FK chats to artist Vanessa, who finds art in the everyday with her label, Nesska! Nesska will be debuting along side her artistic partner Kirsty Davidson at the upcoming Melbourne Markets!
How would you describe your style of artwork and how has this evolved?
I like to keep it very simple and minimal, to show the natural beauty of things and let the elements I use speak for themselves. With the kids stuff, it’s all about fun and letting them be the creators.
What is your background and what lead you to where you are today?
After having children I decided I wanted to work for myself. Once they’d started school and I actually had some time to think I began to have some creative ideas again. I was a florist before I had my first child and that’s where I started creating my framed installations. Everything has evolved from there.
Who or what inspires your work?
I get a lot of inspiration from my family, who are all much more creative than me! Mum has always been able to make something beautiful out of nothing. My sister blows me away with what she can create from everyday materials. My brother, who designs and works with wood. Dad’s the photographer. Everyone has a great eye, so as you can imagine there’s a bit of competition going on between us, although at the same time we’re very supportive of each other. Social media plays a big role too, I get a lot of inspiration from Instagram. You can see the world through someone else’s eyes but never leave your armchair!
What materials do you prefer to work with and which ones would you like to explore more?
A lot of my materials are from nature, found treasures I come across from everyday walks. I also have a fascination with rust. Rusty wire, rusty tin. If it’s brown I’ll find something to do with it.
My new fascination is concrete, which I’ve only just started to work with. Just a hint; don’t use the quick-set kind. If I can get the wire and concrete together then…wow!
Describe your workspace and surroundings and what your creative process is.
I dream of a workspace! Right now, if the ironing board’s up then that’s a bench. So is the kitchen table, and the TV cabinet. As far as my process goes, if I have an idea I might sketch it out then do a sample. I often find I have to do things over and over until I’m happy with it – although I’m always wanting to make something better, so I’m never truly happy!
What advice would you give others wanting to follow a similar path?
Find a like-minded artistic partner who can share the market circuit with you. You go through the ups and downs together, inspire and motivate each other, but most importantly they can look after the stall while you go shopping and spend all your profits!
What has been your favourite project/collaboration to work on?
Actually it’s not so much the work, but building a profile in such a short period of time. I’ve gone from nothing to having a website and social media presence, professionally designed packaging and now the Finders Keepers market! All in six months. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind.
What aspirations do you have for the future, and where do you hope to see your work?
Just doing what I’m doing in another two years would be good, that would mean what I’m doing now is viable and all the hard work is paying off. As for where I’d like to see my own work, well in my own shop of course!
