ARTIST DIVA - Lorraine Emerson

Lorraine Emerson is a visual artist who works mainly from her studio, situated in the picturesque Dayboro Valley just 45km north west of Brisbane, Queensland. Lorraine’s creative work covers a variety of techniques and applications. These include inks, acrylic, mono printing, collage and encaustic on canvas or wood. She also enjoys creating wearable art such as unique felt scarves, hats and wraps using Australian merino fleece. 

Tenterfield was the birthplace of Artist Lorraine Emerson. It was a small country town situated on the Queensland and New South Wales border. Her first home is believed to have been in a tent on the riverbanks of the Mole River. Today, this is far removed from her studio that is nestled high in the hills of King Scrub.  She can recall receiving a huge paint set one Christmas when she was quite young. Lorraine shared, “I must have been painting and drawing well before this, unfortunately I can’t remember, however I can remember how excited I was to receive that gift.”  Family have told her that she was always drawing one thing or another.

Today she is still drawing one thing or another in between trying to organise an Open Studio Trail. Lorraine has always been inspired to have her own studio space where she can share knowledge and interact with other artists. She feels that such a place to show art, critique art and share conversation with other artists and friends over a glass of wine is an important part of her existence.

Lorraine’s studio is nestled high on a hillside with an ever changing view overlooking the Dayboro Valley. Amongst the smell and sounds of the Australian bush a tranquil studio setting is offered, complimented by large eucalyptus trees, wattles, king parrots and koalas. Lorraine is thankful to be able to work in such a peaceful environment surrounded by natural bushland.  Most of her inspiration comes from her own journey through life, such as, childhood memories, thoughts, emotions and daily events.

You are an artist who has worked with different mediums. What is your favourite?

I would have to say that mixed media seems to satisfy my creative needs at present. I use a combination of inks, acrylics, mono printing, found objects, conte, encaustics and collage.   

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Everywhere, every day, I can be inspired by so many different things: a few words from a song, a passage from a book and even the sight of skeletal remains of fish in a dry creek bed in outback Australia. In general, I guess life itself.

Would you say you had a particular style or styles?

Yes, I believe I do. Especially when I create work from the subconscious mind, these images, thoughts and emotions are from my inner sanctum.

As well as working as an artist you also hold classes. How did your role as a teacher evolve?

As a matter of fact it came about accidentally. A friend wanted to know how to paint so I offered to show her some of the basics. We covered such things as mark making, contour drawing, tonal scales and colour association. Of course it grew from there.

Do you prefer to teach or to work on your own pieces?

I enjoy both. Sharing my knowledge with others and being witness to their creativity gives me great satisfaction.

You have had many exhibitions. Could you tell us about the one that was most memorable?

Looking back over the years when I was just starting to show my work, I received notification that I had been invited to exhibit in The Parliamentary Annex in Brisbane. Of course, I was naïve to the significance of the invitation.

What do you consider has been your greatest achievement?

I would say the last painting that I am satisfied with.

How do you market your artwork?

As an artist I am more concerned about creating the work than selling it. I think that the internet has helped many artists sell their work direct to the public, including myself.

What has been your greatest challenge to date and how did you resolve it?

I would have to say committing myself to a solo exhibition has been my greatest challenge. The resolution to do that is a combination of an organized schedule, self – discipline, determination and hard work.

What are your future plans?

I have been inspired to work harder on my own paintings after my recent visit to the Gallery of Pro Hart in Broken Hill and The Victorian Art Society in Melbourne where our Great Australian Artists once worked. I have also volunteered to help organize a Pilot Programme for an Arts Trail in our surrounding area. Another project in 2013 will bring together a number of artists for an Open Day of Demonstrations to be held in the Vineyard at Ocean View Estates. The intention is to create a combination of artistic workshops where students are offered to partake in a package of food, wine, and accommodation.

What is the next challenge for you personally?

To learn more about the composition and application of encaustics and to apply that knowledge.

PHOTO CREDIT –Lorraine Emerson

ARTIST DIVA – Lynn Krisanski

 Artist, business owner, jillaroo, horse lover and a country born and bred woman who loves life describes Lynn Krisanski in a nutshell. Lynn is the joint owner of Genesis Artists Supplies, the Australian based distributor of Genesis Heat Set Oil Paints.

