#ParisGeorgiaMuse and Ceramic Artist Kassandra Thatcher

The ceramics you create carry a beautiful dynamism and unique awareness of space, what is your process? Do you plan each structure before you begin or is it more of an organic evolution?

It's nice to hear that reflected because I've always been so preoccupied with space -- particularly the space between things. It's really been the basin of my thoughts for as long as I can remember. Even back in college when my practice was focused on poetry, the work centered around the construction and evocation of space. I'm fascinated by how we take up space, and how that informs our relation to one another.
I'd say it's a bit of both. The forms I play within my work are very much rooted in the process of improvisational movement -- and I call the works "static gestures." If I am not grounded in my body, the form created suffers. So I sketch often, as an exercise. When I'm working with the clay I don't refer to the sketches unless a client wants to select a form before going ahead on the project.

Who or what inspires you creatively?

There are a number of visual artists who have ignited my drive to follow my passions and believe I can pursue this path. But creatively, I am most inspired by the way things move. Whether that's movement in the body -- dancing, walking, posing, lying, stretching -- or in the natural world. It was maybe two years into my career before I realized this was the thread that connected my work, and from then on I've leaned into it and have been focused on observing physical movement, particularly dance.

Who is a woman/women you look up to? Why?

Barbara Hepworth is an artist I look up to a lot -- she's a muse. Not solely for the work that she's made, yes her scale is so impressive, but also for her ethos and beliefs about process. An example being "I rarely draw what I see. I draw what I feel in my body".

What does being a female artist mean to you?

I feel a bit of resistance to this question. I think as a straight-presenting queer woman who is in a straight-presenting relationship I feel resistant to being boxed in. I want to be infinite and to be able to explore more than just my relation to femininity. And perhaps there's an element of internalized misogyny where I feel once I am in that box I am stuck there. What I will say is that as a woman, I feel deeply entrenched in the practice of connecting to my body. I think part of my awareness of space and my desire to expound on it in my work is rooted in that connection.

What advice would you give to other young female artists starting out?

Trust yourself and turn away from what you see trending on social media.

Make what you feel called to make and don't let the fear of what others think keep you from putting your work out in the world.

#ParisGeorgiaMuse and Decorative artist Karen Gudsell.

During this powerful time of change, what has helped center you?

I sometimes need to remove myself and be in solitude. A quiet mind in complete presence allows me to refocus and reflect to make sure I am staying true to myself.

Lately, a drive out to the coast, or going for a scenic run have been favorable ways to stay grounded.

What have you been working on lately?

I’ve been welcoming a slower pace in my life. I am still unraveling who I am as a woman, and recently I have spent time deconstructing parts of me that thought I was sure of. That’s a lot of work! I think it has been a critical time for people to self-reflect and I have been focussing on trying not to attach too closely to a grande plan. Although there is a time to be serious, I also want to make sure I am having fun along the way :)

Tell us about the woman/women you admire the most.

I grew up surrounded by resilient woman in my family and I learnt that our strength comes from supporting one another. I admire women who embrace connection, who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. Women who are curious but patient to understand. Women who show just as much love and kindness towards themselves as they do others.

What advice would you give to young women growing up today?

If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t be afraid to let things go that aren’t meant for you, and keep yourself open to all that is.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

I was supposed to move to Europe this year, but like so many others those plans have had to change. I still hope to get there at some point, but being here in New Zealand has made me realize there is a lot of important work for me to do. The current movement in America has driven the dire need to dismantle systemic racism within our society, and to fight for justice for all oppressed people. Being a WOC I feel privileged to have a voice, and I hope by progressing in my work and daily practices I can contribute to making a difference.

What have you been listening to, reading and watching?

Keeping in tune with my week I’ve been listening to Aotearoa’s NOA Records, Virtual Shadow Ensemble. In the evenings I’ve been reading pages from John Puhiatau Pule, The Bond of Time- described “a love letter to a sea of islands”. Tightrope by Selina Tusitala March was also recommended by a friend, which has been perfect to slip into for a quiet moment before bed, or when I first wake up in the morning.

