17-30 June
Gaffa Gallery, Sydney
K Tribe Jewellery
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I am a jewellery designer with a passion for colour and tribal cultures. I love sourcing unusual and interesting handicrafts from around the world and adding my own touches.
Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
My aversion to the mundane and my love of interesting fashion and jewellery.
K Tribe Jewellery Copyright
Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?
Tribal Cultures and travel. Finding designs that have history and meaning.
Karen & Berber Man
K Tribe Jewellery Copyright
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Spirited,Generous,Brave,Passionate and Sincere
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
My first job was at a fashion Dept store in Newcastle. I dabbled with fashion for awhile and then took off overseas for 5 years where I studied acting. I then came back and studied Makeup and special effects, textile Design and silver making courses. I have worked as a freelancer in Television as a Makeup Artist for 15 years. …I started my jewellery collection about 5 years ago and I now balance the two jobs.
Describe a typical day in your studio space?
There no typical day ! Every day is different .
As a Solo Artist, what is your biggest frustration?
Having to put on a business hat and work that side of the brain as well!
Tell us about how you prioritise your studio work.
I try and set goals for the week…which quite often go out the window .
When did you discover that you can make a living out of your artwork?
K Tribe Jewellery Copyright
When I started freelancing as a makeup Artist in television. I realised if you were good at something there is always a market.
Can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
I network through my friends, my colleagues, my website, and social networking sites.
What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Stay true to yourself. FOCUS…and know why you are doing it…..and hang on tight. ..I pretend that K-tribe is my child and even though sometimes you want to walk away from it when it all gets too much you can’t!!
How did you get involve with The Interwoven exhibition and why?
My friend Phillipa who I studied textile designs with many years ago and have also travelled overseas with on many occasions.
What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
To keep travelling and to keep adding to my collection. …and to one day have someone do the business side to all of this so I can keep sourcing, designing and travelling and let someone else worry about the other stuff!
What is your proudest moment so far?
When my customers call me to tell me that they get stopped in the street to ask them where they got their jewellery from. It makes them feel special.
Who do you most want to meet and why?
I would like to meet myself in ten years…but NOW…so I know I am on the right track
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
To listen to your dreams and don’t give in to fear and self doubt.
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
Reading The Lacuna…Barbara Kingsolver. ….recommend The Post Birthday world Lionel Schriver .. I do love a sliding door scenario…makes you know there are no right or wrong paths just different outcomes.
Where do we find you and your artworks?
Mon Petit Chou Potts Point
The Collector Store Surry Hills
Lotus Accessories Perth
Wax Jambu Banglalow
2 comments:
Love the rings on your finger Karen.
I love your designs and I have a few of your jewellery pieces which I love wearing it.
Thanks for sharing your close up.
Denise
What a gorgeous piece of jewellery the longevity ring. Love the blue!
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