Perfectly Imperfect

My background is as a journalist. I started naively at The Examiner in Launceston with little life experience and it really was a baptism of fire. With uncles successfully working in the media business I felt the pressure to remain in mainstream media, but it wasn't long before I escaped. Initially I was devastated as I thought my lifelong dream was over and that I had failed. 

With time I realised my passion for capturing people's stories hadn't waned. I also realised that writers write; irrelevant of the place or platform and that just as there are many types of writers there are just as many types of readers. Which means that there is a place for us all. And finally I realised that I didn't have to be perfect. Everybody needs an editor and that the idea of immediate perfection by one individual is a nonsense.

This passion has led me to writing a number of publications and articles over the last 20 years.  Particularly gratifying is when I can combine my love of the arts and people, with my passion for story telling.

Last year I was invited to write an article for IMPRINT about Paper Garments for the Grave, an amazing collection of work by mostly Tasmanian artists. It's one in a series of art stories that I have captured with hopefully many more to come.

The Journey of the Argonauts

'In spite of the minuscule chance of anyone surviving to lay eyes upon the Golden Fleece, let alone get past the guarding dragon and return with the prize, large numbers of heroes (the Argonauts) were ready to run the risk.'

Rachel Dallas with
They Washed in on the Tide

The artists and curators

A courageous group of Flinders Island artists embarked on a 12 month adventure to explore their own art practice and what possibilities could lie ahead. How could they extend themselves and where could they take their art?

A still from Sammi Gowthorp's
Mercury Retrograde short film

It was a diverse group with painters, photographers, a film maker, sculptors and a textile artist. At times it was challenging and confronting, but all nine of them prevailed. The Journey of the Argonauts captures some of this adventure and the shared connection to Flinders Island. 

Dale Williams watercolour, View from my mind

Engaging Elements by Lila Tresemer

I was lucky enough work with the group and together we faced challenges and hurdles. But all were overcome and we were able to bring together a group exhibition that has amazing cohesion in essence and form. 

Sandro Donati with his work Island Icon V

Traveling Box of Bones
by Rachel Dallas

It was fantastic to curate the exhibition with Principal Curator of TMAG, Jane Stewart. This is the first gallery outcome, with the hope that there will be future destinations for this beautiful collection of new works. The exhibition is up at the Straits Gallery for a couple of week, so if you are heading to Flinders, check it out.

The wonderful artists involved included: Rachel Dallas, Sandro Donati, Sammi Gowthorp, Annabel Apps, Bronwen Grutzner, Dale Williams, Helen Haines, Jaga Lipska and Lila Tresemer.

Yakka Orres by Helen Haines

Jaga Lipska's Cosmic Bounce

Bronwen Grutzner's pastels
from an earlier exhibiti

Annabel Apps work, 
Dissolved into a deep Lassitude

This project was funded by the Regional Arts Fund, the Flinders Island Council and Flinders Island Regional Arts. For more information about this or other projects via 
Kylie Eastley Consultancy please email kylieeastley@gmail.com or call 0439 262 344. 

All photographs by photographer and film maker, Sammi Gowthorp

Feeling like an Imposter?

Imposter Syndrome has been acknowledged as a 'real' condition and in this recent article it states that more than 70% of people at some time will feel it.

You know the feeling. You are at an event, or part of a project or in a meeting and you have that uncomfortable feeling that at any minute someone is going to tap you on the shoulder. The effects of it can be have an impact on your confidence, self-esteem and progression of your work and ideas. Here are some practical tips from Fast Company, to help you get through those moments and to let you enjoy what you do.

Tasmanian Portraiture Prize

It has been another amazing year working with RACT Insurance and Tasmanian Regional Arts as the curator and co-manager of the Tasmanian Portraiture Prize. The exhibition is on at the Long Gallery until Saturday 4th October and already we have had hundreds through the doors.

Then it is winding it's way north to Sawtooth Ari and then the Burnie Regional Gallery. See details at the TPP website and in the meantime check out our newly released film produced by HYPE TV that captures the work that goes into the prize along with the finished exhibition. Congratulations to all the artists involved and our wonderful judges; Robert Hannaford, Jane Stewart and Alex Davern.

View the TPP Film here...

No Artist is an Island

Whether you are an artist, performer, musician or writer it is often a struggle to nurture and establish a sustainable career in your chosen art form. Over the last 5 years I have worked with a range of individuals who are seeking to make a living from their work. Like many ventures this is not always easy and more and more I am convinced that it is about delegation and investment rather than going it alone.

Of course there are examples of individuals who have hit the big time and often this is put down to timing, the environment and pure luck...the right place at the right time. Although, I am not really a believer in luck. I tend to think that by focusing on a clear direction and putting steps in place, it can lead you to your own luck.

In a recent article in Cut Common Magazine, James Morrison wrote of the challenges of having and maintaining a career as a musician. In response to the question...Do you feel musicians are very business minded?, he responded with...

Being fed

There is much discussion about the meagre incomes that we earn in the arts sector. Whether you are a musician, performer or manager, it is often difficult to scrape together a decent annual income. A couple of years ago I was speaking with a friend and mentor about this and conveying my frustration at just how challenging it was. Not just the money, but managing how I think as someone who stands with a foot in each camp; the creative maker and the manager/producer.

Dale Williams, a painter

In response she calming stated...‘Well I guess it is challenging when you decide to live a creative life.’

In that moment my mind exploded with the realization that that is exactly what I was doing…choosing to live a creative life. You might be reading this and smacking your forehead with a doh! But so often when we are in the thick of projects, management, media and people, it is difficult to have the space and luxury to enjoy and acknowledge what is going on and how amazing it truly is. The forest for the trees scenario.

In a world that often diminishes the importance of creative thought and expression, it can be difficult to stay steadfast in your resolve to…Just do it! It’s what you do. Now can we just get on with it ….

Understanding the Unsexy

It was great to be able to talk about the arts with Louise Saunders and Leo Schofield. It's always a topical and interesting subject. Read some of what was said here