Matchbox Gallery - Inkpot Alchemy

Top - Trees, Middle - The big tree, Cheryl (top) and Dijanne, Bottom - Ink Examples, Book of Ink

Inkpot Alchemy, comprised of the dynamic duo (according to LRG) Cheryl Cook and Dijanne Cevaal will be coming to Matchbox Gallery, Yinnar from March 16 - April 12, 2026. 

They will be in residence at the Gallery so not only can you enjoy their work but you will be able to chat with the artists whilst they work, and on some days partake in mini workshops at minimal cost.  You will need to book as numbers are limited to four participants.  During the Easter break there will be a special workshop for children who are in the company of a responsible adult. Note that both Cheryl and Dijanne have current Working with Children Certificates.

Inkpot Alchemy has been a collaboration between Cheryl and Dijanne in creating with the magic and mystery of natural inks.  The inks were originally developed by Cheryl to individualise her work in response to the City and Guilds Fellowship she completed out of the United Kingdom.  The inks are sourced from the bush, our gardens and the gardens of friends, and the work they have created has been inspired by the interactions with these natural botanical elements. They have learnt that nature and plants offer infinite variety and surprise and that the only way to work with them is to be constantly awed.  Cheryl and Dijanne have developed a myriad of colours using the inks and also created printing inks - all created from botanicals which can be used on fabric and paper.

Together they have been on road trips searching for River Red Gums in Stratford, reindeer lichen at Cheryl’s property, coastal banksias at Marlo, seaweed at Woodside beach, even moss and laurel leaves in Chartres, France.  There were many raids on the gardens of friends - for where you might see a rose they see colour and ink. They are both very aware that they are a part of this magical alchemy with nature and that nature firmly guides them and requires attention and love. This is the outward expression of the materials they have synthesised from nature and which is embedded in their art.  Inkpot Alchemy are excited to share this as part of their residency at Matchbox and hope you will join in the fun and magic and be inspired.

In the last two years they have exhibited at the Orbost Exhibition Centre, Meeniyan Art Gallery, ARC Yinnar and have conducted workshops at Geelong Fibre Forum, Latrobe Regional Gallery, at ARC Yinnar and at Cheryl’s studio at Tanjil South. They have also written two booklets which will be available at the Matchbox Gallery during this time.

Dates to note:  

• Wednesdays to Fridays from March 8 to April 17, - Artist in Residence demonstrations and chats.
• April 3, 4, 5 - Children’s two hour workshops 1pm - 3pm
• April 11 and 12 - Adult three hour workshops 1pm - 4pm