Gregory Bonasera - Creative's Guide to Melbourne

Gregory Bonasera produces hybrid objects using state-of-the-art computer design and combining them with a 270-year-old method of mould-making for ceramics and slipcasting. Gregory’s work is infl uenced by science, geometry, biology, botany and architecture. The results are sophisticated, cool, elegant, beautifully functional fine porcelain and bone china objects and lighting. Gregory has exhibited in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Paris, London, Germany, Tokyo and Bangkok and has produced commissioned works for Giorgio Armani’s Sydney office and Ian Thorpe.

GREGORY’S TOP 5:

1 • CAVALLERO
Ornate iron gates, a cavernous dining room, a contemporary interior with a vintage edge, and communal tables and booths – my favourite Melbourne café.

2 • SMITH STREET
Formerly a department store precinct, Smith Street is grungy and confronting but between Victoria Street and Alexandra Parade is good food at honest prices, cafés, vintage furniture and clothing stores.

3 • EDINBURGH GARDENS
I take my Staffordshire bull terrier, Mavis, here for long walks. She makes friends while I relax on the lawn under a huge elm tree in the sunshine.

4 • THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION
Ceramics, glass, furniture and decorative arts mainly from the Georgian and Regency periods.

5 • THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS
A striking Neo-Grecian piece of architecture with an Art Deco feel, this circa-1935 building has a tall façade and eight-metre-high bronze and glass doors. Strikingly masculine, I can’t walk or drive past without pausing or slowing to admire.

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