Knowledge is not Power!

Knowledge is not POWER!

I know you might not agree with me about this, so let me explain to you why I said "Knowledge is not Power".

I had an experience that demonstrates my point, I recently attended a seminar about how to lose fat and stay healthy for good. This seminar was attractive to me so I decided to attend. At the seminar there was this gentleman who seemed to know all the answers to questions that were raised by the gym instructor. I was quite impressed with his knowledge from fat burners to how to stay healthy. So I really wanted to know who he was so I turned around to look at him and to my surprise he was a very obese gentleman sitting on the back roll.

So after the seminar, I couldn't help but keep thinking about this man, who has shown full of knowledge about health and fitness. Then I started to think, if he has all the knowledge to stay fit & healthy then why is he not applying this to his own health and fitness. He was seriously obese. Now, there may be a very real reason for that, but it seems strange to me...

After thinking long and hard, I started to come to the conclusion that your knowledge is not power, it's only potential power. You really need to implement that knowledge that you have gained in order to turn its potential power into real power.

As a business coach we meet many business owners and we also have many opportunities to turn our initial conversations with potential clients. Some of the business owners also demonstrated a great deal of knowledge about how businesses work and with each question we asked they seemed to know all the answers too. Then the "I know syndrome" starts to creep up along with many excuses as to why they are not performing to the level they should. They seem to have all the answers to all the questions. Although some answers are valid and most were pure excuses really!

So my questions to you are: 

• If you have all the knowledge there is, why aren't you applying it to your own business lifestyle?
• If you said you know what to do to run a great business lifestyle and why aren't you doing?
• Shouldn't you practice what you preach?

Okay, you may think the above questions may seem a bit confronting and even make you feel uncomfortable.

As your coach, we want to challenge you and also to make you realise if you are not prepared to implement what you have learnt then there is nothing going to change for you and  your business either.

Having great knowledge is a great thing to have, however, you need to apply it. Another example is you may have known someone who has attended all the self help seminars (Seminar junkies) and buy the latest best selling motivational books there is. At ArtSHINE we call them the "collector" they love collecting information and  top up their knowledge but they won't take action or implement anything that they have learnt.

Would you like to know why?

It's because they are falling into the trap mode and the fear mode is the reason why most people stay where they are...  and not moving forward to where they want to be.

There are people who have all the knowledge and don't know how to apply it into their personal and business life. Others just have a basic lack of discipline and accountability because in their mind they have a big to do list and the list is becoming too overwhelming and so they build up this fear and confusion and therefore procrastinate! We all know someone who always looks busy and they produce poor results and when we ask them about all the tasks they’re meant to do, their answers are‘I am busy with something else and this one is on my list of things to do’. And you know the list they talked about is not a list on paper but in fact it is in their head! 

So, the only way to get thing done is by taking action. Knowledge isn't power, taking action with knowledge is power.

What’s the best way to take action?

Written goals!

You need to set goals and plan all your To Do lists on paper not in your head. Writing down your goals and making a list of tasks on paper will help you track where you are. By having your goals and tasks written down on paper you will have a guide to steer you to achieve the desirable results for you and your business.

Want to learn more about planning for the new year the ArtSHINE way?

It’s as simple as 1... 2... 3...

1: Like  ArtSHINE's Facebook page

2: Come along to the next “Action Planning” workshop. E-mail Quantum Compass: ActionPlanning@QuantumCompass.com.au  for details of the next half day session near you.

3: Contact Vinh for a no cost, no obligation coaching session: www.quantumcompass.com.au/freecoaching.ph 

Inspirational Quote of the week

" If you do not hope ,

 you will not find what is beyond your hopes"

- St Clement of Alexandra

Introducing ArtSHINE's New topic "Tales My Mother Told Me..."

 " Tales My Mother Told Me..."

Welcome to ArtSHINE's newest topic for 2012.

