Last Friday, if you were looking for me, you would’ve found me in a blissed-out state at Base Verein in Graz, after a lovely lunch with some truly wonderful people, and an impromptu Sound Healing session thanks to Andrea Huber. That’s just the kind of thing that happens at the Base…
Base Verein is essentially a community – which anyone can become a member of – that is working to create a the world we wish to live in. The overall vision is to create happier and healthier communities, ‘by integrating culture, education and well-being. In order to create thriving communities and find solutions to community issues, we use a holistic approach that focuses on long-term sustainability.’
I personally discovered Base Verein and met Debbie Adams, the driving force behind the vision, way back in my very first weeks in Graz. It was one of those things that felt rather kismet. I live only two minutes away from the centre, I didn’t really know how or why I had ended up in Graz, and yet here I was, presented with a community of artists and like-minded people who shared the same vision and purpose in life. Debbie was welcoming and kind, assured me that I was in the right place, and has provided me with many exciting opportunities since.
When you move to a new country, you never really know how long it will take to find your feet, and above all, to find a community and friends. In Graz, this simply isn’t a problem, thanks to the Base Verein.
Bohemian Soul Beehive is a shop which not only supports the artists and artisans in Graz by promoting and retailing their work, but they also have a wonderful collection of vintage clothing, homewares, food and drinks available. You can find my work and that of many other local artists here. I feel so honoured and lucky to be included in this wonderful group and to have my work at the store – you can find my cards, postcards, art prints and a selection of my recent collection of cushions there.
Now that the Spring is coming and hopefully lockdowns are over for the foreseeable future, I hope to be spending much more time at the Base. It always gives me a spring in my step to check-in with this community, made up of creative people from all over the world, exchanging ideas and helping each other out with their diverse work and projects, and collaborating to put those ideas into action.
If you would like to learn more or become a member, have a look at the Base Verein website. As a member you get access to numerous events and a discount at the Bohemian Soul Beehive shop. You can find the centre on Dreihackengasse 32, 8020 Graz. It is the most calming space in the whole city, hidden away! You can also join the mailing list just to hear about events and get reminders about what’s on in Graz.
If you would like to book a Sound Healing Session, which I can highly recommend, get in touch with Andrea.
Some other artists to check out who are featured at the Bohemian Soul Beehive and who have become wonderful friends since I moved to Graz, are Bevil Byam and Peninah, who runs Samburu Beads.
I am open again for a few commissions towards the end of April and May, so if you have an idea that you’ve been mulling over, don’t hesitate to contact me.