Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Can you tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re based and what you do?
I’m Daisy Hill, a modern, contemporary Aboriginal artist and proud descendant of the Muruwari people, currently living on Yugambeh Country (Gold Coast).
I am a wife and mother of two, sharing my connections to my ancestors through my artworks. I paint intuitively and my painting process is both healing and deeply spiritual. I feel an overwhelming connectedness to my thoughts, feelings and spirit when I paint. I have a passion for storytelling and my works are inspired by my life experiences, growing up in the hinterland and by the ocean. It is a way for me to feel connected to the Motherland - the trees, the water, the sand, the sun, the earth and the animals. It's a way for me to convey the beauty I see in all things. A way for me to express my gratitude and to acknowledge the Country I am walking, living and breathing.
Your career as an artist really evolved when you were in your 30s, what were you doing before this and how did you make the transition? Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
I have always been a creative and artistic person; however, I didn’t start painting until I was in my thirties. Initially, painting was more of a hobby and creative outlet for me. I painted as a form of therapy, a way for me to connect to my identity and heal life experiences. Through my paintings, I’m sharing my story, my journey, my passion, my gift and my purpose.
My background before pursuing my art career full time was in fashion retail and I worked as a visual merchandiser and stylist for several global retail brands. After having my two children, my career took a step back as I could no longer do the travelling and commuting required for my state-level role, so I had to reconsider my career direction for the future as a Mum. I began working part-time in a high-end designer fashion store but after a little while I started questioning my purpose. For so many years I was selling other people’s products and making other people’s brands look good but always dreamed of doing it for myself one day. I never quite knew exactly what that would be or how that looked but I always felt it in my gut. I knew I had a gift; I just hadn’t fully tapped into it yet. The moment I put paint to canvas, I knew this was my calling.
Can you talk us through your creative process, where do you start and where do you draw your inspiration from?
Often my paintings come to me as visuals in my dreams. My work is inspired and influenced by my life experience growing up on Bundjalung/Yugambeh Country and in particular my fascination with the sun, sand and seaside.
Before I sit down to paint, I run my hands all over the canvas, close my eyes and take a moment to call on my ancestors and invite my guides to come along on the journey and I ask for the story to come to me.
What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced throughout both your personal life and career?
It’s always challenging running your own business, especially as a solo artist. I find it quite tricky not having someone to bounce ideas off and go to for advice. I’m also my own harshest critic and I often struggle with putting my work out there for everyone to judge. I pour my heart and soul into every piece I paint so it makes me feel quite vulnerable when I release it out into the world.
You’ve done some amazing collaborations recently from clothing, handbags, and wallpaper to jewellery. What has been a highlight moment for you in your career and your greatest “pinch me” moment?
I have been very fortunate to work with some incredible Australian brands such as Status Anxiety, Annabel Trends and Styling You. It has been amazing exploring new mediums for my art and collaborating on new and exciting products but a real “pinch me” moment was when I first saw my designs on jewellery, a collaboration with MURKANI. It was a life-long dream of mine to have my name on a jewellery line, so it was very surreal seeing these four unique pendant designs come to life and having my art printed on window posters and hanging in the front window of all the Silvershops.
If you could give your younger self a little piece of advice, what would it be?
Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Pursue your passion and do what lights you up!
We know you love your Moss Living pieces, can you tell us your most-loved piece?
I am not just a Moss Living lover, I am an addict! Not only do I own 4 duvet sets, 5 fitted sheets, 2 pairs of shorts and 2 shirts but I also have a collection of Moss ceramics. My most treasured Moss pieces of all are my hand made, custom paint pods. I couldn’t live without them! They are so special to me, and I use them every single day. I love how they fit snug in my hand, and I can simply wash them and reuse as I need, no plastic waste!
And lastly, we always like to know when you’re not creating, how do you like to spend your time?
I love spending time outdoors in nature, whether that’s pottering in my own garden or down at the beach collecting shells. I’ve also found a new love and appreciation for running. I recently ran my very first 10km race at the GC Marathon this year. It’s something I’m extremely proud of as I never thought it was possible. I know it’s cliché, but you really can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Shop Daisy's Collection and get her looks here.
