Category: Artists Q & A’s

Andrew Baldwin

Andy is an Australian glass artist who lives and works in beautiful South Australia. I met him first when he came to study at the Australian National University in Canberra where I was also studying. We always got along well and discovered we’d come from similar educational backgrounds (Waldorf) which definitely helped our friendship. We worked together again when he had returned (and I had moved) to Adelaide, to attend the JamFactory as associates. He has always made both thoughtful exhibition work and production. But one of my clearest memories was how he’d sometimes make me run while I was working with him. Run so that the glass was as hot as possible to make the fine little parts necessary while goblet making. The best thing about Andy is his attitude, he always has a good one. And when you work long hours with all kinds of people you definitely appreciate a positive and enthusiastic energy. I do anyway. You can’t be down on someone who loves what they do and one thing is for certain, Andy loves glass.

Andy and I also collaborated on some work in Adelaide, exhibiting under the name WAMB we made some work that was slightly out of each others comfort zone, but really fun. It’s been probably a good 10 years since I’ve seen him, I’m looking forward to the next time we meet, but you can meet him here.

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

Born in Stirling, Scotland. My family worked and lived in a Camphill Community for people with disabilities. When I was three we moved to Australia. I had twelve years of Waldorf education in three different states. I guess I am pretty grateful for that.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I make a living blowing glass. It is a very challenging lifestyle but also rewarding. Sometimes I wish I was a professional surfer… But mostly I am happy with what I do.

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you?

I like running in the morning first thing. It jogs all the chatter out of my head. In a good week I run four or five times, in a bad week I don’t run. My days are very flexible but revolve around my routine of glassblowing. Sunday and Wednesdays.

What mediums do you like to work with?

I am all about glass. I think that other mediums are great, but glass got me from an early age and I’m still passionate about it.

Where do you work?

Jamfactory in Adelaide has been my work place since 2001. It is a vibrant community of creative people. So glad that place exists.

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

Buddhism is pretty core to my life. I like reading Buddhist literature and finding ways to put it into practice. It definitely makes life more meaningful and is also where I find the inspiration for my work.

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

Hmmm. Mahamudra by 9th Karmapa. It is probably the most clear and succinct guide to meditation I have read.

I also really enjoy reading Lojong texts which are often translated as mind training texts.

Best thing you’ve ever made?

A timber crate to freight my work. Very satisfying to work with another material. I like timber.

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

Farmers’ Markets on Sunday

Surfing the mid-coast

the festivals

And one awesome place to eat there?

Wasai Japanese Kitchen, Adelaide

Is one thing you’re bad at that you wish you were better at?

Surfing

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

Not interested in fame. I would like to be wealthy but choose happiness first. Or maybe I am just too comfortable to make lots of money. I am really inspired by the techniques of glassblowing; I like to push myself to make complicated things like fancy Venetian style goblets or other intricate techniques.

 

Thanks Andy! You can check out more of his past work and info on his website.

Trish Roan

It’s been a little while since I last posted one of my artists/craftsperson interviews, I’ve got a goodie for you today.  Trish Roan is an amazingly talented artist. I know her best from time we spent working together in glass and we both had studios at ANCA at the same time. She makes the most delicately thoughtful work I think I have ever come across. I really feel that as an artist Trish does a wonderful job of showing you glimpses of how she sees the world. It is both considered and spontaneous somehow, quiet yet detailed.  She has been galivanting around the world lately, as a well deserved reciepient of the Stephan Proctor fellowship, she’s spent time in Scotland, Sweden and Taiwain as well as more of Europe.

untitled (detail of installation in Kingston powerhouse, Canberra), blown glass, water, mirrors,  steel, 2010.

A few years ago she visited me in Montreal too, we had a rather soaking wet adventure getting lost atop Mt Royal (sorry Trish and Bev!!) in the pouring rain!! She’s also a talented vegan baker making some of the best lamingtons I’ve ever eaten. While I don’t get to see her much, I think of her often, especially when I see something curiously beautiful in nature.  Here’s a little more about Trish.

