Each week we shine the spotlight on some of Australia’s best designers, artists and stylists and have them share with us what’s making them tick; anything from the best advice they’ve ever received to their favourite holiday destination. Today we chat to Emma Cleine, the artist and designer behind Lumiere Art + Co.
1. What is your favourite cafe?
I live in Red Hill South, on the Mornington Peninsula, home of wineries and beaches. When I’m home I like to keep it local, so it’s a toss-up between Johnny Ripe, my local bakery with UNBELIEVABLE vanilla slices (I’m shouting here!) or Cellar and Pantry, my local supermarket and post office, which has a deck where you can sip coffee and admire the view of the surrounding orchard. Both offer local produce, locally roasted coffee beans, friendly faces and treats to boot.
2. What is your favourite holiday destination?
Italy. I’ve been too many times to count and I’ll keep returning. Culture, food, its family friendly, amazing contemporary art, the Biennale, beaches, cheap champagne, cheese and prosecco. What more do you need?
3. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Can I say something I gave myself? I bought our family a Miranda Skoczek painting last year and it was so monumental in my life my timeline has now turned into BM (before Miranda) and AM (after Miranda). Life AM is amazing we all enjoy this artwork everyday.
4. What three people would be at your perfect dinner party?
Australian printmaker Margaret Preston, she pioneered Australian modern art in a time when most women were homemakers. I love her foresight and incredible respect for Australia. Lena Dunham, writer and producer of HBO’s Girls. She says what we all think and gets stuff done. Lastly, David Bowie, the guy is superhuman and a true artist. What a combo. I would serve fondue and local wines.
5. What is your favourite shop?
I would have to say Dinosaur Designs. I’ve been visiting since I was in my first year at uni and each time I would visit was a really big deal. My friends and I would plan our day around visiting the store on Chapel Street and I would save, save and save to buy a bangle or necklace. We thought of the staff as gods. It’s timeless and always exciting. The colours and textures are inspiring and holy moley they are have done so well.
