What an incredible exhibition Love is a Battlefield turned out to be! This little idea was born last November during The Homestead Hub Muster event in Mudgee, NSW, where renowned artist Lara Scolari invited us to take part in a collaborative exhibition – a creative exchange to be held a few short months later. Hosted by Lara, the exhibition brought together four passionate women:
- Lara Scolari, our host, well-known abstract expressionist artist and gallery owner
- Sarah Richmond, whose colorful abstract realism captures birds, animals, and architectural wonders
- Myself, showcasing my millinery creations
- Sara Storer, not only a celebrated musician but also an artist, unveiling her stunning paintings.
And when you bring four creative women together, you just know something magical is going to happen!
A Valentine’s Day Celebration of Creativity
Held on Valentine’s Day, the Gallery rooms were quite literally filled with love – love for art, love for creativity, and love from every single person who walked through the doors. The atmosphere was electric, warm, and truly made my heart sing, and many travelled so very far to be there.
My own journey started from Broome with a cylone chasing my butt, and an overnight stay in Perth before catching a flight to Sydney, where I lost three hours to daylight savings and time zones. I arrived by uber, through that big flash tunnel, straight to the Balmain gallery for setup, and from that moment, the excitement kicked in. We had all been working remotely from different corners of Australia – Darwin, Dubbo, Broome, and Balmain – so to finally come together was the absolute best – we were pumped!
Thursday was all about setup, followed by a beautiful dinner, soaking in the Sydney dining experience. The next morning was show day, and we felt like celebrities with hair and makeup by the incredibly talented Lee, who’s magic made sure I didn’t look like the Broome bushy! I barely recognised myself – and apparently, neither did some of my friends, who walked straight past me at the event!
The Opening Night – A Night to Remember
Before Sara and I even settled in to the exhibition, we had both made sales – Sara sold her largest canvas, and I sold a magnificent headpiece. We were beside ourselves with excitement!
From the moment we walked in, it was non-stop. Over 200 guests filled the two gallery rooms, spilling onto the streets, into Lara’s home, and creating a vibrant energy that was simply infectious. The Mayor of the Inner West, Councillor Darcy Byrne, delivered a fantastic speech, blown away by the excitement and energy of the night. He even expressed his desire to capture that magic and make Balmain an even stronger hub for arts and culture. Councillor Kerrie Fergusson also spoke, and Lara’s speech had everyone in stitches!
Of course, a highlight was Sara Storer performing Love is a Battlefield – our theme song – with her own unique twist for her rugby-playing sons. Filling the street with music that was just as powerful and filled with love as the artwork surrounding us.
Adding even more flair to the night, local burlesque dancer Miss Maybe donned one of my handcrafted masks, weaving through the crowd and elevating the energy to another level.
Millinery, Magic, and Meaningful Connections
Selling four of my pieces on the night was an absolute joy. Each one found its perfect owner, as if they were destined to be together. I always say my millinery finds its person, and this exhibition was no exception. Kylie transformed the moment she donned “Sandstorm Diva” – her posture changed, her confidence soared, her diva arrived and she was a vision. Another customer’s partner was already planning his design for a custom display case for “Whispers of Gantheaueme”, for when she wasn’t wearing it (though, being part of the horse racing industry, she certainly will be wearing it!). Rachael knew the moment she tried on “Patricia Mae” – this headpiece was going home to Dubbo with her.
Each piece of millinery I create holds a story – whether it’s about where I was when inspiration struck, the emotions behind the design, or the people who influenced its creation. To see my work go home with people who truly cherish it is one of the most rewarding parts of my millinery craft.
A Weekend of Celebration
After the whirlwind of the exhibition, I took a moment to soak in Sydney’s beauty. My dear friend Chrissy and I jumping on a ferry ride across the harbour – because no trip to Sydney is complete without a glimpse of the Harbour Bridge! We spent the day exploring Balmain, pub crawling (as one should in a town with a pub on every corner), and reminiscing about the extraordinary night we had just experienced.
And then, just like that, it was time to return home. Six days, including two travel days, flew by in an instant. Now, as I sit in Broome, my collection remains in Balmain, and it all feels like a beautiful, happy dream.
The Exhibition Continues…
If you’re in Sydney, I encourage you to visit Lara’s gallery and immerse yourself in the magic of Love is a Battlefield. The collection will remain in Balmain until Sunday 2nd March, and you can view available pieces in our online catalogue. Lara’s gallery is open Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and she’s happy to open by appointment for anyone keen to explore the collection.
So what’s next? Well, soon this collection will return to Broome – if there are any pieces left! – and I’ve also just sent a small collection to Parliament House, Canberra for the Regional Showcase opportunity, for the month of March, for which I am extremely grateful and excited – so if you’re in or around Canberra – pop in to Parliament House 🙂
Having a February Exhibition launch was such a joy, and I loved incorporating some Mardi Gras millinery into the mix, aligning with both Sydney Mardi Gras and Broome Mardi Gras festivals.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who came, supported, and shared in this incredible Exhibition experience. And if you couldn’t make it, don’t worry – you can still browse the catalogue, relive the magic, and maybe even find your own Wow piece.
Until next time, keep smiling & Cheers!
With love, Flic x
Big thanks to Angove Family Winemakers who sponsored our event with bubbles & wine, to Lucy Richmond who captured our event to perfection, and the Department of Culture and the Arts, WA for supporting me to the Balmain event. There’s so many people to acknowledge and thank and I could go on forever but in closing I want to thank my beautiful co-exhibitors, Sara Storer and Sarah Richmond and shout all our love and huge thanks to our fabulous host – Lara Scolari! xxx
Milliner on the Move 