CERAMIC Hair Slides

for any age group
Individually Handpainted by me, making each item One-of-a-Kind.

I've been Interviewed

Firstly Jen thanks you so much for granting Personally Personalised its very first interview.
It’s a pleasure. I feel very honoured.

How would you describe your art/craft?
I would describe my work as bight, bold with a touch of the whimsical. Above all, it’s designed to be noticed.

Tell us something about yourself and when and why did you become interested in ceramic and glass blowing?
I have always loved colour and art in school. Our family home was destroyed due to a bushfire in my late teens which left my immediate world colourless except for black tree trunks and grey ash on the ground. This experience only intensified my desire to be surrounded by colour where ever possible.

I tend to approach my work from graphic, abstract and stylized perspectives. My choice mediums for this art release are Earthen Ware Ceramics, Glass and Painting. I’m an artisan without degrees although I have attended small informal art classes. In essence my creations come from pure joy.

I first had a taste of sculpting in high school and just loved the concept of creating something from scratch and I find ceramics and glass allow me to do just that.

What is your favourite item to make and why?
My favourite, now that’s a tricky one. It always changes.
• I love making mini sculptors. From here my noughts and crosses sets with a difference came to life; Chooks and Eggs, Cats and Owls, Cars and Houses, etc.
• Making Ceramic Beads is addictive and if you saw how many I have in my studio, I think you would have to agree.
• Making Glass Beads is also high on my list of favourites.

I summary, it’s creating something from the grass roots, doing something that you can lose yourself in.

What type of items do you personalize and how do you personalise or customise them?
I make beads, child plates, art platters, cufflinks, tiles, and buttons with customer names on them or made to their certain design. I have also made glass beads and glass dreadlock beads and jewellery to order. Because all my work is handmade and hand painted, I have total control which means everything I do can be personalised.

Do you find you sell more commissioned items or off the rack?
More pre made items are sold, however about 1/3rd of my work is commissioned based.

What type of people (gender/age/common interest) if there is a certain type, would be your biggest customer?
Customer gender doesn’t really come in to it. It is more of genuine interest in something completely handmade and unique and that can be any age group.

How do you sell your products?
I do have my work on the internet and some in galleries and other shops on consignment. I also have a Gallery/Shop that we run from home in CHERRYVILLE in the Adelaide Hills. I tend to stay away from markets for various reasons, but mainly because I like to keep some of my weekend free.

You also conduct classes, could you tell us a bit about them?
Classes with Jen (me) are for all ages, male and female. I like to stress that NO artistic ability is necessary. These are designed for the person to have fun and to loose themselves for a while trying something completely different.

• I offer a basic ceramic class where you receive a lump of clay and literally make whatever you want. This class takes you through the whole ceramic process.
• I have PAINT Ceramics Classes where you can paint plates, tiles, beads, and buttons for yourself or make a gift for someone.
• A couple of jewellery making classes that starts with you PAINTING the beads.
• A Creative party Idea called a Friendship Necklace where beads are painted and swapped amongst friends before assembling them into a necklace.
• And a Glass Bead MAKING class specifically for the person who wants to take their jewellery making to the next level.

What advice would you give to others wanting to purse a full or part time art or craft based career?
Well I’m biased. My star sign is Taurus so to have security, especially financial, is very important to me. So my advice would be to make sure that you have some kind of regular income to feed your creativity.

Confucius said it best - Love what you do and you will never have to work a day in your life

Where would you like to see your particular art and or business go in the future? Is there anything you haven’t created, but would like to?
I would like to wholesale my ceramic beads to bead shops for example. I’m very grateful that I am Time Rich now so I can pursue my creativity. However, to be Financially Free through my creativity would be a welcomed bonus.
New creations are always popping in my mind so the new things will come. Whatever direction my art work takes me is fine; I am simply enjoying my creative journey.

Anything else you’d like to share?
Something I have noticed is that there are two types of people.
About 94% of people are comfortable, feel safe and are content to be spoon-fed with mainstream.
Creative people don’t want to put up with sameness and are happy to break from this familiarity. Doing so makes us vulnerable but without this need to try something different we would still be in the dark ages.
I prefer this creative side as it offers a greater awareness, a balance in life and something new and refreshing.

And finally, a BIG thank you Nina, for this opportunity to share what I do and enjoy.