Tales my mum told me is a collection of stories that my mum told me when I was a child. Just like one story "The Farmer & the Fisherman" 

Each tale has a meaning to it. You can call it a wisdom or insight to life. What you'll learn from these 12 stories is how you too can apply this to your business lifestyle like I do now.

I hope each of the stories will inspire you to review your business lifestyle and use the idea of the story to apply it your life and business so you can follow your passion and to do what you love. 

My mum is an inspiring woman, the best mum and a great business woman too. I do miss those stories and to recall them, I would like to tell each tale to you for the next 12 weeks.

To learn more about each tale you can visit us every Friday. 

Tale one will be launched out this Friday 03 February. The story is called "When You Help one, You help thousands"

So tune in this Friday for our very first tale that my mum told me.... 

More Tales My Mother Told Me...

Volume 1:

Tale 1: "When You Help One, You Help Thousands"

Tale 2: "Your Mind is Powerful"

Tale 3: "The Importance of Self Understanding"

Tale 4: "Being Compassionate"

Tale 5: "Finding the Inner Calmer In You"

Tale 6: "The Magic Pen"

Tale 7: "Here comes the Fair- Weather Friend"

Tale 8: "Confidence & Competence"

Tale 9:"Being Present"

Tale10: "Chicken scratches for what it gets"

Tale 11:"I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done"
Tale 12: "Frog In The Well"

Volume 2:

Tale 1: Pulling Up the seedlings to help them grow
Tale 2: Grind an Iron Pestle into a Needle

Tale 3: Talking about army on paper.

Tale 4: Being Persistent

Tale 5: A Poet’s Writing Skills Decline

Decoration + Design Sydney Exhibition Centre 1-3 February

Decoration + Design Sydney and the co-located Australian International Furniture Fair will be held

1 - 3 February 2012 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

"Decoration + Design is Australia's leading soft furnishings & interior products Trade Fair showcasing the latest designs from leading Australian manufacturers and importers. This Fair gives interior designers, decorators, architects, furniture and furnishing buying groups and retailers the opportunity to see and buy the latest products, learn the latest industry developments and network with their peers both at the Trade Fair and in a full program of concurrent functions.

At Decoration + Design you will discover industry leaders and exciting new players, all presenting their very latest and best products including fabrics, soft furnishings, wall decorations, lights & lamps, outdoor decorations & furnishings, furniture, objets D’art, artwork and so much more.

Decoration + Design is a trade only event and entry is restricted to qualified trade visitors.

 

HAVE YOU REGISTERED TO VISIT?

Click Here 

 

Images & Source:

http://decorationdesign.com.au/

Happy Australia Day!

Photograph by Monica Li

The Australia Day celebrations in Sydney are befitting of Australia's oldest and biggest city with events and activities spread far and wide, on the beaches, in the backyards, in the sky and in parks, it's a day to celebrate in true Aussie style.

Click Below to know more what 's on this Australia day

Happy Australia Day!

 source:

http://www.australiaday.com.au

Close Up with Textile Designer & Artist Chris Stone

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I am trained as a textile designer in some of the best universities in the UK at the time, Winchester and the Royal Collage of Art in London. I look at many people of my age they have done often ten jobs. I have managed to work in textiles, although though changing roles for over 35 years. I work from home for the main part now but it hasn’t always been like this. 

After leaving collage in 1972 and was head-hunted to go and work in the vibrant Italian market in Milan, for an American designer called Ken Scott, not speaking a word of Italian. I stayed there for three months and started free-lancing which continued for the next 11years in Italy. During this time as well as having London agents who sold globally, I collaborated with many of the great designers.  Milan was a vibrant fashion hotspot. With Jacqui Lewis (now Lewis and Lewis) sold designs at the Heimtex trade fair.  Along with fashion textiles, I worked with Bassetti a large bed-linen company. 

