art habit
Get addicted.
Concept
Proof Of concept
What if we could turn any luxury space,
into an opportunity to connect-untapped-audiences, with high end art?Hi, I’m Jade Stevens. I’m a visual artist, and a business creator.In my last business, Ma:kai, based in the Torres Strait.
I sold original artworks, along with gallery quality prints,
that were printed right here on the Sunshine Coast.
The relationship with that printer has been in place for 6 years now.After selling Ma:kai, and relocating to the mainland, I continued to sell limited prints and it was during this time I was approached by the purchasing officer of a multi-level private hospital and asked if I could provide enough prints for every, level, of the building.
Absolutely, I could have, and I assured her of it, however, without a platform in place or a variety of artists, I ultimately lost the sale.The concept that grew as a result of that lost opportunity, is, I believe,
the next logical step in art access and distribution.Art Habit.The easiest way to explain Art Habit is to say I connect artists and spaces across the coast, borrowing walls in the same way Uber borrows cars. Through QR code technology and a purpose-built virtual gallery, I connect curious collectors with artists local to the regionThe physical artwork can be displayed anywhere, from high end accommodation, to private hospitals, or corporate space.
The only non-negotiable is that the space is luxuriously high-end
to maintain artists integrity.I’m currently undertaking a proof of concept here on the Sunshine Coast, and I intend to expand to regions across greater Queensland thereafter.My short-term goal is to transform as many high-end walls as possible into vibrant showcases of local artists work by the time the Olympics arrive, with a vision to grow Nationally after that.
Artists
Jade Stevens
Welcome! I'm a visual artist and an entrepreneur with a passion for turning creative visions into thriving businesses. Since the age of 23, I’ve co-founded and sold three successful ventures, and now I’m thrilled to introduce my latest venture, 'Art Habit'. This exciting new project is currently in its proof-of-concept phase, right here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. I'm originally from the south coast of Victoria (Boonwurrung/ Bunurong Country). Prior to moving to Nambour, I lived on Waiben in the beautiful Torres Strait (Kaurareg Country) for almost a decade. Although art has always been an important part of my life, it was only in 2020 that I discovered watercolour and became captivated by the medium's unique qualities. Currently, both my studio, and my home are here in Namba (Kabi Kabi/ Gubbi Gubbi Country). In addition to creating art, I am the gallery coordinator for The Old Ambulance Gallery in Namba. I live and breathe my arts practice and was honoured to be a finalist in the QRAA in 2024/ touring 2025. Take Over recipient in 2025, and Du Reitz Art Awards finalist 2022, 2023 and 2024. My work focuses on blending realism and abstract elements to create pieces that integrate both styles. I find endless inspiration in human behaviour and resilience, and equally in adversity. We’re all just falling forward through life, and I find so much beauty in the chaos of it all!
Artists
Libby Derham
CONTEMPORARY WATERCOLOUR ARTISTAn appreciation for the natural world informs Libby Derham's practice. The work seeks to capture her sensory experience within it and the immersive qualities of plein air. Libby transcribes birdsong to line and captures peaceful yet rich encounters with the natural world, she creates loose and expressive contemporary landscape and flora paintings in watercolour and ink.An award-winning artist, Libby is a fourth-generation water-colourist, passionate at pushing the medium into the contemporary space. She won the Annie Tan Memorial Watercolour Award - Queensland Regional Art Awards(2021) and has been a finalist in multiple local and international awards including Fabriano In Acquarello (2024), Splash: McClelland Contemporary Watercolour Award (2021), QRAA (2020), Local Artist Local Content (2022/2021/2020) and Du Rietz Art Awards (2021/2020). Further career highlights have included being recipient of Sunshine Coast Arts Foundation'Gifted Program' and involvement in Sunshine Coast Council's project 'TheKeeper'. She completed art training at Surrey Institute of Art and Design in the UK (1996-1998), before migrating to Australia in 2000 where she studied Teaching and Visual Art at Monash University (2000-2004). Libby has been a full-time artist since 2021.
Artists
Megan ruby lee
Megan Ruby Lee is an Australian printmaker currently creating on Kabi Kabi / Gubbi Gubbi Country on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.Megan has been printmaking since she was 14 years old, and specialises in linocut printmaking. Megan also has a background in environmental science and conservation, which she often draws on and weaves into the stories of her creations.Through her work, Megan explores the themes of interconnectedness, spirituality, and conservation, aiming to inspire more appreciation of the depth and beauty of nature, and she invites audiences to question their role and responsibility in its protection, healing, and ongoing care.Drawing on the beauty and concerns of the environments she immerses herself in, she transforms this inspiration into unique hand-made lino prints back in her studio.www.wilderessdesigns.com.auInstagram & Facebook: @wilderess.designs
Artists
Andrew hillhouse
Andrew’s passion for painting and drawing has been a lifelong obsession. He is formally trained as an architect and urban designer. In 2004 he exhibited a collection of small abstract watercolours in an exhibition called Woven at the Noosa Regional Gallery. Theses works investigated random but not random patterns depicting abstract expressions of light in the landscape. Andrew has since completed a Diploma in Visual Arts to develop skills in other media. and participated in numerous painting and drawing workshops. His current interest is in the textural qualities of acrylic paint. His paintings are described as abstract impressions of the natural environment that provoke an emotional response. This series,“ On the Nature of Daylight” is also an exploration of light. The title is from a piece of music by Max Richter which is an inspiration for much of this work. His paintings are held in private collections in Sydney, Adelaide and Munich
Get In Touch
Register Your Business to Host Local Artwork.
Connect Your Space with Local Talent.Do you have a high-traffic, luxury space that could benefit from a creative touch? At Art Habit, we connect local mid-career contemporary artists with businesses like yours to bring unique, high-quality artwork into your space. Not only will you elevate your environment, but you'll also support the incredible talent within our community.Why Host Local Art?By hosting local artwork, your business becomes part of a larger movement to promote the thriving contemporary art scene on the Sunshine Coast. Whether you manage luxury accommodation, hotels, offices or corporate spaces, our platform provides access to curated collections from renowned local artists. It's a win-win: enhance your space, value add to impress your customers, and contribute to the cultural heartbeat of our community.What’s in It for You?- Enhance Your Space: Transform your business with vibrant, carefully curated artwork from Sunshine Coast's most talented artists.- Support Local Talent: Play an active role in promoting local culture by showcasing mid-career contemporary artists.- Exclusive Partnerships: Gain access to exclusive works that will set your space apart from the competition.- Flexible Hosting Options: Whether you're looking for long-term installations or rotating exhibits, we tailor the experience to suit your space and vision.How It Works:1. Register Your Business: Fill out our simple registration form to get started. Tell us about your space, and the kind of work you are open to showcasing.2. Get Matched: Once registered, our team will match you with local artists whose work complements your business environment.3. Install & Showcase: We handle the logistics—installation, setup, and promotion—so you can focus on running your business while enjoying a gallery-quality atmosphere.4. Connect Your Audience: Each piece of art comes with a QR code, allowing customers to learn more about the artist and even purchase works directly, providing both exposure for the artist and a unique experience for your patrons.Join the Movement TodayRegister now to become a host for local mid-career contemporary artists and transform your space into an artistic showcase that inspires both staff and visitors. Together, we can celebrate the incredible talent of the Sunshine Coast while elevating your business with original, captivating artwork.