SABINA MCKENNA
WRITER
Every day has been different in my
time here so far – sometimes we’re all
sitting around the desks working on our
computers; other times it’s just one of
us arranging something out the back.
I love that it’s an evolving space we can
all contribute to. I’m keen to get my hands
into the garden soon! We operate on a very
democratic basis, making sure everyone
has a say and no hierarchy forms. It can
sometimes be hard to settle on something
without going around in circles, though,
trying to meet everyone’s needs.
JOSEPH GAUCI-SEDDON
ARCHITECT
When you work by yourself, you can get stuck on meaningless issues,
and ignore more important ones. But when you have a variety of people
with different approaches working around you, there’s no choice but to
consider things beyond your own bubble. Plus, it’s cheaper! Our space
is an old double-fronted milk bar. There’s a residence, a shed and a
small courtyard at the rear. I mostly work on architecture projects and
prepare to teach at university, but recently I’ve been involved in the
Dead End Film Festival, along with several other tenants.
LUCIE MCMAHON
FILMMAKER, TEACHER AND PROGRAMMER
Studio Flowers started because Charlie, Lara and I needed a space
to do monthly fi lm screenings for the Dead End Film Festival, which
we all program for. It seemed more intuitive and financially feasible
to create our own space to show fi lms. Most of the work I’ve done
here has been facilitating events – screenings, exhibitions, magazine
launches. Everyone involved in the space has different strengths and
weaknesses, and together we’re able to pull off pretty exciting feats
that probably wouldn’t be possible working alone.
DINGO STARR (AKA CHARLIE)
FILMMAKER
I love looking out the window in the studio kitchen at our tomatoes
growing outside. It’s great to spend time in the courtyard if the
weather is nice, or have a bite at Mankoushe, a Middle Eastern
restaurant nearby. My highlight so far was when local band
Sweet Whirl played in the shop one night after a film screening.
Looking forward, I’d love to have a cinema and video library open
to the public every evening, and classes and performances that
others can benefit from.LARA GISSING
FILMMAKER
I love that the space has a history –
serving the community in a really basic and
fundamental way for so many years. We’ve
tried to respect its roots, keeping some of
the old signage. The studio’s name actually
came from the old ‘flowers’ sign left behind
when we took it on! Keeping communication
open among eight-plus people was tricky
initially, but it’s encouraged us to speak on
the phone and face-to-face more, so I guess
it’s a good thing. Shared spaces teach you to
have empathy and consider the needs and
perspectives of others equally.KAYLA MOON AND ALIENOR RENAUX
FLORAL DESIGNERS
We came to work at Studio Flowers when an old friend, Francisco,
approached us with the offer. We love that this is a shared space
of incredible creatives who have the common goal to enhance the
general community through events, workshops and exhibitions.
Our little section is at the front of the building, acting as a showroom
and workspace for our XXFLOS fl oral designs. Our work complements
the other residents’ events, so we’re in constant collaboration, as the
‘fl owers’ of Studio Flowers.FRANCISCO MEJIA FLOOD
VIDEOGRAPHER
Studio Flowers is a bright, lively space.
I set up a cinema with equipment I’ve
gleaned from three other dead cinemas,
and I plan to host regular screenings and
workshops that serve the local community.
I met a couple of the tenants at a dinner
party, and they invited me to be part of the
studio. There’s always something to go
over together – we’re supportive of each
other and encourage, criticise and question.
(Plus, pacing in circles in the courtyard
feels more productive when you’re weaving
around someone else!)