Professionals Serendipity 
Christine Sharp’s Studio + Stockroom is another integral part of North Stores Development, offering beautiful art to accentuate the views of the homes in an already beautiful area. Christine herself is happy to share her creative process, shining a light on just what inspires creative types like herself so much about Tamborine Mountain.
by Kyle Hitchmough
Can you describe what you sell here in your studio?
These are original oil paintings, its contemporary art, and I’m also doing a range of limited-edition prints. And also, because I’m an author as well as an artist, I have some of the books I’ve written and illustrated. Children’s picture books, and also the Eat Local books that I co-authored with Brenda Fawdon.
Are these all your own original paintings?
Absolutely. The prints are limited edition prints of my work, they’re not the original, but they’re limited-edition so they’re still collectible. All the prints are on 100% cotton rag paper, printed with museum-grade archival inks, and framed in sustainable Tasmanian oak. I’m just about to launch an online store so people can order their prints through there and have them made to order. With the limited-edition prints, once the edition is up of 25 or 45, that’s when it’s finished. The rest of them are original oil paintings on canvas or linen.
How did you get started creating art?
I’ve painted all my life. I have a 30-year career across the literary, visual and performing arts, so visual arts are one of the things I do. I’m also a writer, editor, book designer, photographer, those kinds of things. I used to work for a long time in Brisbane across the arts, and now I’m focusing on this. I’ve also spent the last decade writing books. And I study, of course. I’ve done an Expressive and Performing Arts Degree at the University of New South Wales, a graduate diploma of Creative Writing at QUT, and a master of Arts Research in Creative Writing.
Do you have any specific creative process?
Because they’re abstract, the biggest thing is getting out of the way and letting it flow. They’re all linked to landscapes and skyscapes at the moment, so just allowing it to happen, trusting the brush, when I make a mark, leaving it a lot of the time. It’s a purer form of expression then, I believe. And I enjoy music when I’m painting!
It sounds like nature is a big driving force behind your inspiration. Is that true?
Absolutely. As I said, they’re all linked into landscapes and skyscapes. It all depends on the piece. For example, this one is called Forest Floor, Red Earth, and my dog Billy and I walk every morning somewhere much like this. We’re often in cloud on these days, and the red earth and the moisture in the air when it’s like this brings out the color of the rocks and foliage, that kind of thing.
Can you tell us more about the books you’ve written?
I have three children’s picture books that I’ve written and illustrated, they’re all published through UQP. I also co-authored the Eat Local book series with Brenda Fawdon. I have all those for sale as well.
Are there any particular trends in your clientele?
We attract a lot of day trippers and weekenders here. So far, it’s mostly been people ranging from up as far north as Brisbane down to Sydney, as well as locals.
Are you a local? What’s your opinion on the Tamborine Mountain area and community?
Yes. It’s fantastic. The area itself, the number one thing that stands out for me is how beautiful it is. Just the natural beauty of the entire region. As far as the community goes, it’s a small community but I think it’s an inclusive and caring community.
Is there anywhere you personally like to go on the mountain?
Here! I like to go to Picnic Real Food Bar. It’s my favourite eatery on the mountain. I like going for walks in nature with the dog. I like coming here to work, it’s a good place to be. I like Provedore down the road, great coffee. Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation as well. There are a few great spots.
What do you think your studio really provides to the area?
Well, it’s contemporary art. There’s a lot of artists on the mountain who have different mediums and expressions, this is just one. It provides something different. I like to bring beauty into people’s lives and homes, into their spaces.
What do you enjoy most about doing this?
It’s who I am. It’s what I’ve always done, create things.
Is there anything else you’d like to go on the record?
Opening hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 till 3.
We are always looking for new topics for our blog. If there’s something you like to see more of, email your suggestions to: social@professionalsserendipity.com.au, or email the writer at kyle.hitchmough@hotmail.com.