Even the most solid of things (Constellation 3),  acorns, mirror, wood, 2012

A sentence in Braille is written on the wall in reflected light from mirrors set into acorn caps.

detail above

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

I was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. My family moved to Melbourne when I was 2, and that is where I grew up. I moved to Canberra in 2003 to study at the art school there, and I’m still hanging around.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I have a studio practice in Canberra, at a great artist-run organisation called ANCA (Australian National Capital Artists). I have exhibitions sometimes. I work for glass blowers and I also work at a restaurant.

Sometimes I forget how lucky I actually am. I am making art, I have a studio, and have a lot of wonderful and inspirational people around me. I’d quite like to stop working in hospitality, but that seems like a minor complaint when I really think about it. I’m happy with what i’m doing, but still, there are things I’d like to work on or do differently. I’d like to have a bit of a change, leave Canberra, find new challenges. There is this part of me that just wants to work out how to live sustainably or in a way that makes sense materially. Often my art practice seems to be at odds with that. So I have to think about that a bit.

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you?

Well, it depends. Sometimes it’s a bit erratic depending on when I have work, and I am usually in my studio most of the other time. It’s generally about half work and half studio over the week.

untitled, cast crystal, blown glass, brass, wood, rubber, bearings, ceramic handle, 2012

What mediums do you like to work with?

Lots…found objects, glass, threads, wood, metal, water…I also sometimes do stop motion animations, but only with long intervals in between during which I forget about how nuts it is. I’m also a big fan of mirrors and light, and anything that moves.

A Collection, 2006 – ongoing, soap slivers, erasers, stones

detail above

Where do you work?

I have a great studio at ANCA, in Canberra.
http://www.anca.net.au/

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

Everyday, incidental things. Things that are totally ordinary and totally amazing. Transience. Transformation. Kindness.

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

It’s a hard question!

‘A Field Guide to Getting Lost’ by Rebecca Solnit is one of the best books I’ve read for a while.

Best thing you’ve ever made?

I made some really amazing compost recently. It was intensely pleasing. I think my art aspires to be like this compost – all the by-products of what feeds you and the detritus of your existence can be converted into this fertile space for generation, given the right efforts and environment.

Hum, blown glass, light bulb, brass, copper, fimo, paper, watercolour pigment, glitter, thistledown, 2012

(The handle turns a paper thaumatrope (simple animation device) of a hummingbird flapping its wings. The breeze generated from this movement causes the thistledown in the upper chamber to float.)

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

Canberra has a particular beauty and greatness that is hard to explain and probably very difficult to see superficially. It’s really easy to go for a bushwalk and have some quiet space. The Farmers Markets every Saturday morning at EPIC showgrounds are really good too.

And one awesome place to eat there?

Ah, that would have to be Au Lac – it’s a vegan Vietnamese/Asian restaurant. A classic favourite. Especially the laksa and the Eggplant and Mushroom hotpot. I’m a little unsure about Supreme Master TV, but if it results in delicious vegan food, who am I to judge?

Horn, blown glass, found object, feathers, 2008

Is there something you’re bad at?

Every job I’ve ever had. I’m also bad at confrontation. I can’t whistle either.

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

I just like to show people things.

Starmap, crackers, sunlight 2009

I thank Trish so much for taking the time to write me while in the middle of her travels! If you do ever get the chance to see her work in person, enjoy. Until then have a look at her awesome blog/website Gallop Rhythm.

All images care of Trish’s website.

Jonathan Baskett

caterpillar bowls

Jonathan Baskett is a busy travelling glass artist who I’ve known for a long time.  He’s one of the first glass artists I met who was confidently interested in production glass.  Over the years he has developed a huge range of glass lines working often with factories and studios around the world to get the products up an running.  The clean, beautiful forms often have simple lines and sometimes they stack or fit together in groups of bright colours which is personally what I would fill my house with if Ange would let me.  He was visiting artist while I was at University and went on to support me when I needed a studio space, which we shared for a number of years.  He’s boisterous and fun and now lives with his lovely wife in Mexico city – here’s a little more about my friend Jonny B.

sugar shaker for fink!

