We believe the most beautiful moments happen around the table, where good food, art, and community meet. Whether it’s exploring local culture or gathering loved ones for a meal, inspiration is found in the things we share.
In this feature, we sit down with architect, artist, and design multi-hyphenate Sarah Cameron to discuss her creative journey, the inspiration behind her artwork, and her favorite seasonal hosting rituals. As Sarah reminds us through her own philosophy of gathering, the magic of the table isn't just about what is served, but the intentional, soulful spaces we create to bring people together.
Meet Sarah Cameron
Q: You wear a lot of hats—architect, painter, designer. How do you introduce yourself at a dinner party?
I've never thought of it like that but I guess you have a point! I always use "architect"... easier than trying to explain painting and designing. It's a good conversation starter, though. Everyone always has a story about a nightmare renovation!
Q: What do you want people to feel when they experience your work—whether that's a room you've designed or a painting you've made?
Designing a room or interior for me has always been about creating a warm and inviting environment with lots to look at and touch and sit on or read. Warm lamp lighting is key... as close to candle light as possible and preferably in corners. I love the look of minimalist Asian interiors, but I just couldn't live in one. Leave a teacup on a table and the whole thing looks wrong.
Paintings are a bit different as they are so subjective and personal and I think a lot of people are a bit frightened of "art". I try to paint what inspires or challenges me and not worry about what other people think. You are never going to please everyone. My sisters and daughter are my severest critics.
When I painted the first mural in the corridor of my new house in Clunes, my sister Jane took to setting herself up close by with a chair and a good book and passed continual comment for about a week as I slaved away. I still don't think she's very happy with it!
Q: What are you working on right now that you're most excited about?
I've started life drawing lessons and am loving the challenge and the discipline. Previously most of my painting, particularly murals, has come from my imagination. Life drawing is very humbling... one day you can be getting it, and the next you wonder why you ever picked up a piece of charcoal.
Painting-wise, I am exploring small still-life objects in the harsh Australian light and working on my oil technique. Now that I am no longer a full-time architect, it's such a privilege and luxury to have the time to explore these things.
At Home with Sarah Cameron
Q: What's the story behind this home?
This home was a "down-size" exercise about four years ago. I used to live in a larger house with a fair-sized garden when my daughter was still at school. When she went to ANU ten years ago, I designed and built a three-bedroom house in Clunes on three acres (with a design that had been in my head for at least a few decades) and all my gardening efforts have been taken up with that, so a move to a smaller place was inevitable.
Weirdly, I used to cycle past this flat on the way to my sister Anna's place and always wondered about it... the balcony looked so enticing and mysterious. When it came up for sale I jumped at it. The timing was right and I could see that my furniture and art would fit beautifully. A bit of House Karma going on? I am so lucky to be able to just shut my front door behind me and head off to Clunes most weekends, but I love living here during the week... the morning light is heavenly!
Q: You host this Winter Solstice lunch every year—what does that ritual mean to you?
I am a bit obsessed with light and find Melbourne's winter long and grey. So I like to celebrate the shortest day of the year, knowing more daylight hours are coming. I also love the pagan nature of the ritual... it's good to be reminded that hundreds of years ago life and survival was totally ruled by the seasons.
Q: What does a table need to feel like a proper gathering rather than just a meal?
Candles for one! If I'm setting up for a Solstice lunch, I try to keep the table decorations low so people can converse across the table. Then I intersperse candles with seasonal foliage or fruits or yummy edibles so it looks all warm and twinkly and soft. I hope guests immediately feel comfortable and welcome... and hungry!
Phillippa introduced me to edible decorations. Phillippa often has a pre-Christmas dinner with any friends who are around, so it's super casual and fun. She often decorates her table with her gingerbread Christmas trees. When my daughter and I get there, we simply go around the table and consume them all, they are so DELICIOUS. And repeat. Needless to say, she mysteriously goes through a few packets on those evenings. I don't know if she has figured out why yet!
Sarah's Top Picks from Phillippa's Bakery
What are your favourite Phillippa’s products and why?
Well, anything Gingerbread as per above, SO moorish!
Sables are addictive, and the Cranberry Shortbreads are incredible with the chewy fruit and buttery yumminess.
Pip's mother's recipe for Caramel Brandy Sauce is now a staple on our Christmas plum pudding, which is always a Phillippa's one.
The one thing I can't get enough of is the Cornbread. Phillippa first made it for me for breakfast (when she first opened) toasted with Lurpak butter and Promite. Honestly a perfect way to start the day.
A massive thank you to Sarah Cameron for sharing her story. Sarah is an absolute inspiration, particularly in her dedication to building intentional, soulful spaces and fearlessly embracing new artistic challenges.
To follow Sarah's creative journey and explore her latest artwork, visit her website and discover her unique perspective on architecture, art, and design.
