Posts Tagged: stories

Dylan Cattanach talks music and songwriting

With a passion for unpacking songwriting to be more than just structure and chord progression, Dylan Cattanach hopes to produce emotion and connection when creating new music.

I’ve grown up with music. My father is in a couple of cover bands with some other friends and my uncle is a muso. Either I’ve been hearing it live or on the radio my whole life. I just love music and the beat. I’m always sitting there tapping out a beat – annoying my family and friends – or picking out a new melody on the guitar or keyboard. My uncle has made a living from his music and I’ve always admired him. As soon as I realised I was comfortable bringing my songs and music to live audiences I’ve thrived on the buzz of entertaining.

“I had the opportunity to support Pete Murray for a couple of his shows outside Brisbane this year. It was a great experience to see professional musicians at work. It’s encouraged me to put in the hard work so that one day I may have that number of people coming to my gigs.”

Sometimes accompanied by someone on cajon and stompbox, Dylan has recently begun playing solo acoustic gigs. “The acoustic style really suits my voice and I’m happy with the positive feedback I’m receiving.” He explains that music offers a unique space for expression; it’s the drawcard for him.  “I love the ability to express yourself in a form that so many people can relate to. If I had the opportunity to make music my career full-time, I would jump at it.”

So what’s Visible Ink got to do with this? “Visible Ink are providing me with lots of advice, which is really important because starting off you know nothing. Helpful tips on biographies are especially important, as it’s hard to write things about yourself, pick the important things to say and make it interesting.  They have other services that I’ll be using very shortly, namely making badges, printing stickers and printing posters. Every little bit helps to get your name out there.”

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies? “Music is my down time. I’m constantly looking at ways I can improve current songs or writing riffs for the next song. I wish I’d learnt the saxophone when I was at school, but it’s never too late to learn anything, so I’ll keep you updated if I do that!”

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to start performing? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand? “The advice I’d been given was network, network, network. Initially it didn’t make any sense to me, but now I see how important that piece of advice was.  But also, go see other bands and support them. Go to as many live local gigs as you can and support the Brisbane music scene.  We all need to help each other.
You just have to get out there and play. Once you’ve done it a couple of times it becomes so much easier to work out what to do next. Organisations like QMusic are a good source of information, and they run Industry Connect courses providing lots of help along the way.”

If you’re keen to have a listen or learn more about what Dylan is up to check out his facebook, instagram, soundcloud or youtube channel.

Cantalopez Collective: creators, collaborators, journey makers

What happens when a hip-hop artist and an engineering student meet at a poetry symposium? Made up of Pastel Don and Mulan Theory, Cantalopez Collective is a shared passion for innovation across multiple genres and a dream of being able to create music for a living. We sat down with the Collective over lunch, talking 90’s EDM, discussing the best summer recipes, and chatting about their passion for music and poetry.

What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?
MT: We’re creatives with a strong passion for learning, for experimenting with sound and lyrics.
PD: I became infatuated with music making through my passion for poetics and lyricism, a subject I’ve has been studying at university level since the age of 16.
MT: I discovered my love of music creation when I was trying to find a way to loop some beat-boxing and fell into the rabbit hole of Ableton Live since then.

How did you hear about Visible Ink and why did you want to use our space?
MT: At first, it was from attending Friday Frequencies followed by Visible Ink’s official website. Visible Ink contains the equipment and space for us to be inspired and create music without blowing our pockets for renting a full-blown studio. The staff here motivate us to keep doing what we’re doing, to make more from Pastel Don’s poetry, turning it into music, and we appreciate them for that a lot.
PD: Because we’re here pretty much all the time, we’ve got to know some others that use the Studio and have started working with them on little collab projects.
MT: We like working with others, it’s nice to create together.

What are you currently working on project-wise?
PD: I’m working on the creation of my upcoming EP with Mulan theory helping pull it together.
MT: I guess I’m working on non-binary bangers for non-binaries to bang to. We’ve also been to Little BIGSOUND recently which was a nice chill day to meet new people. Be surrounded by good vibes and see who else is in Brisbane doing what we do. It was awesome reconnecting with some of the Friday Frequencies crew or meeting people who want to connect and give feedback to others in Brisbane’s music scene.
PD: We don’t want to just follow the trends with our music. We want to use poetry – poetic lyrics – to create a unique sound, unique vibe.
MT: It meant that at Little BIGSOUND we could target publicists that have worked with artists like Jaguar Jones and Deena Lynch who have a similar feel to them as we’re creating.

