Creative Peeps Interview - Jay from Finki

All photos remain property of Finki Handmade and have been used with permission

Name

Jaylene Falkner.

Crafty peeps call me Jay ( :

Blog

Finki Handmade
Olive Grove Studios

What is your favourite creative pursuit?

Creating imagery, via sketching, collage or graphic design.

I find this is the starting point for all my adventures.

My crafty mission has always been finding a way of getting images and artwork into practical and fashionable items. So for example, each process might begin with an owl, then i try to think of as many ways as possible to bring that owl into your surroundings. A pendant, a pen holder, journal, t-shirt or stool.

What is your earliest creative memory?

At age 7 or 8, I nagged mum to let me use her big fancy metal sewing machine to sew clothes for my cabbage patch doll. See, even from the beginning, I didn’t model my fashions on Barbie, it was a cuddly lovable cabbage patch instead. It was all a lead up to making plus size clothes today ( : 

Who inspires you?

Real people...

Like:

Tinniegirl, for following her dreams and becoming the artist she knew she was.

Like:

Polly Pratt for giving up her boutique and life in NZ to move to Melbourne for a boy. Then starting over and building it all back up from scratch in a town where you know no-one.

Like all the girls at Olive Grove (the co-op where I work), because they all manage to be fabulous mums, wives and artists.

Each time I work a shift, I see the new things they have worked on in their week off. 

It constantly inspires me to not rest on my laurels, because if these girls can mange two and three kids, hubbies working overtime, and filling a retail space with the most creative and inspiring delights, then I reckon I can too.

What are you currently working on?

As per usual, I’m working on about 10 things at once. Everything is done in phases, so I tend be continually working on bringing a few things to completion.

Today I’m screen printing some nautical inspired body tees and whilst they dry, I’ll continue on my new vests. In the washer and dryer, I’m preparing some denim for new wrap skirts, all whilst on the table, my new brooches are drying from a recently applied coat of varnish.

Ok so that’s only four things on the go today, but you get the picture. It all happens in little bits all at once ( :

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To have my own shop, supporting handmade.

One of the most pertinent things I have learnt about handmade is that you cannot do it all by yourself...

Being in a co-op, I see that even though we have 8 or 9 members at any given time, I’m still working 50+ hours a week to keep the shop stocked.

Because you can’t just drift in at 9, work your 8 hour shift and go home. You have to put all the hours in behind the scenes to make sure that there is something on the shelf to sell...and whilst you do that, who’s doing your accounting, shopping for supplies and feeding your children. It’s all you, baby.

So yes, one day I want to have a shop, but I will have a tiny wee shelf with my own designs on it whilst the rest of the shop is full of handmade loveliness from all my bloggy friends. Oh and it wouldn’t hurt to have a coffee lounge out back for the local crafty groups to meet up in and share ideas ( :

That’s my ultimate creative dream.

Is you work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

Currently all my goodies are on show down at Olive Grove Studios.

159 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Vic.

Monday - Saturday : 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 12 am - 4 pm

Phone: 9388 - 8006
Email: olivegrovestudios@gmail.com

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses, launches, shows etc)?

The only highlight is a fabulous interview by the ever so creative, crafty, clever and kind CurlyPops ( : (awww shucks thanks Jay)!

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

Just do it!  Oh bugger, that ones taken.

But truthfully, it makes the most sense.

Don’t over think it, don’t procrastinate, don’t hesitate or put it off 'til tomorrow.

You need to do it ....today.

Maybe it won’t be 100% and maybe it won’t be all you dreamed, but your actions today will teach you invaluable lessons and put you in a position to meet people and see places that you can only experience if you take action.

Where you are today will not change into where you need to be tomorrow unless you grant yourself permission to follow your dreams.


Thanks so much for a wonderful interview Jay!
I was lucky enough to meet Jay at the first makers meeting for the Made'n'Thornbury market many moons ago. She's actually one of my crafty inspirations, and not only is she a lovely friend (and super crafter), but she's also provided me with lots of crafty business tips and advice - all of which I've been very grateful for.... and you'll find many Finki creations if you ever visit my place!

