the words ‘Home is the port as your storm passes through, but remember your home can be found in you’. With the artists reminiscing by saying “I think creating artworks back in my home country will always have a place close to my heart.”

Career Highlight

When asked about the highlight in Hayley’s artist career thus far, she said “that’s a tough question because becoming a full-time artist has always been my dream.” However, one standout moment would be her first show in Miami, USA. As she’d always hoped to exhibit during Art Basel (international art fair), with her work being featured there, extremely well received and selling out!

Artist Life in Western Australia

So what is life like for an artist in wonderful WA? Well Hayley says she loves it! Along with the abundant open spaces, that open up something in her soul and her creative outlook on things, with space to imagine the impossible. She says the creative community in Western Australia has always been so welcoming, with most people in the industry trying to help each other out. With great organisations such as Form and Artsource who push creative projects, creating opportunities for local artists helping her a lot in her early career.

What Does the Future Hold for Hayley?

What can we look forward to seeing from fabulous local talent Hayley Welsh? Well her studio is always busy! Lately, she’s been quietly working on a new print release, which we can’t wait to see in the next few months. As well as a few exciting  projects coming up over the next year in the UK, Europe, and the USA. If you want to keep up with Hayley’s work you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and check out her website.

This article is apart of Perth Vibes initiative ‘Artist Spotlight’, which highlights the best locally grown artists, their stories and their art!

Need more local arts, fashion and/or entertainment in your life? Check out our latest Culture articles!

Top Image Credit: Hayley Welsh

The post Artist Spotlight: Street Artist Hayley Welsh appeared first on Perth Vibes.

Get to Know Nick Bennett of Tailwinds Aerial Media

Tailwinds is proudly owned and operated by self-confessed beach bum and camera geek Nick Bennett. Who has been an avid photographer for nearly 20 years! Settling in Perth after first laying eyes on the Indian Ocean and falling in love with the blue beauty. After having travelled to all corners of world and across Australia, he knew Western Australia was home. Nick’s photography masterpieces highlight the beautiful people, stunning landscapes and best beaches anywhere on the planet right here in WA.

Surfers Circle

When asked about his favourite image he’s captured so far in his career, Nick first mentioned ‘Surfers Circle’. The shot was taken at Ocean Reef Marina on Perth’s northern Coastline with an important message behind it. The circle was staged by local surfers in the area to raise awareness of three local surf breaks being lost due to the development of the Marina. Taking to the water to show their solidarity and reinforce the promise given to them by local government for an artificial reef to be developed. The image is continuingly used by the group as they fight the local government. Nick says it was a privilege to be involved and to support the cause.

Bali Photography

Capturing images from above with a drone allows Nick to experiment with light and subject matter from new heights. Getting angles and seeing things that you normally wouldn’t be able to with on the ground photography. His recent images from Bali show this off perfectly! Captured from the centre of an island during sunrise, the rice terraces are bathed in morning mist with an air of peace.

Cottesloe Beach Photography

We also can’t go past this image! The perfect timing of the boy jumping off the pylon at Cottesloe Beach with the Tea House in the background is incredible. This image is so quintessentially Perth and something you could only capture with a drone. See if you can spot it next time you’re in the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. The image hangs in the entrance lobby, along with a selection of Nick’s work hanging throughout the hotel.

Artist Life in Western Australia

We asked the mind behind Tailwinds what it’s like being an artist in WA. He said “it’s such a creative place and there are so many like minded people like myself making some fantastic artwork.” Nick is also a keen contributor to local social media groups, where artists chat and share ideas about locations of where to shoot next. He’s even met a few people in person to offer some tips on how to fly drones, how to use the best filters and camera settings. However, he mentioned the struggle to grow his business Tailwinds Aerial Media. But it’s still in its infancy so we know big things are around the corner! Especially since his recent partnership with the Pan Pacific Hotel in the city. Who are exhibiting some of his photography in their hotel lobby!

The Future of Tailwinds

So what’s next for Nick and Tailwinds? Well he’s ready to tick off the long list of places around the world that he has earmarked for drone photography trips. Starting with Hutt Lagoon and Kalbarri, then Thailand and New Zealand. As well as hoping to expand his collaboration with Mullaloo Hotel. Where his images of Mullaloo are currently being exhibited in the bar and restaurant.

If you’re keen to get your hands on his wonderful photography, Nick sells prints and canvases of his stunning works on his website. The perfect addition to your home or gift for a loved one! You can also keep up with his latest works and travels on his Instagram and Facebook.

This article is apart of Perth Vibes initiative ‘Artist Spotlight’, which highlights the best locally grown artists, their stories and their art!

Need more local arts, fashion and/or entertainment in your life? Check out our latest Culture articles!

Top Image Credit: Nick Bennett Of Tailwinds Aerial Media

The post Artist Spotlight: Tailwinds Drone Photographer Nick Bennett appeared first on Perth Vibes.