What do you get up to in your down time?
Pastel Don’s hobbies include: watching Pretty Little Liars (again), taking photos of plants and beautiful people, writing monster myth/erotic noir poetry, and having another pot of Symington Of Scotland’s Dandelion Tea.
Mulan Theory just does Mulan things: reading up on how VSTs are made, analysing song structures and arrangements of my favourite tracks, and fantasizing about how my drag alter ego would look.

“Although the circumstances in our lives often make our aspirations seem difficult, Cantalopez Collective is committed to continuing our journey together as both music creators and art makers.”

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to get involved/started in this field? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?
PD: To any young or new art makers, we’d advise to remember that you are good enough. Passion can take you a thousand miles in the blink of an eye. Dare to be yourself! And finally, always choose adventure. Not for any big, sentimental reason but because it’s fun. Always choose fun!

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity? Or opportunities like this in Brisbane?
MT: As creators, we have strong ties to a few of the arts communities that reside and thrive in Brisbane. In general, we’d advise taking a risk and attending events that cater to your interests and passions.
PD: Specifically, if you’re interested in poetry we’d advise following Ruckus Brisbane on Facebook. They’re our homies and they put on a number of friendly, all ages inclusive poetry events.

Feel free to check out Mulan Theory @mulan.gitsum.mula and Pastel Don @skiptosummer on Instagram and to have a chat.

You can also book Visible Ink’s Multi-Media Studio by checking out SPACES, get involved by sharing your journey via our STORIES or search #visink on Instagram.

Skyler Castillo: dabbler, artist.

Just 20 years old, into sketching, film and aesthetics, Skyler Castillo has become a regular fixture around Visible Ink, starting out as a volunteer at Brisbane Youth Week and going on to co-found a monthly creatives meet-up, KISVIS. Her passion for creation, motivation to learn, and open, friendly approach to collaboration make working alongside Skyler a lot of fun and we love having her around the space.

Q: So how did you first hear about Visible Ink?
I first found Visible Ink through my school. We were just having a day trip around the city and from the second I was introduced to the space I fell in love with the chill atmosphere. They [Visible Ink] haven’t been able to get rid of me since. I use the space mostly just to develop my skills as an artist by hopefully working on bigger and bigger projects as well as collaborating with other artists.

Q: What does developing your skills mean for you project-wise and how does that relate to being an artist?
Well currently I’m working on building up my portfolio of work. I’m hoping to work in the Art and Graphics industries in Melbourne at some point, although really I’m kind of just winging it. I’m an artist at heart. I’m just your stereotypical struggling paint nerd and  I wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s a saying “What’s bad for your heart, is good for your art.” and I think finding ways to get around a barrier or block is what makes artworks so good. Plus let’s be real, drawing a pretty picture is pretty dang cool.

Q: What are a few of your projects and what are you working on project-wise currently?
Currently I’m building some 3D-printed prosthetics using online resources (check out e-nabled) I’d like to get some working models out of the printer and stylise them so they look more like art to bring attention to what technology can achieve. Lately, I’ve also been exploring digital art, a medium I haven’t gotten into until recently but it has been a fast learning curve.

Q: What would you say led you to where you are today? How was it that you got started?
Probably growing up in an uneasy neighbourhood with little-to-no money, yet I always found a way to do art. I’d borrow friends colouring pencils overnight and ask the teachers for printer paper to make my own sketchbooks. I’ve just always enjoyed being creative so I’ve never let anything get in the way of that. I think this has also incorporated it’s way into my work as far as subject matter goes, I’ve been inspired by almost anything that nobody else sees. Trying to explain things to people can only go so far – and I’ve never been great at describing things – so to me it’s more meaningful to create the visual representation of the warm rays of the sun through leaves or the black abyss, then to merely say it in words which would just sound off and cringe.

If you’re passionate, you’ll find a way. Just keep at it. There’s advice people just don’t give you about starting out or deciding on a direction. So in the end practice makes all the difference, even if it’s just doodling every other day. If it’s finding time do draw, paint, create on the bus or train, while talking to people, while drinking coffee,  there’s always five minutes you can doodle on a piece of paper. And if it’s materials holding you back, there’s heaps of free ways to get what you need. Volunteering at events or finding youth spaces like Visible Ink – almost all are equipped with art supplies – even at your school, ask your teachers if they can help by making it a part of your school work somehow. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and do a project for free to gain experience and see where that leads you. Brisbane is surprisingly filled with opportunities.

