We acknowledge the Kaurna, First Nations People of the Adelaide Plains, who are the traditional custodians of the land upon which Cerulean Studio is located. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise the history, culture and spirituality of all First Nations Peoples.
‘More than a Muse’
Opening event 27th July 2.30-5.00pm, then open to 10th August 2023, weekends 11 am - 5 pm.
Our Artists.
Alex McLachlan-Kambuts | Anastasia Benveniste | Catherine Mackenzie | Gemma Harvey | Liz Baker | Nazanin Khani | Richard Dall |
More than a Muse Project
‘More than a Muse’ intentionally disrupts the historical master (artist)/ muse (model) power relationship that has persisted within the Western canon of art for centuries. The project offers an alternative approach to the ways in which life models, and the artists who draw or paint them, might navigate the model-artist relationship in contemporary times.
Reinterpreting the classical Greek Nine Muses, the muses are the holders of knowledge and make the decisions about what knowledge may be shared with artist-participants. Models direct and choreograph their session/s, including venue set-up, activities/poses and timings. Sessions are based on the models’ life stories, passions, knowledge or expertise beyond life modelling, to be interpreted by the artists. Each session is unique and may involve storytelling, movement, poetry, making, costume or musical performance. Models who were involved in co-designing the project curated Cerulean Studio’s 2025 SALA exhibition of works .
The SALA exhibition includes objects, texts, audio and moving image provided by the models and works by artists created during, or from, their participation in life drawing at Cerulean Studio.
We are showcasing the project at a More than a Muse life drawing event on Saturday 2nd August, 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm.
Artist statements - a work in progress
Alex McLachlan-Kambuts
Since Mid 2020 Alex has made time to be creative. The act of drawing and painting, especially in a group has been a calming presence for Alex over the past few years. In Alex’s words, ‘I have found that giving myself some time out from everyday life has helped me to see things in a different light; see the beauty in everyday things and to keep me grounded’.
Anastasia Benveniste
Anastasia typically works to a large scale, finding comfort in the persistence and commitment of creating intensely detailed abstract works. She is heavily influenced by natural elements such as marble and flora.
Highlights in Anastasia’s artistic journey include studying a semester of fine arts at Yale University and participating in local South Australian exhibitions. Anastasia is the 2023 winner of the Unley Connections art prize.
Catherine Mackenzie
Catherine is the owner of Cerulean Studio and initiated the More than a Muse project following conversations with models about her discomfort with the master/muse relationship. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Visual Art at Adelaide Central School of Art. Catherine finds great fulfilment in experimenting with art as a form of social and political expression.
Lizabella Baker
Lizabella has a vivid, bold approach to her art practice. Her work captures the essence of expressive movement inspired by her background in flamenco dance. She specializes in painting and drawing using a variety of mixed media. She is a passionate and experienced art educator who takes great joy in guiding students to reach their creative goals. Lizabella is joining us as a tutor for our upcoming French Village Art and Culture Immersion experience in September.
