ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

MICHEL CANETTI

Mr Michel Canetti bought Corio Bay Villa in 1997, after moving to Australia from France the year before. He lived at Corio Bay Villa with his son from 1997 until 2005, after the rear extension had been added. In addition to being an artist, Michel is an admirer of period homes and collector of antique furniture, some of which can be seen in the photo below. He certainly added an artistic flair to the interior of Corio Bay Villa.

Image: Corio Bay Villa, 2005

Michel was the second visual artist to take up residence in Corio Bay Villa. Before coming to Australia, Michel studied Visual Arts at the Sorbonne University in Paris and then undertook a Masters in painting restoration. Michel used the original main room in Corio Bay Villa (with the ornate ceiling) as his painting studio. In addition to painting, he is also an advertising illustrator, having illustrated for prestigious brands such as Vogue, Chanel, Estee Lauder and L'Oreal. Michel is a very charming and affable man and is said to have hosted many social occasions while he was at Corio Bay Villa.

Image: artwork by artist Michel Canetti.

All copyrights retained by the artist.

After leaving Corio Bay Villa, Michel bought another, larger Victorian home not far from Surrey Hills. He still works as figurative painter and is represented by Thierry B Fine Art in South Yarra, Victoria and Soho Gallery in NSW. You can also find him on Facebook and Instagram @canettipaintings & @canettillustration, or check out his website www.michelcanetti.com.

To date there have been three painters (including myself) and one writer to live at Corio Bay Villa, that we know of. It is a beautiful home that must inspire the artistic spirit or perhaps catches the eye of creative minds.

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