His work tells a different story, but local photographer Tim Baker admits he hasn't always felt like an artist. His time in residence at Creative Wollongong Studios has certainly changed that.
Baker is one of six artists enjoying a 12-month residency at Creative Wollongong Studios and says the dedicated space in the heart of the Arts Precinct has allowed for huge development in his creative practice.
"I'd never really thought of myself as an artist until I had my debut solo show this year as a photographer," Baker said.
"Then getting recognised enough to be selected for a [studio] space by Council is really validating as an artist, and having a dedicated space where I can work on ideas or arrangements and execute ideas has been great.
"I live in a share house and it's hard to section off a space you can claim as your own and know that, when you go to it, you're there to work on your art and get in the mindset of what you need to do."
It's something interested members of the public can gain an insight into at the Studio Open Day on 23 November, which offers the chance to experience the studios and meet the current resident artists including Baker, Dr Virginia Keft (Muruwari), Matthew Grayson, Rhiannon Pegler, Michelle Heldon, while Haji Oh's studio will be open for viewing.
The artists will be available to discuss their work across multiple disciplines including photography, printing, painting, sculpture and weaving. All will be exhibiting the work they created in their 12-month residency in April 2025 at the Wollongong Art Gallery.
"Mine kind of looks like a principal's office in the 1960s because all of my inspiration comes from photo books and old National Geographics," Baker said.
"I work with mostly 35mm film and I do a lot of street and documentary photography, photographing the world and people around me and documenting whatever's in front of me.
"I develop the film in tanks, I'm doing that within the studio, then once I've got a direction or a theme where I want to produce a body of work I'll switch across to a darkroom process. The plan is to set the studio up as a darkroom and all the work in the gallery in April will have been developed and printed in that studio space."
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said providing opportunities for local artists is a major focus for Council.
"We are so fortunate to have so many talented and passionate local artists practicing their craft right here in Wollongong," Cr Brown said.
"Creative Wollongong Studios is a valuable part of our Arts Precinct that contributes so much to the rich cultural life of our city, and I would encourage anyone to come along and take a look at what these talented artists are producing in this space."
Artworks will also be available for sale accompanied by live music from local pianist, producer and composer Freyja Garbett. Those interested in applying for next year's residency are also urged to attend, with expressions of interest for the 2025 program set to open in January.
The Creative Wollongong Studios are in the Lower Town Hall. Entry is from the laneway between Wollongong Art Gallery and the Town Hall. This is a free event, with all welcome to attend.
