Kuranda Paper – Inside My Studio Interview and Photograph by Toni Rogers – July 2015
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Art, at its simplest, is a form of communication and is a diverse range of human activities usually involving imaginative and technical skill. It may be characterised in terms of expression, communication of emotion, or other qualities. Local Kuranda fashion designer and musician, Leah Kelly combines all these aspects in her daily life and when asked about the definition of her chosen medium, Leah answered “Art”.
Leah’s art is not an action or an object, but an internal appreciation of balance and harmony (beauty). Art provides Leah with a way to express and experience her ‘self’. Her music emphasises beauty and enjoyment. For example, music’s capacity to express emotion has been a central issue. Leah Kelly’s fashion garments adhere strictly to her ecologically and sustainability principles, using only natural fibres such as silk and hemp in her garments and fine cotton lace. Leah’s art is a discipline.
Where is your current studio?
My studio is at my home in the rainforest approximately 15 kilometres from Kuranda. 4WD access is required and there is no electricity connected apart from solar and my generator which I require for my power tools and iron. My pole home is very open and the upstairs is my studio – one massive birdcage with a magnificent view of Black Mountain. The studio is relatively new as I previously used my stall at the Original Markets, but the Markets is a very social place and I had too many interruptions on market days to work seriously.
Do you work alone or with others?
I always sew and design alone. I have had the support of many local talented women to assist me on my journey which also allows them to grow in their field as well. Heather Miller has been my magnificent photographer, Laura Woody my gorgeous No.1 model, and Jo Martin my website designer. At my ‘Stall 30’ (previously Earth Connections) at the Original Markets, I share with my stall partner who trades under the name of ‘Hidden Echidna’.
What are the essential features your studio has to have?
I require natural light, work benches, cutting tables and dry shelving for storage of fabrics. I guess my 4WD is essential as some local clients come to my studio but they cannot get up my drive and I am required to meet them and drive them up to the house.
Describe your work pattern – hours/days/weeks.
I don’t have days off. I work seven days a week with all my various commitments. I require a lot of preparation and research time with my designs and I cannot sew once the natural light goes, so I do what can be done during the day. As I am also heavily involved in music, I start that side of my life at night. I have family responsibilities which take my time too.
Describe the works you do in your studio.
I design, I cut, create, I write a lot and I photograph as I go especially when I am placing shells and crystals on a gown…and I sew. I dye my own fabrics when required and embellish the garments with embroidery threads, mainly silk and hemp, to create different textures. I use a lot of natural beads, in particular peridot and rose quartz to enhance the natural aspects of my designs.
Why is ‘Art’ your chosen medium?
From a very early age I collected shells and rocks. My Grandmother taught me to sew and embroider, always by hand, and my love of this medium has continued through my life. I advanced to a University degree in Environmental Health and I have carried these natural health principles into my work with my choice of natural fibre fabrics. I stand by my ideals of being ecologically and creatively sustainable. Music has always been part of my life, I play piano and guitar, so I combine all these aspects, everything I love, into my work – ‘Art’ from every angle.
List three things you listen to while working.
I listen a lot to the recordings of our own groups in which I play; ‘Secret Tuesdays’ with Odette Gorman and Trish Molloy; and ‘Gudji Gudji’– I learnt the language over 20 years ago and I have been performing with them ever since. I also listen to Etta James, Frank Sinatra and I love ‘big band’ music. Music is an essential part of my life, having a musician as a father, who jammed along side of Tommy Emanuel and the Bee Gees. I was always going to festivals and gigs. My uncle was one of the cofounders of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Your favourite tool?
My favourites would be the extremely fine crochet hooks my Grandmother gave me. She died at 98 years so they are very special to me. I also have a small port, similar to one which you would take to pre-school, in which I keep my crochet hooks and needles. I would also have to put my piano on my list. I have had it over 10 years but it is well over 90 years old and certainly needs some work now. I bought an electric keyboard as it is more portable to move to and from gigs.
How do you identify your work?
On my handmade garments I use my calico label with my logo. My daughter drew it – a stylistic tree with the needle and cotton expressing the stitching ‘coming from the heart’. I scanned the drawing and had it printed.
How do you sell your work?
I have a website and sell from the net, at exhibitions, my ‘Stall 30’ at the Original Markets in Kuranda village, and by word of mouth. I have had good publicity over the years and that has assisted.
Do you teach or sell from your studio?
I teach, in fact, I have taught many adult women to sew. I always aim to be an inspiration to any designer and encourage many to stand by their products and not sell out by getting their designs manufactured overseas.
Do you have any other paid or unpaid work?
Our ‘Secret Tuesdays’ group write our own music and we perform at festivals and events around the region. ‘Gudji Gudji’ play at corporate functions, festivals and rallies. Our group numbers have varied over the years but there is usually 6-8 of us. I am an Arts Facilitator with a Mareeba Shire Council program CAFÉ Arts Project 2 working with our local community artists of all ages. Our bus shelter projects have been featured in the Kuranda Paper.
If you could change one thing about your studio what would that be?
I would love to upgrade the solar system to provide better lighting in my studio. I would also upgrade my four sewing machines. Artists can always do with more of everything but I would be quite content to just have more power.
If you were not working with visual art what would you be doing?
I would like to ride again. My totem for ‘Gudji Gudji’ is ‘Yarraman Horse’. I would just take off anywhere, just ride. I am attracted to mountains and deserts.
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Leah Kelly is currently exhibiting her handmade organic, elegant lingerie at The Cairns Institute, Level 2, JCU, Smithfield, undertaking research in tropical societies. The exhibition “Designed in Cairns” celebrates local design and architecture.