Celebrating International Women's Day

RJ: Tell us a bit about your work and style, how long have you been in this industry?

JS: I've been creating and selling my art for eight and a half years. I mainly paint abstracts and landscapes, but I like to try new things and experiment. The most distinctive aspect of my art is my use of colour. I love colour! I use my palettes to create a sense of calm with splashes of playfulness, and I always infuse my art with joy. Along with creating my art, I also mentor and teach artists, and I'm currently working on a book that will be published late this year. The book is about my other obsession - joy!

RJ: How has your journey in the industry empowered you as a woman?

JS: Building my art business has completely changed my life. It empowered me to quit my day job in 2020 and to design a life that works for me. I can be there for my daughter at school pick-ups, take my dogs for walks and work the hours that I want to. Being a business owner means that I work A LOT, but I love what I do, and I don't feel guilty taking the occasional day off for no reason. I also feel creatively empowered; having supportive stockists (like yourselves!) and collectors means that I can express myself how I want to and still pay the bills. I also love empowering more women to follow their creative dreams - I believe in lifting people up; there's enough for all of us.

RJ: In celebrating International Women's Day, can you highlight a female figure whose work and distinctive style have inspired you?

JS: My biggest inspiration in creativity and life is Liz Gilbert, the author of Big Magic and many other beautiful books. Her style of living inspires me. She's unapologetically herself and has a huge heart. She seems more closely connected to whatever sends us our creative ideas than anyone else. She wrote a book called 'Big Magic' which explains her theory of how creativity works, and it resonates so beautifully with how I see the world - it has inspired so much of what I do.

RJ: Tell us a bit about your work and style, how long have you been in this industry?

BA: I’m the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Bonnie and Neil which I started in 2010 with my husband Neil. Running a business means I’m wearing many hats on any givendayfrom the strategic and commercial side of the business, to the creative side with product development and design, as well as working with our  (predominantly female) team across different projects. My approach is creative and collaborative.

RJ: How has your journey in the industry empowered you as a woman?

BA: Being inspired and surrounded by so many successfulwomenin business in Australia has been a real career highlight for me. In the creativeworldI’ve foundwomenwho are supportive of each other, are generous with their time and who collaborate together.

RJ: In celebrating International Women's Day, can you highlight a female figure whose work and distinctive style have inspired you?

BA: The recently departed Iris Apfel known for her wonderful approach to fashion and design. In terms of my own design I’ve always resonated with her attitudes on individualism and uniqueness.