Tell us about your background

I have always been ‘arty’ studying arts in all forms from a young age. I completed a visual arts degree in 2006 majoring in painting and jewellery.

Tell us about what you create

I create hand made jewellery from mainly reclaimed and recycled materials. I create funky, yet classic jewellery styles.

What made you start making your pieces?

I was very excited after completing my arts degree to pursue a career in the arts field.

What is your inspiration/influences?

I really love pieces that are timeless, so my influences are art neuveu, celtic and art deco among a few.

What materials do you use?

I love silver, but also enjoy polishing up acrylic to look like glass, it’s a very light material to use. copper is also a favorite.

tell us about your creative process?

I useually just jump in and create and work out the bumps as I go along.

Why did you choose in.cube8r?

I think it’s a great outlet for artist like myself.

Where else can we find you?

urban cow studio in adelaide
handorf academy gallery
murrey bridge regional gallery
e for ethel in north adelaide

tell us about your background

I’ve survived working in office admin, the graphic design industry and being a mother of young children (thus far, at least!) but have always had a creative side. Over the years various crafty pursuits – anything from traditional knitting and sewing to lead lighting and cold glass – have kept the creative juices flowing but a long term interest in large, metal sculpture has begun as wire combined assemblage sculpture. Photography has always been there in the background and took a more serious turn once I purchased a macro lens — I love details.

tell us about what you create

I mostly make metal, assemblage sculpture owls from everyday items but have been known to also make elephants, butterflies and other creatures. My pieces are intended as decor items for interior or exterior decoration and, although they are also striking as individual pieces, work most effectively in groupings of 3 or 5. The benefit of an exterior position is the continuing evolution of the metal due to the elements: some parts will rust and become speckled or completely orange or rust coloured and others will retain their shine.

what made you start making your pieces?

My children’s school was preparing an art show and made requests for donations to auction off. I decided that if i didn’t make use of the opportunity to make something and see how my pieces would be received by the public that I probably would never ‘have a go’. I had started to collect various bits from op shops and garage sales and in fiddling with them put together my first owl using a stainless steel tooth brush holder lid, washers and springs.

what is your inspiration/influences?

The idea of found object sculpture had been floating around in my head for a while due to various fabulous artists here in Australia and around the globe (particularly Jean Tinguely — Swiss sculptor – and American, Brian Marshall).

what materials do you use?

All sorts of household items: saucepan lids, metal trays, vintage cupcake forms, tea strainers, colanders, washers, buttons, springs, curtain hooks. What items I use is only limited by my imagination.

tell us about your creative process?

Each of my assemblage pieces is born out of utter chaos. Once I choose an object to use as the body of my piece I select component parts from a plethora of pieces which I have spread around me, disregarding those that don’t ‘fit’ with the base. A wealth of eye and beak choices mean that even with the same or a similar body, no two sculptures end up the same.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

With my weekends being mainly devoted to family time, having a space where my pieces are able to be seen 6 days a week is vital to my business and in.cube8r Fitzroy is in such a great hub in which my quirky sculptures fit perfectly.

anything else you would like to add?

I love doing what I do. I am privileged to be able to be a full-time mum and creating is something that helps me to hold on to my identity whilst doing that. Someone once told me that the process of creating, be it playing/composing music, or crafting something, helps to get you in the same state of mind as meditation. It certainly works that way for me.

where else can we find you?