Parrots

So when Sheridan was looking for a European style designer, my name was put forward and after spending a week in Australia came to work as design director from 1984 till 2001. The initial domestic market dominated by Sheridan expanded to sell in 52 countries. With an amazing boutique on Madison Avenue. I worked with a lot of aussie painters and designs to capture our image to an international audience. I was sent to New York as an advised to Donna Karen starting her bed collection.

History of the Cross

After leaving Sheridan, I created a bi-annual book called Colourworks a colour prediction manual that ran for 10 years. I continued designing both textiles for fashion and furnishing. I enjoy teaching, I firstly taught in the Uk organising lecture tours from Glasgow to Winchester, Liverpool and Brighton. I have taught at RMIT (where I have also been external assessor and recently done a master class.) UTS, COFA, Billy Blue and Whitehouse in Sydney.

Although textile design has gone to a large extent overseas, I had some interesting and varied projects last year. Doing a towel range with Prince Albert- UK ceramics range, Working with young designer Gary Bigeni, Doing the centennial scarf for the Queen’s Club and designing an 8 metre frieze for a Pawn shop of the history of the Cross.  Today I doing a lot of paintings and have my own greeting card range.

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?

I always thought that I wanted to do sculpture as a student in foundation, It wasn’t until I showed by portfolio to my sculpture tutor, who said that I was definitely a 2 dimensional person that I approached textiles.  I of course did weave and knit and was drawn to print as my perfect subject. I have always believed that often although you are born with a certain level of talent, that hard work is what makes you shine. I was always drawn to designers before me who had an expression that made them shine. I am lucky that I am able to do lots of different styles and move with fashion, which is essentially about change.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?

I love flowers and although I have at some point chosen different techniques, sizes, methods of painting to achieve different canvasses and designs, I am constantly drawn back to the Dutch masters their use of chiaroscuro, their sense of depth within a 2-dimensional plain.

Les Girls

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

Patient, workaholic, varied, creative and energetic.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My first job was working for Ken Scott in Milan. Sat in the rooftops of central Milan, the studio was set in the vicinity of the Duomo.  The windows opened onto the most amazing pot garden, larger trees descended in height to smaller flowering beds all in pots. Colour was an essential ingredient of ks’s success. I learnt a lot how butterflies (and nature) were great inspiration to get more original colorations. I learnt for the first time that a bad design in good colours would sell more than a good design in bad colours.  Like life, more experience = more adaptability.

Describe a typical day in your studio space?

Perhaps there is not a typical day. My workspace is cluttered and piles of papers /books and materials make it more like a storeroom. The only difference is that view of Rose Bay from my window is stunning. I start work, if I am not going to aqua-aerobics around 7am. Or around 9am. I skip though email to see if there is anything important then get into what I doing. It could be painting/ designing or on the computer. If I am bored at one project I can skip to another, I have always lots of the another project in the wings.

I make time to stop and buy good produce and cook at night. Then continue to do a bit more work before going to bed at midnight. I am a bit of a workaholic.

  

As an Artist &  designer, what is your biggest frustration?

In Australia, sport is considered the big drawcard, design is considered secondary.  These days painting is considered a luxury to most people. A lot of customers are discerning what is good or bad and often opt for cheapness rather than aesthetics. 

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.

My work is fairly unstructured during the uni holidays. For the main part I can pick and choose what I do when.  Deadlines are always important, these I am aware of and structure my work time, tending to do a bit each day so that concepts come together in an orderly way.  It is very much like one would prepare a meal so that meat and vegetables have their appropriate cooking times.

Tell us about your teaching & Workshop?

I have always considered that textiles is a craft subject where we learn from older designs what and where to go. We might modify techniques, ways of printing, colour, scale and techniques but the essentials of repeat, flow and feel are always there. I have taught for over 30 years, I try not to have favourites.  Try to be fair, patient and balance in the way that I give out criticism . Some students have a natural ability from day one and will always produce exceptional work while others suddenly get in midcourse.  Students don’t always put their best foot forward by not reading the brief, not thinking enough about presentation. The best projects are those where all the elements come together in a strong way where graphics, colour, materials and content give out a common message. The most difficult things to teach are having an overview of anything and being blinkered in a narrow vision. One thing I can’t teach to be a good designer is passion, that has to come from the student.