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up?

I grew up in the outer suburbs of Canberra, Australia. It was a quite orderly existence I have some very fond memories of the time however I couldn’t wait to get moving and see the world.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I work with glass I love the material, it has many possibilities.

I have been very fortunate over the years to travel the world with this material recently to Mexico City as head of research end development at Nouvel studio. This was a fantastic time and I learnt a lot, about a lot but specifically semi automatic and full automatic hot glass and cold glass processing. It was fun time working on perfume and liquor bottles, glass jewelry production and unique work.

Hot shop at Nouvel Bebol development at Nouvel

In early 2011 I moved to N.Y. to assist the start up and operation of Niche modern’s hot glass studio, this then merged into a design associate position with a lot of back of house work I learnt a lot about the operation and maintenance of a hot glass shop as well as all aspects of the lighting industry – all important for the next move…

arial view of Niche modern hot shop and surrounds Beacon in winter

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you?

There isn’t a typical day as such and I like it that way I work erratic hours. I love to have my work in progress around me so I can constantly pick it up analyze and review. When working for others I try to be as lineal in my thought patterns as possible often it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

What mediums do you like to work with?

In N.Y. I became very interested in perfume. My mother in law is a perfumer and helped me understand the complexities of the science. There currently doesn’t seem to be much awareness about scent as an art form but it is definitely a growing movement with modern perfumers moving in all directions.

I am also very interested in lighting and look forward to exploring this further.

Lighting protos NY

Where do you work?

Wherever I can!

In Australia I was very lucky to have my own small studio space this allowed me to work on larger and longer projects. When I moved to the factory in Mexico there wasn’t really a designated space for me at the work place. This forced me to re-consider my work practice including more online documentation and improving my “administration skills”.

In NY I lived the dream a work/live loft with a huge open space affording lots of natural light. It was an organic space constantly morphing for individual projects for lighting, tableware and perfume creation. My wife is a dancer and she would move the space around completely using it to practice choreography routines. It had a great kitchen and at night we used an old packing table to eat off. It was warm in winter and cool in summer I’m really going to miss that place !

dinner/drawing/packing table

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

I love Mexico City it’s a huge thriving cosmopolitan metropolis steeped in history but constantly changing and evolving, what makes the city beautiful is it’s soul and big heart. I like to get out and walk the streets to experience the city. There are some great artists, designers and architects doing some great stuff here. Mexicans are very generous with their culture and food and keen to share it with the world. You are never too far away from food in this gastronomical jewel if you are not eating you are either talking or thinking about it!

Central Mexico City looking out towards the volcanoes

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

Facebook (no joking)!

My life seems to be filled more and more with technical jargon – furnace manuals, lighting specifications, perfume formulas leaving little time for any pleasurable reading.

Last winter however I read a book called: Emotional branding by Marc Gobe. Sounds like a dry read but the content was great talking about reaching people by creating an emotional connection with our products instead of the ubiquitous.

Best thing you’ve ever made?

A living from my hands.

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

To start the weekend I like to go to the Lucha Libre wrestling a short walk away from where I live it’s colourful, loud and surreal. Afterwards grab a bite and something to drink, discuss emphatically the game and see the night off at La Covodonga a Spanish bar/ cantina.

lucha libre

I like to visit the markets to buy my food fresh – and there are many in Mexico city from the flower market Jamaica to the more European San Juan specializing in exotic meats (including kangaroo) Asian produce and fantastic delicatessens with a wide array of European cheeses and meats.

Sunday morning (conditions permitting) is a trip to the Lagunilla flea market, which has been operating continually since the Aztecs.

