Deep See Survey

Deep See Survey is a collective of four multi-disciplinary artists and surfers who call Shoreham home.

The collective comprises artistic curator and facilitator Janenne Willis, photographer and poet Bri Horne, director and filmmaker Curtis Hill, and painter Leyla Bulmer, with each artist bringing their own unique talent to the communal table.

In 2023, the group began as a conversation between friends, meeting on their boards or on living room floors to share ideas and inspiration. These conversations laid the foundation for Deep See Survey, and in early 2024, their collective vision materialised into a physical studio space. With the help of friends and family, the group transformed a vacant shopfront in Shoreham into a space to create, collaborate and share art with their community.

The studio is located on a tiny strip of shops across from The Common and up the road from The Pines lookout and surf break. It’s warm and inviting, with a spacious lounge for contemplation and a large communal workspace to create and collaborate. With each project, the space transforms, taking on the unique requirements and vision of the artist.

Whilst each of the artists has different styles and aesthetics, the main thread that ties them together is their connection to community and their natural surroundings. Think: photography rooted to the earth yet almost ethereal in nature; abstract paintings inspired by natural forms; mind-bending experiential projects; and films that hum with deep sensibility in the exploration of what it is to be human.

“We're all surfers and ocean dwellers. Living in a place where we are deeply connected to nature enriches us and inspires our creativity. In many ways, it’s the reason why we create. We all have a different story about what drew us to art. That’s for a cuppa in our space sometime."

Reflecting on their connection to the Mornington Peninsula, the collective respond: “We love the sense of community that we have here in Shoreham. It feels like the arts community is growing all over The Ninch.”

The collective’s opening season is filled with participatory live shows that aim to connect said community through shared experiences, including live performance art, exhibitions, screenings, workshops and events drawing on their collective practises in art – painting, poetry, photography, installation, and film.

“At the core of what we do as a collective, is creating art that aims to connect the community to self, to others, and to nature. Our opening season in particular is full with live shows that the community can really engage deeply with and participate in.”

Deep See Survey’s Opening Season is supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Performing Art Fund. To discover the full program, visit their website and keep up to date on instagram.