For example I just bought my son a pair of Batman Converse sneakers - Batman! He is going to go nuts over them. Convincing him they are real shoes and not part of his Batman dress up outfit might be a small problem but we'll get past it.
Anyway - Sonia who owns the shop has got a kids area set up and when she offered me the job she said that my 3 year old daughter could come with me - such a good solution for me because it pays for some of my daughter's daycare, which is when I do my art / writing / bookmaking etc. I am feeling pretty lucky right about now.
My latest article in the Pilbara Echo was about another great local talent, Kathryn Chynoweth. The article was actually edited quite a bit and I prefer my wording so I've popped the original in here. The gorgeous photo was compliments of the lovely Samantha Bell from the Courthouse Gallery - Hedland is overun with wonderfully arty people!
This week we have an interview with Kathryn Chynoweth – a fabulous textile artist that we are lucky enough to have living right here in Hedland. If you are keen to experience Kathryn’s gorgeous scarves then get into the Courthouse Gallery at 16 Edgar Street, Port Hedland.
How long have you been in Hedland?
I've been living in Hedland for two years now. I moved to WA from Adelaide 17 years ago to follow my now husband (then boyfriend) who is in the mining industry. We lived in Leeman for five years, Geraldton for 10 years, and now Hedland. I like to think we're getting closer to one of my favourite places, Broome!!
I've been living in Hedland for two years now. I moved to WA from Adelaide 17 years ago to follow my now husband (then boyfriend) who is in the mining industry. We lived in Leeman for five years, Geraldton for 10 years, and now Hedland. I like to think we're getting closer to one of my favourite places, Broome!!
What is your art background and how would you describe your artworks?
I am a self- taught textile artist, I hand paint silk and wool for scarves, shawls, and have made garments for wearable art exhibitions. I learnt the technique of silk painting in high school in Adelaide. I started producing silk scarves as a hobby in Year 12, and a family friend who was a glass artist, suggested I show my work to The Jam Factory, a contemporary craft gallery in Adelaide. So I started selling my work to galleries in 1988, and have been doing so ever since. This has been essentially the same product - a silk scarf.
I am a self- taught textile artist, I hand paint silk and wool for scarves, shawls, and have made garments for wearable art exhibitions. I learnt the technique of silk painting in high school in Adelaide. I started producing silk scarves as a hobby in Year 12, and a family friend who was a glass artist, suggested I show my work to The Jam Factory, a contemporary craft gallery in Adelaide. So I started selling my work to galleries in 1988, and have been doing so ever since. This has been essentially the same product - a silk scarf.
Where do you sell your work?
I worked at the CBA for five years after school, as well as painting and selling my work, and deferring university several times!! I had also met my husband, and knew that staying with him would mean relocating. So in 1994 I found myself in Leeman, which is when I started painting full time, and supplying up to 20 galleries Australia wide with my work.
I worked at the CBA for five years after school, as well as painting and selling my work, and deferring university several times!! I had also met my husband, and knew that staying with him would mean relocating. So in 1994 I found myself in Leeman, which is when I started painting full time, and supplying up to 20 galleries Australia wide with my work.
Do you have a website?
I'm yet to launch into cyberspace with my own website, I'm a little conservative in that my product is a tactile thing, to be felt, tried on, and held up to light to expose translucency. There's something kind of nice about being in a place to do that!! We're so lucky to have the Courthouse Gallery here!
I'm yet to launch into cyberspace with my own website, I'm a little conservative in that my product is a tactile thing, to be felt, tried on, and held up to light to expose translucency. There's something kind of nice about being in a place to do that!! We're so lucky to have the Courthouse Gallery here!
How do you balance family life with art business demands?
Having children changed everything!! No more painting when I wanted, for however long I wanted to do it!! Jack is now 9, and Sophie is 5 – I had children escaping into my studio and tipping dye jars on their heads!!!! I have continued to paint, but have had to scale down production significantly. But I cannot say no to an order, so the midnight oil does get burnt occasionally in our house.
Having children changed everything!! No more painting when I wanted, for however long I wanted to do it!! Jack is now 9, and Sophie is 5 – I had children escaping into my studio and tipping dye jars on their heads!!!! I have continued to paint, but have had to scale down production significantly. But I cannot say no to an order, so the midnight oil does get burnt occasionally in our house.
Have you tried other mediums and what would you like to do in the future?
I've always been interested in painting on canvas; it's always in the back of my mind, mixed media pieces on large canvases, paint overlayed with sheer textiles.....
I've always been interested in painting on canvas; it's always in the back of my mind, mixed media pieces on large canvases, paint overlayed with sheer textiles.....
What is your favourite thing about Hedland?
For what is really a harsh, industrial and remote environment, we are truly spoilt up here with art and galleries ie the Cossack Art Exhibition, the Courthouse Gallery with their fantastic exhibition programs and workshops. It's 600kms to that little bit of paradise, Broome - with more galleries and amazing coastline to explore.
For what is really a harsh, industrial and remote environment, we are truly spoilt up here with art and galleries ie the Cossack Art Exhibition, the Courthouse Gallery with their fantastic exhibition programs and workshops. It's 600kms to that little bit of paradise, Broome - with more galleries and amazing coastline to explore.
What would you like to see happen in Hedland artistically wise?
Coming from Geraldton I was amazed at the arts community here, there's nothing like it north of Perth, and it should treasured, nurtured and supported.
If you are interested in seeing more locally made work like Kathryn’s, make sure you book the West End Markets at 4.30pm, Saturday 16 April into your diary right now. It's a fantastic opportunity for you to see artists' work and meet the artist as well.
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