From King Street to Wilson Street Artist profile: Maggie Stein

Maggie Stein shares a stall with fellow printmaker, Fiona Roderick, at the monthly Eveleigh Artisans’ Market. Maggie and Fiona have been part of the markets since June, selling lino prints as well as a range of gift cards.

Maggie has been creating art all of her adult life (25 years), and in the last few years has done many linocuts inspired by King Street, Newtown.

This interest began when Maggie was commissioned to create an image for someone leaving the inner city and received a really positive response to it.

The artist has created some smaller prints specifically for the gift market, and says she really enjoys the atmosphere of the markets including the camaraderie among the stallholders, as well as the opportunity to talk to interested customers who often offer positive feedback.

The Market has also given Maggie motivation to find a new direction for her work and to find her niche.

When considering the markets more broadly, Maggie believes that: “The area surrounding the markets is a great development for the community. Much of the former character of the built environment has been retained, and I love the fact that it is accessible to many by cycling and public transport. The Artisans’ Market does need a higher profile in the community. A lot of locals know about the Farmers’ Market but not the Artisans’ Market – art is not quite as appealing to everyone!”

The Artisans’ Market is held from 10am to 4pm on the first Sunday of the month at the Eveleigh Railway sheds, 243 Wilson Street, Darlington. www.eveleighmarket.com .

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au