Here you will find an interview with Jess, in which you will find out a little more about Winnifreds Daughter, what inspires and excites her creativity, and what life is like as a creative on the Gold Coast.
Thanks Jess!
What inspired you to start Winnifreds Daughter?
Having already studied and worked in various areas of the arts industry, somehow I have always come back to crafting. Winnifreds Daughter is the outcome of my finally succumbing to my secret passion for all things snipping, snapping, sketching and stitching and harnessing that passion into an achievable business venture.
What are your favourite materials to work with?The entire process from selecting the pre-loved fabrics to attaching the product tag to one of my creations is a labor of love. I troll local op-shops for beautiful fabrics and these, along with gorgeous buttons and lace are what make my products unique; once a particular fabric has been used up, there is no popping down to the shop for more and therefore, everything is limited edition. The materials that will run out one day are always the ones I love most- it makes them special.
How did you learn your craft?
The name Winnifreds Daughter came from a nickname my uncle gave to my mum when he was a child (he couldn’t quite say ‘Jennifer’ so he called her ‘Winnie’ instead). I was keen to find a name that paid testament to the fact that all of my craft and sewing skills were taught to me by my mother. Ever since forever she has taken my sister and I along to craft shows, gallery exhibitions and markets to get ideas for our creations.
Who do you imagine to be a buyer and lover of your items?
Anyone who squeals when a cute dog walks past, is partial to puddle stomping, still plays dress-ups, enjoys devouring cupcakes with white icing and loves all things one-of-a-kind and handmade.
What has been the highlight for you since it all began?The most rewarding moment of the Winnifreds Daughter experience so far was when I posted my very first item in my online store. That moment was the conclusion to a year of preparation and the beginning of running my very own little business which was extremely gratifying.
What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about working within the Arts spectrum on the Gold Coast?
I have lived on the Gold Coast for about 12 years and in that time have been amazed at how much it has developed in terms of opportunities for artists. Personally, being previously involved in photography, visual arts and film, I have found attainable avenues to get my work out into the community through local annual arts awards and gallery competitions. Seeing your work hanging on a gallery wall alongside fellow creative workers is an enormously rewarding thing for any aspiring artist.
What is the most Challenging?
Given that art (in any form) is subjective, the most difficult thing about carving out a career within the arts spectrum on the Gold Coast is creating art and craft products that are unique and distinctive. There are a vast number of incredibly talented individuals living on the Gold Coast and therein lies the challenge of breaking through with concepts and creations that are crowd pleasing and memorable.
Describe the Art scene of the Gold Coast through your eyes?
The heart and soul of the Gold Coast art scene can be primarily found in the many arts and craft markets that take place every weekend of the month. It is here that artistic expression takes on forms of all kinds and I adore being able to shop for beautiful treasures knowing that they’ve been created by hand and with love. To me, this is the ultimate community-based art scene.
What do you wish for the future of art, creativity, and culture on the Coast?
As an aspiring artist and practicing crafter, my priority is to get my work out there where people can see it and any prospect of increasing the volume of creativity and artistic culture in the Gold Coast community is positive. For me, the future of expanding and enhancing the variety and degree of artistic practices on the Gold Coast, lies in the avenues, opportunities and pathways provided for artists and creative folk to express themselves. Ultimately, the more galleries we open, the more artists can get their art on the walls, the greater the number of competitions organised, the greater the number of aspirers can enter. This is what I think needs to happen to turn the Gold Coast into the creative hub we all know it can be.
What about the future of Winnifred's Daughter?
My hope for Winnifreds Daughter is that it finds a place in the crafting community locally, nationally and internationally. I plan to expand the product range and explore other forms of merchandise development and make my brand the best it can be. As long as my creative juices are permitted to flow, I shall remain content.
* If you missed yesterday's Winnifreds Daughter post, you can find it here*
Contact Winnifred's Daughter here (Email)
Shop Winnifred here (Etsy) and
Become a WD fan here (Facebook)
Jess and her Winnifreds Daughter Creations are also attending the Pine Ridge Craft Markets, wich will be held on 13th November, Xmas shopping anyone?... All readers and supporters of The Hatchling Society have generously been offered a 10% discount from Winnifreds Daughter when purchasing from these markets, so be sure to head along and check out the wealth of creative talent the Gold Coast has to offer.
Once again a huge thanks to Jess for sharing with us, and inspiring us all to get involved in the growth of the Gold Coast creative community.
Much love
Hatch ..xx