Q: Now that you’re on this path, what keeps you motivated to keep moving forward?
Just my overall passion for trying new things, this is what I do in my spare time this is what I want to do for a career. If I slow down I’m not moving closer to my goal.

Q: Other than hanging out at Vis Ink, what else do you get up to?
Most of my hobbies are creative as well. I do film projects here and there. Recently I have been dabbling into photography, which started just as a reference platform for my art but I fell in love with it after learning from photographers like Peter McKinnon and Mango Street. I’m also a terrible drummer but it’s fun and hot damn, it lets off steam!

Find me at @kitten_phlegm on Instagram and feel free to message me for art meet ups and collabs!

Get to know KB Theory

KB Theory are a Brisbane-based indie band blending pop-rock to create catchy melodies and bursts of pop with fun lyrics that have become a part of their signature sound. Dylan Cattanach, songwriter and lead vocalist chatted with us about their upcoming projects, getting started, and influences.

Dylan met the band’s bassist, Campbell Harris, at Music Industry College, a school that is producing some of Australia’s best up and coming musicians. Both Dylan and Campbell got their musical grounding with the many influences happening around them. From there, drummer Andrew Barnes was introduced through mutual friends after working together on a local musical production, and on the look-out for a lead guitarist, Harry Verity joined KB Theory in late 2017.

“All the boys are just naturally gifted musicians who complement each other and we genuinely like hanging out together.”

KB Theory have a broad range of influences from The 1975, Last Dinosaurs and The Strokes, providing a beat to move to and a captivating, fun show to watch live. Their latest single, Hope describes how in life you don’t always feel in control, that you don’t fit. “You’re the support act, living in the background, when you really want to take that step forward and end up the star of your own life and write your own story.”

What is it about music that draws you in and where are KB Theory heading?
I love the ability to express yourself in a form that so many people can relate to. If I had the opportunity to make music my career full-time, I would jump at it.
At the moment we are writing new music and would like to start recording the demos soon. This music is taking a different direction and I’m excited to see how it turns out. There are some more elements of electronic pop coming up in this new crop of songs. We only have one gig left this year, but we’ll be starting up again next year and would like to do some gigs outside Brisbane too.

So how did you hear about Visible Ink?
KB Theory needed some posters printed for a gig. Up until this stage we’ve been printing and paying for them ourselves. Or just haven’t been having them as printing posters are too expensive. One of the guys in our band found out about Visible Ink and mentioned it to everyone. We made a phone call to find out how the space works and we’ve just sent off our first gig poster to be printed. We’re also heading to Little BIGSOUND, hosted by QMusic, after receiving tickets through Visible Ink’s Enterprise music and production programming.

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to start a band? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?
The advice is the same no matter if you are in a band or a solo artist.  Network, go to gigs, support the local music scene. Check out the gig guides and go see someone you don’t know.

Keep up to date with KB Theory’s upcoming gigs in the new year on their Facebook page and follow their travels on Instagram.

Nikki Nicnevin & Found Fashion

Found Fashion – a guide to second-hand shopping in Brissie – is a bright and quirky zine. Creator, Nikki started the project because they are passionate about bringing inclusive thinking into fashion and wearable art.

“Expressing yourself through your outfit shouldn’t be more difficult because of your looks or your budget.”

Why did you choose to create Found Fashion and what do you love about it? No matter what I’m working on, I thrive on the pride I feel when I look at a finished project and say, “I made this.” but this zine in particular is extra special to me since I’ve always wanted a career in fashion but could never afford to study after high school. I’ve modelled before at a professional level and have always loved dressing up, being in front of the camera.

It would bring me a lot of joy to rally some local young people as models for this project, especially those of marginalised identities, as I know first-hand how good it feels to look the way you feel inside.

Nikki first started swinging by Visible Ink in 2016, being bored and dropping in for their partner’s rehearsals. “Once I saw all the fantastic features available for FREE, I was completely hooked. Now I come here on my days off to indulge in self-led art therapy and to keep my creative side sharp.”

