What they said…
A monthly post of thoughts, advice, and experiences on a wide range of creative issues and ideas from our Studio Co!Lab members. The latest post will always be at the top, older posts below.
February 2025
What advice would you give your younger creative self?
This question came about as we started thinking about our new youth arts development program and what it is we're trying to achieve with it. We have more than 90 artists and creatives within our Studio Co!Lab network, many with decades of experience. But we all have to start somewhere.
“Gosh, I wish I had someone share these insights when I was a young creative!”
VIDEO: Camilla Ward, Dubbo on managing creative energy and her advice to a younger creative self.
Val Clark, Dubbo-Writer: Embrace the unique you. Pursue and express your unique art bravely, boldly and with trembling courage.
Val at the launch of the VAMP project, enCounter. Val has been a champion of writers and writing in Regional NSW for many years. (Image: Orana Arts)
Allison Reynolds, Coonabarabran-Visual Artist, Writer: Art is a worthwhile pursuit and an important part of being human.
Allison is inspired and connected to her community in the Pilliga near Coonabarabran. She’s been a strong advocate for the arts as a right for all. She’s an adviser to Accessible Arts. (Image supplied)
Jen Cowley OAM, Dubbo—Writer: Just start. Whatever it is, that first little step is BY FAR the hardest. Back yourself in and JUST MAKE A START. I wasted soooo much of my creative youth by listening to my inner critic. I focused on what the end product would be instead of just making that first mark on the page. It’s one of the very few regrets I have. I still struggle with it to be deadly honest.
Annette Ferguson, Dubbo—Visual Artist: Shut the door on the people who doubt and misunderstand you, surround yourself with people who believe in you, even if that means standing alone.
Jason Richardson, Leeton—Audio Visual Artist, Writer: If you call it art, no one describes it as weird.
Isabelle Devos, Armidale—Visual Artist: Look at things. Experience things, trust yourself, and find people who help you grow. Learn from the failures, mistakes, and challenges. Listen to what others say. Celebrate the success of others.
Isabelle is an active and successful exhibiting visual artist. Here, she’s at work en plein air. (Image supplied)
COMING IN MARCH
Where do you sit with the juggernaut of Artificial Intelligence?
