“As a sculptor and jeweller I have been working for many years refining a language in shape and form that reflects my deep connection to the natural world.  Our relationship to it is at the heart of all my enquiries and my work is a reflection on the spiritual connection humans have to all of ecology.

My work demonstrates the development of this language through the mediums of wood, stone, and precious metals.

For more than a decade I have also shared my love of making things by hand. There is a slowing down and reconnection to self that happens in this process that is something that really resonates for my students. I conduct both in person and online carving workshops via zoom which have been very well received.”

 – Hape Kiddle

On the inspiring grounds of Piccolo Family Farm, a series of arts workshops and seminars are facilitated by skilled professional makers and artists across various unique creative disciplines. The workshops will centre around the concept of Place, and how makers and creatives evoke and communicate Place through their craft. Throughout the day, facilitators and participants have the opportunity to gather with the other participants, fostering creative networking and the exchange of ideas and thoughtful conversation.

Speaking Place was founded to provide access to world-class artistic skills for regional audiences. It also has a strong focus on ongoing impact, encouraging further creative collaboration and artistic exploration beyond the Speaking Place weekend.

‘Place’ is a generous topic of exploration. It gives artists and audiences an infinite world of discussion and discovery of how their craft ‘speaks place’ and opens them up to a journey of creative understanding and collaboration.