Humans of Surry Hills: Bec Attanasio

Studio Manager at Pinot & Picasso, Surry Hills

1. Can you tell us about yourself? We heard you are a NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) graduate, what did you study there?

I'm originally from Melbourne and moved to Sydney to attend NIDA for Acting. I auditioned for 6 years to get into the acting course, it is very competitive with only 24 students out of thousands of applicants each year.

I had an incredible 3 years. We studied everything from phonetics to clowning, movement performance to your usual Chekhov and Shakespeare. It is such a well-rounded experience for all artists in all performance disciplines.

Since I graduated in November, I've been on an episode of Doctor Doctor and I've just finished performing in The Tempest with Sport for Jove. Not a bad start at all! I live with my fiancé who was an actor and is now a Clinical Psychologist, and our little puppy Baci.

2. What attracted you to working at Pinot & Picasso?

As an artist, it's really important to fuel your creativity however you can. As an actor and a recent graduate, I needed to find a job that would allow me to stay creative while between acting jobs. I feel so lucky to have my job at Pinot and Picasso Surry Hills, it really is the perfect day job.

3. Do you have an artistic background?

My Mum is a painter, so I've dabbled in arts and crafts all my life. I definitely don't have my Mum's painting talents, but I absolutely learned the importance of expressing yourself creatively. Whether it was making mosaic picture frames, acting with sock puppets or writing your own picture book, I was really privileged to have that sort of childhood. Now I'm an Actor who teaches painting at Pinot and Picasso, and I spend my spare time making pottery, all in Surry Hills. If that's not the dream, I don't know what is!

4. Do you think painting is just for the pro's or does everyone have an artistic side in them?

I'm certainly not a pro! Aside from my personal enjoyment of painting, I never had any real flair for it. If I can do it, you can do it! The best thing is watching people discover just how creative they can be. People come into our studio and say they can't paint, and oftentimes are the ones who leave with the most interesting piece!

No matter how in touch or out of touch you are with your creative side, it's in all of us and it's waiting to be expressed. It is such a healthy outlet to really let loose and let go of everything, be present in the moment, have a cheeky drink and just take the pressure off yourself for the end result and focus on enjoying the journey. Which is a huge lesson in acting, to focus on process over product. I get to watch people discover that every single day.

5. Tell us about the philosophy of Pinot & Picasso.

Pinot & Picasso is all about the experience. You get to walk in our door, leave the day behind, have a drink and immerse yourself into making something for a few hours. We guide you through in an approachable and collaborative way so by the end of the night, even the 'non creatives' are taking home their very own Picasso!

6. What do you find most interesting about residents of Surry Hills?

Surry Hills is such a unique and interesting hub of people. Everything is so accessible. You can walk 20 metres in any direction and you'll pass galleries, theatres, cafes, parks, there are so many amazing attractions in our neighbourhood. Naturally, I think this attracts young families, students and older couples. Essentially, Surry Hills is a melting pot of people and culture, which has made it the ultimate place to live for the last 5 years.

Pinot & Picasso Surry Hills

(E) surryhills@pinotandpicasso.com.au

(M) 0492 219 303