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Studio Spaces: Nada HermanNada’s Art Studio/HomeShrouded by angophora gum trees, magnificent “Pittwater” views, and majestically positioned on the highest point of Avalon(Sydney, Australia) is a creative sanctuary used for three generations of one artistic dynasty.In this marvelous location stands a historic sandstone house called “Hy-brasil,” built in the 1930’s with a magnificent fireplacecreated by a huge 4m slab of rock quarried on the site. Hy-brasil is apparently a term for a mythical island which became accessibleonly one day in seven years.Ted Herman (Nada’s father) bought the 3 acre property in the 1950’s and resided there until his death in 2008 aged 85. He wasattracted to the unique location with all its natural surrounding bushland as well as the 360 degree views over the local waterwaysand ocean. These scenes provide inspiring views for artists working in the studio which forms part of the house.Hy-brasil is listed with the National Trust and has become heritage listed. This protects it from future development or subdivision.Famous Swiss-born artist Sali Herman OBE (Nada’s grandfather) lived and painted at the property in his last years untilhe passed away aged 95.Nada still occupies the studio, despite having moved to a new home close by designed to show her works to their best advantage.She never even thought of leaving the old studio, though. She says: “The light through all the windows in the studio isperfect for creating artworks. The water from the fish pond shimmers on the walls and creates a calming ambience, as does thesound of the running water. I have a spiritual connection to the property, almost like it has made me the person and artist I amtoday. When I paint from the studio I can see the tall, angophora gum trees which create a framework for the magnificent scenery.There are magpies, kookaburras, lorikeets, and currawongs flying around above in the branches. I can see Pittwater and thedistant sail boats. Every day I visit the nearby beaches observing the colors and the life within them. The location is a constantinspiration and the studio takes full advantage of it. It was what compelled my father to build it in the first place.”28 ARTisSpectrum