IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST JAQUELINE BURGESS
Born in South Africa, artist Jaqueline Burgess spent a number of years studying, working and travelling in Europe before finally settling in Wollongong, Australia. She draws on the incredible natural beauty she has encountered on her journeys to produce artworks that are awash in vibrant colours and rich patterns. We got in touch with her to find out more about what inspires her and her experience as a creative entrepreneur.
Hi Jaqueline, can you tell us a little bit about your background? Where did you grow up and what were you like as a child?
I grew up in South Africa, where as a child I remember playing with yo-yo’s, making forts out of old leaves and sticks, and picking mangos and passion fruit from the trees in my garden. I loved drawing and I would lay out a piece of paper the length of our 8-seater dining room table and draw entire scenes of animals and creatures living in the wild.
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I became aware of my natural ability to paint and draw from the age of about eleven when I noticed the look of amazement on my art teacher’s face after painting my first still life in acrylic. That was the moment I knew what path I wanted to head down.
What was it like when you were first starting out as an artist? Any major challenges and/or triumphs?
Self-belief was my greatest hurdle, to train my brain to stop comparing myself to other artists and to follow my own style, to believe in my skill and talents and to nurture them and be grateful.
From what we hear, you’re quite the globetrotter. Can you tell us a little bit about your travels and how they have inspired your art?
I had never travelled overseas until I left home at the age of 19. Having worked in schools in London, I was afforded some fabulous and lengthy school holidays. My husband and I would take every opportunity to hop on a plane and explore new cities with their galleries, museums and ancient architecture. It was here that we were introduced to a variety of cultures. We loved to hire a car and explore little villages that were off the beaten track where no one spoke a word of English. During this time, I was inspired by the bright blues and turquoises of the Mediterranean and the patterns and architecture. Travelling back to Africa on a regular basis also awakened a sense and link to my heritage that I carry through in some of my portrait pieces today.
If you could describe your artistic style in one sentence, what would it be?
A colourful play on the world around me with subtle pattern overlays.
We love your website—it’s so colourful and cleanly laid out. How important is your website and social media to your business?
Social media and my website are vitally important for the growth of my art business. This is ultimately where I connect with my audience and followers. The public needs to get a taste of my life, in a real sense, and I hope that my art portrays the happiness and fulfilment I am experiencing at this stage in my life. I hope that it inspires others too.
If there was one area of your business that you would like to learn more about and improve, what would that be?
Marketing and self-promotion.
As a mother of two and a successful creative entrepreneur, how do you find the balance between work and home life? Any tips?
Making sure you get your priorities right from the beginning is a good start. My family comes first and I have adapted my business in a way that allows for time with my children and my husband and then time to create. To get this balance right, one has to be very disciplined and self-motivated.
There are times when my husband will be at the beach with the girls and I will be in the studio painting wishing I was there with them. But then I remind myself not to have any regrets, to be thankful and to make up for that special time by avoiding work on Sundays.
I think following your instincts and allowing your business to grow with your family is important. As women, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to achieve equally in all areas of our lives. Letting go of the ‘little’ things that are not that important will free up time and energy to focus on the right things. I am learning to accept help where I need it and to say no. It does also help when you love what you do.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m in the process of setting up a small art gallery down the road from where I live, in a shared space with a new coffee shop that’s opening up in the next few months called ‘Sketch’. It’s somewhere the locals can pop in for an amazing coffee, admire some art on the walls and relax and hang out with friends.
Can you tell us about one female creative entrepreneur in your community who really inspires you and why?
Deborah Devaal – of Deborah Devaal Designs – a textile designer. I admire her passion and commitment to creating a product that is of such high quality, ethically sourced and just beautiful. Her work is of such a high standard. She is Dutch born, but is a true Australian by heart—she is influenced by nature and this is evident in her earthy and unique creations.
Check out more of Jaqueline’s work and please show your support!
www.jaquelineburgessart.com
www.instagram.com/jaquelineburgess
Loved this interview? Share the love on Pinterest!
