Today we are featuring another of our wonderful Robin Street Market artists! Crazybird Designs, owned and created by Bryony Bedggood, feature absolutely stunning,
environmentally conscious creations.
Based in Christchurch, NZ, many of her materials are sourced from the
aftermath of devastating earthquakes in the area. We were able to catch up with
Bryony and ask her a few questions about her work and creative process.
I’ve
always been creatively motivated. Life is just easier when I have something to
tinker away at!
What
work do you most enjoy creating? Why?
This
changes according to my mood...sometimes it’s hand-burning tiny designs into my
jewellery or perhaps it’s working on a larger project that requires
deconstructing a piece of furniture. I love working with my hands though,
there’s something deeply satisfying about sitting back and seeing something
you’ve created.
What
inspires you?
So
many things; nature, colour, textiles, old world nature art of botanicals and
insects.
The
last few years I’ve been working with timber salvaged from houses lost since
the earthquakes which hit Christchurch, NZ. To save some of the beautiful wood
that has been part of someone’s home is pretty special. There is a very real
sense of responsibility to do something really special with it.
Describe
your creative process. How do you go about creating your works?
Sometimes
an idea will spring to mind- usually in the middle of the night! Then I’ll go
about sourcing what I need, I love repurposing materials whether it be timber,
furniture, fabric or wallpaper. Other
times it may be a colour or textile that inspires me.
I’ll
usually do some sketches first and see how the initial idea evolves, this part
of the process is always interesting as I can often come out with an entirely
different creation to what I had originally envisioned.
How
do your sourced materials (and their history) influence your work?
Many
of my creations use recycled timber, all of which is sourced from houses lost
in the recent earthquakes. Unfortunately thousands of homes have had to be
demolished, including my own, and that means we’ve lost many beautiful old
houses. Some of the timber I end up working with is well over 100 years old.
I
have developed a good relationship with some demolition firms who let me trawl
through their yards. Otherwise individual home owners will contact me to talk
about how I could re-purpose some of their timber. I also use photographs of tiles, wallpaper and textiles to work
in to my designs.
Where
is your favourite (or most inspirational) place?
- Home! We’ve recently moved out to the country and
have a lovely old house in a lovely old garden. So anywhere where I can
see the trees and hear the outdoors.
- The seaside for the smell and beach-combing.
- Markets for the thrill of the hunt!
What
is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To
just give what you want to do a go, don’t wait until you have a “reason” to do
it. Just do it because it makes you happy.
What
is your dream project?
I
have more than one (of course!).
Re-purposing
furniture incorporating elements of my wood-burning and botanical art and the
other is reworking my paper-art designs as outdoor art installations using
different metals and timber.
I’d
love to have these in places around our city to help create happy, positive
spaces after all the devastation.
What
do you do when you're not creating art?
Music
is another of my other passions. I play the flute and piccolo with a local
orchestra and also play the piano. I also home school my two children in and
out of taming our garden and pooch Rosa. I dream of growing all our own fruit
and veggies...when I get rid of the weeds!
You're
a new addition to the crayon box, what colour would you be and why?
I’d
be one of those multi-coloured rainbow ones because I always have way too many
ideas jumping around my head...why settle on just one?!
Bryony
we couldn't agree more! Pop over to the Nest and check out the full range here.
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