PETRUS Spronk would much rather chat about poetry and his six chooks than his extensive collection of work in world renowned galleries.
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The ceramist has lived in Daylesford for almost 30 years and has always centred himself with his artwork, and the beauty that comes with rearranging nature.
Whether it be collecting firewood on a winter's day for his kiln, dotting clay on a tree amidst the dense forest, or painting his eaves to represent the robes of a monk who once visited his property, creativity is how he expresses his spirit.
Luckily, he says, he was always encouraged to follow his pull towards art, and now he is mentoring others to help them follow their creative hearts.
"A while ago I travelled to Korea, where the best ceramic pieces are created," he said.
"I stepped back and questioned why I would bother creating things myself when these incredible pieces already existed.
"But then I realised the point with art is that you're making your own work and adding your own spirit back into the world.
"It's not about what others are doing, but what it brings to your life."
He has recently worked with Daylesford artists Dion Shields and Poppy Cagalj, who will soon exhibit their work at The Convent Gallery alongside Petrus' work.
The trio met at the local VCAL program, with Petrus immediately recognising the young artists' talents.
He did all he could to help them get the start they needed.
"Getting a break isn't just hard for young artists, it's hard for all artists," Petrus said.
"I just wanted these two to be part of ARTober and be able to contribute as well as the other established artists."
At the exhibition, Poppy will showcase a portrait series featuring 20 strong women from the region, with Dion creating short videos - including one of Petrus - representing journeys in our lives.
"You are often taught at school to follow rules and creativity can be lost," Poppy said.
"But we know now to never give up and to just keep trusting in ourselves."
And while society may often turn away from creativity, it is everywhere we look, Petrus says.
"Our first creative act is our first breath on this world and we continue to find it when we garden and when we cook and in the every day," he said.
"We trust and give and the world gives us gifts for our hard work."
To nourish this, Petrus opens his studio to friends and fellow artists.
And in that space nestled among the forest trees, dozens of books, thesis' and paintings have been created.
"Often being creative is being totally alone - but that's okay," he said.
"Art involves a little bit of magic and sometimes we can suddenly be awoken to the beauty of things that we simply didn't see before.
"We just need to find ourselves in the right places because it's how we find our strength. It's how we learn and grow. Really, it's how we exist in this world."
Poppy and Dion's exhibition at The Convent will be launched on Sunday, November 16 at 2.30pm.
The Convent will also host "An Evening with Petrus" on Wednesday, November 26, at 7.30pm. All welcome.