Can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

Knowledge is everything in fashion.  Trends often journey along a tightrope formation where one subject introduces another. Descriptive words often are abounded way before movements start. In the past words, like Zen have provoked designers to take their own interpretations of colour, pattern and shape around these words.  My advise to you is to get to know designers who are in the know, knowing a few of these will help you shape the future direction.  A lot of design starts from the street too,Look.

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?

The first thing that makes a good designer is deciding what is good/ what is bad/ self-criticism.  A lot of students especially grab on the first idea that comes into their heads and running with it as the final concept.

Experimentation is essential. Don’t give up at your first attempt and always give your best.

What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?

I love what I do, which in most work fields am a rarity. According to my fortuneteller I will never retire. I hope that I will continue to grow and expand till the end of my days. It is so easy as you get older to refine and refine till you are left will little to refine. It is important to take on new ideas so that you replenishing and renewing to feel that you are growing.

What is your proudest moment so far?

A difficult one. I have been luck to have had more that my 15 minutes of fame. I am often proud at small things like a person will buy a $2 card and come back the next week because she has enjoyed the image so much she wants more. Proud when a poor student excels. Seeing a design of mine being in magazine/ film or being used by the pope on his visit to Australia.

Who do you most want to meet and why?

I would like to meet designers that have designed though a long period of time, their process of keeping going, controlling their fame being humble in the process.  I would loved to meet David Hockney, I admire his early works, his photography, his theatre sets and his latest work of huge canvasses of the Yorkshire countryside. He still manages to re-invent himself and produce amazing works.

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

That you are replaceable. That there is never enough time. That life goes quicker than you think. That your aesthetic is not always everyone else’s.

That you don’t always have to like what you design for. That the most important lesson in commercial / painting etc is WHO IS MY CUSTOMER.

Where do we find you and your products?

For most of the products I design for, I like to see what the competitors are doing and what similar products are available.  I would advise designers to build up their own archives as well as relying on the internet to give them solutions, as many fellow designs have the same starting points.

Let's Celebrate The Year of The Dragon 2012

The revered Dragon is the most iconic of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals. If you get the chance to visit Asia particularly China you will see that the Dragon appears  everywhere, in the temples, villages, cities, homes and even in high rise buildings. We even name ourselves after the Dragon such as Bruce Lee (Little Dragon) and Jacky Chan (Successful Dragon). Even business owners love to use the Dragon in their business names such as Dragon Pearl Chinese restaurant, The Golden Dragon Jeweler and the list goes on and on.

Over thousands of years ago, the Dragon is a legendary animal and is a symbol of an emperor in China. The Dragon motif symbolises protection, strength, power, fortune and fertility. The mighty Dragon is depicted to soar meandering clouds, signifying the promise of never-ending prosperity.

This year we are overseeing the Water Dragon. The manifestation of the water element in this dragon is here to supervise the weather pattern and water for the world. The dragon is watching over all the important water sources and ensuring abundant harvest for the farmers.

So let’s celebrate the year of the dragon and I wish you all success and in good health for the New Year 2012.

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

恭喜發財


Chúc mừng năm mới!

Inspirational Quote of the week

 "  Do not go where the path may lead, 
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"  

                        - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gong He Fat Choi! The Year of the Dragon 2012

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

(Cantonese)

 恭喜發財 

Life is like a book, 

each day has a new page, 

with lessons to learn and 

tales on good adventures to tell, 

deed to remember.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Choose your destiny! - By Marie-nicole

The dictionary meaning of the word ‘destiny’ implies that there is a lack of control over the outcome of your future. Although we do not have full control over everything that takes place around us, we can surely do our best to steer our life in our chosen direction.

