1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
After travelling and living overseas for a time, I decided it was time to officially create Rachel Sheree Designs. I’ve always loved art and studied it at University but found working 9-5 did not suit me. So I create sculptural artworks and ceramic pieces of raw and organic styling celebrating the wonders and beauty of nature in a man-made world. This includes ceramic home and gift ware, ceramic jewellery and even a few colourful ink drawings and prints on the side.
2) What inspires your work?
I am passionate about nature and the natural world, and I feel this is reflected in the raw organic nature of my work. So you can say nature inspires me.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I currently work in a library. But I’ve also worked in events, at 2 zoo’s and in a college.
4) What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I entered my artwork Bumper Bark in to the Blacktown City Art Prize last year, and the best thing about it was being able to hang around my artwork and no-one knowing it was me who created it. Hearing some of the conversations was great. “Do you think there is a real bumper bar under there?” “Oh WOW!” “How cool is that?” “Can I touch it?” That is quite memorable for me.
5) One thing you can’t live without?
I could live without technology, and all the mod cons, but I couldn’t live without love. That’s the basis and essence of everything. Without love what do you have?
6) What gets you up in the morning?
I am definitely not a morning person. So getting up in the morning is a challenge when I just want to stay rugged up warm in bed asleep. But when I think about how much of the day I would waste and how not getting up eats in to my creative time, I get up.
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Adventurous, Naturalistic, Kind.
8) What is the next skill you want to learn?
I would love to learn about various glass techniques and how to make artworks out of and incorporate glass in to my designs.
9) What is your dream project?
My current dream project is to expand on my Bumper Bark artwork and go from covering just a car bumper bar in paper bark to covering the whole car in paper bark.
10) Favourite or most inspirational place in Sydney?
In Sydney… hmm, I would have to say The Rocks. I love that place, the historical buildings, the art, the food, restaurants and pubs. It has it all.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of advice I have been given was “Learn to say ‘No’ so that you can say ‘Yes’ to more”. In other words don’t just say ‘Yes’ to please people and have the courage to say ‘No’. This will free you up to be able to say ‘Yes’ to bigger and better things.
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be in refining your skill set, developing a website, setting yourself up as a business, promotion and marketing, or whatever it may be. Going at it alone can be great, but we all need a little bit of help sometimes.
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
It would have to be a Bon Jovi song. Making me choose is tough, but Runaway has always been a favourite.
Find out more about Rachel Sheree: www.rachelsheree.com