Introduction
In 2013, artists, Robyn and Eric Werkhoven, established the successful Arts and Literary online magazine – Studio La Primitive Arts Zine. A free, independent, advertising-free digital publication.
The Arts Zine focussed on contemporary art, featured artist interviews, studio visits, exhibition reviews, poetry, essays, and art news. The Zine gave a comprehensive, curated glimpse into the creative concepts and methodologies of established and emerging Australian and international artists. I was honoured to have been a contributor to the Zine from May 2018, Issue 25, through to July 2025, Issue 62.
After 12 years of commitment and hard work, the last issue of the Zine was published in November 2025, Issue 64, to glean more time for their own art practice. A true pioneer and inspirational force of nature, Robyn’s editorial vision, generosity and contribution to the arts will leave a lasting legacy. Thank you to you both!
All issues of the Studio La Primitive Arts Zine are available at the State Library of New South Wales as digital publications, see website link - https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au. The journals will also be available in pdf format at the Studio La Primitive website sometime in the future, check the following website link for updates - https://www.studiolaprimitive.net
Below is an article that traces the evolution of the Studio La Primitive Arts Zine by Editor Robyn Werkhoven. Hope you enjoy their journey as much as I do.
Marie-Therese.
PS: Please note Robyn and Eric’s exciting upcoming film, and exhibition news, which follows the article.
The Journey of Studio La Primitive Arts Zine
Guest Editor, Robyn Werkhoven
January 2026
The Arts Zine was conceived one early morning in 2013, when I was lying in bed reading a book about one of my most favourite artists, namely, Francis Bacon's, 'Anatomy of An Enigma by Michael Peppiatt.'
Just a few lines from the book sparked me off: Paris in the 1920s – “Montparnasse acted like a magnet on artists and writers throughout the world.” The legendary Surrealist writer, Andre Breton, lived there in 1921 with several major publications to his credit, including the Surrealist Manifesto. Many of the magazines featured art exhibitions, reviews, essays and poetry. Hence, I decided I would work on producing and publishing an art and literature online magazine, now made possible with modern technology and the availability of the internet.
Since a young age, I have always enjoyed looking, reading and collecting art and fashion magazines. At seventeen I attended art school, followed by Graphic Design course in Sydney. Design and creative layout of articles I have always immensely enjoyed working on.
Eric and Robyn Werkhoven.
In the 1980’s I created “Studio La Primitive” with my husband, artist Eric Werkhoven, together we exhibit under this title. We have been involved professionally in the visual arts for many years – including performance/event art, painting, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery design, exhibition curation, management of galleries, and in recent times I had been interviewing Hunter Valley artists and publishing the articles in the Hunter Professional Arts magazine.
Front cover of the 1st issue of Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, October 2013.
Eric and I decided to title our magazine 'Studio La Primitive Arts Zine' and would feature artists’ interviews - a glimpse into the artists’ world, to gain an insight into how their creative concepts evolve. Incorporate exhibitions, art related articles, essays, poetry and art news. The magazine would also feature emerging and professional artists and writers. We would include all genres of the Arts for public interest and diversity. The one thing we did not want our zine to become was another overly academic art magazine.
We compiled an interview sheet of interesting questions to send to artists. We set no limit on contributor’s subject content. Invitations for an article/interview were emailed out, but as our reputation grew, many artists and writers were now submitting their work to us for publication.
What began with a timid 50 pages grew to over 200 pages and reached 64 issues over the twelve years, as more artists and readers became aware of our uniique online magazine. Our mailing list became huge with galleries, art collectors and art lovers subscribing for the bi-monthly issue.
The Zine was free, with no advertising from sponsors. It was not about making big money - just something we wanted to do for the Arts, which has been our lifelong passion since we believe art and culture are extremely important for a healthy society.
Early in 2014 I had an accident resulting in a stay in hospital for seven months, six of which I was confined to a bed. However, thanks to my sister, arriving in the hospital with a laptop computer, her words were - "You should keep producing your Arts Zine!" Furthermore, I had wonderful support from the art community, sending me interviews and articles. Three 2014 issues – March, May and July were published from my hospital bed.
Front cover of the 5th issue of Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, May 2014.