Another interesting excursion is to take a tour on a Mexican style gondolier on the Xochimilco canals, a legacy of the extensive canal system created by the Aztec empire. No need to bring anything with you vendors on boats will side up to you offering anything from quesadillas, tacos, drinks or even live music last time we had a boat load of enthusiastic mariachis play requests for us.

Mexico city is vast there is a lot to do, it’s pretty high up in the sky (2,240 metres/ 7,350 ft) so don’t rush around it catches up with you. Take your time, talk to people, eat and relax for such a large city it’s surprisingly humble and peaceful.

And one awesome place to eat there?

My mother in laws house of course ! There’s always something on the boil and many many salsas to explore including the traditional habanero, de arbol, serranos and of course chipotles to the more essoteric vanilla, peanuts and sesame seed.

Seriously Mexico City offers the full gamut of cuisine from all over the world of all qualities, for me the best food is on the streets and at the markets is honest, creative and very good value – foods stalls offer everything from tacos, quesadillas tostadas, soups, tamales, ceviche, freshly squeezed fruit juice et al.

If I had to name one favourite place (and that is hard) it would have to be our local taqueria El Faraón (Oaxaca 93 Roma, Mexico City), great tacos fresh, clean, great servings and 4 amazing salsas.

Is there something you’re bad at?

Lots – time management, decision-making and dancing (something I will need to work on)

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

Wherever I travel I always enjoy finding local artists, designers, workshops, arteliers, studios and boutique stores selling the locally created it’s what makes travel fun.

I’ve always sought an audience for what I do as a maker I think that’s normal, fame would be great if it doesn’t compromise the integrity of my work – here’s the dilemma. I believe an artist or company looses something if it becomes too big and therefore famous – it enters the mainstream and while financial reward is almost certainly achieved the very quality that made the organization what it is somehow is lost in the process as the products loose their flair and become available to all. While there are certainly companies that can mange both fame and integrity the numbers are few.

There is a book I read recently called Deluxe: How luxury lost its luster by Dana Thomas which puts this very issue into perspective, as small designer/maker labels grow into international brands run by multibillion dollar global corporations.  The handcrafted element of the business ceases to exist instead concentrating on profit generation at whatever cost – that’s not my idea of fame.

calabaza

More than any other post – Jonny’s has made me so hungry I’m off to search for anything that looks half as good here in Montreal!  Thank’s for your time Jonny, we can’t wait to visit Mexico city!

World wide Wendy’s

Wendy Hannam is a wonderful Wendy.  She lives in Adelaide, South Australia.  A great little city with many artists, good food and it’s a stones throw from some of Australia’s  nicest beaches and wineries.  She has been making and creating for quite a long time now. Her glass pieces are always interesting, evolving, geometric and with a style all their own.  A lot like Wendy herself in fact, except the geometric part, she’s definitely no square.

Skyline(view)

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

Born in Adelaide, South Australia. Lived here until moving to Sydney at 20…worked as a graphic designer for textiles until studying ceramic design at East Sydney Tech. Moved back to Adelaide at 25 to take up further study… Bachelor of ceramic and glass design at Uni SA. Was seduced by glass and became an associate designer in the glass studio at JamFactory in 1997/98. Began independent practice 1999.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

Am currently on a sabbatical from glass making…would love to still be making but finances do not allow for play at this time…very frustrating!! Have kind of lost my passion for ‘playing the game’. Taking lots of photographs and always drawing.

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you? 

Don’t really have a typical day or week…I do gallery installation and de installation at the Australian Experimental Arts Foundation as I am required so some weeks are full time and then there can be nothing for a month. I also work in the Dark Horsey bookshop when the manager has time off, my schedule is very open ended.

Weekends are totally about enjoying being at home (unless I’m working)…gardening, cooking, making cocktails, going boxing (I love boxing).

What mediums do you like to work with?

I work with blown glass forms, sculptural objects, no function intended…although am planning to make some kiln formed work in the near future…wall pieces and panels.

I love the sandblaster and my engraver.

Where do you work? 

