One of my favourite things to do here on Red Parka Diaries is to share with you some of my favourite artists and craftspeople. I met Hanna about a year ago at a little artists market here in Tasmania and have been firm friends ever since - she's a talented maker, a creative entrepreneur, a coffee-addict and she lives in the most beautiful place on earth - what's not to love!
Tell us a little about you, your artwork and your creative business?
My name is Hanna Woolley and my business is Nanna Woo Handmade. It is a small independent business I run from my home. I do my best to create one of a kind pieces in my fibre work and will do limited runs of earrings, rings, bracelets, cards and other wearables and gifts. I love coming across pieces that are not found everywhere so that's what I strive to create!
How did you first get started as a felt artist? And from there, how did Nanna Woo come about?
I started felting just after Felix was born in 2009. A friend with a young baby came around to show me and I was hooked! It is a highly addictive medium and one I have loved playing with and pushing myself with! Nanna Woo launched with my stitched cards, then came the vintage button earring range (even after 2 years they are still as popular as ever). I keep introducing new materials as I love giving my customers and admirers something new.
Can you describe a typical work day for you?
It's an early start with our two munchkins, anywhere from 4.30am to 6.30am (that's right, NEVER after 7am!). A trip straight to the coffee machine is in order and a big gulp before I can form words and even contemplate the day!
I have 3 types of "typical" days:
1. The first is my two days a week of full time creating with my kids in the most wonderful child care centre imaginable (the one where they don't want to leave!). These days involve more coffee, no cleaning, no cooking and lots of social media fun with as much making crammed into it as possible. Creating limited polymer clay colours, moulding, sanding, laying out heaps of different fibres to make a fibre wall piece or scarf, casting Eco resin, mixing fun colours for that, and generally making a big creative mess, to then just sweep it all to one side in the rush to make dinner and space before my children and hubby come home!
2. The second are days with my kids at home and where the eldest sleeps his blissful 4 hour afternoon sleep while number 2 sleeps at the same time (though never for quite so long). These creating days are often small things like printing tags, cutting them, assembly stuff and prepping for another Type 1 day. If I am doing some felting and the kids aren't sleeping, it's a fantastic activity for them to be involved in as it involves water, soap and texture! Plus they get to learn too! I like to give them little projects while I'm making earrings or stitching. The just love it too!
3. The third typical day. Nothing gets done. Nothing. No productivity, no cleaning, no cooking, sometimes not even coffee (hmmmmm, cannot function!). These are days when nothing but playing with the kids is going to happen. These are my favourites!
What struggles do you face as a self-employed creator? How do you manage/overcome these?
Time. Always looking for more time. I don't believe in cutting corners so I'm never looking for quicker ways to do something, as it may lead to a poorer quality piece. But I would like more time to create more! I am also at the point where I could have the need for someone to come on board with me and help me with production but instead I work at night. Just about every night too. I also pull in girlfriends for a night in helping me while we drink wine and assemble earrings and cut swing tags. Hubby does a great job helping me too!
Other than your creative work, what gives your life meaning? What makes you tick?
My beautiful family and the gorgeous environment and community we live in! Bicheno is a lovely town of 700 (3000 in summer) nestled on the stunning east coast of Tasmania. We have a great view of the ocean and the surf beach is only minutes walk from our home! It is truly an idyllic life we live! Oh and coffee.
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| Photo by JJ Harrison |
Is there a creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?
I am just about to venture into silver jewellery which is super exciting! I would also love to learn to draw. I have some great visual ideas in my head but getting them onto paper is a whole other world! They say everyone can draw but I call on the artist who wishes take me on and challenge this! I still haven't graduated past stick figures. And this is why I love fibre so much. I kind of draw and create landscapes and abstract images through fibre but I have a real urge to want to incorporate some drawing/painting with charcoal or oil into my work!
If you could travel anywhere in the world for a month-long artists retreat where would you go and why?
I've heard of some amazing fibre artists in the UK and Germany, but I think the textiles in Japan are so superb I'd want to go there! I can imagine sitting in a zen garden, hand stitching onto fibre pieces, sipping tea (yes, I sometimes drink that too!) and being surrounded by some incredible history.
What do you love about being an artist in Tasmania?
The inspiration is around you everywhere! We are so lucky to have what we do on such a small island. Most importantly, the people and artists I have met have become really good friends.
I really enjoyed learning more about Hannah and her work. I follow her work on etsy and love her instagram posts of what she is up to xxx
ReplyDeleteNanna Woo is one of my favourite Tasmanian maker! She has the most amazing range of rings!
ReplyDeleteMine too! Her rings are stunning, aren't they!
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