In the lead up to a new year, the desire to reflect on and assess life is common. New years resolutions are made and decisions to change one’s situation often set in motion. I am not terribly big on setting new years resolutions myself as I find I assess enough of my life the entire way through a year, especially since as a micro business owner I have in the past fallen into the trap of doing what comes my way even if it is not what I truly wished to be spending my time doing. Which is why I now think it is essential to stop reflect and assess regularly on what you are spending your time, money and energy on. If you don’t like how your life has turned out or the direction your business is heading then it is up to you to make changes and realign yourself with where you would like to be heading. These changes do not need to be huge, but they do need to be significant to your desired outcome.

The one thing I do like to do at the beginning of a new year is set myself one major goal for that year, giving my year a focal point. Usually it is something that I have had hovering in the back of my mind or written in my journal many times over, and when I see that a year ahead may be well suited to realising that dream, I bring it to the forefront and make it my goal for that year.

In order to set realistic achievable goals for yourself I think it is important to take the time to get to know yourself and what it is you really want to be doing with your life; right now, in the near future and the distant future. Keep in mind that goals may change over time. Just because 10 years ago I wanted to travel the world while photographing for a living does not mean that I still want that now as my situation has changed, now having children and a different set of priorities. I still have a great desire to travel and a passion for photography, but the priority of providing my children with a sense of belonging, the security of a home and a lifestyle where as a family we grow our own food and live sustainably, means that lengthy trips overseas are not as feasible as they were 10 years back. That is not to say that I should abolish that dream, but rather understand what the essence of that dream was about. I think it may be about the sense of adventure and discovery which is something that can also be experienced closer to home, in shorter trips.

This realisation came to light when my husband and I went to Chicago and New York City a couple of years ago. We did a lot of our discovering on foot and when we got back to Australia I decided to
treat my day trips to the inner city areas of Sydney the same way. I park further away from my desired destination then walk the last partof my trip which enables me to really take in the smaller details of an areas culture while discovering shops, cafés, street art and beautiful little gardens that I would have missed had I driven right up to the curbside of my desired destination. In the last couple of years we’ve also taken a few more road trips and treated them in much the same wayas our US trip. Adjusting your dreams to your current situation shouldnot mean loosing the essence of what you are about.
 

Apart from knowing yourself when setting your goals in order to choose your own destiny, I think it is equally important to understand how the people around you are affecting you and your ability to realise your dreams (or your family’s dreams). Some, no matter how close to you they are, may simply be a negative influence because they themselves do not believe that they have a say in their own destiny. They may be the type of person that blames everyone but themselves for their misfortunes. I am not saying that you should cut ties with these people entirely, but I think it is extremely important to engage with people that lift you up and encourage or inspire your personal or creative growth and development. When times seem tough you will draw from the energy theyprovide you. At other times you can be their source of positive energy when they need it. Having this kind of support will be invaluable toyou staying positive about the possibilities that life can offer you if you are open to the opportunities that are out there just waiting for you to embrace them.

So I would like to encourage you to steer your life in the direction you would like it to head... there is no use spending unnecessary energy on blaming others for what you have not achieved or what you do not have... choose to make it happen, realise your dreams, dream up new ones and live the best life that you can live!

Image: by marie-nicole
Dream catcher: www.teawithagypsy.esty.com

Close Up interview with Artist & Designer Sally Walsh

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

Ever since I was a child I have always been drawn to anything and everything “arty-farty”.  I just love to make and create, whether it’s making a dress or quirky accessories (as I usually can’t find what I’m looking for in the shops), creating canvas art, designing logos or brand identity work.  I live in the lovely Sydney and earn my crust as a Graphic Designer and Artist, with a colourful working history that has always encouraged my creativity.  When I am not working away in Sydney I love to get out and about and travel through this beautiful and intriguing world of ours, stocking up on inspiration and fond memories.

