Blender Studios

I am very lucky to work at a secondary school (although sometimes I walk away wondering why I do what I do) and today had a chance to go into Melbourne CBD on an excursion (a tough job but someone has to do it!!!) The students are working on personal development projects, some working in the school coffee club, others in a photography/art group and today was for the students to see how much they could learn from the coffee culture in Melbourne (which is totally amazing and one of the best places in the world to visit if you want coffee) and from the art scene.

Of course this meant that I had to sample some of that culture, and what better way than sitting in one of the many great coffee shops that Melbourne has to offer. Or wandering through some amazing arcades that are an artwork in themselves, and admiring even the light displays which are an artwork in themselves.

Melbourne is also home to many great artists, including those street artists who have amazing displays throughout the city in many different alleyways/laneways the most famous being Hosier Lane but today I didn't venture any where near it but in a completely different direction, The Blender Studios on Dudley Street.

We entered the studios via one of those laneways which was covered in quirky and creative artwork and not for the first time I wished that I had some sort of creative bone in my body (I can see things in my head but can't translate it to canvas or paper).

What was once an old factory has been transformed into amazing art studios for at least twenty-five artists who rent spaces within the building and create to their heart's content. There are a wide range of artists who work here and showcase their talents in different places, galleries, commissioned pieces for different companies and street art.

The artists run studio tours and street art tours and if you really have an interest in the alternative art world then this would be a great place to visit or to organise a tour through.

The Blender Studios was a great place and there was an amazing vibe to it and the artists who were working while we were there were happy to talk to us and show off their wonderful work.

While I walked around the studio and listened to our artist guide it made me think about what talents I have and how I need to let them shine. It was very inspiring and a wonderful way to spend the day.

We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the city and again I am thrilled to say that I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is always fun to 'play tourist' here and I would recommend anyone taking time to play tourist in their own hometown, you never know what you might find.

#aUstRaLia #mElbOurNe #vIctOriA #tHouGhtSanDobSerVatIonS #sTreEtaRt #mYowNbaCkyArd