Homes

Angela Stewart

We often observe that artists have the most interesting homes, which is true of WA based artist Angela Stewart.  After waiting for almost a year to get a glimpse inside this artist’s home, we were excited to find a renovated Victorian cottage which seamlessly intertwines an antique aesthetic with bold, contemporary artwork.

Our Perth contributor Anna Flanders recently caught up with Angela to chat about her home and art practice.

Written
by
Anna Flanders
Supported by Dulux

The Fremantle home of artist Angela Stewart. ‘Flying Home’ ‘installation (to left) by Frank Morris and Theo Koning. The Armchair was found at Empire, and the coffee table is one of Angela’s favourite pieces by Kevin Draper. The living room windows are a much-loved lucky find in a demolition yard. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Living room details. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

‘What I especially love is being surrounded by the artwork of my friends and colleagues. I believe it is important to support our extended West Australian art community,’ says Angela. ‘The Art Collective WA to which I belong is an important cooperative run by and for mid-career/senior artists in Western Australia.’ The large sculpture to the right is by Susan Roux. Among the small treasures on the mantle are works by Susan Flavell, Marian Giles. The circular artwork on the chimney is from Angela’s latest series and is called Cogitatio #5. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Living area. ‘The rafters were left raw and deliberately exposed in the original renovation, but we painted them entirely white in the recent renovation to keep the interior really fresh looking,’ explains Angela. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

‘I have loved hanging my oval and circle paintings in my renovated home knowing they glow (or not!) in different lights,’ says Angela. The long table was found in a local antiques store, the chairs were brought in from the family farm and the artworks along the back wall are (from left): Kathryn Haug, Giles Hohnen’s #7 (Detour), and Angela’s Cogitatio #4 and Poesis #16. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Dining room details featuring some of Angela’s artworks. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

The mirror is from Blu Peter. The rabbit was a birthday present from artist friend Andrew Hayim De Vries. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Angela loves the fresh feel of the new kitchen; the clean surfaces mean artwork and furniture are the real heroes in this room. The wire industrial-look cupboard was a Blu Peter find. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

While Angela has a studio away from her home, she sits here when working at home. Desk from Empire, chair by Kevin Draper, artworks by Angela Stewart and Paul Uhlmann. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Workspace details. Postcard by Angela’s friend, Finnish artst Viggo Wallenskold. Circular artwork by Angela Stewart. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Angela found the oriental cupboard in Shiraz in Cottesloe. ‘When I first opened the doors it had a delicious scent as the cupboard was used to sell linen, soaps and perfumes.’ Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Bedroom details. Small painting by Trevor Vickers and a circular study called Anne Elizabeth by Angela Stewart sit above a bed bought at Empire Fremantle. Bed linen by Pure Linen with silk throw from Godding & Godding. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

These shelves were acquired years ago from Midland railyards. ‘My mother taught soft furnishings, so I grew up with pins in chairs and the frames of incomplete lampshades on top of wardrobes,’ says Angela. Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

Writer
Anna Flanders
16th of November 2016

Angela Stewart has called her Victorian weatherboard cottage in Fremantle’s river locale home since the 1980s. She relocated here after a 15-year stint in the South West of Western Australia, after which she was torn between living in the Perth Hills and beside the water. However, it was the rawness of this North Freo precinct, which sits between river and ocean, which finally drew Angela and her family into its streets. These days Angela lives in her much loved home with Rupi her Jack Terrier, hosting regular extended visits from her grown up children and grandchildren.

There’s talk the house once belonged to an early North Fremantle mayor. While unverified, it’s easy to imagine him standing on the front verandah and look to the Swan River. Today, however, the house sits in a densely populated street of original worker’s cottages and new homes.

While the home is tightly nestled between other homes, stepping into Angela’s house imparts an instant feeling of space and calm. ‘My first ever impression of the house was a sense of peace. I sense it still,’ says Angela. ‘However, I also love the close proximity to neighbours, and how the street is alive with people passing and children playing.’

Recent renovations have provided Angela with a similar balance. The result is a bright, practical space to entertain family, friends and ‘four adorable noisy grandchildren’, alongside a quiet retreat for solitude, painting, reading and taking time out with Rupi.

Angela has been careful to keep renovations and additions to her home consistent with the home’s original footprint. She’s added a living room at the rear of the property, and last year enlisted designer Lorelle King to renovate the kitchen, bathroom and add a new studio.

The home serves not only as a living and entertaining space, but also as an ever-changing showcase of Angela’s collection of contemporary artwork and antique furniture. Her growing art collection is made up of works by friends and local artists known to her, such as Giles Hohnen, Theo Koning, Trevor Vickers, Frank Morris and Susan Flavell. Alongside these, of course, are Angela’s own paintings. ‘I focus on the artwork in my home more than the furniture’ says Angela.

‘This home is all about my being close to my neighbours, children and grandchildren, the river, the sea, Fremantle, my friends and the natural light,’ says Angela. ‘I love being in my home.’

Artist Angela Stewart and her beloved pup Rupi! Styling – Anna Flanders. Photo – Dion Robeson.

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