Is there any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand, before starting Found Fashion, or any creative project? Art is easy. We think it’s hard, but it’s not. Don’t judge your work in terms of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ art; everything you create does something good for your spirit! Also, if you’d like to model for me, I’d love to hear from you. No experience required – you’re eligible if you occupy a physical form! :)

In their downtime, you can find Nikki painting, baking, singing, writing, taxidermy, window-shopping, dog petting, etc. etc. – “I’m the kind of person who hates to waste a day off!” – or you can follow them on Instagram or Facebook @caointeach or Nikki Nicnevin. You can also see a digital version of Found Fashion.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Thanks to the Vis Ink team for putting up with my weird (and usually barefoot) antics! <3

Visible Ink takeover The POD: Ben Frost

Located on the Brunswick Street Mall emerging artists will activate The POD with Visible Ink support on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 July during the winter school holidays. Showcasing the best of Brisbane’s young musicians and performers this is a free event. We’d like you to meet some of the awesome talent gracing the stage and let them tell you about who they are and where they’re going.

Ben Frost is a Brisbane-based musician you’ve probably seen around the tracks, known for his chill approach to people and music. We asked him a few quick questions recently –

Q | What are you working on project-wise?
Currently, I am working on getting an album of songs I’ve written out into the world. I’m hoping to inspire people with my work, make them feel something positive through my music. I wanted to share how I see things with the world. I write songs and perform them. I love it because it’s a release from the struggles of life and a way to have a good time.

Q | How did you first get involved with Visible Ink?
I heard about Visible Ink through one of my colleagues. I like to drop in to Vis Ink because it’s a nice place to practice my music and interact with like-minded people.

Q | How have you got to where you are today?
I’m not really sure what led me to where I am today, but I know that I have a passion for music and a creative spirit and it’s those things that allure me to Visible Ink.

Q | What about opportunities? Have any advice?
For people just getting started in music, I would say keep going, don’t give up. If you get an opportunity to express who you are, and live the life you love, go for it.

In his spare time Ben likes to watch a good movie or learn about something new and different. You can catch him on Facebook or at around Brisbane’s live venues.

For the full lineup of performers at Visible Ink takeover The POD please check our Feed closer to the date.

As a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD, all performers are encourage to get involved with Visible Ink’s Enterprise program for professional development including supported opportunities to attend events such as Q Music’s Industry Connect or Little Bigsound, and participate in The QUBE Effect.

If you’re interested in finding out more about other artist that are a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD check out our Profiles page. For more information about music and production, Enterprise or Visible Ink please email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 0136.

Emerging Visual Artists: Sam Bradley

As a part of Visible Ink’s Enterprise program, we support young and emerging visual artists to scale their work to suit large sites and submit an Expression of Interest. This year five young artists worked with Jugglers and Brightsiders to submit their EOI to Brisbane Canvas. They were successful in their designs being incorporated over two sites during the Brisbane Street Art Festival.

We’d like to introduce you to the artists that have turned out some amazing designs during this program, including Sam Bradley, who uses traditional signwriting techniques to create custom calligraphy and lettering.

You first got involved with Visible Ink through the Visible Ink Emerging Visual Artists (EVA) program, what was that like?

I really enjoyed the opportunity of working with The Brightsiders team (Jordan & Jordy) and Emily of Frank and Mimi fame. They were all extremely welcoming and made the whole project an important and valuable learning experience. The time spent spraying and brushing up the Jugglers driveway poured metho on my creative fire and painted my greymatter full colour.  It’s been surreal seeing these professionals work and teach up close, the techniques, tricks and attitude they taught will always be remembered.

I’d also like to thank everyone at Visible Ink and Jugglers Art Space (shoutout to Pete) for giving us a place to scribble and learn. And of course, a big thanks to Imogene Peach and Ashley Peel for their contributions and motivation in bringing our mural to life!

What are you currently working on, project-wise?

Currently I’m putting together a series of T-shirt screenprint designs for Velvet Couch Clothing, an Aussie streetwear company run by Gerard Ahrens who supports all kinds of creative talent worldwide.

What do you do and why did you choose to go down this path? 

I like to make original hand lettering focused design work combining traditional media with graphics programs. I also enjoy hand painted signwriting. There’s something about handmade letters that add a humanity to the work, no font licenses, the possibilities are endless and hopefully it can’t become obsolete when the robot overlords take over, ha ha!

What would you say led you to where you are today? 

