You can find out more about creative spaces across Brisbane from this neat little video from The Great Day Out which includes a tour through our space!
Posts Tagged: visink
Tara Lawrence: co-founder Elsewhere Theatre Company
“I love what I do and it makes me so happy to see my actors striving for their best while enjoying the full process.”
Co-founder and instructor for Elsewhere Theatre Company, Tara runs the Brisbane program (they are also running out of Melbourne), which on a day-to-day level involves directing productions as well as running all of the administration work.
So how did Elsewhere get started? “A close friend of mine and myself started the company in mid-July of 2017 and from then on we have loved the work this company has brought us. We are both working actors and found we wanted to create our own opportunities, as well as provide like-minded young actors the chance to create and perform work they are passionate about.”
“I’ve always been trained as an actor, even throughout high school and when I was studying at University. I have a love for performance which is what I feel has led me into the work I am doing today. There is something about live theatre that no other experience can replace which is what I find really special about the art form.”
What are you currently working on project-wise? “I am currently directing a production with Elsewhere that will be performed in mid-February. We are performing Michael Gow’s ‘Away’ and currently we are in our final rehearsal stages just perfecting things before we present the finished production!”
“I don’t really have any down time to be honest.” So what time does that leave for hobbies? “In my spare time I’m either reading new scripts or working on scripts I already have… I wouldn’t change it though, I love constantly having work to do that I love.”
Tara and her business partner Ali heard about Visible Ink in 2017 and have been regulars since then. “I thought it was too good to be true! After looking through the space, I found it to be a very warm and welcoming environment, which is perfect for us.” And what about other opportunities? Is it easy to get involved in theatre, especially in Brisbane? “Look around your local artist’s hub, or if you want to get involved in theatre I’d suggest taking a look at your local theatres and just having a chat with different artists. It’s great to chat and often you’ll find people are quite open to having a friendly chat.”
“Just go for it. There’s nothing better than finding work in what you love and if you truly want success you need to put in the effort.”
You can find out more about Elsewhere Theatre Company, their productions and workshops via their website, facebook, Instagram @elsewhere.theatre or you can email them directly at elsewhere.theatre@outlook.com.
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.
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
Announcing our new Developing Artist in Residence!
Each year Visible Ink offer opportunities for young and emerging artists to have space, resources and mentoring to develop their practice. The Developing Artist in Residence (DAIR) works closely with VI staff to curate exhibitions, facilitate workshops for other young people and produce their own works, showcasing them at various venues across Brisbane.
With that in mind, we’d love to introduce you to Skyler Castillo: artist, dabbler, and Visible Ink’s DAIR for 2018. Check out her interview on our Profiles page.
Visible Ink takeover The POD
Visible Ink is once again taking over The POD on Brunswick Street Mall this April. As a part of Brisbane Youth Week we’ll be hosting some of the city’s finest emerging talent. Come along and check it out Thursday 12 and Friday 13 April.
KisVis
We grabbed five minutes with a couple of the founders from KisVis – Keeping it Simple at Visible Ink – to talk creative, hanging out, and how their new project is just all of their favourite things bundled into one chill evening.
We’ve known you both for a while now, having worked with Visible Ink on Youth Week 2017 including the Launch on King George Square and The Pod on Brunswick Street Mall, but how did you actually find out about us?
Wanita: I heard about Visible Ink while at school and wanted to check out the space.
Skyler: I thought it was a great youth space with awesome resources I had to use.
And currently? What are you doing here at Visible Ink?
Skyler: KisVis – A once a month event for young people 15-25 years to collaborate and relax on a Friday.
Wanita: We’re hoping to bring together creative types from all forms of art and all walks of life.
Skyler: Yeah, I just wanted to get a bunch of young creatives together.
Wanita: And I’m always working on personal art and film projects. Also there’s Youth Week 2018 planning.
So what do you two love about all of these projects, why are you so passionate about the arts?
Wanita: I love learning new skills and sharing what I know with other people doing artsy, creative things.
Skyler: I’m an Artist that works on projects here and there. I love it because visual art is a whole other language, it embodies everything in life from culture to your personal self.
Hanging out in their down time, Wanita and Skyler can’t help but become a “jack of all trades” when it comes to creative projects.
Wanita: Artsy stuff are my hobbies, writing and all forms of creative media.
Skyler: I’ve done a short film, painting, drums but mostly sleeping because hell yeah!
Wanita: There’s also skating, thrift shopping, coffee drinking…
One last question, how would you suggest young people get involved in this opportunity or opportunities like this?
Wanita: Come a long to Visible Ink and check out the space. There are so many chances and people here for you to connect with, just coming in and checking it out.
Come along to the next KisVis – check the Facebook page for upcoming events.
Sober Bob
Sober Bob – sometimes known as Anne – is a young Brisbane creative, dabbling in various forms of design and independent media circulation. She runs her own design business, built off the back of a history of freelancing in IT.
Maeve Baker
An animator, illustrator and human girl, Maeve spends her time creating and communicating visually. She loves getting her hands dirty experimenting with new mediums and collaborating with others. http://maevebkr.com/
Hot Chicks with Big Brains
Hot Chicks with Big Brains started out late 2014 as a rather niche, online-only interview series and is now a bi-annual print publication that is moving to quarterly in 2018. The publication primarily facilitates and publishes conversations with, about, and between women that focus on work. It also includes a Featured Artist as well as photo-essays, art work and body-positive photo-shoots. http://hotchickswithbigbrains.com/