Arts Zine has been a voice for the artists and writers - not only from the Hunter Region, NSW - but nationally and internationally. Moreover, in 2017 Arts Zine was selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.
The magazine has featured 400 artists and writers including many emerging and high profile Australian & international artists – Del Kathryn Barton, Blak Douglas, Wendy Sharpe, Kathrin Longhurst, Nigel Milsom, Loribelle Spirovski, Kim Leutwyle, Matthew Quick, Braddon Snape, and many more. Renowned artists and award-winning film makers, George Gittoes and Hellen Rose, have been wonderful supporters and contributors to the magazine. We have had fabulous resident contributors such as Lorraine Fildes, travel writer and art photographer, poet and artist Maggie Hall, artist and writer Bernadette Meyers, and international, award-winning Spanish artist and photographer Jose Luis Seijas Garcia- SEIGAR. Resident poets such as Reese North, Brad Evans, Peter J Brown, Bea Jones and Eric Werkhoven.
Featured artist Del Kathryn Barton, 2008 and 2013 Archibald Prize winner.
Featured artist Blak Douglas, 2022 Archibald Prize winner.
Featured artist Kathrin Longhurst, 2021 Archibald, Packing Room Prize winner.
Featured artist Loribelle Spirovski, 2025 Archibald, ANZ People’s Choice Award winner.
Featured artist Braddon Snape, 2022 Lake Art Prize winner.
Featured renowned artist and filmmaker George Gittoes, 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sydney Underground Film Festival, Awarded the 2015 Sydney Peace Prize.
Some of the featured artists who appeared in Issue 34, November 2019.
Some of the featured artists who appeared in Issue 39, November 2020.
Some of the featured artists who appeared in Issue 63, September 2025.
We wish to sincerely thank all the artists and writers for their wonderful contributions of interviews and articles over the years. It has been a privilege to work with all of them.
Sadly, the November issue in 2025 was our last magazine, since we needed more time to concentrate on our own art practice. Nevertheless, we do have other art projects in the pipeline!
Front cover of the 64th and final issue of Studio La Primitive Arts Zine, November 2025.
Exciting News
Firstly, a film about Eric and Robyn’s art practice and life will be released this year, 2026, by Australian filmmaking duo, Nicky Eliott and Peter Delahunty titled, ‘Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts’. Click on the following link to the trailer of the film - Film Trailor - and hit on the link to the film's Facebook page, namely, - Banksia Brights - where the launch date will be announced.
Secondly, their art exhibition, STUDIO LA PRIMITIVE-ANTICS, will be held at the Cstudios Art Gallery, Newcastle, along with the book launch of their art from 7 November 2026.
In 2013, artists, Robyn and Eric Werkhoven, established the successful Arts and Literary online magazine – Studio La Primitive Arts Zine. A free, independent, advertising-free digital publication.
The Arts Zine focussed on contemporary art, featured artist interviews, studio visits, exhibition reviews, poetry, essays, and art news. The Zine gave a comprehensive, curated glimpse into the creative concepts and methodologies of established and emerging Australian and international artists. I was honoured to have been a contributor to the Zine from May 2018, Issue 25, through to July 2025, Issue 62.
After 12 years of commitment and hard work, the last issue of the Zine was published in November 2025, Issue 64, to glean more time for their own art practice. A true pioneer and inspirational force of nature, Robyn’s editorial vision, generosity and contribution to the arts will leave a lasting legacy. Thank you to you both!
All issues of the Studio La Primitive Arts Zine are available at the State Library of New South Wales as digital publications, see website link - https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au. The journals will also be available in pdf format at the Studio La Primitive website sometime in the future, check the following website link for updates - https://www.studiolaprimitive.net
Below is an article that traces the evolution of the Studio La Primitive Arts Zine by Editor Robyn Werkhoven. Hope you enjoy their journey as much as I do.
Marie-Therese.
PS: Please note Robyn and Eric’s exciting upcoming film, and exhibition news, which follows the article.
The Journey of Studio La Primitive Arts Zine
Guest Editor, Robyn Werkhoven
January 2026
The Arts Zine was conceived one early morning in 2013, when I was lying in bed reading a book about one of my most favourite artists, namely, Francis Bacon's, 'Anatomy of An Enigma by Michael Peppiatt.'