Creative Peeps Interview - Kris from Missie Krissie

All photos and creations remain property of Missie Krissie and have been used with permission

Name

Kristie/Kris

Blog

Missie Krissie

What is your favourite creative pursuit? 

Well, I have many but my current crafty flavour is definitely jewellery design. I love learning new techniques and watching how the metal reacts and forms. Then being able to use a new thing like riveting (recently aquired skill) to make something pretty is exciting.

Mastering the setting of stones is going to take a while, still it takes hours of adjusting and re-adjusting to get them to sit right! And there are still accomplished jewellers who break diamonds, so if I break a moonstone or two, it's not so bad :)

 I also love to make jewellery trees from old silverware. They are fun to make (sometimes tricky/dangerous) and it's a way of giving old things a new and useful life.

 

 What is your earliest creative memory?

I think it's my Gran teaching me how to sew a pin cushion and stuff it, perhaps when I was about 5? I was so proud that she trusted me with the sharp needles. The cushion was a bit wonky and the stuffing poked out the side but I was really excited at having constructed something. I gave it to my mum and she still has her pins in it.

Any other crafty memories would have to be painting or drawing which I was addicted to from a very young age according to my Gran (who still keeps a lot of pictures and talks about it often, lol)


Who inspires you?

Many people. With regards to jewellery design, I constantly trawl the Flickr photos to find other jewellery designers to be amazed by. There are so many talented people! One in particular makes me want to move to the US to be his disciple. Scott has been a professional jeweller for about 20 yrs (I think) and his works take my breath away. You can find him here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/two_claws_jewelry/

With regards to my every day life, I would definitely say my Hubby, Jem. Everyone who meets him can't help but like him. He has the gift of the gab, which I'm sure will enable him to be a great Police Officer. I'd like to have his confidence in talking to strangers, but we'll say I'm still working on it. Jem is a very loving Husband who leaves little notes for me and is the best Dad any little boys could wish for. I am very glad I got my claws into this fish! :)

My two little men (Aus 3 and Noah 1) stress and inspire me in equal proportions every single day. The way they play together and show love for each other, their Dad and Me is just a huge boost to my 'Mummy Morale' and gives me strength to get out of my nice warm bed every morning. 

My parents have also always been hugely inspiring and influential to me. I have a close family and I'll give everything I've got to make sure my little family stay the same way.

What are you currently working on?

Many things at once. Right now I'm in the process of completing a custom graduation set (necklace, ring, bracelet & earrings) part of the WIP can be seen here: 

I love custom works because its such a challenge to create something that will stand up to the customer's expectations. It's so exciting and terrifying at the same time! 

Also the freedom of just fabricating something entirely made up in my own mind is very fulfilling. Seeing the work rough, with fire scale or flux all over it, then turned into something that shines and sparkles gives me happy shivers!

What is your ultimate creative dream?

What I dream of every single day is my own big studio where I can experiment and create beautiful jewellery. I'd love to quit my day job as a Building Designer and just hammer and solder and melt things all day, every day! I think I will eventually get there, but I also need a balance between family life and work. So it may take until my little men are at school during the week to really have the time for growing my business. Until then I'll just use every spare second I have- mainly when kids are sleeping- to indulge my jewellery designing obsession :)

Is your work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

 
You can visit my Etsy Shop for my jewellery already for sale and enquire about custom jewellery.

And you can see the jewellery trees and also enquire about custom jewellery through my Missie Krissie blog.

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses etc)?

 

Nope, sorry. But I'm hopeful that in the future there will be many :)

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

I think you have to love and harbour a burning passion for what you do. As long as you have that, nothing can deter you from success! There will be flops and failures, but if you have passion, you'll continue and get it right.

Thanks so much for the wonderful interview Kristie - I'm always interested in finding out just a little bit more of how others are inspired. If you like what you see here, then why not pop on over to Missie Krissie and enter the giveaway for this gorgeous Rustic Ruffled Sterling Silver and Amethyst Ring by July 31st.

