Inspiring me to think big!

What is an artist's blog about if not sharing the inspiration and motivation for their work?

Well it's been a while between blog posts and I thought I'd like to dedicate one to my fabulous father: artist, amazing painter and constructive critic to me, John Earle.

In the studio... I love this pic don't you??

I've had a pretty fortunate childhood in so many ways. Not least of which is that I've always been encouraged to pursue what gets me fired up creatively. What my dad's been able to offer is an ability to walk the fine line between criticism and indulgence so that I have someone whose opinion I can really trust.

John has built his career on painting the much loved Newcastle coastline, developed and honed his technique to a fine art and followed his interest to branch out into various subjects and styles as divers as pop-surealism and, most recently, flower paintings. Check out www.johnearle.com.au for more info.

Newcastle Children's Pool

The Bogey Hole

Because

Flowers

As you can see from the images (all paintings, by the way, not photographs) this kind of talent commands an huge amount of respect, so imagine how exciting it is to me that he should believe in my work enough to want to create a show together. Sure he might be biased because he's my dad and parents want to encourage the children etc, etc, but if you knew my dad you'd know he's super honest and that's why when he says something's "frickin' awesome!" you know he likes it.

So... come Saturday we'll have two rooms full of flower paintings. The months leading up to this show have been, in many ways, a step out of a comfort zone and into a new world of possibilities. I'm so grateful him for believing in my work and for encouraging me to think big.

Father's day is special at Olive Tree Markets

A great event planned for this month's Olive Tree Markets. Not only is it a happy birthday for the markets at the grand old age of three but Dad's day is the next day! So here's what we've got planned....

Here's some suitably masculine designs I'll be bringing along as a one off this weekend (I usually sell these online now). These t-shirts are 100% certified organic cotton, made in Australia and only $35.

Justin's new designed cigar box guitars were really popular last month and I'm sure many dads would love to tinkle away at one of these. Ours lives on the couch and gets plenty of use.

There'll be plenty of music, great food and gifts for dad. check out the Olive Tree Markets on Facebook for even more leads when it comes to father's day gifts.

Hope to see you there!

Olive Tree Markets-a beautiful day!

So, the sunny morning was a great start to our market experience on Saturday. It's always so lovely to see new and familiar faces enthusiastic in their pursuit of quality handmade wares.

Here are some pics of some of the new products coming out of the studio these days and the response was really lovely. Thanks everyone!

Justin and I will be heading to Canberra with the children to be part of Canberra Handmade Markets so the ever evolving stall setup is about to take another leap forward.

Buy for now xx

New Handprinted Clutch Purses

 

Cushy Garden

Here's what the tea light lanterns look like by night

And so it begins!

So I'm finally starting a blog. I've never been one to keep a journal or to record my ideas as I work. But the time has come! So, here's where you'll find out about current projects, workshops, exhibitions and markets.


It sort of seems like it should be a historic first post but the truth is that today was just and ordinary and productive day in the studio. Skirt panels printed up nicely on this treasured organic cotton (I thought I'd never find this colour!) and this new metallic white, pearl white in fact, goes on like a dream and just makes white that little bit more special!