1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
I’m Bliss Cavanagh and I established Studio Bliss Designs early in 2013. My creative business is quite diverse, specialising is creating multi-sensory environments and products to working on creative commissions, prop design and installations for public and corporate events. My focus is to bring happiness through colour and light – one furry object at a time!
2) How did get into your type of work?
It began as a therapeutic journey to help me come to terms with having Tourette syndrome. Since childhood, I was always obsessed with and collected colourful mood lights. I would surround myself with them on in the dark and listen to music and burn scented candles. I realised I had been self-medicating, using similar concepts to multi-sensory environments, which I had been researching during my Fine Art Honours year at Newcastle University in 2012.
I wanted to make art that would help alleviate my tics and other symptoms of Tourette’s by creating large scale sensory-art installations. But the best thing was that I discovered why I love art making so much. My tics and overload of nervous tension completely disappear during the process. I am liberated from my Tourette’s. It’s not that the tics are supressed but rather creativity operates on a similar level which takes on the impulsive, intuitive, energetic characteristics of Tourette’s and channels this into the process of art making. It gives my work the passion, drive and spontaneity I don’t think I could have without it.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I put in a couple years at the infamous McDonalds working overnight shifts to help me through university. I also worked in a lolly shop which was pretty sweet and pretty colourful.
4) Describe the best reactions you’ve had on work?
It’s just so rewarding when people share with you the positive impacts your work has had. I’ve had parents tell me their children have overcome their fear of the dark using my Furry Delight night lights. Also how comforting they are to help kids go to sleep – they keep them on their pillows and beside the bed during the night. I’ve also had other parents tell me that they’ve never seen their children so relaxed and still and yet so engaged at the same time whilst immersed in one of my sensory installations.
5) One thing you can’t live without?
Fabulous colourful jewellery.
6) Aside from coffee, what gets you up in the morning?
I think that loving what I do gets me up every day. I don’t need to set alarms – I’m just ready and excited to get into the next project I’m working on or the latest furry things I’m making.
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Ridiculous. Productive. Obsessive.
8) What’s the next awesome skill you want to learn?
Working with resin. Fibreglass. Oooh and glass blowing.
9) Ignoring money and rules what would your dream project/artwork be?
I’d love to make my own sensory art centre. A whole building where people can experience a different type of art that encourages interaction and engagement in absolute sensory indulgence. And there’d be a special wine bar sensory room.
10) Favourite place to chill in Sydney?
Reverse Garbage.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Presentation is everything.
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
Do what makes you happy and make things you absolutely love. If you’re totally obsessed with it, surely there are others out there who will feel the same.
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
Anything instrumental. I have a terrible singing voice but I love making sounds to the instruments. Probably a Tourette’s thing.
Links
www.studioblissdesigns.com
www.facebook.com/studioblissdesigns