People really do lead such interesting & diverse lives … if only we take the time to stop and ask! Today’s feature story tells the tale of how a city-based archaeologist eventually found her way (like a feather on the wind) to a new life in the country where she has her own photographic art studio Form of a Feather.
Helene Athanasiadis’ energy is at once uplifting & grounding – perhaps due to her life’s journey so far, which has taken her from fashion design at RMIT, to a vintage clothing store in Brunswick Street, to archaeology projects in Melbourne & Sydney and now to photographic art in Central Victoria. For some people, these kinds of changes in direction are a bit too daunting to embark upon, but Helene has made the most of each one and it comes through in her art.
After meeting some archaeologists in Turkey over a decade ago, Helene returned home and enrolled in archaeology. She subsequently worked on digs in Sydney, the CUB and Pentridge Prison in Melbourne and on digs along the Calder Highway. It was during the latter assignment that Helene fell in love with Castlemaine and last year, after some encouragement & inspiration from friends Soula & Theo Mantalvanos (whose lovely, warm, creative home featured on The Design Files), Helene decided to give up her job and become a photographic artist full-time.
Starting out in her home-based studio, Helene now has a dedicated studio Form of a Feather at Lot 19 Artspace in Castlemaine where she creates images and mixed media collages that combine her interests in still life, natural landscapes, simple elemental forms and antiquarian themes. This talented artist’s training as an archaeologist influences her work, perhaps most especially her photographic collages in which she methodically re-assembles images and ripped fabrics “within textured layers”.
Helene nearly always shoots with medium format film (yes film!) and only uses natural light, which means no post-shoot editing. This approach to her art ensures Helene remains connected to and works with the environment; basically, she has to get up early to catch the dawn’s special light and stay out late to capture the moon’s glow. Helene is opening her Studio Monday to Wednesday throughout December from 10am to 2pm – don’t miss the opportunity to meet Helene, buy a unique chrissy present or two & to see her lovely inspiring space for yourself! Enjoy! x
Before becoming a photographer you were an archaeologist. Tell us a little bit about your background – what path led you to where you are now?
In the late 90s, I had a vintage clothing store on Brunswick St, Fitzroy and during that time I took a holiday to Mediterranean Europe. In Turkey, I watched archaeologists excavate a Roman mosaic floor and I thought I’d like to do that… A year later, while still running the store, I began my archaeology degree. I also started taking photos during this time. Not long after I gave up the store and began a life as a student of archaeology. In 2006, I graduated with a double Honours in Archaeology and Art History. I thought I was going to head down the archaeological art gallery/museum path but then there was loads of work in archaeology at that time so off I went. I worked as an archaeologist for seven years, participating and leading many eventful urban and rural excavations specializing in the early pioneering history of Victoria. Through archaeology I got to spend a lot of time in the country and I began to dream…
Your business is called ‘Form of a Feather’. Tell us about the significance of the name?
About five years ago, I started the ritual of picking up the first feather I saw in my path. The anatomy (or form) of the feather encompasses so many beautiful elements; elegance and striking colourations ….. and as a metaphor to move freely in life it just really appealed to me. And I just thought it was great name to represent an art form… And for the record I don’t really photograph feathers, I just collect them.
Can you give us a little insight into your creative process? How do you approach your subject matter?
I have many art books and often flick through the pages for some inspiration. I like to photograph stills that I set up in my studio corner with bits and pieces from my ever growing cabinet of curiosities. I often use a medium format film camera. All my film is processed and printed in Melbourne and often just viewing those photos inspires new projects. Often the most imperfect photos are the best ones. I don’t touch up my photos and whether framed or collaged, all images are printed on the highest quality archival papers. Some of the prints are integrated with mixed mediums and whether it’s a photo or collage there is always texture and warm natural tones. And there is almost always an archaeological or antiquarian theme in my work.
What are your influences? Where or who or what do you draw your inspiration from?
In nature its moonlit landscapes, stormy skies and dead trees. The life and work of Lee Miller and Georgia O’Keefe. The landscape photographs of Olive Cotton also inspire me.
You have a studio in Castlemaine but used to live in Melbourne. What path led you to move to the country?
I grew up in Brunswick and have lived in inner-city Melbourne all my life and although I love big cities I have always been drawn to the country, and I always felt particularly connected to the land here in the central highlands. I also have a personal history with the region… In the 70s, we spent a lot of time at my godparents’ chicken farm in Vaughn. And my first archaeology volunteer placement was also in Vaughn, that was eleven years ago. Then, in 2007, I worked on a big archaeology project in and around Harcourt and they based me in Castlemaine on and off for 2 months. It was summer. I went swimming at the Golden Point Road reservoir, ate dinner in all the pubs, really got to know the town and loving all the built history. Exploring and discovering places like Yandoit, taking photos ALL the time, I was so inspired… this whole other way of life. I knew that a lot of writers and artists were residing in Castlemaine. I guess that’s when the vision to be an artist in the country entered my head.