My name is in the barrel and I have my fingers crossed!

Creative Peeps Interview - chunkychooky / My Bearded Pigeon

  All photos and creations remain property of chunkychooky and have been used with permission

Name

Cath


Blog/s

Chunky Chooky

What is your favourite creative pursuit?

Hhmmmm it would be a toss up between sewing, stitching and hookin' - of the crochet kind...but my new and exciting passion is...........  I can't tell you yet - it is a surprise!

What is your earliest creative memory?

After attending a pantomime as a child where one of the characters was in a skeleton costume- you know the black body suit with the white skeleton painted on.  I decided to replicate this on my 2 year oldish naked body with permanent marker.  But I do remember constantly wanting to "make something" as a child -  I remember spending hours making outfits for the Barbies with scraps of fabric and rubber bands.

Who inspires you?

Initially when I started making softies I was inspired by artists like ninon, and in awe of soft sculpture like Abbey Glassenberg, and excited by the modern twist of artists like Beci Orpin and tons and tons of illustrators... and all the stitching seen on the Feeling stitchy blog.

But mostly now, I am inspired by the amazing work I see via blogs, and going on in peoples homes. The lovely sense of community amongst crafty bloggers is my biggest inspiration. At least once a week I see someting on a blog that inspires me to have a go at something new - like mastering the zipper, or the french knot.

 What are you currently working on?

I am moving away from concentrating on chunkychooky for a moment, I have a small list of regular stockists now and it seems to flow along very nicely. I am concentrating on the more grown up My Bearded Pigeon. 

I have plans, that are taking a frustratingly long time to be finished, particularly for someone with the limited patience I have. Readers of my blog will be the first to know all about it when it is finally ready (now I am going to worry, having built it up that you will all ask - is that it? when I finally tell you what it is, so humour me OK??)

I also had plans for a large embroidered piece which I was going to enter in a local art prize in October, but alas, there is no category for me...no contemporary embroidery section... I would really like to enter an embroidered piece in an exhibition but I am too shy to approach any galleries or anything like that....

But at the moment I am crocheting a blanket, doing some stitching and making lots of lists/ sketches in my notebook.

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To have my work in Inside Out magazine. There! I said it out loud! That is it. Really. That's all I really want....for now...

Is you work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

But of course:

chunkychooky website: for links to my online shops.

My Bearded Pigeon (Made It Shop) and soon to be launched My Bearded Pigeon on Etsy.

If you are in Brisbane, I am just about to post a load of rattles to Nook.

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses etc)?

* sigh* nooo....

I would love to do a photography course so I am looking into that at the moment.

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

Start today, but move slowly. Don't put pressure on yourself by spending huge amounts of money on tags/ busines cards etc these things can wait- or you can make your own for now.

I keep a simple list of money coming in and money going out- which I am pretty sure I saw Curlypops do a blog post about.. and this keeps me on track, spending more as I make more etc. chunky chooky is growing all the time but I am now at a level where it works perfect for me- you need to decide where it might stop being fun...for example if I got an order for 100 rattles I would initally see $ in my eyes then go into a complete stressed panic...

Stay true to yourself, don't let retailers talk you into lowering your price. Often handmade has to compete with similar items, made badly overseas, but made to look handmade, and these items make "real" handmade (and made in Australia) look expensive.

See yourself as an artist- (not that I would EVER DARE call myself this out loud mind you), but look at what people who paint/ illustrate charge for their work? ( With good reason I think).

A friend of mine is a artist and she is always nudging my prices up when I tell her what I am charging for something. Why do us crafters think our work is not so worthy? I feel strongly about our need to stand together on this one.

When I see people selling things on etsy/madeit for prices that are so incredibly cheap, when I have a rough idea how long the item took to make etc, it puts all of us at a disadvantage... often I hear people say - but its just a hobby for me, and that is great if it is, but you are inhibiting people from charging fair prices who are making a living from their art. (stepping down from soap box now...ahem.. )

So my advice is: Start your creative dream now. Go on! What are you waiting for ?


