Creatively Speaking – Kerrie Brown

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to have number of interviews with fantastic creatives in the world of design and interior design. As we gear up for the weekend, I thought it a good time to revisit.  If you are looking to add a shot of colour, history and culture into your home then Sydney based designer Kerrie Brown is a must stop.  So grab your coffee, tea and a chocolate brownie and sit back and relax preferably as you are propped up by a Kerrie Brown cushion….

“How would you describe your work and style? My style has developed from my years as a set decorator and so is quite eclectic, like many film people I have a short attention span and so am constantly designing new ranges. I love things that are bold, colourful and playful so I think my work usually encompasses these elements.

What, where and/or who inspires you? I’m inspired by so many people and things both past and present . At the moment I love the work of Yayoi Kusama and Aida Makoto … brought on by a recent trip to the Mori Art museum in Tokyo … so much colour, fun and wit ! They are both incredibly inspiring.

Yayoi Kusama – Source Whitney.org

Aida Makoto “monument for nothing” Source gadabout.jp

I also thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I saw the new Comme des Garcons range in the Isetan department store again in Tokyo. It was all exaggerated kabuki style in mind blowing pattern and colour. I Love , Love , Love … I think I’m turning Japanese !

Which is your favorite personal project and why? My favorite personal project is always the current one [March 2013] … so at the moment it’s the development of my new printed furniture range. Just added to my website and on the cover of Real Living this month [March 2013].

You have worked on a number of big name film sets. How did you get into this line of work? I used to design clothes (many lifetimes ago ) and a friend asked me to design the costumes for her film… so I just fell into the film world and quickly figured out working with inanimate objects (furnishings ) was more fun than trying to deal with actors !

Were there any funny moments that you can tell us about? I seemed to be laughing all the time when I was working in film but I’m not sure if it was because it was always funny … it was more like  a sense of constant madness …  there was a lot of “you want what” .. “your kidding right”? It was brilliant training though , nothing phases me now, customer requests are very tame by comparison !

You have been nominated for an Acadamy Award for set decoration on the film Babe.  What was that moment like?I didn’t find out until mid morning the next day when a friend rang me , it hadn’t occurred to me it would be nominated. I was working on some crazy American TV series starring Robert Wagner it certainly made me popular with the American crew for a moment and then It kind of picked up momentum as it sank in ! It was amazing to me , when I got to L.A, how seriously the American’s take the whole thing …  but great fun … going to the awards .

What has been the most exciting point in your career to date and why? So many exciting things .. landing any job overseas is always very exciting , being nominated for an academy award was exciting , realizing I have a new career in textile design is exciting……

Do you have any major projects in the pipeline at the moment? Can you share these with us? Nothing I can talk about just yet … but will definitely let you know when reality hits !

If you could have your work displayed anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be displayed? That’s hard … the Mori Art Museum , (this weeks choice , sticking with the Tokyo theme ) as it would mean I was uber cool , smart , original , amusing and fascinatingly interesting !

Source Timeout Japan

What would be your dream commission? To be commissioned to design the soft furnishings  décor for a boutique hotel, .. anywhere !

If someone were coming to visit your home town where would be the must stop place or places to visit? ARTBAR at the MCA always fun, Wednesday evening at the Art Gallery of NSW…  love night art , The Camalot Lounge in Marrickville always a winner !

Describe your perfect day. Any day that isn’t boring or involves doing accounts !

If you were to board Noah’s Ark and were told that you could take three things with you.  What would they be? My macbook pro , ipad and iphone and my glasses and some kind of solar panel to recharge the batteries … is that more than three ?”

Hopefully I get the chance to revisit these questions…..

#kerriebrown #design #colour #influencer #fabric #furnishings #inspiration