How did you get involved in your craft?
“My childhood was fuelled by creativity and I was lucky to be surrounded by talented artisans. My Dad is a Traditional Furniture Maker and Restorer and my Mum is a Creative Director, Stylist, Photographer and Editor of her own magazine. The creative environment I grew up in has definitely rubbed off on me. I am self-taught and have learnt to trust my eye. My work stretches across many areas, from the artwork I paint, to creating interior spaces/creative installations and custom designed and made pieces for my clients.”
Who or what are your biggest influencers or inspiration?
“My parents really have been incredible influencers in my creative life. They’ve taught me to be skilled across all areas, to do things in my own unique way and to find ways to make things work.
I spent time living in India when I was 19 and that had a huge impact on my creative world. I fully immersed myself in its vibrant and exotic culture when I volunteered in a rural primary school and orphanage in Rajasthan. I’ve been back since and I just love it, as it’s the land of makers, artisans and all things colourful. My eclectic collection of textiles, treasures, art and objects that I have collected from here, there and everywhere surround me in my studio and always inspire me.”
What materials do you like to use in the making process?
“The ideas I have circulating in my head and what jobs I have on for my clients, help determine the materials I use. It could be the most ornate beaded sari fabric or something completely opposite like rusty steel or lead.
I love working with tools and materials of all kinds. I range from using textiles, timbers, paint, metals, upholstery trimmings, you name it. In the centre of my studio I have a large table and whenever I am working on a project I lay out all the materials, objects and elements that I am using for the job and that helps to build the story. Just recently I designed an office space for an earth moving contracting business and just one of the many materials I sourced for this job was a heavy-duty looking industrial chain made from PVC pipe, which I incorporated into the design of an industrial style magnetic plan board. What I really love most is to be completely ‘hands on’ in all I do. I am part of the entire making and designing process.”
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to move into your field?
“Being self-motived is essential. Having mentors really helps because you can bounce ideas off each other, share insights and get advice on areas you may not feel as confident in.
Everything that I’ve done up until now has happened organically for me, by simply saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that have come my way. It’s important to find your strengths and notice what you are attracted to over and over again and work these elements into what you design and make.Be daring and work out a way to bring your ideas to life, because the magic happens when you really give it your all and actually create what was once in your head or just a scribble on a piece of paper.”
Career highlight?
“There have been many career highlights, including having ‘free reign’ to transform the complete interior of a client’s six-roomed heritage terrace house into their office space. The brief was simply, ‘don’t make it look like a corporate space’. Travelling to the trade shows in Delhi, India to source treasures, meeting artisans and connecting with suppliers for my designs has been a thrill. Having a studio space and my Dad’s workshop available allows me to pursue my ideas that fill my curious and creative mind. Seeing my designs materialise and come together in the way I had hoped is what drives me to keep going.”
Career low?
“At times I have so many ideas going on in my head and I love too many things! Sometimes I find it hard to ‘switch off’. When people ask me what I do it’s a challenge to sum it up in a couple of words. I don’t want to put myself into a niche area because my work crosses over so many. I still haven’t quite narrowed down what it is that I love the most, it may take years or I may just continue to cross over many creative paths.”
Plans for the future?
Alongside my love of textiles, design, art, interiors and designing and making things, I’ve always wanted to create my own range of clothing, fabrics, accessories and trimmings, so that is in the pipeline. Further travel is definitely high on my priority list. I am aiming to head in to Peru, Morocco, Turkey and Mexico in the near future.
Why do you love being a creative in The Southern Highlands?
“The Southern Highlands has always been home for me, so I am lucky to have grown up in an area that is so creative.
I have enjoyed working for some creatively charged businesses, including Three Wise Monkeys, Vogue Australia/Vogue Living, Bespoke Letterpress, The Finders Keepers Markets and I have also done some set design and painting for local theatre. I currently work as part of Dirty Janes and Crowley and Grouch teams, as well as managing other client project work.
The local community here is supportive of artists, designers and creative-minded individuals. The area has a ‘buzz in the air’ that attracts makers, movers and shakers, and it’s great to be able to be part of that collective energy as an individual doing my own thing.
Find & follow Rebecca:
Instagram: @rebeccafarquharcreates
View her artwork at Gallery 008 at Dirty Janes Market Bowral
