Carrying on with our member spotlights – katecowanartnz & studiosoph: Little Beehive Co-op
Carrying on with our member spotlights – next up is @katecowanartnz
What is your typical morning routine like, and how does it prepare you for your creative work?
Coffee! Fortunately, I live with a passionate coffee expert. He roasts our beans in small batches. That fresh espresso in the morning is my kick start to the day. Then a bit of fresh air feeding farm animals with our Border Collie.
What elements are most important for you to be productive and creative?
I find it really important connecting with the people who buy my art, from wholesalers to individual customers. There’s nothing more motivating than feedback to help inspire me to keep dreaming up fresh ideas, and to feel I’m on the right track, and to keep expanding my range of work.
What are your primary sources of inspiration, and how do they translate into your work?
I am inspired by everything from cloud formations to pastoral vistas. Whether it’s animals, from my own black cat, to cows in a passing field, I see paintings. Because I also do figurative art works, I will often snap a pic of a quirky vase or other random interior objects for later use.
What type of work environment makes you happiest and most productive?
Well, if only I had a tidy studio I am certain I would be far more productive. I do have a lovely room with pink walls which I inherited from my daughter when she moved out of her bedroom. It is light, airy and sunny, this in itself makes me happy. For me, being most productive is either deadlines or when I’m in the middle of new painting and loving the creative process that evolves.
Do you have a favourite podcast or album you like to listen to while you work?
I have Spotify going all the time in my studio. I’m either listening to good old true crime, or off beat podcasts, a real mixed genre. As for music, my taste is varied. I’ll start with Mazzy Star or Ethal Cain and then just see where the playlist takes me. Then I’ll value some silence or chat time with friends and family while I work.
Our next maker spotlight is the fabulous @studiosoph ~ see our story for a link to a podcast interview with her & @brandyourpassionpodcast
What is your typical morning routine like, and how does it prepare you for your creative work?
I’m usually up by 6 a.m. to get my son ready for school. Once he’s out the door around 6:50, I head out for a long walk on the beach with my dog. When we get home, I have my coffee and breakfast, and if there’s no admin work to take care of, I head straight into the studio and work there until around 6 in the evening.
What elements are most important for you to be productive and creative?
A tidy space helps keep my mind clear—though I’ll admit, that can go out the window when I’m really busy! As boring as it may sound, routine is key to staying productive. I’ve also found that allowing myself time to just ‘play’ in the studio really boosts creativity. And something I’m still learning to prioritize: rest. It’s so important to refill the cup.
What are your primary sources of inspiration, and how do they translate into your work?
I draw inspiration from many places/people/things, but one of my biggest influences has been my Mum. She’s a full-time artist too, and watching her growing up gave me the courage to follow a creative path myself.
What type of work environment makes you happiest and most productive?
My studio is actually just a spare bedroom in our house, but I’ve made it my own. I painted the walls a soft pink and added shelves to display my ceramics. I’m definitely outgrowing the space, so I’m dreaming of a bigger studio one day. Still, I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to work from home.
Do you have a favourite podcast or album you like to listen to while you work?
I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks while I work. One of my favourites is The Moth— People share true stories from their lives in front of a live audience, and I find it really inspiring. I’ve always loved listening to stories; even at school, I used to doodle in my books while listening to the teacher—it helped me concentrate. I recently finished the audiobook The Four Agreements, and it was amazing. I’d definitely recommend it!
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