Thanks so much for such a wonderful interview Cath. It's been wonderful to find out just a little bit more about chunkchooky, and I can't wait to what comes next with your new venture, My Bearded Pigeon!

Creative Peeps Interview: Kylie from Chasing Purple Dreams

 

All photos and artworks remain property of Chasing Purple Dreams and have been used with permission

Name

Kylie Stevens, but I sign my artwork with “Kylie Marie”.  Marie is my middle name.  My high school art teacher wouldn’t let me sign with just my first name and I didn’t want to use my surname, so I chose to sign Kylie Marie.  I don’t like it as a “signature name”, but I feel with more than 13 years worth of paintings behind me I can’t change it now.

Blog

Chasing Purple Dreams

What is your favourite creative pursuit?

It so hard to choose one, I have so many creative obsessions!  I love to paint, especially in oils.  But if I had unlimited time, space and all the tools I desire, I would spend my days carving stone….I’ll get back into it one day, but for the last few years I have been on a self imposed ban from stone sculpture.  Without a dedicated space and pneumatic tools it is just impacts too much on my lifestyle and on my poor old hands.

 

What is your earliest creative memory?

I remember when I was eight, drawing a picture of some hills with the sun behind them, the kids at school thought it was great and I was hooked on the adrenalin rush of “art”.

Who inspires you?

Too many to name them all, I collect fine art books so I find a lot of inspiration in the lives and work of artists.  But to name a few of the favourites, William Robinson, Tim Storrier, Brett Whiteley, Margaret Olley, Van Gogh, Turner, Rodin…Ok I’ll stop now I could spend weeks listing favourites and go into detail about what in their work or lives inspires me, but you would all fall asleep! 

Just let me add, I met William Robinson, one of my artist hero’s.  I went up and gushed at him like a groupie, about how much I loved his work and how fabulous his retrospective exhibition was.  A very rock star moment for me! It still gives me a rush when I think about it. 

What are you currently working on?

I just finished the third painting in my “Adrift” series, it’s a big oil painting and I am absolutely thrilled with it.  I also have a small copper sculpture underway from the “Adrift” series.  I am experimenting with a verdigris finish on part of it and brainstorming ideas for the base. 

What is your ultimate creative dream?

It’s a big one….  I only just found the courage to voice it very recently.  I want to continue to grow and develop as and artist and one day see my works hanging in public collections.  The MMOA or the Tate would be good for a start!!! 

Is you work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

Yes a lot of my work is for sale.  I have an Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChasingPurpleDreams it’s a little neglected at the moment, but expect some changes there over the next few weeks…

I have made quite a few sales recently through my facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/ChasingPurpleDreams people have just contacted me directly about pieces that I have posted there.  I am also happy for anyone to contact me about works they see on my blog.  Most of them are for sale and I have also taken commissions through my blog and facebook.  Locally I have some pieces on consignment at Handmade Heaven and Finicky Furniture.

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses etc)?

Nothing concrete at this stage, but plans are in the pipeline…I’m putting in an application for an exhibition this week, it will take a while to be processed but I have my fingers crossed.  There is also a new gallery opening in town and I anticipate exhibiting there in the future.

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

Do it! Start now, take that first baby step, it is what will set you on your way.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions Kylie. I always feel a renewal of my inspirations when I'm able to read interviews from other creative people who love what they do!

Creative Peeps Interview: Tinniegirl

All photos and artworks remain property of Tinniegirl and have been used with permission

I'm beginning a new regular series on the blog, interviewing some of my fave creative peeps, to find out a little bit more about just what makes them tick. I'm always interested to know where inspiration can be found, and how creativity has been nurtured over the years. Please read on and enjoy!


Name

Cathy, or Tinniegirl

The name Tinnie was given to me by my Mum.  The word 'tinnie' means someone who has great luck.  I was originally being a bit tongue-in-cheek when I started using it.  But nowadays, I think why not call myself lucky?  For the most part, I guess I am.


Blog

www.tinniegirl.com.au

What is your favourite creative pursuit?