I visited Castlemaine and surrounds frequently after then….. imagining that idealist country life.
Although I mostly liked being an archaeologist during the last couple of years I become increasingly unhappy about being in an office writing heritage reports. I studied art and have always been highly creative,,,I didn’t belong in an office. And then last year I met my partner who was planning to move to Castlemaine…..incidentally last November I was sent to Castlemaine to run a small dig for a week. I just knew I’d end up here.
Does country life influence your work?
Everyday…..all the colours the vast sky can become.
Do you consider yourself to be ‘Countryphile’? Do you love country life? Why?
Although I am a born and bred city girl, my mother and father are originally from rural Greece, so as a young girl I briefly experienced rural life and was very connected to it. And of course through archaeology I spent a lot of time in the country. I’ve been exposed to all sorts of pastoral environmental conditions… thick dusty air, freezing or scorching conditions, curious cows, electric fences, snakes……archaeologists rough it like you wouldn’t believe. And you meet a lot of lovely folk. Once on a dig in Gippsland, a couple of us were invited for arvo tea by a framer’s wife whose property we were digging on. She made scones for us, and showed us around her beautiful country cottage and garden. She looked liked Sunday Reed, tall and elegant and the whole place had that colonial 1930s aesthetic. I just couldn’t get enough. Ok back to the question… Yes I am a Countryphile and I love country life and I knew I would.
What does a typical day in the life of ‘Helene Athanasiadis the Photographer’ look like; from when you wake to when you go to sleep?
Everyday usually starts the same way….getting kids sorted for school, walking our dog through the botanic gardens. I then grab a coffee and head to my studio. When I drive into the artspace where my studio is located I’m happy and motivated. From there, the day can either turn into all day on the computer, checking emails, sourcing and ordering papers, choosing images to print etc. or creating on my worktable. If I have been commissioned to photograph I may do some location scouting or source ideas for shoots. I am known to work on many projects at the same time. By 3pm I head back home awaiting the troops to arrive. May take the dog out for another walk. After dinner I like to share a Bailey’s with my partner or slump on the coach pinning on Pinterest!
What aspect of country life are you loving MOST at the moment?
I love that I can see the stars at night.
What is the most CHALLENGING aspect of country life?
Ikea is a long long way away…….
Do you prefer Coffee or Tea? Your favourite country café and why?
Coffeeeee! Bell’s Belles Vintage & Cafe because they serve great coffee and food and they have an adjoining gorgeous vintage frock and homewares store…and the staff are super friendly …it doesn’t get better than that
What and where was the last great meal you enjoyed/shared in the country?
Connoisseur ice cream with my daughter in our back yard.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
YOUR country town’s best kept secret?
The ‘golden hour’ sun beams through our living room window.
Would you ENCOURAGE others to live a country life? Why/why not?
If you don’t fuss about getting to the theatre regularly or going to events any night of the week, or endless shopping and restaurant options yes I would encourage it, especially if you have kids. My daughter walks herself to school and after school she plays with the kids on our the street. We she never had that in city. People really watch out for each other here, and everyone who passes you during a walk says ‘hello’. I hear about city people living in the country who then move back, it’s not going to be for everyone.
What ADVICE would you give those dreaming of making a TREE CHANGE?
Give it a go. But if you own a property in the city don’t sell up, just lease it out and try country life out first.. I think you will know after 6 months.
What can we expect NEXT from you/your business in the future?
Exhibitions and designing a range of greeting cards and stationary. I love paper……
What are you looking FORWARD to and why?
I am putting together a book dedicated to the life and art of my late brother Spiro…it’s going to be beautiful.
What would be your DREAM project?
Oh that’s easy… to photograph ancient ruins all over the world in medium format film.
Can you list for us 5 specific things you turn to/do when you need of a ‘dose’ of city life?
1. Looking at snaps of city dwellers on the Satorialist blog
2. Hat shopping at the City Hatters on Flinder’s Street
3. Pasta at Pellegrinis…not the best pasta but nothing like that place anywhere else in Australia.
4. Shopping along Sydney Road, Coburg
5. The Immigration Museum
Helene Athanasiadis
Form of a Feather
Photographic Artist
Lot 19 Artspace
McShanag’s Lane
Castlemaine
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved it for later!
Thanks for stopping by Honey Bee! {d} x