Meet Anette Wiguna. Annette and I have neighbouring studios at The Fremantle Fibonacci Centre. Annette is the quiet artist who can create magic through so many mediums that she constantly inspires me. Her love of experimenting, recycling, using discarded materials is one we always connect over from plants, to rusty tools or our damaged clothing. I am feel blessed to be constantly learning from her from eco dyeing to felting but most of all our chats at the studio on our next projects and life in general are ones I cherish.

Tell us a little about yourself 

Originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, I am a multidisciplinary artist specialising in mixed media paintings, felted and naturally dyed textiles. I am very lucky to have an amazing studio space within the Fremantle Fibonacci Centre. When I’m not creating artwork or teaching ecoprint workshops, I help manage a small but very busy photography business with my partner. I love being surrounded by nature, bushwalking, camping, and generally being a wanderer in our extraordinary country.

What led you to Fremantle?

As a non-local resident, I tend to view Fremantle as a tourist spot with countless undiscovered gems and, of course, as a very creative hub and unique historical identity. I happened to secure a studio space at the Fibonacci Centre by pure coincidence through Gaelle from the Anjelms Project. One thing led to another and our friendship grew beyond workshop collaborators to building a cohesive creative community which we hope to share with the wider community through this We Are Freo project.

What is the story behind your print?

“Waves, tides, sails, boats, history, community’

These are the words that came to my mind about Fremantle. The tides represent going with the flow, the waves represent the ups and downs of this journey. As a migrant from Java Indonesia, I attempt to illustrate the tides and waves as a simple Parang motif (one of the oldest Indonesian batik motifs). They form a continuous circular pattern with triangles (representing sails/sailboats) between the waves.

The circular waves also symbolise the Fibonacci spiral sequence in recognition of the creative community where in my studio is based (Fremantle Fibonacci Centre). Since I began working here two years ago, I realise and appreciate how tight the Fremantle circle is I feel very privileged to be part of this nurturing community.

What are your favourite spots in Fremantle and any tips for visitors or newcomers?

It’s the little hidden bespoke shops and cafes tucked away off the main streets. There are so many of them that I haven’t explored but if I was to spend the whole day in Freo, I would get off the main tourist routes, take the time exploring the alleyways, and explore North, East, and South Fremantle as well.

Instagram @annette_wiguna

Photography by @raquelarand.a