I’ve enjoyed drawing and graphic design most of my life but didn’t get completely immersed until I saw a signwriter gold-gilding a sign at the pub next to a pizza shop I worked at. Now I’m just trying to get as skilled as possible, and make as many (arguably) beautiful things as possible until my inevitable demise. There’s so many talented artists painting walls in Brisbane and obviously on Instagram, that quality inspiration is everywhere you look.

Is there any advice you wish you’d been given before you started in this field? 

Just start drawing. I think a lot of people (myself included) are scared of being bad at something but the great people you see now just pushed through the self doubt of it. I’d recommend buying a ream of A4 paper, as many kinds of pens as you can and copy your favourite art styles as a reference. By the 500th sheet of paper you’ll probably have some good stuff. Also make sure you’re actually enjoying it and taking chances which will reflect in the work.

The best advice I’ve been given is to just keep working consistently and don’t compare yourself to others too much. Everyone has a unique style and once you harness that it’s a secret weapon – no one can do better.

What do you get up to in your down time? 

I love skating, cooking, stand up comedy, hanging out, mashing around town on a bicycle listening to heavy hip hop and learning old school signwriting techniques.

How would you suggest young people get involved in similar opportunities such as EVA?

Keep an eye out online by following your favourite artists locally and abroad, go to events in your city and visit Jugglers Art Space on a Saturday for a paint sesh.

Where can people get in touch with you?

I mostly post work at www.instagram.com/beradsdesign or www.berads.com, check it out y’all. Or if you want to meet Sam in person come along Sunday 15 April, 10am-4pm at Toombul Skatepark – 46 Parkland Street, Nundah – as a part of Brisbane Street Art Festival and funded by Brisbane Canvas to see his work.

Emerging Visual Artists: Lisa Tran Kelly

We’d like to introduce you to the artists that have turned out some amazing designs during this program, including Lisa Tran Kelly, a multi-disciplinary artist who utilises mediums such as pencil, ink, acrylics, oils and gold-leaf.

As a part of Visible Ink’s Enterprise program, we support young and emerging visual artists to scale their work to suit large sites and submit an Expression of Interest. This year five young artists worked with Jugglers and Brightsiders to submit their EOI to Brisbane Canvas. They were successful in their designs being incorporated over two sites during the Brisbane Street Art Festival.

 

You first got involved with Visible Ink through the Visible Ink Emerging Visual Artists (EVA) program, what was that like?

I had actually visited Visible Ink briefly a few other times as one of my friends volunteered there hosting workshops. I really enjoyed our time at Vis Ink for the program and found the rooms and materials available awesome. It’s a really inspiring space and making simple things like printing, scanning and art materials readily accessible to youth is a really fantastic idea that can help build the grounds for creative support and motivation. Knowing that I can access this place when I need to is something I’m very grateful to have in Brisbane and gives me a huge sense of hope for the future development of emerging artistic communities within the city.

The same goes for my experience with the EVA program. It was really valuable to have mentors taking us through elements of making Council-level applications and how to scale up our works. It was a great opportunity to be able to meet up with other like-minded emerging artists and work alongside them as well.

What are you currently working on, project-wise?

Currently I am working on a few different projects. I’m creating a mural with Brienne Aspinall for Brisbane Street Art Festival and have an upcoming group exhibition (“Art with Heart”) showcased at Juggler’s Art Space that will be raising funds for the Asylum Seeker Refugee Centre in the same month. So I am creating a series of paintings and gold-leaf wood blocks that represent the values of my Vietnamese heritage and the expectations and sacrifices made for me and my younger brother. As well as this, seeking to explore the extreme differences in lifestyles and times and generally the impact of experience that immigration and assimilation has on the persons involved and our broader Australian community.

What do you do and why did you choose to go down this path? What do you love about it?

I have an undergrad in Psychology and am currently completing my Masters in Social Work. I’ve always practised art on the side and have had opportunities to combine both interests plenty of times through an art residency with Brisbane City Council and work for the Queensland Eating Disorder Day program.  For work I am a disability support worker and occasionally fulfil speaking roles for The Eating Issues Centre.

While I love art and it is a huge focus in my life, in choosing what to study I have always wanted to use the privileges I have to learn skills and techniques to help the people most disadvantaged in society. I love building connections with others and making a positive difference in the community and hope to eventually build a career that combines artistic practise with these principles.

What would you say led you to where you are today?

