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Creatively blocked? This piece might save you.

Creatively blocked? This piece might save you.

Apr 29, 2022 — Joanne Olive

Creative blocks are crippling, heavy and dark. The last two years or so have been brutal for many creatives - myself included. Read on to discover the beautiful and moving piece of writing that bought me back to my creative core and reignited my love for making and ultimately, a love for self.

6 Questions with Leah Thiessen

6 Questions with Leah Thiessen

Mar 29, 2022 — Joanne Olive

This month on 6 Questions we meet artist and painter, Leah Thiessen. Her gestural and deeply primal mark-making, speaks of a soul who is immersed in the natural rhythms of the land in which she calls home on the far north coast of New South Wales. I imagine living with one of Leah's works would infuse each day with an energy and electricity that would trigger and sustain an undeniable lust for life and the natural world. It was a such a pleasure to discover a little more about what makes Leah tick in these 6 tiny questions, enjoy!  
6 Questions with Cathy Penton

6 Questions with Cathy Penton

Feb 15, 2022 — Joanne Olive

This month on 6 Questions, we meet Cathy Penton of Cathy Penton Atelier. An artist, maker and online store owner who creates bespoke soft furnishings and offers a curated selection of goods from Australian Makers for home and daily life. Cathy's sensitivity to materials is so keenly evident in her work, the hand-feel of linen, the humble and human stitch work and the preservation of imperfections that hint at human endeavour. No doubt, her one-of-a-kind hand-crafted objects help create deep stories in the lives of those who receive them, embedded with love and care to be treasured over time. It was a joy to invite Cathy to answer these questions and to learn more about the life behind the work. 

6 Questions with Eric Woods of Firecracker Press

6 Questions with Eric Woods of Firecracker Press

Dec 20, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month on 6 Questions we meet the supremely talented and excellent human Eric Woods of Firecracker press, a letterpress studio based in St Louis Missouri USA. Eric is constantly bowling us over by his ability to think outside of the norm, to test and experiment with materials and concepts and to consistently come up with work that is clever, funny, heartfelt, courageous, bold and exceptionally well crafted. A background in design and a deep desire to move, make and create plus a  commitment to building community has seen him forge a career in letterpress that is enviable and utterly inspiring. 
6 Questions with Sam Kenneally

6 Questions with Sam Kenneally

Nov 21, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month in 6 Questions, we meet the uber talented illustrator, designer and signwriter Sam Kenneally. Sam's work is sweet, clever and comes directly from her big open heart. Multi-talented and as humble as can be, her work speaks of a great affinity with nature and the rich internal world of us introverted and sensitive types! I'm already dreaming up ideas so I can commission one of her excellent hand painted sign artworks for my walls. Hope you love peeking into Sam's world as much as I have. Enjoy!
Galah Mag x Jo Olive

Galah Mag x Jo Olive

Nov 11, 2021 — Joanne Olive

When the phone rings and it's the editor of one of your favourite magazines wanting to talk letterpress projects, it's fair to say it's a pretty good day in the studio.
2 weeks off Instagram, and what did I discover?

2 weeks off Instagram, and what did I discover?

Nov 01, 2021 — Joanne Olive

It's two weeks since I deleted Instagram from my phone and laptop. I did one last "seeya socials" post, answered the first few comments and just like that... I was gone. 
6 Questions with Jo Olive

6 Questions with Jo Olive

Oct 27, 2021 — Joanne Olive

Yesterday I met a beautiful friend for coffee, and as I lamented that this month had got away from me and I was yet to organise my 6 Questions interview for the newsletter, she casually suggested that I answer them myself. So this month it's me, taking the opportunity to turn the mirror towards myself to answer the questions I usually ask!
6 Questions with Sabine Pick

6 Questions with Sabine Pick

Jul 14, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month on 6 Questions we meet Sabine Pick, accomplished calligrapher, artist and maker. Sabine is one of those rare humans who exudes a worldly sophistication while still remaining humble and warm and welcoming. Her artworks and calligraphy are imbued with an effortless effort, only achievable with considerable practice and sensitivity to material and process over time. It was such a joy to speak with her and discover a little more about what make Sabine, Sabine.

Pop-Up & Gallery Space

Pop-Up & Gallery Space

Jul 06, 2021 — Joanne Olive

Maybe it's because I spent my childhood behind the counter of my family's business or maybe it's because I love those one on one exchanges that occur in a retail space between people and beautiful objects, but having the opportunity to create a temporary store for one week in the heart of my home town last week felt very natural and comfortable for me.....needless to say, I loved every minute of it.
6 Questions with Claire Atkins

6 Questions with Claire Atkins

Jun 18, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month we meet the multi-faceted gem Claire Atkins. Claire is many things - a veritable renaissance woman, and I was so pleased when Claire agreed to answer these 6 little questions because I just knew she would answer them with her whole heart.....and she has.
6 Questions With Lari Washburn

6 Questions With Lari Washburn

May 20, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month it was my absolute pleasure to invite US based Artist, Lari Washburn to contribute to 6 Questions.  Lari's practice encompasses drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and ceramics and she is currently represented by Cynthia Winings Gallery in Maine and Clark Gallery in Massachusetts. 
6 Questions with Susan Simonini

6 Questions with Susan Simonini

Mar 22, 2021 — Joanne Olive

This month in 6 Questions, it's time to meet ceramicist and artist, Susan Simonini. Susan is not only a treasured friend of mine but is also one of this countries most talented and hardworking creatives.....
6 Questions with Edith Rewa

6 Questions with Edith Rewa

Dec 01, 2020 — Joanne Olive

This month we meet Edith Rewa, one of Australia's most loved botanical illustrators and textile designers. Edith's work evokes the Australian bush like no other, her knowledge of and sensitivity to our native flora is fascinating and infectious. Her intricate illustrations can be found on silk scarves, art prints and in collaboration with fashion labels such as Gorman and Milk & Thistle.
6 Questions with Amelia Harvey

6 Questions with Amelia Harvey

Oct 04, 2020 — Joanne Olive

6 questions, a tiny interview with artists, makers and creative folks. This month we meet Amelia Harvey, possibly the most...

Some Kind of Manifesto

Some Kind of Manifesto

Sep 22, 2020 — Joanne Olive

Amidst the chaos of 2020, there was one really wonderful silver lining that appeared; the coming together of communities, some...

6 Questions with Adelaide Friday

6 Questions with Adelaide Friday

Aug 31, 2020 — Joanne Olive

6 questions, a tiny interview with artists, makers and creative folks who provide much inspiration to my life and who always enlighten me with their wisdom, perseverance, dedication, and skill. This month we meet Adelaide Friday, the brains, hands and unmistakable verve and style behind the jewelry label, Pirates Dreaming.