• The first sunday of each month I can be found at the vibrant Rose Street Artists’ Market in Fitzroy: http://www.rosestmarket.com.au/
• The third sunday of each month finds me in the hallowed halls of the Abbotsford Convent, indoors at the Makers’ Market: http://www.makersmarket.org.au/
• Photographs of my work can be seen in my facebook page albums: https://www.facebook.com/focusonart and on webshots http://good-times.webshots.com/album/575948722jeguic?start=540
• Stockists: https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=274311239281656

tell us about your background

dini+lov is the creation of school friends silvana lovallo and belinda di nino. both having studied sculpture together and now individually working in separate creative fields; together dini+lov is our new exciting venture.

tell us about what you create

we create jewellery and accessories for children 3+ and women, which include necklaces, bracelets, headbands and brooches. we are melbourne based and products are handmade from new, pre-loved and eclectic sourced trinkets from around the world.

what materials do you use?

our latest collection made mostly from fabrics either new or recycle and features mexican milagros charms.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

in.cube8r is a unique and supportive retail and gallery space. it is a wonderful space to launch a new label allowing you the opportunity and freedom to gauge the market place and develop and grow your product.

where else can we find you?

info@diniandlov.com

tell us about what you create

i create artwork focused mainly on single figures that explore the theme of isolation and the idea of truth and beauty. recently I have decided to turn my attention to well know celebrities, especially those related to fashion and the arts.

what materials do you use?

i usually work with watercolour, pencil or acrylics… although I have been known to improvise with other materials – even red wine!

why did you choose in.cube8r?

in.cube8r is a great platform for visual artists to share their work. unlike some galleries who struggle to get people through the door, there are thousands of people who come through in.cube8r monthly and have the opportunity to view my constantly evolving artwork displays. requests for commissions and tailored artwork continue to grow year to year!

anything else you would like to add?

i hope you enjoy my exhibition spaces, at in.cube8R and www.ollie-ink.com. please visit regularly as they are always evolving!

where else can we find you?

visit www.ollie-ink.com for more information, or email Ollie@Ollie-Ink.com

in a year of retail uncertainty, in.cube8r has grown stronger. we’ve had a 4th gallery join us – in.cube8r geelong, and in a time of media doom and gloom handmade continues to thrive.

handmade thrives because handmade = made with love and care.

i thank my franchisees for believing in the brand enough to become a part of it.

i thank my participants for riding the waves with us and for SO many having stayed with me for over 4 years.

i also thank my repeat customers who come back again and again for every birthday, anniversary and christmas. – without you, we wouldn’t be here.

thank you all for buying handmade and for writing about us in your blogs and facebook pages.

lets hope 2012 is a year of joy, certainty and growth.

i am humbled by this journey and again thank each and every one of you.

in.cube8r smith street will be having a break from 4pm on december 24 to january 11.

vicki @ the valley in.cube8r

A BIG THANK YOU to all artists & customers throughout the year. We’ve had a big 12 months to say the least – with the floods hitting us hard in the beginning of the year, and a big move to the better location not long after. Should I even mention low confidence worldwide due to economic issues, and I’ve even had a personal health scare that I’ve had to deal with – there were times that I wondered if it was worth continuing on with this pink shop. But every single day, i have a new customer singing the praises of the gallery, supporting local artists, and continually returning to see what’s new. It’s these people who tell their friends about us, and support the artists that make my day.

If I won lotto I’d still be sitting at this counter, sharing stories with people about the artists, still having that little jump for joy when someone chooses to buy local – there’s no where else I’d rather be (except maybe at home with my family, and a chilled cocktail in my hand!) But that’s what Christmas is for, so i hope you have a good one! xxx

sharon @ geelong in.cube8r

We’ve now been open for nearly 8 weeks and it’s the silly season again.

Nothing is more personal than giving a hand-made gift that will last a life-time.

We are open 7 days leading up to Christmas and will be open until late on Thursday and Fridays to enable last minute shopppers a share of the unique items found in in.cube8r Geelong

Tell us about your background

i have always considered myself a visual sort of person, with a bit of an eye for detail. in my youth i had a keen interest in art, and enjoyed drawing and oil painting in particular. since leaving school in the late seventies i have done very little in regards to consolidating my interest in art, rather, choosing to pursue my career in children’s services, and later, establishing my own business. these pursuits, along with family life, have left very little time for much else, and so it is only now, in my middle years, have i been able to turn my attention to exploring my artistic tendencies with any real energy and focus.
as with everything in my life, i have taken my renewed interest in art seriously, at times obsessing so much that i find myself awake at 2am with a brush in my hand, dabbing madly at the canvas in front of me. to quote james elkins, author of “what painting is” … ‘how it can be so entrancing, so utterly addictive, so replete with expressive force, that it can keep hold of an artist’s attention for an entire lifetime.’