Oil paints were never an option for Lynn due to adverse reactions to their smell and then when she became sick after using acrylic paints Lynn had to look for an alternative if she wanted to keep painting. Painting for Lynn is something she just has to do. Finding Genesis started her on a life changing journey which included buying the Australian based distributorship of Genesis Heat Set Oil paints. This was a huge career change.

Lynn was raised on a cattle property outside a little town in the Brisbane Valley in Queensland. This left her with a deep empathy for ‘life on the land’. After some years in the city, Lynn returned to the country to raise her family. She paints a wide range of subject matter. Sometimes a scene or subject will create the urge for Lynn to paint. This urge can be so insistent that Lynn is driven to have it on canvas and “out of her system”. Life in rural Australia is one of Lynn’s greatest inspirations. 

Here is an interview with Lynn Krisanski -

Who was the person who encouraged you to pursue your work as an artist?

I have always drawn and painted for as long as I can remember. For my seventh birthday my Shetland pony ‘gave’ me a book of Banjo Patterson’s ballads illustrated by Walter Stackpool. Walter’s illustrations inspired me to want to be able to paint like that! Unrequited love best describes the long period from then until 2005 when I joined a local art group under the tutelage of Lorraine Emerson. It was like having dormant coals turned into a raging bushfire. Since then I have been learning and experimenting spending every spare moment drawing or painting. 

Where do you find inspiration for your paintings?

Inspiration strikes in a multitude of places. Ideas pop into my head from all directions. My favourite subjects are work scenes from rural Australia, our bush and the horses and men who work in it. My sons have been unwitting models for many of my paintings.

What is your next artistic challenge?

Once I have painted a scene I never repeat it. Recently I completed a painting which ended up being ruined and had to be retouched only to have it ruined again, however someone wanted to buy it. Refusing to sell it [my reputation at stake] I said I would repaint it. He wanted two paintings of the same scene so I have to paint this same painting four times. This, for me, is a huge challenge.

What do you consider to be your greatest artistic achievement?

I have exhibited in group exhibitions and won awards in competitions as well as completing many commissions. Selling a painting always brings very mixed emotions; delight that someone else likes my work enough to buy it and sadness as I say goodbye to a piece of me. I paint in a realistic style with attention to detail. On seeing one of my paintings, a lady commented she could ‘smell the dust’. To me that was the greatest compliment I could have had!

What led you to develop your own online business?

I was looking for a change in career being rather burnt out in a job I had been in for over 16 years. I had used Genesis Oil Paints and planned to finish a commission I had to paint using house paint before I was going to dive headlong into using Genesis. A chance sighting of an ad in a magazine led me on a life changing journey. My husband and I purchased the Genesis Oil Paints Australasian distributorship in November 2010 - certainly one way to dive in! 

How are your products different from similar products on the market?

Genesis Heat Set Oil Paints are the only paints in the world which dry when the artist decides. They can dry in just moments or stay workable for years on the palette and canvas. The paint needs to reach 130 degrees to ‘cure’. It suits a wide range of painting styles.

How do you market your business?

We use the internet, art publications and hands on workshops. 

What are your future plans for your business?

I would really like to have many more artists enjoying the benefits of Genesis and to grow, grow and grow some more.

What has been your greatest challenge to date and how did you resolve it?

International competition! While we couldn’t beat them in the price war we focussed on our exceptional customer service and quick delivery of products.

Would you please tell us about your interest in horses and the associated competitions and work?

Horses are one of my great passions. I have ridden everything from Shetland ponies to Arabs to Percherons. I ride horses for work and for fun. Work is cattle mustering, while fun is horse sports. I have just retired my lovely little Arab mare. I promised her that if she did well at the Brisbane Valley Equestrian Masters Games I would retire her. She must have listened as she gave me all she had. We successfully defended our Ironwoman title and won our age group as well as taking out overall champion for most points won during the day. 

If you could choose any holiday destination in Australia, where would you choose?

Having ticked off one of my bucket list destinations, riding a horse in the Snowy Mountains, my next destination is Sheffield in Tasmania.

CONTACT DETAILS:

W: www.genesisoilpaints.com.au

E:  lynn@genesisoilpaints.com.au

P:  0437183173

PHOTO CREDIT – Lynn and Terry Krisanski

MEDITATION DIVA – Tracey Rhodes

On a quest for peace in 1995 Tracey started searching for the meaning of life and as the boys from Monty Python say ‘always look on the bright side of life’ and that pretty much sums her up.