The Sillier Than Sally crew – Sisters,

 Sally Walsh and Cara Hill

Photos by Amy Walsh

I have recently launched a new business “Sillier Than Sally”, a fabulous wearable art range, with my lovely but nutty sister Cara. This venture is really exciting for us, as the brand is all about fun, fresh, bold, unique and slightly off centre designs and prints.  They’re for anyone who wants to feel unique and special no matter what the occasion.  The designs and colours are energy lifting, confidence giving, and a little bit cheeky!  Through this brand we have let fly with our arty-farty ways, to create a unique hand made clutch line, bunting and screen printed tote bags, with a soon to be released jewellery and hair accessories line.

We are very excited about further launching the brand at designer markets and in boutique shops soon.

Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?

My loving family and friends inspire me and give me courage and support.  Starting a new project always has a great energy about it and inspires the hell out of me.  Traveling has also been a huge source of inspiration for me…. from intense glorious colours, smells and textures at markets in Guatemala, to strange, different and exciting foods in China, to amazing landscapes and culture filled Thailand, to family values and lifestyles in Vietnam, to amazing traditional jam sessions (that make your heart tingle) in a country pub in Ireland, to the sun setting in the Greek islands.

I have learnt through traveling, that I am a resilient little shit and am quite capable of doing anything I set my mind to, and that if you can get out of your own way then you don’t just dream big, but reach those dreams and make them a reality.

Commissioned Animal Portrait, by Sally Walsh 

Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?

I draw inspiration from everyday life, it surrounds us….a good thunder storm, a lovely colour combination, beautifully designed material (that I have to keep buying), finding a lost/discarded treasure in a garage sale or market, a good hug, a fabulous movie, or at the moment my biggest obsession and inspiration hit comes from vintage paraphernalia, like post cards, sheet music, magazines, ledgers, photos.  I have been collecting them like crazy and I just can’t seem to stop (I think I have a slight problem)…  I’m looking forward to incorporating them in an upcoming series of whimsical vintage illustrations.

What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?

I actually put this question out to our Facebook fans and friends, I got some varied, absolutely lovely replies, but I thought this one was quite good:

“Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy and crazy....I can use the same word more than once right?” from my best mate Lauren, dating back to year 7.

Sillier than Sally Clutches 

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

I jumped into hospitality straight out of school.  I naturally fell into it as it’s in my family’s blood, and I guess unlike becoming an artist, it’s a “real job”.  So I initially dabbled in hospitality, with designing and creating art as a passion that sometimes paid the bills.

We had many fun adventures together hospitality and I… working backstage at Rock ‘n Roll concerts, to events like the Aria Awards and Big Day Out.  Through to working overseas at events like the Italian Winter Olympics, the Beijing Summer Olympics and many other little side adventures.  Hospitality was always there for me when I suffered from “SAS” (Starving Artist Syndrome), but in the end my creative side won out, that and the fact that I also love learning new skills and mixing it up.

So over the last 5 years or so I have further studied design, worked in the floristry industry, printing industry, worked for Disney on animated feature films like Bambi 2 and Cinderella 3, freelanced in illustration, canvas art and graphic design.  My latest position as Graphic Artist at Advertising Agency SapientNitro was working across an array of high end renowned and boutique brands.

Sillier Than Sally Tote Bags

Now I am focusing on my new business “Sillier than Sally”.  This venture has been waiting not so patiently to come out to play for many years now, but as you can see it’s been a journey to get here….I am also still freelancing in design, illustration and canvas art.  I love designing and painting and it also balances out the running costs of starting up a new business…well sort of!

So my path has been varied, a long and beautiful one.  A collage of fond memories, dreams, great people and a bit of rock ‘n roll.  It’s a work-in-progress and it has certainly been an adventure… I’m pretty sure I took the scenic (and probably not the smartest) route somewhere along the way.

Describe a typical day in your studio space?

7:30 – 9:30 am, start at the studio, depending if I run errands on the way there, like picking up post and materials. Sometimes I will try to squeeze in some designing (before I head off in the morning) for an upcoming line, as my home computer is more powerful than my laptop.

