We chat with extremely talented Artist, Moss Living lover and our beautiful friend, Daisy Hill. or you might know her as Daisy in Dots. We chat to Daisy about her journey into becoming a creative artist, the challenges she faces, where she draws her inspiration from, those "pinch me" moments and her favourite Moss Living pieces.
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.