i only wish that i had perhaps maintained my interest and explored my artistic tendencies throughout my adult life, rather than choosing to put it on hold while i got on with establishing my career. still, perhaps it is because of my life experience, rather than despite it, that i can now express myself so fully and freely in my art.

i can only hope that my paintings, which are nothing less than an emotional explosion for me, as necessary as they are not, find in you a place to nestle and be embraced. i want that my art is expressed in a way that, even when you don’t completely get it, it strikes a chord, and continues to resonate in you long after you walk away.

Tell us about what you create

Paintings which are big, bold and vibrant

What materials do you use?

i paint on large canvases [current favourite size is 1.8m x 1.3m] using acrylic paint but also incorporating other media such as pastels, inks, pencils and material. most of my work is resinned.

tell us about your creative process?

i want that my art is expressed in a way that, even when you don’t completely get it, it strikes a chord, and continues to resonate in you long after you walk away

 Why did you choose in.cube8r?

A place where I can showcase my creativity

what made you start making your pieces?

I discovered long ago that my work lent itself to many different formats, and as the prices for my original work keeps going up, I wanted to make sure that my work was still accessible and able to be enjoyed by everyone.

what is your inspiration/influences?

Too many to mention but the Art Deco period has always been a favorite.

what materials do you use?

I print on heavy duty satin,digitally printed. They are hand made in Australia using filling made from recycled plastic bottles.

tell us about your creative process?

I tend to collect ideas and images over time and when the time is right I will create. I don’t sketch or plan my work at all, it comes from the heart on the day of creation.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by so many fantastic artist and designers, having my work there is a wonderful excuse to go shopping every time I’m in.

http://samanthathompson.com.au

Tell us about what you create

All natural soy wax candles with a vintage touch. Harmony Candles are eco candles scented with pure essential oil handpoured into vintage or pre-loved containers.

What made you start making your pieces?

I love candles and the soft glow they emit – power outages are an excuse to bring out the candles! Unfortunately the paraffin candles I used released harmful fumes and were polluting. When I discovered that soy wax was clean burning and eco friendly I started making candles scented with aromatherapy oils to use and give as gifts.

What is your inspiration/influences?

I enjoy making things and am passionate about sustainable and natural living. I love vintage and old wares and the history behind them. It is safisfying to make something that is eco friendly has aromatherapy benefits and is quirky and beautiful.

What materials do you use?

EcoSoya wax made with pure 100% soybean oil which is biodegradable, free from pesticides and herbicides and sustainabley grown in the U.S. The candles are scented with pure essential oils and use cotton wicks. The containers are pre-loved glass or china containers.

tell us about your creative process?

The first enjoyable step is finding glass or china containers which can be used to make unique candles. Soy wax which has been scented with essential oils is handpoured into containers. Combining complementary essential oils is important as I want the candles to be aromatherapy.

Why did you choose in.cube8r?

In.cube8r provides a fabulous space for artists and craftsmen to show and sell their wares. I love the philosphy behind In.cube8r to promote high quality and unique Australian art and craft. The stores are like a gorgeously pink Aladdin’s cave.

Where else can we find you?

My blog called Pink Possum.
http://pink-possums.blogspot.com/

In 2001, Brisbane City Council developed a Youth Strategy to better support young people across the city. When developing the strategy, Council asked young people about what they wanted from Council. Young people said that they wanted space in the CBD that they could use for no cost to host events, workshops, meetings, rehearsals, develop projects, look for work, meet like minded people and generally get active in Brisbane doing the things that were important to them.

