I first met Cherrie many years ago in a dinky little nightclub. At the time we had mutual friends in common and by chance we were all out that night. The music was piercing and trying to make any form of conversation was merely impossible so after a few attempts we surrendered and danced instead. I remember from that night feeling refreshed to meet a person that carried so much positive energy and I was excited to learn that Cherrie would be going to Art School the year after as I’d still be studying.
It’s amazing from that first initial meeting how much we have both grown. Cherrie has always been supportive of me and my creative practice and now it’s time to return the favour.
Cherrie is the brainchild behind Caravan. Caravan is really the essence of Cherrie, it’s a nice play on laid back, energetic and FUN. – A free spirit if you like, exactly what Cherrie is and I admire her greatly for that.
‘Caravan is about freedom and abandonment of the mundane. Caravan is a reminder of the time you quit your job just so you could go to that music festival, and loved every second. Caravan is the ever present thought that there is no right way to do life, that happiness and love are your only honest guiding stars.
Caravan creations are created with beautiful natural materials, feathers for flight, leather to keep us strong, minerals to keep us grounded and love to keep us happy! The designs are inspired by nomad tribes walking freely on earth, global cultures and symbols, and of course spiritual freedom.’ -words Caravan
Check out the Caravan store, you can find some feathery, leathery creations.
- bags, necklaces, keyrings, dream catchers, vintage apparel and much more. All items are handmade.
I’m lovin the dream catchers and the necklaces.
I hope that everyone has had a nice relaxing time over the festive season, I certainly have, eating yummy food, bike riding not to mention kicking back and relaxing with family and friends.
I’ve got a gooooood feeling about 2012.
There will be much traveling involved, creating and hopefully less unneeded stress.
(perhaps the less stress is wishful thinking).
But, I’ve managed to set the time away this month and next to focus on my own personal projects and art, I can’t wait, nice a soothing start to the year. I also have a few collaborations happening in the early months of the year that I’ve been so eager to get on top of.
It’s a nice feeling to start the year feeling on top of things, refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to go. I wish I woke up like this all the time.
‘FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE’
Watch it now – it’s great! The sound track is equally amazing!
Clint Eastwood Rocks it!
I’m in love with these squashed blossom necklaces.
- And since I discovered them, I now daydream of someone buying me one for my 30th.
Sadly, I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Franz Marc (February 8, 1880 – March 4, 1916)
A German painter and printmaker and one of the key figures of the German Expressionist movement.
Newly, found inspiration.
♥
Tiffany Bozic
One lovely lady at the Finders Keepers Markets was lovely enough to share this artists name with me. Tiffany Bozic creator of the images above, is one clever artist don’t you think? So stunning!
Finders Keepers stall holders!
As I was by myself at the recent Finders Keepers markets in Sydney, I couldn’t sneak off to take any pictures. But here is a list of my fav people and stores at the markets. Maybe my list will give a little inspiration when shopping for xmas presents.
Made590 ♥— I scored the most amazing owl top from these guys!
Oktoberdee ♥—The delightful Lauren Ferry and master mind behind Oktoberdee was lovely enough to share accommodation with me, while in Sydney for the FK markets. I love love love her bags, there absolutely amazing and I’ve been eyeing them off for years.
Bespoke Letterpress ♥ — Amazing paper goodness. Let’s just say some lucky people I know are going to score some very special little cards that will be attached to their presents this year.
Angus and Celeste ♥ — Lovely porcelain vases, with beautiful flora imagery, right up my ally.
Kanimbla ♥ — More amazing porcelain, in the from of tealights and sake cups.
| Every creative writes one of these at some stage |
So, I’ve been thinking A LOT about what I’ve been doing in my career lately (it keeps me up at night sort of thinking). In the last couple of months there have been some major changes. I’m completely and utterly on my own now – no design partnership and no partime job for security. It’s just me and my freelancing business. I do however, have amazing friends and family to keep me sane and this has been most helpful, especially when I play the ‘what am I doing’ and ‘do people actually like my work’, which is completely irrational. I know that there are people out there that really do appreciate my skill. But sometimes it gets a bit tough and all you want to do is act like a child that can’t have another piece of candy because the whole picture becomes to over whelming to cope with logically, sometimes it’s easier to be a big pain in the ass – although I’m not sure for who.
I guess most of my thinking and concerns (about my decision to brave being a freelance illustrator/graphic designer) have been about, how can I sustain my small business for further years to come. I seem to be doing okay for now but, I guess at one point I’d like to own a house or travel and maybe even have kids. I’m certainly not expecting it to all arrive at my door – it’d just be nice to earn a moderate living for the thing I love doing the most. SIMPLE! Right!
My partner Tom is also a creative, going through similar motions as myself, so it’s not like we have each other to rely on for a full time income and for that added cushy security padding for when things get tough. It’s just us, our practices and our cat for cuddles.
I read a lot of books and blog posts regarding freelance creative practices and how others have found balance, between life, work and cash flow. Some are liberating and some make me feel worse.
I’d like to share some that I have found helpful in hope that it may help others feel liberated too.
