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!<\/p>\n
What motivated you to take up painting and ceramics?<\/strong><\/p>\n Creativity has been the golden thread through my life since I was old enough to hold a pencil.<\/p>\n It was always a way to relax and I enjoyed looking at nature and trying to create pictures.<\/p>\n Since childhood I\u2019ve ventured into many crafts, especially textiles, but drawing and painting were always a constant.<\/p>\n How would you describe your styles?<\/strong><\/p>\n As a painter I\u2019m very aware of what gives me pleasure (painting the world around me) and what areas I just can\u2019t seem to grasp (people\u2019s faces).<\/p>\n Once I started working with clay there was a similar thread of always having a connection to nature.<\/p>\n In clay I can create faces in a more stylistic way, so it\u2019s more fun for me.<\/p>\n Which other painters\/ceramicists inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n Every other artist inspires me!<\/p>\n To look at another person\u2019s interpretation in any medium is always an opportunity to see how they\u2019ve technically created a work, and to interpret their work through my eyes and mind.<\/p>\n Have you had any particular mentors over your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve had so many mentors along the way I can\u2019t name one or two as I would dishonour the hundreds of others.<\/p>\n Simple tips, a story, a different approach, each mentor has given me something.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not always another artist, it can be interactions with people and really listening to what they have to say.<\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your time as a painter\/ceramicist so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve got a head full of amazing memories and experiences from being creative!<\/p>\n It\u2019s been a ticket to meet thousands of people, attend incredible events, read inspiring books and articles and so much more.<\/p>\n I (also) often get beautiful feedback from people who I\u2019ve shared with.<\/p>\n There\u2019s lots of great moments like that.<\/p>\n How can people check out your work online?<\/strong><\/p>\n At the moment I\u2019m seen on Instagram and Facebook as \u2018the studio handmade\u2019 – it\u2019s kept up to date with my own work and art sessions.<\/p>\n What are you working on right now?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m always working on a few projects at once!<\/p>\n It\u2019s practical, as often you need to wait for something to dry or reach the next stage before you can do anything more to it.<\/p>\n I\u2019m developing a body of work for an exhibition next year that will have paintings and ceramics.<\/p>\n I\u2019m 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\u2026<\/p>\n If my hands aren\u2019t making something, my mind is definitely planning something!<\/p>\n