Tracey is a vibrant and passionate being whose sole purpose is to empower people to experience their infinite potential, to release fear, anchor a deep sense of peace within their own mind, soul and being.

What led you to develop your own business?

So many people are living in a state of lack and fear and that is not how we were designed to live.  We were designed to live in a state of love, harmony, balance, peace and joy.   This is what I want for everyone on the planet and I love to share what I have learned and what has helped me on my life’s journey.

Would you please share with us some information about the services you offer your clients?

Most of my services are online which is fantastic because they can go out to anyone in the world. Some of the services offered on my Cellular Healing website include -

·         FREE Inspirational e-Book.  Click on the link below for your free copy.  This book is a daily ritual for an inspired life offering techniques to set powerful intentions along with 136 inspirational quotes with exercises to bring more love, joy and peace into your life. http://cellularhealing.kajabi.com/fe/25025-free-inspirations-e-book-download

·         ‘Breaking Through the Illusion of Fear!’ is a six week online course where you will be guided to embark on a journey where you will learn some amazing tools, tips, exercises, meditation, spiritual amplification and a sound transformation session that will help to release your fears.

·         “Transforming with Sound” is a session working with voice and a wide range of musical instruments such as Tibetan Bells and  American Indian drums. An intuitively guided sound bath will pour through you raising your vibration and working to the core of you.   

·         “Mystery School Meditations” - with this package a 20-30 minute guided meditation is sent to your email address once a week. You choose the time that is suitable for you.

How do you market your business?

I market my business online, through social media and word of mouth.

Who provides you with inspiration?

Life in general provides me with inspiration.  I find everyday living provides me with the wisdom I need to share.  Being mindful of your experiences, having the ability to listen to your inner guidance and meditating on a daily basis helps the mind to focus, to be peaceful and to find greater clarity.

What has been your training?

My training incorporates National and International credentials in Stress Management, Natural Medicine, Meditation, Aromatherapy, Healing and Thought Field Therapy. I am certified with the Australian College of Natural Medicine and maintain several certifications in Team Skills, Adult Learning and Development, Customer Service and Customer Interaction and have also completed a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and a Certificate IV in Business Management.

What are your future plans?

In 2013 I plan to touch the land in every continent on earth, to bath in the waters that surround every continent and to share my message worldwide, touching one million people.  I am assisting people to reclaim their power, to love unmeasurably and activate the most powerful healing blessing into every cell of their being, to heal at a cellular level.

How do you chill out when you need some ‘Me Time’?

I love to walk my dog at the beach and go for a swim in the ocean. It helps me to reconnect to the earth and clear my mind, plus some great illumination comes when I do this.  Watching a chick flick is a great chill out remedy for me.  I love to laugh.  Going to The White Eagle Lodge in Maleny is great for my soul.

What has been your best holiday destination?

I had a magical time in Ubud in Bali. Ubud is the spiritual heart of Bali and is a very peaceful and beautiful place. The main race is Hindu.  We had great massages, Ayurveda healings and fantastic food.

If there was just one thing that you could do to improve your life, what would it be?

To totally surrender to the flow of life, let go and know that every situation is for my growth and that all is well, always.  I really am pretty good at it, but sometimes I forget to practice what I preach.

What is your signature dish when entertaining friends at home?

My favourites are Honey Pumpkin Quinoa Salad, Stuffed Mushrooms and Lentil Patties.

W:  http://cellularhealing.org/services

       http://www.corporatestressmanagement.com.au

E:  tracey@cellularhealing.org

P: Australia 0403249840

    International +61403249840

PHOTO CREDIT – Tracey Rhodes

FASHION DIVA – CHIQUITA SEARLE

FASHION DIVA – CHIQUITA SEARLE

Australian Designer Chiquita Searle studied at the Paris Fashion Institute before launching her European inspired Corporate Collection for the modern professional business woman in early 2012.

From an early age, Brisbane fashion designer Chiquita Searle knew style and clothes were the only things that made her tick. From cheeky beginnings at university spending her textbook money on clothes, to an unfulfilled corporate life in the mining industry, her inherent desire to involve herself in the fashion world was one she couldn’t ignore.

Having studied at the Paris Fashion Institute in 2011, Searle has returned to her first love in the form of her very own European inspired corporate wear label, “Chi”. Merging her corporate roots with timeless chic, Searle’s innovative collections reflect the sense of style and confidence she inhibits herself.  Searle is fast becoming the leader in innovative corporate wear for the female executive and entrepreneur in Australia, designing for the woman who covets exclusive, premium products enjoyed by only a few.

