Local artist profile: Lyn Cole

THIS week we chat with Ascot painter and ceramicist Lyn Cole, who advises young regional aspiring painters and ceramicists to keep going, keep exploring and experimenting and, if they enjoy it, keep doing it!

What motivated you to take up painting and ceramics?

Creativity has been the golden thread through my life since I was old enough to hold a pencil.

It was always a way to relax and I enjoyed looking at nature and trying to create pictures.

Since childhood I’ve ventured into many crafts, especially textiles, but drawing and painting were always a constant.

How would you describe your styles?

As a painter I’m very aware of what gives me pleasure (painting the world around me) and what areas I just can’t seem to grasp (people’s faces).

Once I started working with clay there was a similar thread of always having a connection to nature.

In clay I can create faces in a more stylistic way, so it’s more fun for me.

Which other painters/ceramicists inspire you?

Every other artist inspires me!

To look at another person’s interpretation in any medium is always an opportunity to see how they’ve technically created a work, and to interpret their work through my eyes and mind.

Have you had any particular mentors over your career?

I’ve had so many mentors along the way I can’t name one or two as I would dishonour the hundreds of others.

Simple tips, a story, a different approach, each mentor has given me something.

It’s not always another artist, it can be interactions with people and really listening to what they have to say.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a painter/ceramicist so far?

I’ve got a head full of amazing memories and experiences from being creative!

It’s been a ticket to meet thousands of people, attend incredible events, read inspiring books and articles and so much more.

I (also) often get beautiful feedback from people who I’ve shared with.

There’s lots of great moments like that.

How can people check out your work online?

At the moment I’m seen on Instagram and Facebook as ‘the studio handmade’ – it’s kept up to date with my own work and art sessions.

What are you working on right now?

I’m always working on a few projects at once!

It’s practical, as often you need to wait for something to dry or reach the next stage before you can do anything more to it.

I’m developing a body of work for an exhibition next year that will have paintings and ceramics.

I’m always creating something for someone – items for my son’s restaurant in Flinders, gifts for birthdays and Christmas, small items as thank you gifts etc…

If my hands aren’t making something, my mind is definitely planning something!

What would you say to young regional aspiring painters/ceramicists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I recently visited some VCE students at Bendigo TAFE doing printing and often speak to young people about their ideas.

I will always say keep going, keep exploring and experimenting.

If you enjoy it, keep doing it!

Soak up every learning opportunity, and never give up because someone else tells you ‘you won’t earn any dollars’ or ‘it’s not a real job’.

Follow your heart, use creativity to express yourself.

If it’s not bringing in an income, get a job doing something else to pay the bills, but always keep creating!

Your work will evolve with you.