I love taking trips to Canberra (Australian Capital Territory), it’s an easy 3 hour drive from Sydney and you pass through some of my favourite stop-offs. I like stopping by beautiful Bowral for a coffee, or a cheeky burger and malted milkshake from Bernie’s Diner in Moss Vale.
Canberra is also the home to Handmade Canberra, one of Australia’s largest and longest-running craft and makers markets, which is usually held at EPIC four times per year. Handmade has got to be one of my favourite places to set up a stall for a weekend. It's run by a passionate bunch of staff, and visitors treat me like I'm part of their community. It attracts makers from around the country and I've made many friends through the event.
I decided I wanted to do an artwork celebrating my love for Canberra, so I asked my Capital Territory followers on Instagram what beer they loved most. They came back with many suggestions, but the overall favourite being Bentspoke Brewing Co, which also happened to be my partner’s favourite Canberran brewery.
So my artwork Floriale was born as part of my iconic Australiana art series. Inspired by relaxing weekend road trips with friends, and all things Canberra. Those perfect days when there is an endless supply of laughter, sentimental tales and of course, everyone's favourite brew from Bentspoke.
ABOUT CARMEN HUI — Carmen is an illustrator and Australian artist based in Sydney's Inner West. She chooses pencil as her medium to provoke memories of childhood and express her love for all things Australian native pants and wildlife. More information can be found on our website at www.carmenhui.com.