Blowing happens at JamFactory glass studio as does sandblasting but my engraved work happens on a rickety old table in my house, stereo blaring and at my own pace, any time of the day… just me and the cat.

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment? 

At the moment I am revisiting alot of the music of my past. My garden makes me feel good, watching food grow and cooking with the results of my time and effort.

Walking through the urban environment inspires me, I love architecture and the patterns created in the manmade landscape.

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend? 

I’ve been enjoying your blog, I don’t really take much interest in blogs but yours is fun. Books are so subjective, I really like Haruki Murakami, am currently reading Dostoyevsky, but my guilty pleasure is Ayn Rand’s “The fountainhead’…so cheesy but strangely empowering…

Plan #7 Map #7

Best thing you’ve ever made?

That’s a hard one…I think it could be my ‘big black book of beautiful things’…still in progress. Sketches, photos, words and ideas that have inspired me and inspire the work I create…I continue to look back on it and add to it.

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

Central markets, just up the road. Food, glorious food and coffee.

And one awesome place to eat there?

Thanh Thanh Vietnamese restaurant and Ying Chow.

Is there something you’re bad at?

Time management and being pushy. I’m a shy wee flower…

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

Not necessarily rich or famous but independently comfortable and valued for my contribution, whatever that may be…if I knew what drives me maybe I could fathom why it drives me mad…

Map #10

Thanks Wendy!!  Big black book of beautiful things is awesome.  I love the sound of that. On a side note – Wendy was probably my first regular client for haircuts many years ago, what a brave lady!  I wish she could come by the salon now for a visit and a proper pampering!

Alexandra Chambers

One of the best things about the glass program at the Canberra School of Art when I was there (and still now I believe) were the many students and visiting artists from other places.  In fact I’d say, at times, there may have been more than half the students from other countries. This is always an awesome thing, different cultures, different perspectives, different ideas about art among other things. I learned tons from my fellow students there. Also occasionally you get someone who’s massive laugh is SO contagious, you can’t help but be happy to be in the same workspace as them.  Alexandra Chambers is originally from Colorado, but has been in Australia quite a while now.  She is a talented glass artist who makes work that has a wonderful nostalgic quality, lots of times to do with music (which I love!) and she can belt out a tune over the top of the roar of the furnace- which is also talent.

Back in my day

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, and grew up in Littleton, Colorado. I went to Pilchuck Glass School near Seattle a couple of times, meeting some nice Aussies who encouraged me to come and study at the Canberra School of Art, which I did in 1999.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I’m currently working out of the Canberra Glassworks, to make my artwork, when I’m not juggling my time between the family.

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you?

I work 2 days a week at a cafe, waiting tables, and the rest of the week I’m looking after my kids, and doing activities at home, lamp-working in my shed, sewing, cooking, and chopping firewood..

What mediums do you like to work with?

Glass is my main focus in my sculptural work, with other elements, such as found objects, wood, & metal.

I also like sewing and crochet, knitting, & doing nanna crafts

Where do you work?

I have my lamp-working torch set up in the shed, so I work out there. If I’m doing residencies, those studio spaces are my working space and I use the Canberra Glassworks as my facility for making components. I need a bright area to do stipple engraving, that is not in the house! I’m still looking for that space that can be covered in fine glass dust.

Rewind

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

My surrounds of everyday inspire me! The popular culture we’re immersed in, the technology and the everyday things we use and sometimes take for granted.

Beautiful old antiques also inspire me, everything was made much more carefully and thoughtfully so long ago.

I love music. I can’t imagine my life without it. Music is my past, present and future. Music connects me.

As far as specific artists/designers: Chris Gilmour, Wolfgang Laib, Joe Colombo, Katherine Grey, Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen, Carlo Scarpa, Ross Richmond, Mel George.

Radio Days

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

I actually hardly ever read blogs, but I like:

Meet Me At Mikes

Best thing you’ve ever made?

At the risk of sounding like a sap, my 2 children, Oliver & Milla are the best things I’ve ever made :)

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

I live rural, and the coolest thing to do is either sit on the veranda and take up the view, take a nice walk by the river, or head down to the local RSL club for a beer.

