Artist: Tess Bartholomew

Artist: Tess Bartholomew

I felt my whole body relax and recalibrate to the environment. No pressure of every day life, just time and space to create, pure bliss.

 

I loved watching all the reels Tess created in our Art Studio at Coorong Life. Meeting her boyfriend—now husband—made it even more special, and it’s such a joy to feel part of someone’s journey - Kate


Artist Bio: 

Tess Bartholomew is a self-taught abstract landscape artist and muralist based in the scenic Adelaide foothills. Deeply inspired by the natural world, her creative vision is shaped by a love for vibrant, unexpected colour palettes that breathe life into her compositions. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas, Tess’s background in design plays a pivotal role in her artistic process, she holds a Bachelor of Design from UniSA and a Diploma of Visual Merchandising from RMIT.

Before immersing herself in the art world full-time, Tess spent years in the 3D design industry in both Melbourne and Adelaide, creating custom trade show stands for major corporate clients. This experience sharpened her ability to translate ideas into immersive, spatial stories, a skill that now echoes in her dynamic artworks, where interlocking shapes and forms create striking visual narratives that both captivate and invite exploration.

Q:What was a typical day like during your residency?


A: A typical day during the art residency was so relaxed. You wake up when the sun rises, explore the beautiful surroundings to gather inspiration and then head up to the studio to create.
I felt my whole body relax and recalibrate to the environment. No pressure of every day life, just time and space to create, pure bliss.

Q:How did the coorong help your creative path


A: The Coorong helped my creative path by placing me in the environment I was painting. It gave me a better understanding  of the landscape itself but solidified why I love painting landscapes in the first place. It helped me carve out time and place more importance on finding space to relax.

Q: Three words to sum up residency 


A: Peaceful, inspiring, welcoming

Q: What advise would you give future artist?


A: If you get the opportunity, do it! You wont regret putting yourself and your practice first for a week. Kate is soo welcoming and accommodating and the surroundings are absolutely stunning. Loved this experience so so much!
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Past Artists in Residency:

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  • Artist: Josh Juett

    Artist: Josh Juett

    I’ll always think fondly of my time at Coorong Life. It was the first artist residency I had undertaken, and after having participated in a handful now, this one still...

    Artist: Josh Juett

    I’ll always think fondly of my time at Coorong Life. It was the first artist residency I had undertaken, and after having participated in a handful now, this one still...

  • Artist: Suzie Riley

    Artist: Suzie Riley

    After studying Art in Fremantle, Riley returned to her home state of South Australia where she lives on Bunganditj country in the seaside village of Robe.

    Artist: Suzie Riley

    After studying Art in Fremantle, Riley returned to her home state of South Australia where she lives on Bunganditj country in the seaside village of Robe.

  • Collage of photo of artist Cynthia on the Coorong

    Artist : Cynthia Schwertsik

    My practice is anchored in the exploration of place and to respond through my work. A truely magical place and such a privilege to wonder around and just observe, letting things...

    Artist : Cynthia Schwertsik

    My practice is anchored in the exploration of place and to respond through my work. A truely magical place and such a privilege to wonder around and just observe, letting things...

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Learn about the region:

  • Coorong Characters

    Coorong Characters

    Curated snapshots to offer you a glimpse into the lives of past and present Coorong personalities who have left an indelible mark on the landscape. 

    Coorong Characters

    Curated snapshots to offer you a glimpse into the lives of past and present Coorong personalities who have left an indelible mark on the landscape. 

  • The Coorong 101

    The Coorong 101

    The Coorong is a long, shallow saline lagoon that stretches more than 100 km and that is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand dune peninsula. It marks...

    The Coorong 101

    The Coorong is a long, shallow saline lagoon that stretches more than 100 km and that is separated from the Southern Ocean by a narrow sand dune peninsula. It marks...

  • Ngurunderi Life

    Ngurunderi Life

    Derived from an Aboriginal word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck, the Coorong is one of the most breath-taking national parks in Australia. Here, we are all guests of the Ngarrindjeri people,...

    Ngurunderi Life

    Derived from an Aboriginal word ‘karangk’ meaning narrow neck, the Coorong is one of the most breath-taking national parks in Australia. Here, we are all guests of the Ngarrindjeri people,...

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