How would you describe
yourself?
Determined,
passionate, organised, dedicated and friendly... beware anyone that stands in
the same queue as me at a café, I may just strike up a conversation with you
and before you know we’d be sitting down together chatting over the our freshly
brewed espresso! That is if I am not deep in thought about an idea, in which
case I may not even notice you’re there until I almost bump into you after the
barista hands me my soy latté and I make my way to my seat to scribble down
with pencil in my journal this lightning strike idea that has just come to
mind.
You have a blog and an etsy
store - what you do create and share?
My blog is where I
share the experiences I have had on my creative journey as an artisan, those
which our family have had with our tree change as well as where I share
projects such as my DIY Design column for ‘Living Magazine’ and my regular
article contributions to the ARTshine blog. Sometimes I just share things that
simply inspire me.
The
blog:
The items I create
to sell are based on embracing traditional artisan techniques using
eco-friendly materials and methods, as well as transforming the old and
discarded into statement pieces. This started with using off-cuts and scraps of
my screen printed designs to make brooches & little cases. It has since evolved
into using kangaroo leather off-cuts to make straps or embellishments for tote
bags, which are made from repurposed wool blankets or premium linen screen
printed with my hand cut designs. My creations are about extending art
practices into everyday living products, it is my endeavour to encourage people
to take more pleasure in the little things, stop and lose themselves in my designs,
even if just for a moment. We all lead such busy lives these days I think it’s
important not to lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us and include
beautiful items in our everyday activities to add to the atmosphere of our
lives.
The
store:
How do you come up with
your ideas and designs?
Personal experiences
- an idea often evolves based on a need or desire to improve a situation. They
also come from simply seeing the possibility in the use of an item, an item
that would be considered junk by others. I don’t see junk - I see character in
the craftsmanship of the item. The story behind it intrigues me and an item
such as this often triggers a thought of a way in which I can enhance it’s
beauty and the process of turning it into a functional but beautiful product
then begins.
How do you find a
marketplace for your designs and how do you connect your art with the world?
I think it’s
becoming easier to connect what I do with potential customers as there are more
and more people who are wanting to live a considered life and are actively
seeking out quality handcrafted items that are ethically made on a smaller
scale with passion. The internet has definitely been a big part of getting my
products out into the market place – a big advantage when you live and work in
a rural location. Being passionate about what I do and living the lifestyle
that I believe in and just chatting to anyone and everyone about what I do and
why has also created opportunities that I never expected to happen. Lastly, and
more recently putting myself out there in front of customers by selling my
wares at a market selected based on it being well suited to my wares - one that
attracts my target market. It has been a fantastic way of reaffirming that what
I am doing sits well with many and that the person in my mind that I set as my
target market is not just a figment of my imagination!
How does having a family
impact your creative life?
It’s been the best
thing for my creative journey, as it has really made me stop and think about
things on a deeper level... I also believe when you are determined to do
something being busy just makes you achieve more and having a family certainly
keeps me busy. It’s been a slow process to get to where I am now, but growing
this business organically was what I was aspiring towards and working within
the constraints of a family has made me take things a lot slower and be much
more considered in my decisions.
What inspires you?
So many things, some
may seem small and insignificant to others but I get inspired by the simplest
of things like a divine cup of coffee made with precision and passion, a
flavoursome wholesome sourdough, clothing or homewares made with the finest
details considered.
There is also my
family and the activities we engage in as a family. We take pleasure in the
simplest of acts like a meal made with fresh home-grown ingredients or a drive
through the countryside absorbing as much of the beauty that surrounds us.
Other passionate
people who also focus on just doing what they love. I love talking to
passionate people about their craft, their processes, their way of living. This
can be anyone from a primary producer, to a passionate gardener, artist or
shoemaker! Lastly, inanimate objects that have a hidden story, a history, a
past life that then becomes a part of the present through my creations. I am
intrigued by the stories behind items of furniture, a suitcase, a blanket...
these objects cannot tell us the story of their journey with words but they do
have traces of their past visible on them and discovering as much as I can
about them is something I love to do.
Like I said; so many
things inspire... living the best life I can is all the inspiration I need
really, we only get one shot at living!
What advice do you have to
artists and creatives trying to find their place in the world (and still make a
living!)?
Focus on doing what
you love, not just trying to make money... if you stick to your passion,
earning an income from what you do will come easier than pushing yourself to do
what you think you should in order to make money. Lay down a solid foundation
for yourself, know who you are and the message you wish to deliver to the
world. Don’t compromise on what you believe in for the sake of making a dollar.
As well as practicing your craft, practice running your business by setting up
methods and systems that will prepare you for a time when you really will need
them in place. Lastly, engage with people who will encourage you to pursue your
dreams and block out the negativity of those who think it’s not possible to
earn a living from your art or craft. You can!
MarieNicole’s Website: http://www.ByMarieNicole.com/
Thanks Marie-Nicole …
- the Scout. x