Mental health and recovery are themes that go hand in hand with creativity so it can be a natural relationship. And while I’ve studied in the human services fields I feel like in many ways my non-art-related study has really driven my thirst for practising art as I’ve had to work hard to create and pursue artistic opportunities while still focusing on study, placements and support work roles. I have always been greatly inspired by my grandmother who is a brilliant artist and art teacher and who has taught me the value of practising art and immersing yourself in the world because with an artistic perspective beauty and meaning can be found within everything.

Is there any advice you wish you’d been given before you started in this field?

I think one of the biggest things that has come up in commissioning is determining pricing point as an emerging artist starting the first few big, important jobs. There isn’t a union that sets the minimum rate for producing an art work or large art job so I’ve struggled with pricing my work fairly and have finished a few jobs feeling exploited in the past. I’ve been lucky to have professional artists as friends and mentors who I can contact for guidance in this area but I wish I had been aware earlier of how to assert myself and had some better reference to inform my commission prices. I would definitely say before agreeing to a price on a large job to seek advice and perspective  from others in your industry.

What do you get up to in your down time? 

In my down time when I’m not studying or painting – music, playing Zelda, or being outdoors swimming in some body of water. I love playing music. I have a harp, electric guitar and ukulele I love to dabble with and an old piano I’ve played since I was seven.

How would you suggest young people get involved in similar opportunities such as EVA?

I suggest to look out for opportunities via ArtsGuide Brisbane, local galleries in your area and art universities. There are so many great opportunities out there it’s always worth getting involved and putting yourself out there.

Where can people get in touch with you? 

You can find my artworks @themoongallery on Instagram, on my website  lisatrankelly.wixsite.com/website or Facebook @themoongalleryartbylisa. Lisa’s upcoming mural as a part of Brisbane Street Art Festival and funded by Brisbane Canvas will be open for viewings Sunday 15 April, 10am-4pm at Sherriff Street, Petrie Terrace.

Emerging Visual Artists: Imogene Peach

As a part of Visible Ink’s Enterprise program, we support young and emerging visual artists to scale their work to suit large sites and submit an Expression of Interest. This year five young artists worked with Jugglers and Brightsiders to submit their EOI to Brisbane Canvas. They were successful in their designs being incorporated over two sites during the Brisbane Street Art Festival.

We’d like to introduce you to the artists that have turned out some amazing designs during this program, including Imogene Peach, Brisbane based artist and real life peach.

 

You first got involved with Visible Ink through the Emerging Visual Artists (EVA) program, what was that like?

The Emerging Visual Artists program was a super great experience. Having other artists want to lift you up like that is a true rarity in the art world and to have the fortune of such established and incredible artists there to support you and teach you their little secrets was incredibly uplifting and rewarding. I gained such great exposure, opportunities, and also learnt a lot of really valuable skills using new mediums, responding to artistic briefs and transforming works into large scale formats.

For anyone wanting to get involved with similar programs like Emerging Visual Artists I would suggest, look anywhere and everywhere for inspiration and opportunities, no matter how small or large. Humble beginnings are where all great things start. Instagram is also always a great place to network and share your artistic platform.

What are you currently working on, project-wise?

Currently I’m working on a show that explores my personal growth and struggles with gender identity, body image and performative femininity through experimenting with various iterations of the human form. It includes many portraits of friends of all identities and walks of life, using acrylic, markers and a little aerosol as my main mediums. It embraces the fluidity of the human form and experience. I also have had the incredible opportunity to work alongside some other amazing artists for the Brisbane Street Art Festival this year and will be completing a fun mural for them in April.

What do you do and why did you choose to go down this path? What do you love about it?

I have been producing art for a long time, but have only just found the confidence to embrace it fully after some tough times really made me realise creating is really when I feel the most comfy and myself. I currently do commission based works for a whole walk of different clients. The thing I love the most about this is the special connection you gain with someone by drawing them and the huge spectrum of different clients I paint for is always exciting as each work is something different to the one before- it really makes the whole experience fun and inspiring each time I get a job.

What would you say led you to where you are today?

I think what really led me to where I am now was through the power of positive thinking and mindfulness. I have a rough history with mental illness and found that the best way for me to express my tumultuous relationship with my brain was not so much through words, but with my hands, really getting in touch with what I love doing and holding on to that so tightly. Art has played a huge role in my recovery and still does everyday I pick up a pen or brush. The strength of other friends and the ones I love who have really been pushing it up hill and have come out on top has inspired me to take every opportunity I can and to always keep creating.

