We are SO lucky with the amazing people we get to do business with at Clarence. Nicole from 'Collecting Feathers' is one of them. We thought we'd ask her a few questions so you get to know our people more ..... only because they're worth it!
Why the name 'Collecting Feathers'?
This is a long personal story, chock a block full of pathos, and I am afraid that it would make you cry! Truly! Let's just say that my absolutely fabulous sister came up with it, and since around that time we have both changed our lives to the kind that 'want to' live rather than 'have to' live.
In a nutshell Collecting Feathers is a metaphor for the important things in life, the things you keep, and that there is always beauty amongst the debris.
What are the three words you'd use to describe your work?
Repurposed, vintage, memories
What are three words you'd use to best describe you?
What are three words you'd use to best describe you?
Ah so many descriptive's, which ones to pick? I could give you the typical ones such as: creative, breathtakingly beautiful, highly intelligent, but I am afraid I am pretty self effacing, and will go for a description of me walking down the street....spacey, clumsy, blind as a bat!
When you re-purpose objects is there ever a twinge of guilt or is it all pleasure?
Initially there was incredible guilt. I would actually take the scissors in hand ready to cut, and they would shake as I approach the paper or cloth. Some materials I still can't cut. I usually put them aside until I, or they are ready. It is a lot easier now. For years many of these papers and fabrics have sat in dusty piles, in boxes or drawers. I am creating a new life and a new beauty for them, and people can delight in them.
How much does where you live influence your work?
I live in the Northern Rivers NSW, on acreage in a mud brick house that my husband and I built ourselves. My surroundings impact me greatly as I want to tread lightly on this earth. We are as sustainable as we can be (without being manic). We grow our own organic vegies, chooks and cows, drink our own water, and have a load of solar cells on the roof. Clothes are rarely bought new, most are from the opshop, or really old and vintage. (it is amazing how long quality clothes last) I am not a hippy, though it sounds like it when you write it down!
In that sense, I didn't want to be creating more 'stuff' when beautiful things already exist and just need a few little tweaks here and there.
What was your proudest moment as an artist?
What was your proudest moment as an artist?
My first sale. I am still gobsmacked over the notion that I make 'things' and people buy them!
What's the most fun you've ever had with your work?
Hmmm what is fun? I have always been perplexed by the concept of 'having fun' with art. At uni, my lecturers would tell me to have fun with it, at jobs I have worked I was advised to have fun with special projects...but that would only increase my paranoia. It is like telling Woody Allen to relax!
I enjoy my work, I have to create, it is a need, and I work very hard at achieving my goals, but fun to me is going to see a band, sitting down with some friends and having a laugh or op-shopping with my sister and daughter.
What is the craziest purchase you've ever made in the name of 'Collecting Feathers'?
I also sell vintage bits and pieces at markets and online. I tend to get a bit excited at auctions! Once I bought a chenille bedspread and a vintage sheet, however, nobody wanted the rest of the contents of the room.The auctioneer decided that I had to take everything! My purchase of two items ultimately filled the whole of my four wheel drive to bursting point. The good thing though, was that I found some wonderful treasures among the detritus, so it was worth the hassle.
Do the people that live with you share your passion for collections?
My daughter did, until she moved out recently...now it is just me and my cranky husband who does not possess the 'collecting' gene. I have tried to educate him over the years, and 'tis true, being an electrician, he has bought home some brilliant finds, but alas, the 'picker' blood does not course through his veins. But he is supportive, and built me a garage to store things in, so I can't complain.
Would you share a photo with us of your (current?) favourite object or collection and it's story?
Would you share a photo with us of your (current?) favourite object or collection and it's story?
What to choose? What to choose? I will show you some of my tapestries that I am currently collecting. I found two more yesterday.
I used to do tapestries as a very freaky teenager. When most kids were out at parties, having fun, I would make soft furnishings and do tapestries! Oh dear.
There are so many hours of work in them, and are another example of women giving love to their homes, usually at the end of the day when all the 'real work' has been completed.
They are ear marked for a project that I have in mind, which I should move on, but it will mean their destruction! Can I do it? Time will tell.
Come visit Clarence and we'll show you the amazing things we have of hers. We LOVE them!!
Ok - so back to the Christmas wrap .....
How's yours going?
Love Clarence x
