Were you creative as a child/do you come from a creative family?
Yes, my mother was a seamstress and my father a carpenter. Being from a large and relatively poor family we had to be creative.
How would you describe your work?
This is a difficult one to answer. My pieces have been described anything from stylish to downright bizarre.
How has your work evolved since you started?
Looking back on some of my early work, I now see some pieces clumsy and uninteresting. These days I sketch my ideas and work out the details before I commence. Although I do love to sit down and just let inspiration come to me. I seem to have developed my “style” also. I’m much more critical of my work these days.
How did you start selling online?
I do have an Etsy store, but have yet to make a sale. It will happen!
Who or what inspires you?
Nature inspires me. I have a love of the ocean. Pearls often feature in my work, as does cuttle bone casting.
Do you reduce, reuse, recycle as part of your creative process?
Yes! The silver I use is recycled. I also cast with my scrap. I re‐use whatever I can. I have an old copper hot water tank which I upcycle. I also use old china plates. Blue willow and silver look stunning together.
Describe your studio/workspace?
Spacious, neat and tidy or chaotic depending on what I’m working on.
What is your favourite thing to make?
Anything cast in cuttle bone. The results are always a surprise.
How did your business/shop name come about?
Wildcat was the nickname given to me by co‐workers years ago. Seems I had a bit of a temper. I’ve mellowed but the name stuck.
Where do you see your creative journey taking you in the next 12 months?
I hope to keep learning and improving my skills.
What’s your top tip to others wanting to break into the handmade/creative market?
Just take that first step. If you love doing what you do and believe in yourself, take that first step
Describe your typical creative day?
Time has no meaning. If I let myself get totally immersed in whatever I’m working on, the outside world disappears.
Most days, I have a plan of what I need to create and stick to it, other times, it’s all experimental.
Favourite quote?
Don’t regret growing older, it’s a privilege denied to many.
Music or movie while creating?
Neither, usually the sound of the birds outside, the wind, or just the quiet of the bush. (I live out in the sticks)
What is your favourite handmade item that you have bought?
A wooden jewellery box. It’s a simple design, made from beautiful wood.
Where can we find you online?
Etsy - wild cat creations
www - wild cat creations
