Page 22 - Port Douglas Magazine 33

PHOTO CREDIT: Port Studios

“One really gets the feeling that things seem to be falling into

place for this young couple. Through the twists and turns of
discovering their love of nature, of each other and of being
creative, Port Douglas has ended up being their destination.”

Dave suggested that Steph try and sell the paintings at the Port Douglas Since opening, the couple trialled offering painting workshops for all ages
markets to clear some space, and maybe earn some extra money. during the school holidays. I have attended one and can highly recommend
It was on an inauspicious early Sunday morning at 4.00am that Steph, with no it and yes, as it states on their website, it is ‘better than therapy’. As if they
car (and they lived in Four Mile, 5kms out of town) trundled a rickety wheelie don’t have enough to keep them busy, Steph also illustrates books and takes
suitcase to Market Park. After laying her canvases on a makeshift blanket, her commercial and private commissions and Dave intends to offer workshops in
first foray into the commercial art world ended with all her paintings being photography and digital imaging too.
sold - a resounding success! One really gets the feeling that things seem to be falling into place for this
With both realising that maybe something special had happened, thoughts young couple. Through the twists and turns of discovering their love of nature,
turned to how Steph could move forward with her art career and Dave was of each other and of being creative, Port Douglas has ended up being their
there to support her every step of the way. destination.
With Dave completing an MBA and his natural tech savvy aptitude, business Steph said that she is blown away by people visiting the gallery who remember
plans were formulated. buying her early works eight years ago when she was selling canvases on her
blanket at the Port Douglas market. She believes one of the reasons for their
As Steph moved her business forward Dave was there at every twist and turn. success is this ongoing support and warmth offered to them by the Port
He learnt photography so Steph could keep her costs down, as she was paying Douglas community and the wonderful visitors who come here.
a professional photographer to take images of her work. He rebuilt the website
and helped in the marketing and diversification of her ‘brand’. Dave’s mastery As in the words of Vance Joy’s song Missing Piece “Because when I’m in a room
of photography and digital imaging and their love of diving naturally led to his with you that missing piece is found”. It certainly seems like Steph and Dave’s
stunning images of animals and underwater footage. passion and their love for the creative fit together perfectly in Port Douglas.
Adding to their business a wide format, high quality, Canon printer upped the You can find Steph and Dave at SEA Gallery at
ante in allowing them to produce prints to order (great for their online sales). Shop 7/18 Macrossan Street, Port Douglas
This also enabled them to add to their product portfolio which now includes
wrapping paper and greeting cards. stephanieelizabethartwork.com
seagallery.com.au

22 tourismportdouglas.com.au