Melbourne photographer, Liane
Hurvitz shares her home, her isolation experience and how she’s supporting local creatives.

My home is my safe haven, a place for reflection and uninhibited creativity. It’s a place that I can feel ornately myself and visually inspired by my surroundings.

Melbourne-based photographer, Liane Hurvitz, shares an intimate window into her her home, creative life and her experience during her second and current isolation.

Inspired to create and collaborate from the confines of her home, this self-portrait series put photographer Liane in front of the lens for a change to share a personal diary series of Liane at home showcasing a beautiful mix of local designers and artists based in Melbourne.

This unique collaboration project was inspired to support Australian fashion labels and artists - largely independent and small businesses, during a confronting second round of lockdowns and business closures.

In collaboration with THE INSPIRED CO, Liane’s self-portrait profiles Melbourne-based fashion labels; Lois Hazel, Lylou the Label, Muse the Label, Nikita Miller, Par Moi, Perple, Sanserie, Simetrie, Sunshine Symbol, together with local jewellery designer MLR and artists; Holly Terry, Made by Bowie and Silk Roy.

Liane wears Melbourne-based label Nikita Miller @nikitamilleroffical

Liane wears Melbourne-based label Perple Psyche Overshirt / Dress Thunder @perplewomen

Liane wears Melbourne-based label Muse The Label Celia Frill top and pants in Black @muse-the-label

Liane wears Melbourne-based label Par Moi @par-moi

“The stillness and time at home has allowed me to pause and look for simplicity and beauty in my space and my work.

I was reminded that the caterpillar grows wings during a season of isolation.”

What does home mean to you?

This year has highlighted the importance of home being a space that uplifts, inspires and facilitates my creativity.

Although my work is quite tonal and colourful, my space is neutral, a blank canvas. The floors are set with wide blonde timber floorboards and white sheers drape the length of the room. I love waking up to the morning light shining through them and photographing the beautiful shadows they cast on the walls and floor.

The space is open plan with moveable, minimal furniture. It can shift within moments and become whatever I need it to be - a place to photograph, work, or paint.

Liane wears Melbourne-based labels Sanserie Napier Shirt @sanserie.au with Lylou the Label pants @lylouthelabel and jewellery by MLR @mlr_

How has this year's pandemic changed you?

Isolation has been a deeply transformative experience for me on many levels. The loss of my freedom coincided with the passing of my mother, a loss that put all the other losses into perspective.

My time at home has given me the space to not only grieve my mother, but to reconnect with myself on a whole new level.

Before the pandemic my life was very busy and chaotic. Isolation has given me the opportunity to be still, without the bounds of hustling for my next job, planing my year ahead or even something as simple as choosing a restaurant to catch up with friends.

I’ve been able to truly reconnect with my myself and ultimately my inner creativity. This time has allowed me to enter a rawer, less inhibited space that normal life just didn’t have room for.

What has been keeping you inspired during this time?

Fashion, art and music are a permanent part of my life and home - forever keeping me sane and inspired. Recently, I’ve become more interested in documentaries and books like How to Heal Your Life. I’ve loved learning about myself and the world, something I’ve never had enough time for before.

What inspired this self-portrait series at home?

Isolation has really shaken the creative industry, throwing so many unknowns about our future. This series has reminded me that we’re all in it together, and of the importance of really appreciating the artistry of our professions, which is unfortunately lost right now due to the impact of COVID-19 on our creative industry.

“I love my life in Melbourne. My creativity is the essence of who I am and I need to constantly be seeking new inspiration and creating.

Connecting and supporting local designers and artists including independent labels; Lois Hazel, Lylou the Label, Muse the Label, Nikita Miller, Par Moi, Perple, Sanserie, Simetrie, Sunshine Symbol, together with local jewellery designer MLR and artists; Holly Terry, Made by Bowie and Silk Roy allowed me to continue to be inspired, create new work, connect with my creative community and support local and independent designers and artists.”