Painting, without a doubt.   Although I play around with different mediums and crafts, painting is the thing I'm most drawn to.  I paint with acrylics and also incorporate occasional bits of collage and mixed-media work.

My second favourite creative pursuit is writing, and particularly blogging.  I really love the creativity involved in writing a blog.  I love the way blogging brings words and pictures together to create this amazing story.
My story.

I do love to indulge in a bit of crochet too, and would love to do some guerilla crochet projects at some stage.

What is your earliest creative memory?

A memory that always stands out for me is a doll's house that I created out of a shoe box when I was very young.  I had a miniature doll and I decided to create a house for her.  She had a bonnet made of a foil patty pan and ribbon, as well as hand sewn garments.  I made rugs and other soft furnishings for her house and then put in some tiny furniture.  It was a great house and is a really fond memory of my own early creativity.

One of my other strongest memories is of being surrounded by creative women.  My Mum, Gran and all my Aunts were extremely creative and were always sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, preserving, cooking, etc, etc.  My passion for creativity, and love of handmade definitely grows from these roots.

Who inspires you?

We are incredibly lucky that modern technology gives us access to such a vast array of inspiration. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the amount of inspiration I find in the world.

Here's a few artists whose work I can't get enough of at the moment:
Mati Rose McDonough - http://matirose.blogspot.com/
Flora Bowley - http://www.florasbowley.com/
Katherine Quinn - http://katherineq.blogspot.com/
Cori Dantini - http://coridantinimakes.blogspot.com/

I'm also really inspired by the natural environment - flowers, birds, trees, pods, anything like that.  Most of my own painting is inspired by these things.

People who tell their story with integrity and authenticity really inspire me as well.  I love to read about people's journeys and to really know what makes them tick.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I'm trying to get my head around Photoshop as I'm going to have fine art prints made of many of my paintings.  It's driving me nuts!

I've also just started work this week on some new paintings, because I needed to get my head out of the computer and get my hands messy with paint.  I'm really excited about them actually.

I'm also crocheting a blanket for my Mum, and playing around with some other new ideas.

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To work full time on my creative pursuits, and to make a sustainable living from my creativity.  To have an amazing studio at home where I spend my days painting, writing, experimenting, collaborating with other creative people and perhaps teaching in some capacity.  To be able to contribute my work and ideas to a bigger creative picture.  To make public art.  To be published.  To exhibit my work in Australia and overseas. To live an amazing creative life.

Is you work for sale, and if so, where can I buy it?

In about a month I'll be reopening my Etsy shop and you'll be able to buy fine art prints and other mixed-media works from me.  You can find my shop at www.tinniegirl.etsy.com

Do you have any upcoming events planned (exhibitions, markets, interviews, courses etc)?

I'm a whole lot excited and a little bit nervous about my first exhibition, which is coming up very soon.  It's opening on Thursday 22nd July at Chair 14, Darebin Rd Thornbury at 7pm.  Everyone is welcome to come along.

I'm hoping to do more exhibiting this year and perhaps some markets towards the end of the year, but I'll get through this upcoming exhibition first.

Do you have any advice for others who would like to follow their creative dream?

Never give up on your dream.  Trust your heart, and the longings that are within you.

And do something that helps you take a step towards your dreams.  For me it was buying some canvases and paint about 4 years ago.  I had no idea how to paint and I felt like such an impostor.  I almost expected the staff at the art shop to laugh at me and ask me who on earth I thought I was buying art supplies.  That was a pivotal moment for me.  It was the first time I gave myself permission to be an artist.

I've come a long way since then in terms of both my confidence and my skills.  But starting was the key. You've got to take that first fearful step, and then keep on taking steps, big or small, whatever you can manage.

Oh, and my other bit of advice is to give yourself permission to change directions, to experiment, to think you know where you're headed and then suddenly realise that you want to go in the opposite direction.  The creative journey is a topsy-turvy one and I think you just have to roll with it.

In the end you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be.  Creativity is like that.


Thanks so much Cathy for taking time to answer my nosey questions, and being a constant creative inspiration.  I'm certainly looking forward to dressing up in my party frock for the upcoming exhibition!