Whilst browsing the delightful handmade items at Tiffany’s stall at Kallista Market last Saturday; I couldn’t help but notice her attention to detail, variety of works and appealing layout of her stall. Everything was there; from screen-printed tea towels, embroidered covered stones and small painted canvases. I just had to find out more. So I asked and found out what drives her to create and what else she is up to!
You worked as a ‘scenic artist’ on film and Television, what did that involve?
It was a really diverse and interesting job, no two days were the same. From painting a high rise backdrop for a music clip to sculpting polystyrene with a chainsaw, or fibre glassing a giant ice block then spraying a studio white!
Has that work informed your style?
As much as I loved that job, my creativity was exhausted when I got home from work, so my own artwork suffered. I did learn new techniques and also about thinking outside the box.
Your style is very decorative, what other artists or art movements are influences on your work?
I love the work of Frida Kahlo, William Morris , Antoni Gaudi and Gustav Klimt. I am influenced by the details in their work. 19th Century Poster Art is always a great source of inspiration for me. Also the details in the garden, in architecture, fabric, vintage wallpapers, and on old china.
Tell me about the transition from beach life to life in the Hills, in terms of your artwork. Are they both as equally inspiring?
I loved growing up by the beach but living in the hills is much more inspiring for me. You only need to look out the back door to find something to inspire the next “masterpiece”. The dappled green light is beautiful and calming. It is also great to be a part of such a large community of artists.
You work with a number of different mediums, what is the most challenging?
When you start with a new medium it is always challenging, trying to push it, to create something different, to find your style. I do love working with oil pastels. I have learnt my own technique from playing around and experimenting but it is more structured than when I am painting with watercolours and ink where I leave a bit more to chance.
You run a little art class on Fridays, can you please tell me about that?
The class started a few years ago by a close friend of mine. She asked if I would teach her, I agreed and since a few of her friends joined then friends of friends. It is not a structured class. I guide everyone individually in the medium of their choice, in the subject of their choice. I think the ladies enjoy a creative outlet at the end of the week. They love a bit of a chat and I do bake cakes every week for their morning tea.
Are you involved much with other crafters/artists? How often do you collaborate?
Living in the Hills , I am always meeting new artists. It is great to be around other creative people. I don’t often collaborate but am always open to the idea. I would love to work with a ceramicist or jeweller one day.
What’s next?
Next is a group exhibition that I am organizing at the Burrinja Café in Upwey that I am really excited about. It is called The Twelve Days of Christmas. It involves twelve artists creating one artwork each from one of the twelve days of Christmas from the Christmas Carol. I have chosen artists from different disciplines. There is a painter, a printmaker, a digital artist, a quilter and a photographer amongst the group so it will be fascinating to see everyone’s interpretation of their given day. It will run from the 22nd November till 22nd December . I hope lots of people will come down for a look.
The End Of The Line Belgrave Arts Festival is also on November and I am hoping to take part in the annual Dandenong Ranges Open Studios weekend next year.