Just a few lines from the book sparked me off: Paris in the 1920s – “Montparnasse acted like a magnet on artists and writers throughout the world.” The legendary Surrealist writer, Andre Breton, lived there in 1921 with several major publications to his credit, including the Surrealist Manifesto. Many of the magazines featured art exhibitions, reviews, essays and poetry. Hence, I decided I would work on producing and publishing an art and literature online magazine, now made possible with modern technology and the availability of the internet.
Since a young age, I have always enjoyed looking, reading and collecting art and fashion magazines. At seventeen I attended art school, followed by Graphic Design course in Sydney. Design and creative layout of articles I have always immensely enjoyed working on.
In the 1980’s I created “Studio La Primitive” with my husband, artist Eric Werkhoven, together we exhibit under this title. We have been involved professionally in the visual arts for many years – including performance/event art, painting, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery design, exhibition curation, management of galleries, and in recent times I had been interviewing Hunter Valley artists and publishing the articles in the Hunter Professional Arts magazine.
Eric and I decided to title our magazine 'Studio La Primitive Arts Zine' and would feature artists’ interviews - a glimpse into the artists’ world, to gain an insight into how their creative concepts evolve. Incorporate exhibitions, art related articles, essays, poetry and art news. The magazine would also feature emerging and professional artists and writers. We would include all genres of the Arts for public interest and diversity. The one thing we did not want our zine to become was another overly academic art magazine.
We compiled an interview sheet of interesting questions to send to artists. We set no limit on contributor’s subject content. Invitations for an article/interview were emailed out, but as our reputation grew, many artists and writers were now submitting their work to us for publication.
What began with a timid 50 pages grew to over 200 pages and reached 64 issues over the twelve years, as more artists and readers became aware of our uniique online magazine. Our mailing list became huge with galleries, art collectors and art lovers subscribing for the bi-monthly issue.
The Zine was free, with no advertising from sponsors. It was not about making big money - just something we wanted to do for the Arts, which has been our lifelong passion since we believe art and culture are extremely important for a healthy society.
Early in 2014 I had an accident resulting in a stay in hospital for seven months, six of which I was confined to a bed. However, thanks to my sister, arriving in the hospital with a laptop computer, her words were - "You should keep producing your Arts Zine!" Furthermore, I had wonderful support from the art community, sending me interviews and articles. Three 2014 issues – March, May and July were published from my hospital bed.
Arts Zine has been a voice for the artists and writers - not only from the Hunter Region, NSW - but nationally and internationally. Moreover, in 2017 Arts Zine was selected by the NSW State Library to be preserved as a digital publication of lasting cultural value for long-term access by the Australian community.
The magazine has featured 400 artists and writers including many emerging and high profile Australian & international artists – Del Kathryn Barton, Blak Douglas, Wendy Sharpe, Kathrin Longhurst, Nigel Milsom, Loribelle Spirovski, Kim Leutwyle, Matthew Quick, Braddon Snape, and many more. Renowned artists and award-winning film makers, George Gittoes and Hellen Rose, have been wonderful supporters and contributors to the magazine. We have had fabulous resident contributors such as Lorraine Fildes, travel writer and art photographer, poet and artist Maggie Hall, artist and writer Bernadette Meyers, and international, award-winning Spanish artist and photographer Jose Luis Seijas Garcia- SEIGAR. Resident poets such as Reese North, Brad Evans, Peter J Brown, Bea Jones and Eric Werkhoven.
We wish to sincerely thank all the artists and writers for their wonderful contributions of interviews and articles over the years. It has been a privilege to work with all of them.
Sadly, the November issue in 2025 was our last magazine, since we needed more time to concentrate on our own art practice. Nevertheless, we do have other art projects in the pipeline!
Exciting News
Firstly, a film about Eric and Robyn’s art practice and life will be released this year, 2026, by Australian filmmaking duo, Nicky Eliott and Peter Delahunty titled, ‘Eric & Robyn and the Mythical Beasts’. Click on the following link to the trailer of the film - Film Trailor - and hit on the link to the film's Facebook page, namely, - Banksia Brights - where the launch date will be announced.
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