Welcome to Forest Lane Studios

Forest Lane Studios is the creative space Hannah and I have been building in Ringwood. After years working in photography and the equestrian world, we wanted a place where we could make work, bring people together and give ideas room to grow.

It’s a working studio, which means there’s usually something in progress. One day it might be a photography shoot or product images for a business. Another day the tables are covered in sketchbooks, paint and flowers. We also use the space for teaching, planning, filming and sharing finished work.

My own art practice is a big part of life here. I often begin with a photograph and build on it with paint, ink, fabric, wax, dried flowers or whatever the piece seems to need. Having a space where I can leave work out, step back and return to it has changed the way I make things.

What I enjoy most, though, is seeing other people use the studio. The Tuesday Studio and Sketchbook Club and Training Barn delegates bring different ages and ideas through the door. Conversations begin over tea, someone tries a material they’ve never used before, and a room that was quiet an hour ago is suddenly full of work.

We’re still shaping what Forest Lane Studios can become. I hope it will be a place for creating, learning, collaborating and showing work, with plenty of reasons for people to come in and feel part of it.

I’ll share more of what happens here as we go.