]]>Creativity and Career:
Can you tell us about your career journey to date?
I grew up in a small village of 12 houses in rural Communist Russia. My world consisted of my parents, my brother, and the magic of the woods that surrounded us. Both of my parents are forest rangers and taxidermists by trade; we lived off the land and respected nature for all of her abundance. I could write a book (I actually am) about my wild upbringing in the woods and the magic that lead me to dream a life that allows me to time travel and “be“ other people for a living.
My family immigrated in 1992 to the United States and started our life in the land of opportunity. My mother enrolled me in a modeling competition at the age of 12 as a way to boost my self confidence and I won representation by agencies in California. My first job was a Disney Channel commercial where I had a speaking role. I remember getting my hair and makeup done, hitting my mark, saying my lines. I got my SAG card that day and knew this was my path. I met kids that were from different walks of life and realized that I was treated like the “adult” I had felt like for years. I loved telling stories and being a conduit of time travel for others. Having the power to transform the space and help others dream gave me the sense of fulfilment that I still have today, 24 years later.
From then on I was a Disney kid... one movie led to another which lead to being in the High School Musical franchise changing my life forever. Now countless films and tv shows later I’m happy to say that choosing acting as my life path has been the best journey. The ups and downs and all of the circus acts in between.
Did you always know you wanted to pursue/be a actress and author?
I followed the feelings that made me feel good. Creating made me feel good, being in control of my choices made me feel good, and working with people always made me feel like peace was possible. All of those elements live in acting. I work with 200+ people on a production from all walks of life, for months on end, creating a single art project. It’s like being in a bee hive. We all have to put our differences aside for the sake of art... and when done right... pure magic happens. Once I felt it, I knew I would want that feeling for the rest of my life.
What has been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment as a creator?
The places I have been able to travel and the people I have met. Creating content whether it is film/ tv/ social media images that resonate with thousands of people around the world still blows my mind daily. That we can connect on that level, the beauty of that is a pitch me moment. Then there are the Hollywood moments like attending the Oscars and sitting behind Leo DiCaprio, watching my friends on stage at the Emmys, winning a Team Choice Award.... MIchelle Pfeiffer once kissed me on the forehead and gave me the sweetest advice. None of that would have been possible especially for a little girl from a village with no running water if it wasn’t for me being a creative.
What inspires you to create?
I’m inspired by lighting and the mundane... for example the way the curtain blows in the wind catching the last rays of the days light. That simple elegance of life and having the attention to catch it. That inspires me. Then there is always the concept of love and connection, like all poets, I write about love. Love for nature, for the wild at heart, the pirates out at sea searching for the next horizon, the lighthouses that guide us home.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wish I had a typical day... my career is one that changes my timeline and schedule without much consideration to what I was already doing. It makes it impossible to plan anything more than 3 months ahead.
Right now: Tea and emails, mediation with Lacy Phillips via To Be Magnetic, prep lunch for my man and I (and the baby), creative time and shooting content for IG etc, evening catch up with friends and finishing work obligations, make out session with the husband/ check in on our “hearts” and a general self care routine that helps me tune out the never ending “to do list” that keeps growing.
Talk us through your creative process. Where do you start?
My creative process starts when I receive the script in my inbox. I make space in my home for neutral energy to flow, allowing my mind to stays clear to pick up on the small details that lay hidden between the words. I carefully read the script front to back, sometimes twice, and then literally sit with it. I take a few minutes to allow the words to create images in my mind. What shot would this scene be? How would it be lit? Once I have the “picture” of the scene set... that’s when my character will start to emerge. Her dress, mannerisms, tone of voice... I allow my imagination to fill in the gaps. I choose her favourite colour, her earliest memories, the moment she fell in love etc. For me it’s not memorizing the lines, it’s creating the human. The lines come easily once I get to “know” her. Then it’s just simply existing, listening when the other characters interact with me, and relaxing into the “play” of it.
What’s been the most challenging lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?
