Original artwork by award-winning Castlemaine artist Michael Wolfe is featured extensively on this year’s season of The Block.
Filming at South Gisborne, it was only natural that this year’s renovators would uncover the region’s talented artists.
Wolfe, who is also a picture-framer, told the Express it all begin with host Scotty Cam’s visit to his studio and gallery to frame some treasures uncovered in the original farmhouse he was renovating.
“They were really well-preserved newspapers, letters and receipts from the McGeorge family, which I framed up to hang in his house,” Wolfe said.
“Scotty also asked for some of my paintings for his house – two in the hallway and one in his bedroom – which was totally amazing.”
The works selected mostly featured the Macedon Ranges and Hanging Rock and bring a contemporary yet country feel to the build.
“I think of my work as contemporary Australian landscape – it’s bold, gestural and abstract yet I’m always aiming to invoke the feeling of the landscape – the heat, the colours, the energy,” Wolfe said.
And that wasn’t all. Scotty’s purchase also inspired contestants Sarah-Jane and Tom from House One choosing a Hanging Rock painting for Hallway Week.
“It’s a stunning reno… and my painting looks pretty good too!” Wolfe said.
Finally, the show’s producers approached Wolfe along with, fellow Castlemaine artist Kylie Cuthbertson and Gold Coast artist Angie Summa, to be artists-in-residence for a week on the show.
They had the chance to paint from nature on set and their works will be prizes in one of the contestants’ upcoming challenges.
Wolfe said the exposure was “huge”.
“The Block reaches a massive audience of really switched-on people who love great design and appreciate what artwork can add to their interiors,” he said.
“I’ve been really fortunate to have had a long career as an artist and designer, and selling my work to people who really love it is incredibly fulfilling. I often get to meet the people who buy my work and try to deliver and hang it where possible.”
