Can you share a story behind one of your most cherished designs or projects? What has influenced your aesthetic or creative process?
Each project I've had the privilege to be a part of holds a special place in my heart. It's an immense honour to join hands with individuals who entrust me to collaborate and create alongside them. If I were to single out one project that stands out among the rest, it would undoubtedly be my debut collection released under SK. What began as a personal journey into the essence of beauty transitioned into the realm of fashion design. While the design and production process presented some great learning curves, what remains etched in my memory is the installation I crafted for the collection release. Within the challenges of lockdown, I embarked on a live stream where I transformed a studio space into a garden installation. Styled in pieces from the collection, I worked barefoot, sculpting soil into a canvas for a wild field of lavender, and ending with a single stem growing out from the centre of the wild field, an anemone flower. Creating this live and with my own hands felt holy to me. Like participating in a moment of communion and worship. My exploration of beauty is explored in design, photography, and conceptual art. While my journey commenced in the realm of fashion design during my university years, life's twists and turns have drawn me towards fabric as my medium of expression. Currently, I'm immersed in the exploration of what this evolution may entail for my creative path moving forward. For me, the pursuit of 'Beauty' is an ongoing journey. As a child, I was captivated by the notion of empowering women to feel beautiful, yet I've since realised that understanding beauty requires delving into its essence—a lifelong journey of discovery and reflection. My greatest inspirations — For me, there is nothing more beautiful than nature; this is beauty in its most authentic state. I love people, and learning about the narratives that shape their lives; and above all, my mum and two sisters, who embody resilience and grace. They inspire me daily!
In the words of the late poet, John O'Donohue, "Beauty is an emerging fullness, a greater sense of depth, and also a kind of homecoming for the enriched memory of your unfolding life." I embrace the idea of beauty as a journey—a continual process of becoming more aligned with the essence of our true selves. O'Donohue's insight that the Greek word for beauty is 'calling' resonates deeply with me—it speaks to the innate yearning to answer the summons to authenticity. How profoundly beautiful it is to envision a life and a legacy suffused with beauty. My deepest desire is to contribute to the world by inspiring others to explore and embrace their unique expressions of beauty.
In the demanding world of design, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Could you walk us through how you manage your professional responsibilities while nurturing your personal life, especially as a mum?
In my current season, achieving a work-life balance can feel quite challenging.. maybe even humorous. A lot of the time balance has felt completely out of reach as a mother of two under two. The dance between nurturing my creative passion and tending to the needs of my two little loves often feels like navigating uncharted waters. Yet, amidst the chaos, I am learning to speak up when I know I truly cannot do this alone. At the core of it, I've had to acknowledge that I can't give my all to every aspect of my life simultaneously. Attempting to multitask between work and family I find only results in diluted attention. Instead, I've embraced my new found love of delegation. Allocating dedicated blocks of time to each sphere of my life. This shift has really allowed me to immerse fully in my work when needed, knowing that my girls will also receive my undivided attention in return. While this structure may seem rigid, (I’ve always been a ‘go with wind type of girl’) I've discovered a newfound freedom in prioritising what truly matters. Of course, the journey is still full of challenges but I'm now not spreading myself too thin on a daily basis. Learning to articulate my needs has also proven to be transformative. Sometimes, it can be as simple as delegating a daily time slot for a solitary coffee! These brief respites are my much needed resets. They replenish my spirit and allow me to sit with my own thoughts. As a passionate “Park Mum” I have found that it’s not uncommon for mothers to struggle in letting go asking for help. For some reason we have learnt the art of believing we should 'do it all' and 'on our own.' This is simply not true or helpful. I'm learning the value in reaching out to my community for support, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Shifting my mindset to embrace my community as a support system has been pivotal in growing a more harmonious interplay between my professional endeavours and personal life.
Becoming a mother changes one's perspective in many ways. How has motherhood enriched your creativity or influenced your approach to design? Are there aspects of your work that you see differently now?
Motherhood has deeply shifted how I approach creativity and my artistic process. Now, at the core of my creative endeavours, is a desire to share the joy of artistic exploration with my daughters. I have this romantic dream of my girls and I crafting side by side. While I focus on my projects, they wander freely through the studio, and create whatever they are drawn to in that moment. Through my daughters, I am learning a lot. Their endless curiosity serves as a constant reminder to embrace the present moment and approach each day with an open mind. They eagerly participate in every aspect of my creative process, whether it's setting up paints in the sun or simply folding laundry. Their eyes sparkle with enthusiasm, eager to absorb everything and anything… like little sponges. Creating alongside my little ones often leads to an element of chaos. I find my inner organised self, occasionally wrestling with this unpredictability, but I’m learning to embrace the mess as an essential part of the creative journey. In the midst of the mayhem, I’m learning to relinquish my focus on the final product and instead find contentment in the process itself. I like to guide them through a few initial steps; then I love watching them forge their own creative paths in their own unique styles. Lately, I've found myself drawn to the whimsical world of paper mache, a creative avenue I'm exploring for a children's brand. What makes this journey particularly special is that my daughter, Winter, is right beside me, eagerly partaking in the adventure. There is an abundance of shared experiences awaiting us. Every creative choice I make now holds a level of importance for my daughters, influencing their perspectives and sparking their imaginations.
Melbourne is known for its vibrant culture and creative scene. Could you share your top favourite places to shop for unique design elements or places where you love to eat that spark your creativity or offer you a break from the hustle?
Melbourne embraced us with open arms the moment we arrived. It radiates with creativity, artisanal flair and a genuine warmth among the locals. I've never felt such an instant sense of belonging. It's as if they've crafted a city that deeply values its people, which is evident in every detail and system in place. Food is not just sustenance here; it's a source of inspiration. I come alive in an environment where every aspect has been meticulously considered. Among my favourite soul-nourishing local joints are Florian, Good Times Pasta, Neighbourhood Wine, and Pasta Classica on Smith Street. When it comes to shopping, Brunswick holds a special place in my heart. As an avid op-shopper, I thrive on the thrill of the hunt. Savers, Mutual Muse Goodbyes, and Sacred Heart Mission never disappoint, always offering hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. And while you're in the area, don't miss Market Lane on Sydney Road for a tranquil coffee sipping experience or Iris for a freshly baked baguette and coffee. If you’re still up for more I would definitely head to Camberwell Markets on Sundays. You will find an array of vintage and affordable designer pieces. Readings in Carlton to stock your library shelves, and Collingwood Yards with its eclectic mix of shopping, art, and food. As evening descends, please so yourself a favour and visit Abbotsford Convent! Reserve a table at Cam's Kiosk and loose yourself in the maze of artist studios housed within these incredible historic walls. There's still much of Melbourne left for me to explore, but these are my current favourites. What's more, I've found all of these experiences to be effortlessly enjoyable with my two little ones in tow.