I loved the experience of being a Disney Channel kid. It gave me the opportunity to travel the world, win Emmy’s, attend the Oscars, and yes I’m on a platinum record (I am NOT a trained singer ). Dreams that are wilder than any I could have ever imagined happed because of the entertainment industry. I love it and I wish I knew more of the “business” aspect sooner. You learn later how much money you make for others, how you’re a product and you are sold. It was a different time then and the youth in the industry now are much savvier and have more information. When I started I had to fill out actual paperwork for my LLC (limited liability corporation) and had manager handle my finances etc. Now you can simply read how to do it online and cross reference. The challenge was learning that I was the boss, not my agents, not my current employer, not my managers... me. At the end of the day it’s me who’s got my own back and makes the magic happen. Trusting my own instincts and not being so “nice”; polite yes but firm in my opinions.
Do you have any advice you’d give to your younger self or someone looking to pursue acting or the creative industry?
Don’t be a muse. It’s lovely if people are inspired by your talent, look, energy etc but muses don’t get paid and you can only live off fairy dust for so long. Be careful who shares in you energy, if you want to share it professionally make sure that they compensate you for it. Know your worth and bill people for it. Especially as a woman, you have a place and power in this world. The energy must be an even exchange.
When do you feel at your most creative?
When my house is clean, my laundry is done, taxes paid on time, and I’m sipping some organic wine. In all seriousness, it is the simple things... the to do lists... that keep my imagination tethered to the ground. When those “life” things are handled my mind and soul have space to play together. The older I get the more I tend to find peace and harmony in my home and surroundings ( friends, interactions) because it is when that’s in alignment I feel that my creative juices have room to grow.
How do you balance your career with being a wife, friend and soon to be mother?
I don’t really. I’m trying to figure it all out still. It’s the first time in my life where I am putting the life jacket on myself first before assisting others. It’s a big change and the benefits for everyone around me are incredible.
Discover the Moss Linen Towel and Natural Linen Towel
Home:
What are your favourite pieces in your home?
We just moved to Yosemite National Park and now live in a beautiful home in the mountains. Prior to I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years. This home is a retreat in more than one way. We have a wonderful fireplace in the heart of our home and we use it daily. I reminds me of growing up in Russia where we used the fireplace every day to heat our home/prepare our meals. Where there is warmth there is life.
What is your favourite Moss Living pieces?
Everything. I want it all.
How did you find us?
Our mutual friend Katie founder of Silk Laundry. She posted about her sheets and I swooned.
Do you have any special décor pieces you’re looking to add to your space?
We have it! I’ve wanted a claw foot bathtub in our master and my husband found one! It’s currently hanging out in the front yard under an olive tree waiting to be installed! When I was a child my mother would bathe me in a similar tub outside. She would warm the well water by starting a small fire under the tub. It makes me feel regal and wild at the same time.
What does home mean to you?
Safety and Peace.
Self:
How do you practice self-care every day?
Good food (organic and clean); gentle movement like yoga and pilates; deep inhales outside; positive self talk example “body you are incredible; your skin is so soft, you are doing such a good job at keeping everything healthy and vibrant”.
What inspires you?
Nature, my mothers never-ending sense of wonder and curiosity, my husbands strength and heart, the incredible friend group I have been lucky to acquire, a great book. My little potted rose bush... she’s been on the verge of death so many times and still somehow manages to come back and bloom.
How would you describe your personal style?
Chic and sustainable. I love rich fabrics and high quality which usually tends to be more expensive and sustainable. I choose less but pay more for a reason. I want timelessness on my body. I go from “mountain woman” to “ big city” with nothing in between. It’s like my closet belongs to two very different women.
What are the best words of advice you’ve ever received?
“Enjoy life” said by my mother. We have had a hard/full/abundant/thrilling life... and when you live like that sometimes we forget to slow down and just enjoy the dang thing. It’s all so fleeting and quick. If we “enjoy” it then our spirits have an opportunity to do the work they came down here to do.
What are 3 things you can't live without?
Quick questions:
Find the beautiful Olesya on Instagram here.
Can you take us through your journey into making ceramic pieces?
