Beyond studio walls, with Georgia Zoric

For Georgia Zoric, time spent outside is as much a part of the creative process as time spent in the studio. Long walks, cold plunges, people-watching and quiet mornings in nature provide space to observe, recharge and find new ideas.

With Margaret River Region Open Studios marking one of the busiest times in her creative calendar, those everyday rituals take on even greater importance. We sit down with Georgia to discover her favourite local stops, walks and ways to reset across the South West.

PP: What’s your favourite café/coffee stop in the Margaret River Region?

GZ: Gourmet Food Merchant in Cowaramup. Their toasties are insane and their coffee is the best in the South West. That, added to all the best treats from around the region you can find on their shelves, makes it worth the drive from my studio!

PP: Where do you go for creative inspiration?

GZ: I need go no further for creative inspiration than Geographe Bay. It has everything I need, from long walks to cold plunges. Whole beaches to myself, or crowded weekend walks on the Busselton Jetty people-watching.

Busselton Jetty, Western Australia. Photography: Russell Ord, courtesy of margaretriver.com.

PP: Where else do you like to stretch your legs?

GZ: My favourite walk is around the paths at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The views are stunning and all the various tracks so well maintained. A great spot for whale-watching as well!

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Western Australia. Photography: Tim Campbell, courtesy of margaretriver.com.

PP: What’s your spring ritual or must-do?

GZ: My spring ritual starts with the exhibition for MRROS followed by recovery in nature. This can be any of the walks around the South West, but one of my favourite ones has always been the trail off Black Boy Hollow in Margaret River. And morning walks along Wonnerup Beach. And spring cleaning my studio after the madness of Open Studios!

PP: Who will you be visiting during Open Studios?

GZ: Always such a loaded question! I’m not sure I can get away from my own exhibition during the Open Studios, but if I can I’ll be rushing to see Kate Debbo first! Christian Fletcher’s Art Is exhibition is a must, followed by a visit to Diedre Braun. And the incredible artists at The Farm Margaret River, including Sarana Haeata and Jolene Hewison.

Georgia with some of her beautiful sculptures. Photography: Supplied.

You can meet Georgia and other Margaret River Region artist during the annual Margaret River Region Open Studios. Planning your MRROS road trip? Start with this curated collection of holiday homes that’ll set the tone for your art-infused vacay.