Currently, I work at a corporate retailer, head office level, as a lead to a project that would in affect change how the business will work, hopefully for the better. While I am overcoming challenges and gaining experiences through this project, it cannot replace the ache I feel, constantly scratching at my back.
Prior to entering into the corporate world as a salary woman, I dabbled with my creative juices. At a very young age, since money was hard to come by, I began to hand-sew my clothes & accessories. In high school, I focused my studies in arts & fashion. My limitation to money then was not a road block but rather a push to truly explore and create something beautiful. Determination, hard work and passion paved my way into the creative industry.
I majored in Textile Design at Sheridan College, pocketed a few awards during the 3 year program. Right after graduating, I applied and received a rent-free scholarship to the Harbourfront Center; Craft Studio - Textile Residency, renewal up to 3 years. This studio space provided emerging artist a studio space, which allowed them to freely explore their work as a full-time textile artist. It was these 3 years that was the best and the worst.
The best being, it allowed me to truly explore my specialty; creating one of a kind piece of fashion products, both functional and non functional through new discoveries of materials. I was in my element. I was happiest in the studio. My abnormally big hands create products for art shows, fashion shows and boutique stores under my label . . q u e e n i e . . .
While all is good in my creative world, reality hit me hard. My work was not bringing enough money to feed my mouth or pay my bills. As an independent individual with no available financial cushion, every penny earned went to support the basics of living. There were good months and there were bad months but financially, it was tough! Bills piled high but up until the 3rd year of the residency, I turned a blind eye and focused on my passion instead. It wasn't until a life changing occurrence that happened that I decided to retire my creative work and find a full time job.
Since working full-time 4 years ago, I have not touched my creative work. I've ALWAYS thought about getting back into it but perhaps its the fear of the unknown that held me back. While I am no longer struggling financially, I do not want to give up the salary job just yet. I have to complete this project and see it to the end. I have to conquer new experiences given to me corporately.
What I plan to do is, during my free time, ease into the creative industry slowly. This blog will be my starting point. "organically reborn." Organically - because my work has a natural tendency to look very organic, fluid lines, soft & light with no constraints.
Reborn - well, that would be my creative self, reborn after a hiatus. I will use this blog to post my researches, my influences and eventually some new work of my own.
I am the author of http://thekitchenrunner01.blogspot.ca/ and found that I like holding myself accountable to my audience. Here's to not giving up!
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| hand-dyed silk, discharge print corset, 2006 |
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| discharge print on silk, merino wool felted on silk, 2005 |
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| Commission to create a collection of accessories for Annie Thompson 25th Anniversary fashion show necklace piece - merino wool felted structure, beaded detail, 2006 |
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