Sure. I’ve always loved the idea of making pottery pieces. It’s a fascinating craft that dates back for centuries and that has always captivated my imagination. I was lucky enough to cross paths with the incredibly talented ceramist Marloe Morgan of Marloe Marloe. I met Marloe through my fiancé Matt and we instantly hit it off and she basically took me under her wing and showed me the ropes from her amazing studio back when she was working out the back of The Dust Temple in Currumbin industrial area. I came in day after day and learnt how to work with clay, how to mix slip, how to glaze, how to fire. Marloe gave me the encouragement to try something I’d always wanted to and from that day I haven’t looked back.
It wasn’t long until I had my own kiln and how I like to describe it as ‘playing with Clay’ in my own studio at home. I have learned by making more mistakes than I can remember and have spent many nights sitting beside my kiln praying to the ceramic gods for my works not to explode in the kiln. I will always be grateful for being able to learn a new craft that will forever follow with me on my creative journey. I have so much respect for talented ceramists like Marloe who to this day still inspire me to push ahead and work hard to improve my skills. I feel it's important to have other creatives inspire you daily.
We love having your pieces here at En Gold, can you talk us through your favourite piece from this collection?
I am on cloud 9 that I’m part of En Gold, it’s truly such an incredible opportunity to be part of the En Gold family. It’s a difficult decision to make as I love each and every piece that I form and every piece that comes out of my kiln. But if I had to choose one it would be the Margarida Vase meaning ‘Daisy Flower’ In honour of my late Mother Daisy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I’ve spoken of this previously when I launched my latest series ‘Minhas Raízes’. My mother Daisy was a lover of handmade art. As a child I was surrounded by beautiful art pieces; sculptures, textiles. Mum was an avid collector of all things handmade and to this day I still find inspiration in the memories of these works. My personal passion is collecting Art and creating my home as a personal gallery of beauty, always supporting local creatives.
You’re a Gold Coast native, can you tell us your favourite hidden gems?
If I’m 100% honest; I am such a home body and I literally just love being home with my fiancé and fur babies (especially these days with Covid)… However if I do need to step out as a necessity for a meeting or some food, you cannot go past The Dust Temple as a meeting space, coffee stop, or to check out some amazing local artists or musicians. The place has it all and I really love stopping in there. There’s a strong community connection at Dust Temple. We really loved the Fish House at Burleigh Heads for a fancy night experience.
What are your go to songs when it comes to creating and working?
I have to admit I am in love with any version of Spanish or Flamenco Guitar. It instantly takes me to a wonderland and the creativity and imagination is endless when I am in my zone with this music playing. I also play a lot of Brazilian music, this sets off my inner heritage of being Brazilian.
What would be your ultimate self-care day look like?
For me it’s waking up each day with a sense of simplicity in my life. We over complicate our days and we forget the importance of self-care. Taking care of your inner health, mental health and surrounding ourselves with like minded people that support you.
What does a work week look like for you?
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work from home, so each week, each day is always different. Being a solo business owner I have a lot of tasks to get through as multitasking is my daily routine. It's very important to me that I don’t put too much stress on myself and what I can achieve in a day's work is enough. I have personally experienced this and have seen many small business owners become stressed, getting anxiety and doubting one’s self abilities. Being organised is important and at the same time be kind to yourself.
What would be the best part of your job?
I must admit I’m very grateful for my ability to be able to work from my beautiful home/studio here in Currumbin. I simply adore my own space and being able to not have to go out into the hustle and bustle of the world. I’m very lucky. I can set my own hours, play my choice of music, burn my favourite incense and the best part is having my fur babies by my side.
What is your definition of success?
Success for me is the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a day. Having my health, my sanity and being cared for and loved by my man is something I will always be very grateful for. It’s not about how much money is in the bank, how many ‘Followers and Likes’ you get, how picture perfect your home is. Success to me is happiness, being compassionate and kind.
Finish this sentence; My business is unique because…
I choose to do what I love and my creativity will be shared and loved by others in their homes. If you love what you do then you will make magic happen. If anyone was to ask any advise starting their own business it would be 'risk it for the biscuit' 'be inspired by others and not compare yourself and simplify your vision as great things will come from that'.