And one awesome place to eat there?

My house!

Is there something you’re bad at?

Making decisions sometimes, I’m way too indecisive. And spelling. I’m crap at spelling.

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

I used to want to be a famous actress, or singer. That was before I found happiness in making art and being content with what I have. I would much rather be broke and love what I do every day, then to have loads of money with no true happiness. I feel so fortunate in where I am now, and I try to live by the philosophy of Baba Ram Dass: “Remember Be Here Now”.

Light Switch
Light Switch Detail

Thanks to Alex.  I’ll be over to your house for a meal soon, I love rural!  I’m constantly impressed with the balance Mum’s achieve with work and creativity and family!  It’s a beautiful, busy thing. Check out more of Alex’s work here and if you’d like to try her Mama’s peanut brittle, go here!

Thouraya Battye

For a number of years I worked at the National Gallery of Australia.  At the front desk, greeting visitors, selling tickets and answering (often ridiculous) questions. During this time, I had many awesome co-workers and one of them was Thouraya. Thouraya had recently graduated from the Photomedia department at the Canberra School of Art. Now she still photographs, but her subject matter, more often than not, is either of her two darling little girls, or one of her sewing/craft projects and she has many!  She makes and sells super cute clothing for girls and boys, as well as quirky, sometimes hilarious costumes.  I really enjoy her blog which is full of weekly adventures and ideas, and I’m amazed at what she seems able to fit into a day!

Tell people a little about yourself.  Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

I was born in Sydney, Australia and grew up in the southern suburbs near the beach. I studied Film and English at the University of New South Wales and moved onto study Photomedia at the Canberra School of Art.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I run a small handmade children’s clothing label Amelie and Atticus where I sew clothes and costumes from a range of vintage and new fabrics. I take photos in my spare time but would like to develop this further and start to exhibit again.

What does a typical day for you involve?  Or a typical week?  Is typical even a word for you?

My typical week is a balance of part-time paid work, part-time stay at home mother and part-time sewer. I mostly work through the week and weekends sewing in between looking after the children!

What mediums do you like to work with?

I love working with vintage fabrics as they are so colourful and unique. I also love the soft texture of the older worn fabrics.

Where do you work?

At home I have a sunroom that I have converted into a studio, it’s handy as it comes off both the kitchen and the lounge room which makes it easier to sew in as the girls can play while I sew!

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

I am inspired mostly by other artists and designers through their blogs and websites. I also find a lot of inspiration in film and television and I usually always have something on my laptop to watch while I sew. I am also inspired to create clothes and costumes based what my daughters are interested in. To see a concise view of what inspires me I have pretty much pinned it all:  http://pinterest.com/amelieatticus/

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

Some blogs I love are:

LENSCRATCH for photography (http://www.lenscratch.com/) – it’s always inspiring and they have exhibitions on the blog that you can contribute to.

BADSKIRT for sewing and quilting (http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/) – always bright and inspiring creations

KATIE’S KITCHEN for Baking, Sewing and Crochet (http://katieskitchenblog.com/) – always amazing photography and brilliant cakes.

Best thing you’ve ever made?

My favourite thing that I have made recently was the Castle Writer and Police Vests I made for the girls:

I think they are my favourite at the moment because I am obsessed with the show as opposed to the skill involved – nonetheless I LOVE them!

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

We are currently living in Sydney and I love to head to the beach just to have lunch or go for a walk. I also love a good handmade market or trip to a good thrift store to pick up some vintage goodness!

And one awesome place to eat there?

I love to try new places to eat and we recently had Elvis Pizza down on Brighton Beach (http://www.jailhouse.com.au/). It was delicious and great to see the King out front!

Is there something you’re bad at?

There are many things I am bad at…including singing and dancing (though I’d love to be brilliant at both), sitting up straight, and probably the worst of all is learning to step away from the computer and engage more in real life!

