1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
The work I am putting into The Makery is jewellery which I have designed and hand made. I use a combination of glass, semi-precious stones and metals as well as some less traditional elements like buttons in my work which is presently mostly bracelets and necklaces.
I am also a painter and photographer. I do oil paintings, mostly still life at the moment and have a wide portfolio of photographic work.
2) What inspires your work?
My jewellery is inspired by colour; the colour of the seasons and what I want to wear.
I always want to create pieces that are elegant, fun or both and that stand out a little bit.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I have been a lawyer and a mother (which means chauffeur, personal shopper, cook, social organiser, teacher, counsellor….).
4) What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The best response to my work is when people see it and relate to it so completely that they understand exactly why I created it the way I did.
5) One thing you can’t live without?
Chocolate.
6) What gets you up in the morning?
The promise of chocolate during the day.
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Loyal, stubborn, funny.
8) What is the next skill you want to learn?
I want to relearn how to focus completely on one thing – a skill that I lost when I became a mother and my daughter was always a pre-occupation, no matter what I was doing.
9) What is your dream project?
I am living it at the moment – I am in the process of completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at National Art School and I am applying to start a Masters there next year.
10) Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?
Newtown where I live and Neilson Park where I swim.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Never to do anything in anger, always take a moment – or twenty – to think.
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
Just do it!
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
None – under no circumstances EVER am I getting up and singing karaoke.
Curious about her work? Have a look at Fiona Henderson’s website here