We Are Family

I've been asked before what inspires me and where I get my creativity from - and I've been reflecting on that question a lot lately. I know there are lots of people who answer without hesitation, 'I've always created'. I can't make that claim. I put all my energy into dancing when I was a teenager, and by the time I was approaching 20 and forced to give up that dream, other things consumed my time and a desire to be creative remained unfilled.

Coming back to creating after a number of years, there are three people who are really important to me and who have had a big influence on the way that I express my creativity. I'm lucky enough to come from a family of people who are all creative and energetic. My mother paints, my dad takes photos and my clever sister (who influences me more than she will ever know) is a very talented interior decorator and business woman.

My family are all on the other side of the world to me right now, and I miss them terribly. I thought today I'd introduce them all to you from a distance and share a bit about these talented individuals who have influenced and supported me.

Letitia

My little sis is a very busy and talented woman who I am incredibly proud of. She is a farmer's wife (a full-time job in anyone's book), and mum to the gorgeous Oliver, 4 and Tommy, 3. Her home has recently graced the cover of Australian Country Collections, she works as an interior decorating consultant, she runs an incredibly successful country style home decor store, The White Shed and is shortly launching her online store. Oh, and did I mention she blogs as well? You can visit her lovely blog here.



The White Shed; Letitia's dining room on the cover of Australian Country Collections; home decor ideas; the farmhouse; Ollie and Tommy.
Photos courtesy of Letitia Linke, Australian Country Collections and Black Sheep Photography.


Madelyn

My uncle once described my Mum as having made renovating a "lifestyle choice" and certainly that constant desire to improve her home has rubbed off on my sis. My mum is big on country style home decor, which is probably where my sis and I get it from. My mum is 100% committed to her family, house proud and always on the go. This week while she wasn't busy taking on the world, she just 'rustled up' these paintings for the launch of The White Shed's online store.



Pear studies by Madelyn Duckmanton


John

My fabulous Dad has always been there to support all of us - showing incredible patience in a houseful of strong minded women! Sometimes known and much loved as Granddad, my Dad inspired my love of photography and has received a number of awards for his wonderful nature photos. The images below are just a sample of his work and his stock photography portfolio can be viewed here.


Photos by John Duckmanton


Being surrounded by strong people isn't always easy. It can be hard to fight for your own place when everyone has a big personality - and I'm much more like my quiet Dad than my bold Mum and Sis. Being creative has given me a chance to express my own point of view. When I pull out a piece of paper and sketch an idea, then take some fabric and make something new with my own hands and with the sewing machine, I create something that is all my own. When I'm really lucky I get recognition for doing it!

There is no question that my family have influenced the way that I express myself creatively, pushing me to strive harder and work towards achieving my goals with passion, perseverance and a spirit of joy.