Since then, Visible Ink Valley has evolved to offer an inclusive program of services that continue to meet the needs of over 16,000 young visitors a year. From young businesses, to environmental groups, to innovative theatre and dance performances, Visible Ink is a thriving hub of activity. In 2011, the Visible Ink space has moved to a new building located on the corner of Constance St and Green Square Close.

The new Visible Ink space offers a range of amenities such as a rehearsal room, meeting room, public computer room and art space which can be hired free of charge for a variety of projects. Visible Ink Valley is currently being used for comedy performances, sustainable clothing workshops, acting workshops, arts and craft classes, circus workshops, preparing for work courses and much more.

Visible Ink Valley is a versatile, vibrant and creative space that provides young people with the resources and opportunity to grow and engage with Brisbane city.

Recent Projects at Visible Ink

Young Blood Comedy: After identifying there was no where for under-18 comedians to showcase their talent, two open-mike nights have been produced with more to come in the future.

Chill-out School Holiday Program: Covering a range of activities from active hip-hop, parkour and circus lessons to creative craft and stencilling classes, Chill-out is open for 10-17 year olds.

Reclaimed Sessions: The reclaimed sessions were an after-school program for 12-26 year olds that focused on craft and artistic activities using reused and recycled materials to produce creative products for everyday use.

5 Green Square Close,
Fortitude Valley, QLD, 4006
P: (07) 3403 0136
E: visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au
W: http://www.visibleink.org

tell us about your background

Little Evil Stuff is a collaboration between myself and Xu. I have been working as a multimedia designer for 5 years, but I’ve always love working on handmade items as hobby. Xu started as an illustration artist, and she was in love with doll making after seeing how her illustrations get turned into a physical creature.

tell us about what you create

Little Evil Stuff is a series of quirky handmade dolls and objects, exploring the darker side of stuffed creatures. You will find white/fungi hands and feet, angry sheep, creatures with creepy faces in our collection. Little Evil Stuff is not just for kids, they can be an unexpected gift, an unusual addition to your stuff toy collection, or great Halloween decoration (think of a pile of hands and feet in your candy basket)

what made you start making your pieces?

I was really into felt toys about 3 years ago, I made a series of animal egg warmer during Easter season and it was quite a success on etsy and among blogs. That was when I started making toys and selling them online. I wasn’t really good at keeping up the production at that time and I was more focusing on my multimedia career. 3 years later, the market for handmade stuff has become more mature than ever before, I revisited the idea of creating a handmade brand and decide to collaborate with Xu after seeing her beautiful creations.

what is your inspiration/influences?

There are a lot of influence from Asian illustration style. A lot of expressions are inspired by Japanese Manga, they are really good at describe complex expression in simple graphics. I’m a big fan of Happy Tree Friends. I must confess it is evil to laugh at innocent characters’ misfortune, but I guess everyone has a little dark side behind their bright and beautiful dream.

what materials do you use?

Cotton, thread, stuffing, the obvious stuff. We try to find op shop stuff and unused fabric as much as possible, but they run out very quickly! We use a lot of raw cotton fabric in our work, so if you have any of them lying around, feel free to send them to us.

tell us about your creative process?

A lot of our ideas were coming from random doodle. Personally I doodle a lot, when I’m on the phone, on the train, during a casual chat with my friends. Xu has a great illustration style, she can turn ideas into something even better. After the illustration is done, making of the item comes very naturally.

why did you choose in.cube8r?

I have display my work in in.cube8r before, it proves to be a very good place to show my work and get feedback. Unfortunately I couldn’t keep up with the stock at that time, this time I’m back with more knowledge and ready to put in more effort for my collection.

anything else you would like to add?

We want to know what you think! Leave us your feedback on our Facebook page. If you are also a creator, I’d love to connect with you and share my experience as a craft maker!

where else can we find you?

You can find everything about us at http://www.m-c.com.au/littleevilstuff, from there you will see our facebook, twitter, etsy and absolute everything!