Did you ever want to be rich or famous?  What drives you?

I’d love to be rich to be able to have the freedom to live where I want and be able to work as an artist and parent full time. In regards to fame I don’t think I’d want to be famous but I would love it if people like what I create. In my work I am mostly driven to create things that I love and have been inspired to sew. In taking photos I like to create interesting scenes of modern life as other artists like Sally Mann did (and does!).

Reversible Cape

Thanks Thouraya! It’s so nice to have a sneak peak into how you work and things you like!  To see more of Thouraya you can visit her in many ways.

BLOG: http://amelieandatticus.blogspot.com.au/

SHOP: http://www.etsy.com/shop/amelieandatticus

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amelie-and-Atticus/120113088076997

PINTREST: http://pinterest.com/amelieatticus/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/AmelieAtticus

FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39987945@N08/

Scott Chaseling

Chandelier for Bildwerk (you know how I love a chandelier!)

Happily, today I am featuring Scott Chaseling on my blog.  The first of my Q & A’s! Actually it is special that I feature Scott first, because more than almost any teacher I had at Art School (15 years ago now) he made the most resounding impact on me. Perhaps it was just right place, right time, who knows?  But when I began University I was a wee 17 years old, with not much of a clue about what it meant to be an artist.  I was fortunate enough to be at the Canberra School of Art with a number of incredible teachers and mentors and classmates. I leant a lot from Scott – firstly – how to blow glass!  Also about the ‘preciousness’ of glass (and glass artists), about constantly be interested in new ways to make things.  But I think possibly the best thing I learned from Scott, was about integrity.

He was recently in Frauenau, Bavaria for a 6 week residence at the Eisch Glashutte, with an exhibnition at the end.  Take a look at his tumbler for some beautiful images and a good look at lots of the work processes he uses.

Heart(h) 2012

Tell people a little about yourself. Where were you born/grow up, did you study?

Born in the country music capital of Australia: Tamworth, I got out of there real quick and have been on the road since.

I studied art in Sth Australia, then glass at the Jam Factory Craft and Design Center and the Canberra School of Art.

What do you do now, is it what would you like to be doing?

I try to live a life of a professional artist. While it requires some sacrifices I could not imagine doing anything else.

What does a typical day for you involve? Or a typical week? Is typical even a word for you?

There is no order to my day, week or year. It oscillates between being self directed and being given wake up orders.

An example would be my recent ten weeks in Bavaria Germany. There was not one day off and it covered an artist in residency culminating in a solo exhibition, teaching a 17 day course at a summer academy whilst designing and constructing a large outdoor sculpture.

What mediums do you like to work with?

I love to draw with charcoal and graphite.

When making sculptures the dominant material is glass as it’s what I know best. This is often used with found or sourced mixed media.

Where do you work?

Where ever I am, I have learnt to adapt to the situation I am in and create accordingly. I also believe that as an artist you are constantly working just through the process of thinking about it.

Who or what inspires you most – at the moment?

I love visiting the commercial art galleries in big cities. I can easily spend every hour seeing new art work. I want to be challenged.

Do you have a favourite blog and/or book to recommend?

On my laptop is a bookmark list of around 40 contemporary art blogs though I dont have a fave.

TV Dinner, 2012

Best thing you’ve ever made?

Pretentiously I’d say the next piece.

What is the coolest thing to do in your town?

Make art

And one awesome place to eat there?

With friends.

Is there something you’re bad at?

Apart from filling out questionnaires, what I fail at most would be keeping in contact with all the people I’ve met on my travels.

Did you ever want to be rich or famous? What drives you?

I feel as an artist I search for an audience, so fame would be a part of that. Though rich and famous brings to mind celebratory status and I wish none of that as I feel it takes more energy to maintain that position than it does to make art.

All of that which is behind me. (detail) 2011

I’d like to thank Scott for those things he taught me a long time ago and for continuing to support me by being a part of this blog.  I look forward to seeing what he makes next.

(all images are from Scott’s blog)