About a year ago, the beloved dollar shop near Beci Orpin’s studio in Brunswick was closing down. As an artist and designer based in Melbourne, Orpin described the Hot Potatoes store on Sydney Road as “iconic”. As the owners began their liquidation process, two signs appeared in the window, advertising a “50% OFF” sale. Orpin immediately became captivated by them.
These signs, though handmade, clearly followed a stock image design. They were similar yet different from each other – one was in paint, while the other was done with a red texta. Orpin was drawn to the slight variations in colors and the graphic elements of the signs. She expressed her love for them to her husband on numerous occasions.
Her husband engaged in some undercover negotiations with the shop owners, and to Orpin’s surprise, the signs became an early birthday gift for her. She describes receiving the signs as “very surprising, and very, very cool”. Having lived in the neighborhood for 15 years and falling in love with the eclectic charm of Sydney Road, Orpin considers the dollar shop not only a special place in her heart but also in her creative practice.
For Orpin, the signs represent more than just a cherished possession. They are a snapshot of a changing neighborhood and hold sentimental value. She says, “You’ll never find anything like this ever again.” As an artist, Orpin has always been inspired by the localness of art and design, whether intentional or serendipitous.
In addition to her love for the signs, Orpin also appreciates their uniqueness. She explains that her friends are not surprised by her choice to display such a curious and original piece on her walls. The signs hold a timeless and one-of-a-kind quality that cannot be replicated.
Orpin’s self-published book, titled “Book of Girls”, is now available. If you have a unique artwork hanging on your wall with an extraordinary story behind it, you can submit it via email to [email protected] for consideration in future columns titled “Wall Stories”.
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