Shop our Ceramics Collaction on En Gold here.
]]>Recently we have found ourselves becoming deflated by the weight of all the negative aspects of the fashion industry. Michelle and I took a moment with each other and agreed that celebrating people who make positive steps towards a better industry really made us feel more excited and empowered to make more changes ourselves, and in turn encourage and educate others to make positive change too.
Please enjoy this conversation series with our labels as we chat about who they are, how their journey began and all the good things they are doing.
Today we chat with Christina Armstrong from Moss Living!
How did your beautiful label Moss Living come about?
Moss Living has always been an idea that I have been terrified to turn into a reality. I suppose my experience with working in creative industries such as fashion, floristry & Lighting design gave me that gentle push to follow my dreams. It’s incredible when you surround yourself with like-minded people & people that believe in you. I will always encourage people to take that step into the unknown as you’ll never know if you don’t try. ‘Risk It for the Biscuit’ So, in 2018 Moss Living was created ‘officially’ & I have never looked back.
Why Linen over another fabric?
Linen is a very environmentally friendly fabric. I have always been aware about one of the most damaging environmentally issues of landfill & I wanted to make sure that my love of décor & fashion was not going to contribute to this issue.
The appeal of linen is both practical and aesthetic, making it an essential fabric for the bedroom & on the body. I have personally experienced many bedding materials from Cotton, silk & linen blends, & for me the best sleep experience was 100% Flax Linen.
Not only is the feeling of linen on your skin is incredible the health benefits have so many advantages. I always say you must experience sleeping in linen & you will never look back.
You initially started with just your bed linen, what made you decide to expand to wearables, was it just a natural progression or something you had always planned to do?
Again, the issues with Fashion & landfill played a big part of my decision to create wearables. Australia sends 85% of the textiles we buy to landfill every year. “Fast Fashion” needs to end. I understand that good quality fashion can be expensive hence why many people tend to buy a quick solution of fashion then having only wearing it once throwing it away. I see our collections as a forever staples in your wardrobe.
My Mother always told me that all is needed in your wardrobe is classic forever pieces & a great pair of shoes haha! So it became a natural progression for me to introduce Moss Wearables.
Can you tell us a little about AZO-Free Dyes? Is it becoming standard practice that most people would use these today?
Azo compounds are widely used in the dyeing of every type of fibres, they create more vivid colour options in productions of fabrics to synthetics. Unfortunately, these AZO dyes have shown extensive environmental & health consequences.
For me it was not a road I wanted to go down. We as producers of products need to take responsibility to our customers health & our world’s environment.
Our impact on the environment is unique to each person. Choose what imprint you will make.
You have recently released a collection of hand-made ceramics, which are inspired by your own personal story and your Brazillian heritage. Are ceramics a medium you have worked with for some time?
Ahhh Ceramics... I would not call myself a ceramist, but I do love to play with clay. I have been self-teaching myself for the last 5-6 years. I’m not one to often meditate as my mind never seems to slow down but when I’m in my studio it takes be to a place of serenity. It only recently I decided to share my works with the world, even though we are our own worst critic I just found that self-encouragement to share a little of me in my love of ceramics. The only problem is I want to keep every piece I make; my home has now become a Gallery of ceramics and now I need more shelving haha!
Since launching Moss Living it has allowed me to spend more time in the studio & for that I’m extremely grateful.
What are you most proud of achieving on your journey so far?
Allowing myself to take that chance of running my own business. As mentioned earlier “Risk it for the biscuit”. I won’t say it’s been an easy road of running my own business, but it has certainly given me so many experiences I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t.
I have met incredible people through Moss Living, I have learnt new skills & I find that I am learning & experiencing every single day. Moss Living can go with me anywhere in this world, I love that each day is different & what I have created I can be proud of everything I have achieved on my journey.
Most important for me is knowing that my customers are happy, experiencing the best sleeps they have ever had & again knowing that we are not damaging this world. I honestly love my job.
