While Husband and Wife duo, Struan Hopwood and Emma McAdam-Marmont were sitting on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague on the 13th of May 2016, Thirteen 05 was born.

 

After dreaming separately and planning for years together, Emma and Struan resigned from their full time advertising roles in 2016 to follow their dream to become professional artists. It was the devastating loss of a dear friend earlier that year which was the catalyst for this life change.

 

The pair opened Thirteen 05 in January 2017, a boutique gallery in the heart of Daylesford. Their gallery has a relaxed feel and represents their own eclectic style. As there are no set exhibition dates, the space and artwork is ever-changing. New work arrives every week so there is always something new for locals and visitors to enjoy. They represent a number of up and coming and established contemporary Australian artists.

 

Struan’s work is a mixture of street art and contemporary cartoon illustration. Struan borrows pop culture references and layers these elements with spray paint, illustrations and line work. His latest series is nostalgic and uplifting.

 

Emma’s work is softer, more introspective and painterly. Emma is known for her two main series, her Nudes and suits. Emma explores the curves and lines of the female form and paints each piece nearly entirely with a sponge. Her suits are more gritty. They are masculine and textured and are a nod to her time in advertising.

 

While the pair would love to expand their gallery eventually, at the end of the day, they want to stay true to doing what they love. They have found work-life balance in country Victoria and truly love spending their time in the gallery talking to holiday makers and collectors alike.

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