Is there any advice you wish you’d been given before you started in this field?

I think the best advice I have been given in regards to art is to believe in what you do and always do it with agency. Self doubt has always been my biggest obstacle, but listening to the positive feedback you’re receiving and accepting that you are deserving and worth this is a HUGE step in the right direction.

What do you get up to in your down time?

In my spare time (which I have a lot of) I love to annoy my cat, take care of my garden, craft anything and everything and enjoy the present with the ones I love.

 

You can get in touch with  with Imogene via Instagram at @imogenepeachart and also on Facebook by the same name. Or swing by and check out her mural work Sunday 15 April, 10am-4pm at Toombul Skatepark – 46 Parkland Street, Nundah – as a part of Brisbane Street Art Festival and funded by Brisbane Canvas.

Visible Ink takeover The POD: Lucy Dron

Located on the Brunswick Street Mall emerging artists activate The POD with Visible Ink support for two days of free entertainment on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April during Brisbane Youth Week 2018, showcasing the best of Brisbane’s young musicians and performers. We’d like you to meet some of the awesome talent gracing the stage and let them tell you about who they are and where they’re going.

 

How did you hear about Visible Ink and how did you get involved with our space? 

– I was studying at the Music Industry College and my principal Brett Wood sent out emails for performing opportunities at The Pod. That’s how I first started and from then on I was lucky to be asked back and it has been extremely helpful for me as a young musician.

What are you currently working on project-wise?

-I’m continuously creating new music , but am aiming at the moment to reach out to as many venues and fellow musicians for gig opportunities. I am also applying for grants as frequently as I can since I am taking a gap year this year. My big project for 2018 is to record my second album which I hope to release this year.

What do you do, why did you choose to go down that path, and what do you love about it?

I am purely a musician and it has been a part of my life since I was born. Music has always been my underlying passion and now that I have begun pursuing it in life I’ve found performing and creating music to be my favourite thing to do out of anything. The process of writing a song itself for me, brings out a lot of emotion and release within me. It feels like something that is inside of me has finally burst free, while also solving many personal issues and internal dissonance through the lyrical process and musical release. This is always followed by  intense clarity, and then I get to share it with people by performing and hope it has some kind of impact on them and how they feel. Because of this music and performing is essential to me as a person. I couldn’t function without it, and from this I hope for it to be the path I go down for the rest of my life.

What would you say led you to where you are today? E.g. what is your background, dreams and inspiration that have led you to this project you’re working on today?

-Well I think music was always what I would end up attempting to pursue as from the age of about 11 I really really began loving bands such as The Strokes, Radiohead, The microphones and many more as I grew older. These bands inspired me immensely and I began getting into singing because I needed to express what I was feeling. So itsalways been an intense love of mine, but honestly, making the decision to leave my State school and move to the Music Industry College at the end of grade 10  is what really started to make a life in the music industry become a possible reality for me.

What do you get up to in your down time? Do you have any hobbies?

I play the guitar a lot and write music. I listen to music, enjoy driving and travelling and when at home, I like to watch movies.

Is there any advice you would give young people wanting to get involved/started in this field? Or any advice you wish you’d been given beforehand?

Don’t get wrapped up in everything around you. Remember that the music from within you that you create is the first and most important step in my opinion. Focus on the real meaning and feeling of it all more than worrying about how it sounds or comparing yourself to others and worrying about how many people you are reaching. That’s not to say that aiming for quality and thinking about other musicians and your audience aren’t still really important,  but don’t let that become more important than the music itself.

How would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity? Or opportunities like this in Brisbane?

– Literally message any venues, other musicians and anyone involved in gigs and performing. Tell them a bit about you and share some demos, live performances or other media links for them to see and hear you. Many will get back to you with opportunities if you keep trying. This at least is what I have been doing.

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www.lucyfrancescadron.com

 

 

For the full lineup of performers at Visible Ink takeover The POD please check out our calendar of events or Council’s What’s On closer to the date.

As a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD, all performers are encourage to get involved with Visible Ink’s Enterprise program for professional development including supported opportunities to attend events such as Q Music’s Industry Connect or Little Bigsound, and participate in The QUBE Effect.

If you’re interested in finding out more about other artist that are a part of Visible Ink takeover The POD check out our Profiles page. For more information about music and production, Enterprise or Visible Ink please email visibleinkvalley@brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 0136.