Makers Dozen Questions – You Are Brave

Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?

Inspired by nature’s artistry YOU ARE BRAVE creates hand printed textiles & handmade decor for the modern home. Bringing the patterns, textures & colour of the natural world inside to inspire a deeper connection with nature.

What inspires your work?

Looking at nature, inspires me both on an aesthetic level and in a more spiritual sense. When I’m surrounded by nature I feel a connection with something greater than myself. It’s very humbling & a beautiful feeling.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Although I trained in fine art, I found myself in Human Resources & Training for a period! Then for a long time I worked as a commercial Textile Designer.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

Last year I was interviewed by Kylie Lewis for her Leap Stories blog which was a great honour & recently I was featured in Home Beautiful magazine which was another huge honour.

One thing you can’t live without?

My family, quiet time with nature & screen printing fabric ( I know that’s 3 things but they’re all important)

What gets you up in the morning? 

Sunshine & my 5 year old son.

How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?

Loving, loyal & a larrikin

What is the next skill you want to learn?

There are so many! But ceramics has always held a fascination for me.

What is your dream project?

I’d love to design fabrics for a tropical resort. That’s my ultimate!

Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?

Our house.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

“You are brave” – given to me by my Great Aunty Mabel long ago, when I was a kid & going through a tough time.

What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers? 

“You are brave!” – Don’t let knock backs, set backs or your own lack of self confidence stop you from pursuing your dream. If you love what you do, you should work towards doing it all the time.

And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?

Probably “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan … because there’s a lot of womanly ‘tude in there.

You Are Brave now at Work-Shop Makery, 106 Oxford Street Darlinghurst