Bev Pergl’s bright future

Bev has been painting and teaching art classes from one of the Burrinja Studios for the past three years. Now that her lease has come to an end, it seems a new chapter is beginning for an artist who’s bold and colourful paintings give a glimpse into her lovely, kind hearted character.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your creative practice.

It is totally liberating and unpredictable. My painting process is very serendipitous and I don’t begin with the end in mind, I allow the brush strokes and colours to bring form and shapes to the surface. When I’ve finished a painting I look at it and am amazed that I did it. The process itself and the end results bring me so much joy. The more I let go of what the painting is about, the more it flows.

 Q: What do you enjoy about living in the Dandenong Ranges and is the environment you live in important to your making?

Yes, I love the freedom of living in this environment, the trees, nature and the sense of community. It filters through my art in subtle ways. Images of trees are a frequent theme, as well as animals or birds.

I am totally connected to this community having lived here for over 30 years. I have connections through my teaching in local schools, community groups, choirs, schools, yoga. I assist in running a meditation group in Upwey ‘Master Sha’s Soul Power Group’, at The Sherbrooke Children’s Centre with several others.

So many people have visited my studio over the past three years, I feel a deep interconnection. Sometimes parents come to my tie dye classes, after their children have been to one of my art classes. I’ve also met grandparents of children I’ve taught at local schools. I always see people I know in the street and at community events. That’s what I love about living here.

Q: What motivates you as an artist?

Being creative is an adventure of unpredictability that I find very soothing. I have to be fully present in the moment. It’s the spiritual connection to my soul which takes me out of my mind and overthinking.

Q: Who are your creative heroes?

Brett Whitely with his beautiful use of line, Matisse’s expressive colour, Picasso’s abstract works and innovative ideas. Cezanne’s legitimising the distortion of form to balance composition, colour etc.

Q: Something else you want us to know? Here’s your chance!

My art is as much about healing as it is expression. My desire is that it would be used to make others feel happy and joyful. My art interconnects with the two other modalities of my business: Soul Healing and essential oils. Soul Healing is the process I use when I am painting, but I also diffuse essential oils, such as inspiration, awaken and joy when I am painting. This assists me to work through blocks quickly and the chanting process takes me out of thinking and analysing, which causes blocks. My future directions in art will evolve using both of these modalities as a healing form. I will teach others the processes I use.

For more information go to www.creativerainbowsoul.com.au

Tel: 0449 654 343 or bevpergl@hotmail.com

Join the Clique

Alela (left) with daughter and Elle at Clique Studio – Belgrave.

Post by Adriana Alvarez.

Now we’re all rested from our time off and a holiday break, it’s time to look to those new years aspirations. I’m sure getting fit and healthy are high on most people’s lists, having more energy is definitely on mine. Cue the new Clique Studio in Belgrave, whose mission is to help people achieve their fitness goals. Clique Studios is a passion project from Director Alela Pinto who, after having her daughter 17 months ago, decided it was time for a total change. Here’s what she has to say about her new endeavour.

What is it that your business does?

We are a health and fitness studio with a focus on Pilates, Personal Training and Nutrition. Soon to add Yoga, Barre and much more.

What drives you to operate a business in the hills?

After working within the corporate environment in media right in the heart of the CBD it was time for a change. Being Adelaide Hills girls originally both Elle and I were excited to get back to our hills roots and be a part of a community that seems to have a huge focus on health & fitness. On a personal note I was really excited to move to the hills with my family for us to raise our daughter in this amazing and beautiful community. You breathe again when you are in the hills, its incredible.

What is unique about your business, what wouldn’t people already know about you?

We are very goals focused. We are not just Pilates or Personal Training and most certainly not your usual ‘gym’. Our  focus is on the individual and tailoring everything to them.

In what ways, if any, do you engage with the hills community?

We are about to start a few charity drives and want to offer ourselves up to any organisation who needs assistance. We look forward to helping out local sporting organisations and schools. We have no intention of staying within our studio walls! We want to be a part of the community as much as we possibly can.

Describe a usual day for you in your business.

We are in around 5am and leave around 9pm! In between there are a lot of classes, a lot of laughs and a lot of coffee!

Where do you see your business in 5 years time?

I see us as a regular part of the community. I see us changing the lives of people who have wanted to lose weight or get fit or just feel healthy again and I see us being very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful place to live and work.

Where can people find more information on your business?

www.cliquestudio.com.au or facebook Clique Studio or just come in and say hi!

Something else you want us to know? Here is your chance!

First class is always free so come down and check us out for yourself. We also have Mums and Bubs classes for the mums out there who need some time to exercise but don’t have the option of a babysitter.
Most of all we just really enjoy teaching and educating about health & fitness and we love what we do so we hope that rubs off on everyone who comes into our studio.

Clique Studios – 1631 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave