Breathing colours

First-time finalists Breathing Colours Gallery could soon be taking home the award for Best Specialised Business in the Inner West, and have their talented artists, staff and loyal customers to thank for the nomination…

How does it feel to be nominated?
It’s a privilege to be nominated as a finalist. Breathing Colours Gallery represents over 100 Australian artists who achieve unique works of art, and they often take risks to achieve new directions in their work. They take great pride in the quality and originality of their work. As one of our artists said, “Their creativity overwhelms the materials and techniques used.” One customer even called them “ingenious.” The Awards are a great way of recognising these artists.

What’s been the secret to the gallery’s success this year?
I think we owe our success to the gallery staff, Petrea and Karen, who just work hard all the time to do more for our customers and artists, but there’s always more to do. I guess we don’t take anything for granted, although working in a gallery is always fun. It’s a delight to be surrounded by creativity and creative people all day and to show the gallery’s collections to customers and help them find a piece that meets their needs.

What sets your gallery apart from the rest?
It’s important to us to represent all of the artists equally. We value artists who remain true to their craft. It isn’t easy to make a living in the arts and we’ve made a commitment to Australian artists who create unique works of art, which sets the gallery apart. We also have a great range including paintings, jewellery, ceramics, glass art, wood work, cards and wearable art like silk scarves. We have new a new exhibition every two weeks.

What have you got going on at the gallery during June?
Jennifer Pombart’s exhibition ‘Indigo Evenings’ runs until June 15th. Opening night is on Saturday 7th June from 4pm. Then Kay Singleton Keller’s exhibition ‘River of Life’ runs from June 17th. The opening celebration is on Saturday 21st of June from 2pm. The opening nights are a great opportunity to meet artists and people who love the arts.

Do you have a message for the loyal people who supported you this year?
I feel quite humbled by the support of the artists and customers who nominated the gallery for the award. The nomination shows us that our customers and artists think the gallery is on the right track. So, thank
you, thank you. May we continue to delight and inspire you. A special thanks too to the gallery staff Petrea and Karen. I rely on them totally. They are both artists and have sensational business management and customer skills. I feel incredibly lucky to have such awesome staff.

What do you like about being in business in the Inner West?
I think that Breathing Colours is right at home in the Inner West, particularly the Balmain/Rozelle peninsula. It’s a destination point for people looking for original art works. People of the Inner West are great supporters of local art  and we want to meet them all!

Breathing Colours Gallery: 446 Darling St, Balmain. T. 9555 8543.