While she may be a slave to fashion, Searle is no victim to fashion trends. Professing a love and appreciation for timeless European inspired fashion, she prefers to design pieces that make her clients feel good about themselves and will always be stylish regardless of what is ‘in’. Searle’s pieces transition from the corporate hour to cocktail hour which make them versatile and wearable.

Currently based in Brisbane, Australia, Chiquita Searle is determined to ensure local female professionals are on the best dressed list.

Who was the person who encouraged you to pursue your career in fashion?

Me funnily enough. I always knew I would establish my own fashion label at some stage and about 2 years ago I reassessed where I was personally and professionally and it seemed like a good time to put the wheels into motion.

What led you to develop your business specialising in corporate clothing?

After studying at the Paris Fashion Institute last year, I realised that there is a market the world over for stylish on trend corporate wear that doesn’t have to incorporate the traditional suit. Our options have been rather limited and Chi fills that gap by providing stylish corporate ensembles which are both edgy and feminine.

Would you please share with us some information about the services you offer your clients?

I am a Designer but I also incorporate Styling Sessions for my clients as after speaking with many of them, I’ve found the overwhelming result to be that corporate women are frustrated with their lack of understanding in how to style an outfit, what to wear to flatter their body shape and in some cases not even knowing what body shape they are! In my opinion, there is no point to beautiful clothes without fully understanding how to wear them. So part of my mission has become to educate my clients on how to look fabulous for the office everyday without fail!

How do you market your business?

I have an amazing Publicist, Samantha Brooks of Bloom PR & Marketing, who is tireless in her endeavours to raise the profile of myself and my label. I also utilise social media and have an intern dedicated to it. But most importantly, I go to great lengths to ensure that my clients have an AMAZING experience where they are made to feel special every time they deal with my label so most of my business has been word of mouth as a result.

What has been your greatest challenge to date and how did you resolve it?

Managing the cash flow.  I get so excited about the design aspect and once a new design forms in my head I just want to get it made NOW! But in business you have to pace yourself and focus on selling the current collection before focusing on the next design element.

Who is your favourite designer and why?

Alexander McQueen. I think he is, without question, the most talented designer to have ever walked the face of the earth. His creativity is unrivalled. It’s pure art. I think he is an absolute genius. 

What are your fashion forecasts for the next season?

To be honest, I don’t follow trends as such. I believe that corporate pieces need to be timeless and classic so that when purchasing something for your work wardrobe it’s a garment you can wear for seasons, plural rather than singular. Corporate clothing in my mind is an investment and for that reason I don’t follow trends when designing but instead think about my “Chi” Woman who leads a full and active life and needs items that can fit into her lifestyle. When I design it’s ALL about my customer. Never about trends.

Would you please tell us about your role in the League of Extraordinary Women?

What the League aims to do is bring together like minded female entrepreneurs to celebrate our achievements and provide a community where we can share ideas, align businesses and generally just motivate and support each other on our journey to greatness!  I have been fortunate enough to be named the first ever Queensland Crusader which is an achievement I am very proud of. I organise the Qld events, promote them, assist in building the memberships, organise speakers and be someone any young female professional can come to for direction or support.

What are your future plans?

To build on the success of my styling sessions and open my first “Destination” store in 2013 in Brisbane where I can continue to hold the Chi Corporate Styling Sessions, launch Exclusive Invitation Only VIP Nights and have it be a place for Chi customers to come to be pampered and “styled” rather than simply another retail store.

How do you chill out when you need some ‘Me Time’?

I read or I watch a DVD. I’ve recently taken up running which I really enjoy so aim to do that 3 times per week as well.

What is your favourite article of clothing?

The Office Wench Halterneck. It’s my latest design and I love it. It’s perfect for the Christmas season as it can be worn to the office under a blazer and then worn by itself to any number of Christmas events with a tailored pant or skirt.

If you could choose any holiday destination in the world, where would you choose?

New York. On the agenda is to spend Xmas in 2013 there for my first White Xmas with my family.

CONTACT DETAILS:

W: www.chithelabel.com

E: enquiry@chithelabel.com

P: 0447 159 241

PHOTO CREDIT – Kristina Shapranova Photography

The articles in this blog are featured in the exciting new online magazine My-creativediva. To read more about this magazine follow the link below -

http://www.my-creativediva.co.uk/