Creative Space: Delilah Devine

FK talks to Linda from Adelaide based homewares label Delilah Devine about her creative space. All photos featured in this post with special thanks to our Adelaide photographers White Wall Photography.

Tell us a little about your label Delilah Devine and what kind of things you create in your own space?
Delilah devine is a little label creating jewellery and homewares (and other bits and pieces) featuring vintage wallpapers. I try to have as much of an eco focus on my products as possible – from upcycling the wallpapers, to using all recycled packaging and sustainable timbers. A lot of the range is lasercut but most of it is hand finished so that each piece is unique.

What is your work space like and what things do you like to surround you when you work?
‘Chaotic!!’ Unfortunately, I am not a tidy worker and I am forever searching for lost scissors and things amongst the debris. My studio is in my house though, so every couple of months I get fed up and give it a huge overhaul (vowing that I will never let it get so messy again… it usually lasts about 48 hours)
I do love to surround myself with treasures that I have found over the years. I have a huge collection of weetbix swap cards from the 60’s that are pretty fun to look at and I have always loved collecting children’s books. Although I rarely get a chance to use them these days, I love my big set of coloured pencils and other art supplies – I find it comforting just having them around!

What is your creative process?
Ideally I would spend a few days researching and forming ideas before I’d start a new project, however with a toddler and very sporadic work hours I find that I have to snatch all the little moments that I can. I keep a tiny sketch book in my handbag so that I can record ideas as they come to me. I find that the ideas usually come when I am not trying (which is a more positive way of saying that I can never come up with a new idea when I set aside time for it).

What keeps you motivated and inspired when you’re working?
Because I work alone, I like to keep myself company with the sound of voices. I listen to lots of podcasts (I am a real podcast nerd!) and lots of music. I’m also really lucky to live adjacent to a national park, so when I need some inspiration I can just head out for a wander in the bush. Being a very solitary job, I also make the time to hang out with lovely creative types. I find it really important to be able to chat about new ideas and just feel like I am part of a bigger community. Markets are also really important for this – its definitely the biggest perk of the job. I have met so many wonderful designers from all over the country and made some great friendships.

Where do you go for inspiration for your home & work space?
At the moment I am a little bit addicted to pinterest. Its such a huge visual feast and you can really get lost for hours on there. Other than that, I do love a bit of magazine escapism! Country Style and Inside Out always inspire a few day dreams.

What is a typical day for you involve when you are working on Delilah Devine?
There aren’t many ‘typical’ days! Often I’ll spend the morning on emails, phone calls and bookwork. In the afternoon I’ll be filling orders, running errands, or working on new ideas. I usually come back to work in the evenings and tend to do the more simple production jobs like gluing brooch backs, or hand painting jewellery. I find this sort of work quite relaxing at the end of the day.
I am always doing three things at once and I tend to be a bit of a scatterbrain. I survive through list writing –  I do love a good list and I always, always start the working day with a cup of tea and a list writing session.

How do you balance being creative with your home life?
It is a really tricky balance. Working from home is convenient but it also means that it can be very difficult to ‘switch off.’ I try to be strict about ‘work days’ and ‘family days’, though I often find myself sneaking in to write emails while I’m half way through a game with my son! It’s a bit of a cliché but it all comes back to loving what you are doing. I manage to fit in a lot because I love doing it and most of the time it doesn’t feel like a chore. I am also really fortunate to have a very supportive family who help out enormously with babysitting. I don’t think I could manage it without them.

What things would you love to add to your creative working environment?
A cleaner and a PA to get me organised!! But until that happens I’d be happy with another desk, a lovely big computer screen and a constant supply of cut flowers… oh and I always need more storage space!

http://www.delilahdevine.com/

All photos featured in this post with special thanks to our Adelaide photographers White Wall Photography.

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