Number 19

Hello everyone! Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting a few interviews with some arty/crafty friends, and getting the low down on their views on all things ‘creativity’! Please welcome Jaz from Art by Jaz for our first interview!

If you’re an artisan of some sort, or just like being creative, email me to arrange an interview! talia.carbis (@) gmail.com

Jaz Higgins

Website: http://www.ArtByJaz.com


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtByJaz


Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ArtByJaz


Blog: http://artbyjaz.blogspot.com

What was the first craft/art you remember doing?

My earliest memories are of how excited I would get when my Mum would surprise me 
with a new set of felt pens or crayons and colouring books. Looking at all those new
 colours lined up in a row would excite me so much (and still does!). At age 10 I did a big “long stitch” tapestry of a cat for my Grandma and I remember it took 
months to finish. I was really proud when I completed it.

What’s your current craft/art of choice? How did you get involved in it?

Painting – mainly acrylics on canvas.

I’ve always loved painting, and I’ve always played around with paint, trying new techniques 
and styles. After finishing a Commerce and Marketing degree, and working in retail
 management for a while, I decided that what I really wanted to do is paint – all of the time!

After having my daughter in 2008, I really felt that I wanted to be home with her mostly –
 and I felt that continuing to work from a home studio would be the ultimate solution. While 
it’s still a daily juggle of motherhood, domestic bliss and career – I feel really lucky to be 
making art every day.


How would you define creativity?

Creativity comes out whenever you have to start thinking outside the box. When you can
look at something basic and imagine the possibilities.

What do you do when you suffer a creative block?

I start searching the net for new ideas – reading about artists that inspire me, reading 
blogs, and trawling through art and craft websites. Also – reading books and magazines,
 go for a walk (if I get the chance!), or journaling.

How does your partner respond to your crafting/art? Are they supportive, or just tolerate it?

My husband is fantastic. While our house often looks like crazy town – with my ever-
changing studio and paint everywhere, he mostly takes it all in his stride. He’s my biggest 
fan and most honest critic, which is great, I need that.

Tell us about a project you’re most proud of.

The best thing I’ve ever made is a baby, hehe, but apart from that…

I’m really proud of how far my little art business has come in just a few years. Selling my 
art internationally – sending original paintings and prints to places like Paris, Hollywood 
and even Afghanistan!

Oh, and gaining 570 ‘likers’ so far on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ArtByJaz 
and 1,312 followers on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/ArtByJaz