How long have you been an artist?
I have been creative for however long I can remember. I grew
up in an environment in Africa where one had to make do with few resources and
hence always think outside the square. At boarding school we had a mixed media
craft room – open most days – and a wonderful instructor in paper crafts,
weaving, beading, painting etc. etc. I started taking pottery lessons while at
Uni and have dabbled in many mediums – eventually getting hooked on polymer
clay.
Where is your studio...and could you describe it?
My studio is in Melbourne. It used to be a home office and I
converted it when I stopped working as a dietitian. I have a huge window into
the greenery and can overlook the garden while I create.
I wish it still looked that neat. Has become a little more
cramped too with cat exercise equipment and a mixed media work area.
What materials do you like working with the most and why?
Polymer clay, PMC and lots of beads – followed by
painting/mixed media.
What on your workbench at the moment? i.e. what are you
currently working on?
I have just completed some layered brooches using foils,
canes. Apparently the effects look like fish scales. According to my in-house critic.
...and something a little more colourful for the Southern
Summer
Where do you sell your artwork?
We had a retail business where I displayed and sold work. At
the moment The Highway Gallery, Mount Waverley. http://highwaygallery.wordpress.com/
Direct requests via etsy.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
There are too many to mention. I am so grateful to so many
from whom I learnt online and others who inspired me. The list is very long, as
so many people have contributed in some way to my journey.
If I had to single
out an individual it would have to be Hundertwasser. There is something
delightful and cheerful about his use of colour and design in art as well as
architecture, which instantly resonates with many people. There is so much to
explore in all the layers he created in art and life.
If I only get to mention one person in the polymer clay
world, it would have to be Cecilia Botton for
the sheer diversity of techniques mastered over the time I have followed her progress on
flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/24199592@N07/
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Mostly art and nature.
Have you had a mentor in your creative life? What did you
gain by their mentoring?
I have never had any art/craft mentoring, however there are
a large number of very generous artists who have written books, tutorials and
online instructions who got me started and sustain my hunger for learning. The
polymer community is incredibly sharing .
Do you teach your artwork to others?
Not at the moment.
What particular piece that you’ve made is your favourite and
why?
My favourite piece is
a necklace I because it is one of the few pieces I ever planned from start to
finish. It covered several techniques and had to conform to a minimum clay
content rule for a composition. 
What would you say to others to encourage their own
creativity?
Follow your dreams and never give up.
Don’t be distracted by hurdles and critics – master them and
show your strength.
Never stop learning, especially from your mistakes.
There’s always another day for housework, ideas however may
vanish.
Slow down and smell the roses – one great piece is worth
more than hundreds of mediocre ones.
Sabine Spiesser of Papgodesign
Website url: www.sabinespiesser.com
Blog url: http://www.sabinespiesser.com/blog/
