Tell us a bit about yourself
I have loved sewing since childhood and made most of my own clothes until the late 80s when my interest in recycling began. Concerned about the rising volume of clothing ending up in landfill, I decided to only buy second-hand or recycled clothing from them on. This led to a wonderful hobby of seeking out op shops and second-hand stores, long before they became popular. In extensive travelling internationally it was always a fun way to spend time – getting lost in foreign towns and cities on a quest to find quirky recycled fabrics and clothes.
This passion ultimately resulted in my amassing quite a stock of wonderful items, too many to wear, and so I began to upcycle them into bags and other wearables. I often pick up a bag I have made and love to recall where I found the fabrics I used to make it.
What does your work aim to say?
My work is all about re-using old fabrics and clothing, to give new life to old duds, to capture memories of loved ones through upcycling their clothes into something useful and attractive. The work aims to say “think before throwing out - maybe this could have a new life”... My label – VEEZ has the tag-line “From Rags to Bags”.... That says it all really.
Describe your studio or workspace
I have a wonderful sewing studio which I have designed to house my stock of jeans and other clothing ready for upcycling. I have two sewing machines, a heavy-duty straight stitcher and a machine which does a wide variety of stitches, a mannequin and my trusty iron and ironing board. A great desk for cutting out my self-made patterns and a sketch pad for ideas, drawers for all the buttons and fixings as well as racks for hanging complete my workroom. It is perfect for my needs.
Describe your dream project
I live my dream every day in the ability to be creative without restriction! I come up with an idea or become inspired by something I see and then go to my shelves to see what I might use to bring that idea to life. There is such freedom in that creative process.
What is the best piece of advice you've received?
Follow your own creative process and be true to yourself.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I love going for long walks along the river, which I try to do each morning, and find it always leaves me refreshed and ready to be creative again. I have a wide range of interests, so if I have a creative block, I do something else for a while and the change of focus really helps.
How do you stay motivated in your art practice?
It’s wonderful to see something coming together and when other people love items that I create, that is all the motivation I need.
How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?
I believe it’s important to have a good balance. I do many other things and prioritise my personal life. Fortunately my sewing studio is not at home and that helps a lot, so come 5pm I try to put everything aside, go home and step into another world!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Some of my most satisfying projects have been commissions from people who would like ‘memory treasures’ made from their loved ones no-longer used clothing. For example, favorite clothes their children have grown out of, or the jeans and shirts of a loved one who has passed away. Upcycling these items into purses, bags, cushion covers, keyrings, etc means they can continue to bring joy in a new format.
Exhibition poster:
Connect with Veronica:
Facebook: VEEZ
Instagram: @veez.bags
Email: veez.bags@gmail.com
Mobile: 0449 665 694
