Where People Create: Suzanne McRae Art Studio

What kind of Art/Crafts do you do?

I am a mixed media sculptor, but have a degree in ceramics and have run my own costume business for over a decade.

Where do you do your art/crafts?

I create my sculptures at home in my workroom and sometimes in the loungeroom. When the weather is lovely, I often do some handsewing or finishing work on the front verandah sitting in my rocking chair. I can see the world go by but am just hidden enough by the roses so as not to be noticed!

How do you keep all your supplies organised?

I have cube shelving, thousands of little containers that I have collected over the years, and some big old boxes with jumbles of fabrics and offcuts. I use cork boards on the wall and sketchbooks for the organization of my ideas.

How do you keep yourself motivated to keep your space tidy?

I naturally work in a tidy way, removing things I am done with before pulling out the next step or project.... but I am sure I think my space is 'neat' when most would call it oraganised chaos! Also, having a 3 year old daughter forces me to tidy up, as she would love nothing more than pulling everything to pieces!

Any tips for how to keep art spaces tidy or organised?

Clean as you go. Then there isn't a big disaster at the end. A few moments putting little things back where they go is well worth the brain space and dread it saves.

Do you get stressed out when your space gets in a mess?

No, I am a fast worker and a fast cleaner.... so if things become a bit out of control I don't find it stressful to quickly throw it all back into order.

If you could have your dream space tomorrow what would it look like?

A high ceiling pale coloured room, with a long wall of windows looking over either a gnarly witches garden or a busy central city street. Big sturdy tables and a computer station by the windows. And perhaps a big television for watching my favourite films as I work.

Is there any craft you would love to do but cant due to limitations of your art space?

I would love to revisit Raku firing in ceramics. Also huge ceiling height soft sculptures.