Hillside Studio is a collective workspace shared by mother/daughter duo, Valerie Markle and Dionne Robert. Together with the up-coming generation of aspiring artists (the resident kids!) they explore a variety of mediums, focusing primarily on acrylic painting and pottery.
Valerie, inspired by the regions flora, works with porcelain to hand-sculpt unique blossoms and bouquets. She also finds muse in the form of fantasy as she moulds whimsical characters, faerie doors, and decorative fish.
Dionne finds her joy on the wheel as she throws small vessels used for flower pots, bowls, cups and mugs. Through sgraffito technique she connects to the natural world by playing with geometric, organic, and primitive patterns. Her paintings are a reflection of the beauty she finds in nature, and in her own personal journey and spiritual growth.