I’ve been inspired by some very creative and talented women who I have had the good fortune to meet over the past few years. And they all have something in common – the ability to move forward beyond challenges in life, maintaining a positive perspective and harnessing it all to produce creative work.

Their backgrounds are different so it is no surprise that their styles also differ. The more I get to know these women and the more I see their work, the more I ask myself what it is that I love about each of these ladies, their creative work and why. I am hoping that reflecting on this will help me define what it is that I do.

So, let’s start!

Katie Lips, an entrepreneur and artist, has successfully transformed into art her experience in technology and the challenges encountered in startups. Her body of work is fun, vibrant and thought provoking. Katie has been featured in Living etc, The Discerner and After Nyne. Make Something Amazing and My Ideas are two collages that quickly come to mind when I think of Katie.

Elizabeth Stewart, founder of Loopygifts, is a graphic designer who designs and creates frames to commemorate weddings, new homes, births and other special occasions. She draws from her graphic design experience and combines it with the more delicate art of crochet. Her pieces are simple and elegant with a sense of serenity and calmness. Much like the designer herself.

Michal Tkachenko is an established Canadian/British visual artist. The story behind the Metal Head series is one of strength and self-reflection. And if you are lucky enough to meet Michal as I have, you will not only see the strength but the positivity that follows. By far, my favourite piece is My 3 Plates.

Bhavini Kundaiker studied law in her past life and has a day job in an office. Outside of this, B, as we know her, conjures up the most delicate henna designs for wedding parties and candles for special occasions. She also channels her love for all things bright and beautiful to create a gorgeous face painting portfolio.

Isobel Carr is the youngest and is currently studying. I first heard of Isobel through a distant relative. And although Isobel and I have not met in person, we have been in contact via email and Facebook. Isobel is a passionate young Australian, mature beyond her years, with a keen interest in journalism and politics. And while these interests have been explored through her artwork, her passions are animals and the environment. In Isobel’s opinion, these are ‘underrepresented in contemporary art’. My favourite piece by Isobel is The Dying Life which highlights the ‘fragility of the natural environment and why it deserves to be protected’.  

What has become clear to me is the variety of media and colour used. This raises the question: If I am drawn to their work and the colour they use, why is it that my own body of work is almost exclusively monochrome? Truth be told, I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s because it is easier to create an illusion if it is black and white. Perhaps it is easier to contain the ‘mess’ when there is only one variable.

I haven’t quite been able to define the work that I do just yet. But what I have achieved from writing this post and exploring the work of these women is the motivation and courage to find my own direction.