Studio Notes: Art, Community and New Experiments
Kelly BatsiokisSeptember and early October have been full of creative momentum - new projects taking shape, small wins, and some welcome creative company along the way.
One highlight of the month was a relaxed art soirée hosted by Cameron and Melinda Seymour — an evening of laughter, art, and easy conversation. Alongside Cameron and me were Leanne Nell, her partner Andre, my partner Jason Slape, and Melody from B.Lowe Hair | Art Space.
Cameron’s home studio set the perfect tone — walls lined with paintings, soft music, and the hum of creative energy that only happens when you’re surrounded by people who understand the rhythm of making.
"Creative life can be solitary, and sometimes all you need is a reminder that other people understand the same challenges and joys."
The night was a gentle reminder that connection matters as much as creation — that showing up, sharing stories, and seeing each other’s work is fuel for the next piece.
Meet the Artists
The soirée was hosted by Cameron and Melinda Seymour, whose home studio radiated warmth and creativity. Here’s a little more about the talented people who shared the evening:
🎨 Cameron Seymour
| Cameron balances his art practice with his career as a lawyer, and you can feel that duality in his work - expressive abstraction grounded in precision and thought. His textured, layered paintings explore the tension between order and intuition, always with a sense of quiet confidence. |
 |
🖌 Leanne Nell
| Leanne’s background as a former model brings a unique sensitivity to her creative process. Her mixed media landscapes and portraits are both elegant and contemplative, capturing a kind of inner poise that feels timeless. |
 |
📸 Jason Slape
| Jason is an Image Specialist in the Australian Army and a photographer with a documentarian’s eye. His images play with light, pattern, and texture - often transforming fleeting, everyday details into striking compositions. |
 |
💫 Melody
| Melody brings together art, beauty, and storytelling. Through her creative projects and her work at B.Lowe Hair | Art Space, she champions emerging artists and curates visual experiences that celebrate individuality and expression. |
 |
Evenings like this remind me that creativity doesn’t grow in isolation - it thrives in shared laughter, conversation, and connection. The art soirée sparked something I’d been missing: the simple joy of being around other artists without structure or agenda.
That spark is what inspired the next step - the Creative Coffee Catch -Up series. A smaller, simpler space for artists to connect regularly, swap ideas, and refill the creative well. I’ll share more - and photos - from our first meet-up soon.
Image 1: From left to right - Andre, Leanne, Jason, Kelly (me), Melody, Cameron and Melinda. (Photo by Cameron's daughter.)
Image 2: Artists chatting in the sunset. Photograph by Jason Slape (EddieSlim Photography).
Image 3: Melinda, Leanne and Melody sharing a laugh. Photograph by Jason Slape (EddieSlim Photography).
Image 4: Group shot minus the photographer — and yes, I’m the one not paying attention! Photograph by Jason Slape (EddieSlim Photography).
Back in the studio, I’ve been continuing to experiment - refining my process for embellished prints, revisiting older works, and preparing new pieces for exhibition. It’s been a busy but rewarding time, with a clear sense of forward motion.
Stay tuned for updates on the Elvis embellished print pre-orders, Halloween mini collection, and the Creative Practice Logic Workshop pilot in November.
Curious about available works or commissions? I’m just an email away - hello@kellybatsiokisart.com.
With warmth,
Kelly
"Next on the blog: photos and reflections from the first Creative Coffee Catch Up at The Brass."