The Edge wrapped 2024!

Creativity at The Edge in 2024:

As a kid I’ve always been wanted to be making something, but I enacted on my dream only recently by starting a beginner course in city of my home town during COVID which then moved onto to self-teaching using videos on YouTube and my mums' sewing machine. 

I enjoy meeting other people with the same interests as me. To come here [to The Edge], as someone not from this country, enables me to access equipment and a physical space to make. If you’re not a professional, then the opportunity for making can be a challenge but coming here can break down that barrier. 

I’m looking forward to improving upon sewing skills that I’ve learnt and am going to make a bunch of clothes, but on my wish list is for Open lab at The Edge to have more opening hours, that would be great, and more meet ups please! 

Inspiration: 

With Wendy - A fashion Vlogger that has good sewing tutorials like making patterns from your own clothing. 

Coolirpa - She has great tutorials on patterns from flipped/thrifted clothing 

Micarah Tewers  - I learnt that you do not need to do perfectly, there’s confidence in making without needing measurements. 

Creativity at The Edge in 2024:
My first project was to cut intricate shapes from felt (pictured above) for a project that promoted children's literacy which Steve (one of the staff) was incredibly helpful with. But overall, I enjoy the design process that it enables and it’s also a conversation starter making something using a laser cutter. 

I love the comradely of creative people that The Edge attracts. It gets me thinking of new ways to approach problem solving for my work. In terms of the space itself, the central location is accessible in all avenues and the view overlooking the river is great. 

Learning how to use Bezier curves in Adobe Illustrator has been an asset in my digital repertoire! And I’ve set my sights on blending fabric manipulation with laser cutting.

Inspiration:
Charley Harper (American artist) - for his graphic interpretation of the natural world 

Clara Batton Smith (local Brisbane felt artist) - her workmanship has inspired my own practice 

Geoff Thompson (Science illustrator at Qld Museum) - Geoff takes the most incredible Macro photography

Creativity at The Edge in 2024:
My background is in Visual Arts and Fashion design, going over a couple decades now, so sewing machines are my go-to resource, but the other equipment is relatively new to me as of this year. I am a serial collector of unestablished hobbies so getting to assist in everyone else’s projects gives me my own sense of achievement living through their accomplishments!

I’m constantly learning from the diverse community here, gaining fresh perspectives from everyone’s unique insights. This space is never dull—where else can you fix a shoe, help create a scale model of the Ekka, edit a holiday video blog, and laser cut a mandala for meditation all in one day? And all for a 50-cent bus fare overlooking the river!

Often, I think, 'someone should make this or that', and most of the time, someone already has. My first 3D printing project was a stitch jumper for sewing machines, to help them handle uneven, thick materials. I modified a free-use file to fit my needs, and now The Edge has another useful tool for everyone! My next projects are laser-cutting custom stamps and 3D-printing leather craft tools.

Inspiration:

James T Merry - An incredible multi-disciplinary artist that collaborates with musician Bjork on her visual and digital performances.

Jym Davis - Associate Art professor at Reinhardt University (Georgia, USA) and Mask artist. I have a couple of his artworks and am enamoured with his take on mythology and anthropology.

Cechaflo - I don’t upholster very often but this channel has the best tutorials on how to do so much whether it’s for the home or a vehicle. Absolutely valuable sewing content.

J Stern Designs - This is who I tell people that are interested in pattern making to follow. She is a great teacher of adjusting patterns and plainly explains why the changes are made.

This year, I’ve had the chance to make some amazing projects using The Edge's equipment and software. I’ve been diving deep into the State Library’s collection, drawing inspiration from historical photographs and illustrations to transform them into vector designs. These vectors were cut using the laser cutter to create unique earrings, key-chains, and magnets. It’s been rewarding to use these creations in our inductions and workshops to showcase both the library’s collections and current exhibitions.

One of my proudest moments this year was designing, prototyping, and building a lamp for our Neon Acrylic Lamp Workshop. I drew inspiration from Pinterest and retro-futuristic designs from the ‘70s and ‘50s, including space-age lamps. The process involved careful measurement, cutting test pieces from MDF to ensure a proper fit, and adjusting as needed. After several prototypes, I finalised the design and cut it from vibrant fluorescent green acrylic. I’m thrilled with the result and proud that the design worked well for others to use in the workshop.

Inspiration:

I was heavily inspired by these Fashion collections in the State Library collection for Brisbane Fashion Month:

The Queenslander Magazine Illustrated Pages

Illustrations of costumes from the Brisbane Deutscher TurnVerein masquerade

Iris van Herpen – Sculpting the Senses exhibition at GOMA - An amazing fashion exhibition with unique fashion pieces made using 3D printers and Laser cutters. 

Kate Schroder Ceramics - This artist really makes me want to get into ceramics next year.