General News
27 March, 2025
International connection forms at the Commercial
AN international artist has struck an unlikely connection with a local talent while developing her skills as an artist in residence at the Commercial Hotel.
German national Irena Pacan has spent the last month in Terang as an artist in residence as she makes a stop to harness her creativity amidst her travels.
“I’m travelling around the world with my guitar,” she said.
“My daughter was in Australia and I was in Thailand, so I came to visit her.
“We spent three weeks in Tasmania, and I was searching for a place I could stay where there are other artists and musicians with cheap accommodation.
“I found an article in the newspaper about the Commercial Hotel and what Les Cameron (proprietor) is doing to support artists, so I called him and that’s how I ended up in Terang.”
Ms Pacan said the opportunity to take her time to harness her creativity and spend time around likeminded individuals has been a rewarding experience.
“I call it the artist’s paradise because it’s such an inspiring community,” she said.
“You have the opportunity to be around other artists and other musicians.
“I’m a songwriter so I’ve had the chance to learn a lot and grow ideas from the inspiration.
“It’s such a unique place.”
One of the musicians she has collaborated with is Tandarook’s Jackie Nowell, an active member of Terang’s artistic scene who is looking to develop her own music skills.
The duo has collaborated on writing new music, performing as a duet at the Commercial Hotel and even stepped out of their comfort zone when busking at the recent Port Fairy Folk Festival.
“I’ve put on a few shows previously in collaboration with Marie and Pete Ewing, and I also volunteer in the TAG art gallery – which is how I met Irena,” Ms Nowell said.
“We started jamming as I’m also a singer and songwriter.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to have met Irena – I’m so appreciative to everyone at the Commercial Hotel, Les Cameron, Rosie Knight and Des Bouchier.
“I’m writing a new song about the experience, all while juggling my other commitments.
“It’s been a good experience.”
Ms Pacan said she plans to linger in Terang for a few more weeks to finish a song which has been inspired by her stay in town.
“I’m writing a new song, which I have to finish because it’s about the Commercial Hotel,” she said.
“It’s always difficult when you want to finish something in particular – it’s not as easy-going as when the song comes to you.
“As a songwriter, sometimes the song just comes, but I wanted to work on it to make music with other musicians because I’m a solo artist so it’s difficult to work with other artists.
“But I got a lot of good ideas and opportunities from other musicians who are here, such as Steven ‘Stretch’ Teakle.
“I’m very lucky I can stay with everyone at the Commercial Hotel.”
Where she goes next remains up in the air, but Ms Pacan has no doubt her next adventure will be approached with rejuvenation from the creative nourishment she found at the Commercial.
“I don’t know where I’ll go,” she said.
“I go with the wind and the sun.”
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