Creatively Speaking – Interview with Bethany Linz

A couple of weeks ago I posted on the beautiful work of Bethany Linz who has worked as a designer for the Fabric house Mokum and collaborated with iconic Australian designers such as Catherine Martin.  Well I am really excited that Bethany has agreed for me to interview her.  Soooo…. time to grab a cup of tea and biscuit, sit back and relax and read on!

How would you describe your work and style?  “When I was at art school the other student’s nicknamed me Victoria. I love William Morris and all the wallpapers from the 1800s that were inspired by British India. I would say my work is a contemporary take on Art’s & Craft perhaps? It’s so hard to put a pinpoint on your own style, for an artist or designer are always looking to grow and develop their style.”

Bethany’s Studio

What, where and/or who inspires you?   “I look for inspiration everywhere. I particularly love history and read other artists and writers biographies and get inspired by how they succeeded after struggling for most of their lives.

Bethany’s Studio

When it comes to subject matter I look to nature for inspiration, the colour combinations and patterns are all there right in front of us twenty-four seven, unfortunately most people walk on past and don’t even see it.”

Bethany’s Inspiration Board

Which is your favorite personal project and why? “I loved working on my latest solo exhibition, I could do anything I wanted which was exciting after working in a group environment for five years.”

Bethany Linz exhibition

What has been the most exciting point in your career to date and why? “It was very exciting traveling to New York and doing a presentation on a collection I designed with the Mokum team, but I think my biggest achievement has to be my solo exhibition for it was all up to me to create the work, fund it and make it successful.”

Carved Lino

Do you have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment? “I’m very excited to be designing my very own textile and wallpaper collection for Sparkk  I’m hoping to release the collection around April next year, so keep an eye out!!”

Sparkk Wallpaper and Fabrics

If you could have your work displayed anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be displayed?  “I could easily say the Louvre, The MOMA or the MET but ideally I would love my work to one day be displayed in the Australian section in the Gallery of New South Wales.

Art Gallery of New South Wales

I go there all the time and admire the works by artists such as William Dobell, Margaret Olley and Russell Drysdale. I think all artists want their own country to recognize their work. “ What would be your dream commission? I would love to design textiles for a Dries Van Noten collection, I love his wonderful colour combinations and painterly designs, Marni or Prada would be okay as well 😉

Camp Cove Sydney

Describe your perfect day. “Waking up early and walking down the road and having a local breakfast in Rozelle with my partner Blair and my sweet little Pomeranian Belle. Have a swim at Camp Cove to soak in a little sun (not much for I’m very pail!) then sit under an umbrella while reading a Hemingway novel. In the afternoon go to the Gallery of New South Wales and get inspired. At the end of the day I would have dinner with my family, enjoy Mums amazing bake dinner and drink and discuss wine with my father.”  Now as much as I love your work, I love cooking and am always eager to find out a new recipe… what is your favorite dish to cook? “I love the show River Cottage so my partner bought me one of Hugh’s cook books for Christmas. My favorite recipe to date is from that book and its called Pot-Roast Chicken & Veg. Pot Roast Chicken and Veg

1. Whole chicken (for nutrition only eat free range)

2. 2 Onions

3. 3 Carrots

4. 2 Leeks

5. 3 Potatoes

6. 2 Bay Leaves

7. 3 sprigs of Thyme

8. 3 tablespoons of Olive oil

9. 1 cup of white wine (I put one and a half !! )

10. 1 cup of water

11. salt Chop up all the veggies and throw into a cooking pot and place the chicken on top, add the water, wine, olive oil, bay Leaves, thyme and salt. Bake in the oven at 185 degrees for 45 mins with the lid on, then take the lid off and cook for a further hour. Remember to rotate the chicken so it cooks both sides! When the chicken is cooked but the veggies need a little longer place the chicken on a plate then cover with foil, this should keep it hot while the veggies melt in the oven!  Enjoy!!

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