#ParisGeorgiaMuse Melissa Bon is the Parisian based singer becoming known for her ethereal voice and thoughtful modern sound.

Who or what inspires you creatively?

I definitely have a top list of artists that I always look up to and feel very inspired by. Sade, Solange, Erykah Badu, James Blake, and the list goes on. I feel like the thing that they all have in common and that touches me is sincerity in everything they do. Listening to their music has a big creative and personal impact on me. The second and most important thing is that I’m a very « slow writer » so I really jump on the train of inspiration when it passes by every once in a while but I definitely need freedom and the outside world to get inspired, traveling has a creative impact on me too. I really understand this more now that we have to stay indoors.

Fashion, like music, can be a form of self-expression. How would you describe your personal approach to fashion?

I have a second skin relationship with clothes. My mom worked in fashion, she held two prêt-à-porter boutiques in Geneva so I grew up around clothes most of my young years and developed an unconditional love for fashion

What projects (personal or professional) are you working on at the moment?

I am starting to learn how to do video editing so that I can do some music content to share on the internet. Other than that, I mostly take the time to set back a little, sleep and enjoy the time with my cat and boyfriend that I don’t get to see as often as I do now :)

#ParisGeorgiaMuse and Spanish actress Greta Fernandez.

What inspired you to start acting?

I guess my environment inspired me, my family, my house, and the fact that my parents loved cinema so much.

Who are the actresses you look up to? Why?

I admire a lot of actresses, Marion Cotillard, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, Penelope Cruz…
I admire when people work with honesty. I guess it’s easy to lose it in this work, so I love people who manage to keep their integrity.

How do you feel about the roles and representation of women in film?

"There is a lot of work to be done on the representation of women in cinema. We can do much so much more than just supporting the male roles but for the moment I can’t complain, in my last two films I had the opportunity to play strong women that I admire.

What is the role you would love to play one day? Why?

I would love to play with madness, I want to explore those characteristics that feel quite far from me. I think we can all empathize with madness in some way, or we have all experienced it at some point.

What does the idea of femininity mean to you?

I think feminity is a lots of things. But for me, these days, feminity is the way I’m connected with my girlfriends. And it’s also a way of thinking.

What advice would you give other young women starting out in your industry?

To be patient, and enjoy this as much as she can.

#ParisGeorgiaMuse Nyaluak Leth is a poet and model, we first met her last year when she walked for our Resort 20 Presentation at Fred's in Sydney. We felt so drawn to her powerful presence and insightful perspective.

Your poetry is powerful. Where do you garner inspiration?
My inspiration arises when I set my ego aside and listen to my soul. As a result, I’m also tuning into the hearts and experiences of those around me and the earth beneath my feet. I found that through my writing, one only needs to ever look inwards to really grasp what’s going on in their external world.

Who is a woman/women you look up to? Why?
Honestly, the future Nyaluak is who I look up to, and look forward to encountering and creating with. If you would have described current Nyaluak to 7 year old me (who couldn’t speak a word of English or spell her name) that I would be traveling the world as a model, writing poetry and speaking on behalf of others? I’d be inspired!

My mind never stops and my will only grows with every challenge presented to me.

You never know where your talent and hard work can take you. So I’m looking forward to the growth that comes with staying on my own path.

What does the idea of femininity mean to you?
Femininity is your own personalized goddess nature within. When expressed she becomes the embodiment of love, power, and everything art ... and then some.

What advice would you give other young, female models starting out in the industry?
There are going to be moments where you might forget that your body belongs to you and in those moments I urge you to look inside and fall in love with your whole being over and over, again and again. Because baby girl, you are the muse! Don’t let your body define the beautiful soul within, do the opposite and you’ll prosper. Trust x