Where To Next? – a column written by globetrotting travel writer, Natasha Bazika for The Latch. Her insatiable curiosity takes her to lesser-known destinations, away from tourist hotspots, and into the heart of diverse cultures and communities.

This month Natasha discovers Kangaroo Island is an unexpected winter delight and is introduced to the creative and inspiring locals with the help of revered Exceptional Kangaroo Island (Australian Wildlife Journeys) owner/guide, Craig Wickham.

“Unbeknownst to many, Kangaroo Island boasts an impressive artistic community, with approximately 10% of its population actively engaged in artistic pursuits. My introduction to the art scene sparked when I first encountered an artwork by Janine Mackintosh at The Islander Estate Vineyards. The mandala of meticulously arranged eucalyptus leaves catches my eye. “Do you want to visit the artist?” Craig says.

Janine welcomes us onto her property — a quiet, woodsy, nature-filled patch of land that most tourists would drive past without noticing. We interrupt her, gluing sea shells onto a canvas.

“This is for the new Southern Ocean Lodge,” she says before ushering me into the next room where the remaining 40 works were stacked up against each other. Janine’s masterpieces are botanical assemblages using natural materials collected from her 800 acres of woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands.”

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