This post was first published on the 19th July 2016
It’s pretty impossible not to be completely obsessed with the creative work of Shuh Lee. Don’t believe us? Read on! Of course, be sure to pop by the Shuh. stall at our Sydney market in May for an amazing array of technicolour handmade goodness.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to begin your label.
I have been interested in art subjects since I was young. I would draw or do something crafty when I had free time. I remember contributing artworks regularly for my club’s newsletter (I was in the Interact club) or competing in local art competitions!
Without much thought, I took up arts in high school and college in Kuala Lumpur before leaving home to complete my Fashion Degree at RMIT University in Melbourne. After years of learning design, I decided to take a break and worked full time in retail. Earning a regular income was great but I felt something was missing in my life – doing something creative.
The turning point was when I reopened my sewing kit and started stitching again. I then slowly moved on to drawing and painting. I don’t know why but I felt so excited about creating and having fun with materials. I realised from that moment on, that this is what I want to do for life.
Who inspires you and your creative process?
I don’t have a specific person but I love observing and looking at people. People on the street, people at the market, people taking public transport… I find myself picking up details that I find interesting and sometimes noting it down in my sketchbook or daily planner. In the words of Grace Coddington, “Keep your eyes open. Because whatever you see can inspire you.”
Tell us something exciting that you have planned for Shuh this year.
I am currently taking ceramic classes as I want to learn more about working with clay. I hope I would be able to incorporate what I have learned into my upcoming work. Other than that, I hope to have new prints (on paper and textile) every year!
Name one resource that your label could not live without. Be specific (if you can!)
Colours. Any tone of colour. I can’t imagine not using colours in my work as it represents how I express myself creatively.
Tell us about your favourite product from your collection.
I would pick the one off necklaces or earrings. It is how shuh. started and I believe is the foundation of the label. I love that every piece is one of a kind and limited in quantity. I save it as a project for my play time. There are no rules or time limits; I really enjoy putting materials together and stitching. I treat them as artworks and documents every piece before it gets sold.