On this creative path I’ve met and become friends with many wonderful, interesting people across the world. It’s high time I introduced you to some of them.

‘My Creative Life’ is an interview series where we get an insider view of artists and their lives from different disciplines and on different stages of their own journeys. My intention is to ask questions that are perhaps a bit different from the usual – the answers to which might spark ideas or simply reassure you as you follow your own artist path.

Enjoy!

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Our first interview is with Deb Dane of Inner Compass Designs. I’m delighted to begin with her because not only have I had the pleasure of working with her, but I’ve been following her on her journey from having ‘lost’ her creative self to recovering it step by step, and building the gorgeous creative business she’s running today. She’s very real, very honest, and pours so much love and dedication into her work. And she’s no stranger to the experimental approach, and wanting to try All The Things, which so many of us can relate to. 🙂

Meet Deb….

{All emphasis is mine. And don’t forget you can highlight any part of the text to share it.}

Tell us a little bit about your creative work in the world {whether it’s your business or your pleasure, or both!}.

After twenty years of doing no art I had a reawakening and reconnected with that part of myself. I was like a starved woman who then went to a buffet. I have now spent 3-4 years trying so many mediums and ideas out from hand lettering to mandalas to embroidery and mixed media. I guess I am still in the creative dating stages, but am not sure if I will ever commit to one medium and be focused.

In my work I have taken this newfound passion and brought it together with my writing. I have taken my words and ideas about intentional and authentic living and am bringing them to life in three dimensions. I studied silversmithing and have launched my first jewellery collection of pieces that serve as reminders of all that you are and how worthy you are of love and acceptance.

I plan to develop and create other products for home and lifestyle in the coming months and years. 

• When I started participating in hand lettering challenges my lettering practice took off.
• When I joined a quick sketch challenge I pushed myself to play even for 5 minutes a day.
• Photo challenges get you out with your camera.
• If you are not already self motivating then use challenges the same way non-exercisers use a trainer. Let them set the tasks and you show up!

Have you ever lost touch with your creative self for a long period, and if so how did you bring it back?

I entered college (university) and never took a creative course again.

I spent twenty years with that part buried so deeply I did not even join in with my very creative kids, declaring myself “not creative”.

My first tiptoe back in was via stitching after some tapestry play with my daughter’s preschool class.

That first crack led me to observe other artists online via you tube videos for a long time while I played with colours of cotton thread.

Joining in with an art swap was the first big step I took and that required every ounce of courage, but was the beginning of the big cracking open. I never looked back after that, reclaiming time, space and resources for my developing interests. Eventually I re-appropriated my kids playroom for an art space and then my business.

I would boil all that down to vulnerability.

Let yourself be vulnerable and:

• ask for what you want and need
• share pieces of your creativity with someone else
• let people in, but know that you and your art are wonderful regardless of feedback.
• make art / create for yourself above all else.

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I am a New Yorker living permanently in Australia. My work is handmade in my home studio in Brisbane. My mission in life is to spread the messages of self-compassion; wholehearted living; and that we are all connected. 

The pieces I design and create help tell a story. When you wear them, they will help you feel strong and confident, enjoy your unique life adventure, and love yourself just as you are.

Your Inner Compass Designs handmade pieces tell YOUR story and YOUR journey.