Markets attract a global audience for local artists
ART AND CULTURE
As Newsport’s series on local arts comes to a close we take a look at the unique handmade creations of the Port Douglas Market.
The Port Douglas Markets have been a local institution for the past 25 years, visited by tens of thousands of people from around the world.
The large cotters market features hundreds of stalls, many full of original designs and artworks.
One such stall is Ewa Tribal Jewellery, were owner Bianca Todorov creates one-off handmade pieces of sterling silver jewellery.
Ms Todorov said she crafts each piece in her local workshop and no two pieces are the same.
“I started making them because I couldn't find what I was looking for and I wanted things that were raw, chunky, and a bit irregular, I don't like things that are perfect,” she said.
“So I just started making a simple ring and it lead from there, I just kept designing, making, and learning and anytime that I get inspired by something I just go into the studio and create.”
Ms Todorov said she draws her inspiration for her work from the Ewa people in Papua New Guinea, where she grew up.
“They are a tribe that has really ancient art and I've always been inspired by them, so they are my inspiration behind the jewellery.”
While Ms Todorov has only been at the Port Douglas Markets for two years she has been practicing her trade for 10 years.
“I was in Ubud in Bali where I learnt from the silversmiths over there how to actually work the silver.”
She added that it was a difficult artform to master and she is continually learning to this day.
“Once you get the nack of it and it's sort of about not having fear of the metal, silver is a very
malleable medal so if you stuff up you can always recreate it or take the design somewhere else.”
“People don't realise how long it takes and my stuff is very beaten so I’m working with a lot of open naked flames.
“Depending on the piece it could take anywhere between four hours, up to you a couple of days to create.”
Ms Todorov added that when she first started she didn’t realise how much of a global market she would reach from her stall.
“I get people from all over the world here, it's fantastic,” she said.
Another market stall owner who can attest to that is Shireen Talibudeen who had been selling her ceramic creations at the Port Douglas Markets for 18 years.
Through her stall ‘Cool Earth Ceramics,’ Ms Talibudeen sells her hand-built stoneware fired ceramic pieces.
“It was a hobby when I started, a part-time thing to do while I was working and it evolved into a full-time business,” she said.
“My original ceramic wheel that I still use, I brought 20 years ago off the original publican from the Courthouse Hotel.”
“It's all my own individual style and people often say it is art.”
Both Ms Todorov and Ms Talibudeen, along with many other crafters and makers, can be found sharing their creations at the Markets every Sunday.
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