Do you have any goals for the next few years that you are hoping to achieve on a sustainability level?
My goals for the next few years to establish an awareness of environmental issues within my business & linens. I am wanting to use our platform to encourage awareness for all issues that our world is facing. I want my customers to feel that they are helping our world with buying right, buying with the intentions of doing good for themselves & our world. Encouraging sustainable behaviours which helps users become more aware of their carbon footprint. We all need to work together & form a close connection between people & nature. Allowing our world to heal & regrow into better place to live.
Christina was born in Barão Geraldo of São Paulo and adopted when she was just two days old by her Australian parents Jack & Daisy, her only parents, her familia. The stories in the first chapters of Christina's life were never kept from her. It was always spoken that she had been deserving, wanted and chosen. She enjoyed a childhood that was a tapestry woven of opportunity, safety and love which allowed her to feel held and nurtured enough to explore her Brazilian heritage. And she does so without a second thought - in fact, it pulses through her veins every day.
Then, it led her here.
It led her to the studio where she could use her hands, where she kneaded, fired, painted and discovered how to express her roots and her heritage. This is Christina’s story of “minhas raizes, por meio de favela” (“my roots, by way of the favela”).
It’s the story of her journey home.
Christina has always been a creator. Often with a paintbrush in hand, she would harness her intense creativity to express her unique perspective of her home now, as well as the home she came from. And, while she was raised on Australian shores, she has always been instinctively drawn to the colours, traditions, music, architecture and fiery passion of her motherland.
From a place of love, yearning and curiosity, Christina began hand making her own collection of ceramics. By creating, she was able to explore her heritage, and to connect to her birthplace, her bloodline and her home that could have been. Each and every piece in the collection has been handcrafted and hand-painted by Christina alone. And while each piece is one of a kind, they all tell the same story.
The collection is made up of Tumblers, bowls, vases and vessels, their forms organic, curvilinear and sculptural. Each has been painted by hand in a rich colour palette of cream which is the base colour tone of the clay, The glazes that have been selected are deep Sapphire Blue, Sienna brown & Pink. These colours are based on the diverse rich colours of what you would see looking at the Favelas. And, perhaps unbeknownst to Christina when she began, her chosen colour palette echoes the artisanal, wood-fired pottery of Cunha, a remote Brazilian town nestled in the hills of Sao Paul’s Paraiba Valley.
Each beautifully crafted piece in the collection also pays homage to her late mother, Daisy. When Christina tells stories about her mother, she speaks of a remarkable woman who was committed to keeping Christina's Brazilian heritage alive by keeping little pieces and tokens of it in every corner of their home. This fact alone is something that makes Christina feel proud and honoured to her core. Daisy collected beautiful pieces of Brazilian art, from paintings and ceramics to wooden sculptures and furniture, and was passionate about supporting artisans, a habit that Christina has now embraced with gusto.
The pieces in this collection exist like a little family. And it is this beautiful word, familia, that guides Christina toward, and through, everything that she does. Her ceramic pieces will be added to Moss Living’s collection of slow, thoughtful and considered items that are also each infused with Christina’s inimitable sensibility and style. She hopes that you can feel the deep love that went into creating each of the pieces, because the story of herself, her family and her roots are literally kneaded into each one.
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How did your relationship with Katie ( Creative Director ) & Silk Laundry come about?
Katie and I have known each other through mutual friends but we finally met when one day when I saw an Instagram post of her sitting in her home office during one of our Summer heatwaves. I made a comment of bringing her a fan & then one thing lead to another I sat next to her each day surrounded by silks, lace, beehives, chickens & so many laughs. I’ve followed Silk Laundry from the beginning & I just knew that we were destined to be great friends. Four years later I can say that a true friendship has formed.
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That's why we'd like to feature this beautiful boutique as they stock our full range of French linen wearables. Alongside us, you will spot many other resort luxury brands such as Estilo Emporio, Bassike, Camilla + Marc & Peony. Trust us, it's a wonderland of perfectly imperfect crushed linen, rugged leather goods + Italian Lycra that will have you picturing yourself in Positano. xx
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