Pack the car…I seem to carry a lot to and from the studio each day…sketchbooks, diary, more sketchbooks, laptop, hard drive, DSLR camera…get to studio, fluff around for a bit, realise I have forgotten something, swear for a bit, then start work.

 Working away in her studio

First up is some paper work, write out the day’s to-do-list, check emails, FB, harass suppliers about their sloppy delivery times.  Usually my sister arrives by then, with her little baby girl Cypress, and her over excitable dog Sparrow.  We have a good chin wag for a bit and then get stuck into the work load.  At the moment that consists of screen printing out designs onto tote bags or sowing and putting together clutches.

Break for a late lunch of cheese, crackers and wine then back into it again.  We might spend a whole day working across one line, or split up different jobs between us, depending on the need for a particular line.  In the afternoon if the sun is good we might photograph some of our wares or create some new screens for printing.

Day usually finishes up with some more paper work, and ordering more materials.  Head home from 5 -7 pm.

About 2 -3 evenings a week I will spend some time catching up on Facebook, updating my (usually overdue) blog, designing an upcoming line or working on a freelancing project.

 As an Artist, what is your biggest frustration?

Only having 24 hours a day.

Tell us about how you prioritise your work.

Still working on getting the right balance here….I try and spend time on all aspects of the business:  creating, designing, paperwork, advertising and marketing.  I have a lot on my plate at the moment with the business and freelancing…the balance is not always there.  I try and get as much down time with my lovely hubby Brett and my family and friends as possible….still working on this though.

I am less insane when I have a good work life balance!

Sillier Than Sally Bunting

Can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

Mmm….another thing I am still working on!  Just launched a new “Sillier Than Sally” Facebook page.  I have a blog that I need to update more often, I attend exhibition openings and word of mouth via fantastically supportive friends is gold!

What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?

• To try and try and try again!
• To keep believing in what you’re doing, even if you stumble now and then.
• Find the silver lining.
• Don’t listen to the naysayers and energy vampires out there.
• Write or sketch down all your ideas, as you can always come back to those little gems later.
• Learn to put your work out there with confidence (not cockiness’) and to manage money...I’m still working on those last two myself.

 What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?

• Have a solo exhibition.
• Live in the country.
• Paint and draw my way through Africa, then have an exhibition on return…I am actually doing this later on this year.
• Open a boutique shop/café, filled with glorious “Sillier Than Sally” stock and other fantastic designs and products sourced from far and wide.

What is your proudest moment so far?

Hard to pick just one, so here are a few….Watching Bambi 2 with my husband and family, and being able to point out scenes I had worked on.  Growing the balls to launch my own design range.  Corny I know but, every time we create a new line of wearable art.. they are like our babies and we are such proud mammas!

Sally Walsh and husband Brett McCracken

http://www.skyephotography.com.au/

Who do you most want to meet and why?

• David Downton - London biased fashion illustrator.  I would love to pick his brain on illustration and watercolour techniques.
• Fafi - Paris based street artist.  Would love to watch her at work, creating one of her fantastically feminine pieces.
• Norman Lindsay  - (Deceased… so might be difficult) Australian Artist.  His work has always entranced me.  So lovely, sweet and slightly evil all at the same time.

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

Enjoy the ride, as it’s all about the journey.  That and don’t leave microwave popcorn in the microwave for extended amounts of time.

What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?

Recommended book:  Wise Heart, by Annah Stretton.

It’s a seriously great and engaging book on the success of New Zealand entrepreneur, Annah Stretton, where she shares the strategies and tools that got her to the top.  (http://www.annahstretton.co.nz/shop/AccessoriesOther+Products/Wise+Heart.html)

Where do we find you and your products?

Sillier Than Sally – Wearable Art Range

• Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Sillier-than-Sally-Wearable-Art-Range/152345921533142
• Blog:  http://sillierthansally.blogspot.com/
• Portfolio:  http://sillierthansally.carbonmade.com
• Email:  Sally@SillierThanSally.com