Artist Profile: Dionne Coburn

Dionne is a friend of mine, and, with her daughter Zahri, one of my Tuesday Moondew Tribe.  She continually amazes me (and everyone in our group) with her creative endeavours.   Her most recent 'sewing kit' extravaganza was met with gasps when she showed it to other mums.  Dionne recently ran a workshop to teach others how to make these, and today, in fact, was teaching ladies to make her little easter bilby. 

(I really wanted to go but had my 20th school reunion to organise!)

Dionne has unlimited talents but is a little shy in sharing them so I will share them for her!  I love to see when people begin to unfold and unfurl their creativity. They truly begin to truly shine even brighter!  

Enjoy the words of Dionne....

 

What is your creative outlet?


At this point in my life my work really revolves around the beautiful possibilities presented by natural fibres such as wool and silk. My work, for now, seems to be mostly channeled into two streams: creating something beautiful for my children (or that of family or friends); and creating something beautiful for myself (although these are the things that usually don’t get finished!). Oh, and I just love taking the time to introduce some fine details, usually in the form of beading, embroidery, etc

What is the one essential thing you demand for making your art?

Well most of my creative fervor tends to happen in the evening after the little people have gone to sleep (needles, beads, threads, and any form of concentration just don’t mix with little people!). I am blessed with a very supportive partner who does what he can to allow me the odd time outside child-free hours

What is your fave season, and why?

It would have to be the spring… is that a cliché? It brings forth such a marvelous breath of colour and life! The welcome warmth combined with a residual cool breeze from the parting winter just draws you outside. I just couldn’t go on if I couldn’t be out connecting with nature!!
What is your fave colour?

Well my answer to this one will be completely predictable for anyone who knows me… PURPLE… all shades and nuances! I am naturally drawn to a palette of colours which (for me) reflect the two places I love the most – the ocean and the forest. Blue to green to blue to purple…. I am in heaven!

What is your fave chocolate bar and why?

My unbelievable sweet-tooth was not a happy camper in my mostly sugar-free childhood home! There was a time where I would happily consume far more chocolate in one sitting than was reasonable. Thankfully now-a-days I tend to go for the single-mouthful of intensity and satisfaction found in a dark chocolate Lindt Lindor Ball… ahhhhhh, bliss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is your fave time of day and why?

Really it would have to be any time of the day that involves that over-whelming and soul-deep feeling of content. I guess this usually is in the form of “Oh, I love my gorgeous kids!”, “Oh, I love my amazing husband!”, “Oh, I love my beautiful friends!” and/or “Oh, I adore this awesome community!” It is just so easy to let these gifts whisper away from our consciousness moment to moment. When I find myself able to stop and embrace them… this is absolutely my favourite time of day!

Sweet or savoury? Why, and what do you like to eat?

Well I would have to refer to my prior response regarding chocolate. Although the desire is not as intense as it once was, sweet will probably always win the day! Lucky for me my hubby is an amazing cook and I am lucky enough to be well fed with a variety of culinary delights!

Fave thing to do in the whole wide world?

Well I am probably a little dull in saying spending ‘quality’ time with my children… you know those moments when that feeling of love and content rises like a huge bubble from your chest into the back of your throat?

Fave book at the minute?

Although most of my reading usually involves some form of easy-read fiction (I guess I treat it as some brain/emotional ‘down-time’), a treasured friend gave me a copy of “Buddism for Mothers” for my last birthday – so much to absorb… so much to learn… so much to apply to life!

3 things we don't know about you!

Well given that most of those who will read this probably don’t know me at all than I could pretty much mention anything! Nevertheless I shall try to pick three things that are a little interesting…

1. In my previous life (ie. prior to the life-shifting journey into motherhood) I was a national park ranger, a job I loved, worked very hard to get and frequently miss a great deal! I was privileged enough to have worked in some beautiful natural and historic places, had some amazing and unique experiences and shared the journey with some fantastic and dedicated people. Whether this will become part of my life again in the future… I really don’t know. In some form, I hope so!


2. My favorite animals are bats, they are remarkable creatures that are given far too much of a bad rap I think. They are so intelligent and some are just too cute for words!

3. I have been blessed with the unparalleled privilege of being looked right in the eye by a wild humpback whale (within touching distance!)… I get goosebumps just thinking about it… I swear that this incredible creature looked into the depths of my soul!

Goals for the next 10 years....

Wow, this is a big one! I would honestly have to say that I couldn’t possibly plan that far ahead… it really is day to day around here most of the time! If I can manage to get the children’s bags and lunches packed and ready the night before a school day I feel a real sense of achievement! OK, so it isn’t quite that chaotic, but still at this stage of my life my goals really revolve around continuing to strive to be a better mother, partner and friend, along with getting to know myself a little better through creative and spiritual exploration.


Dionne, Thank you for sharing with us!  I wonder what the whale was thinking?
Buddism for Mothers seems to be a book that keeps coming up- maybe it is time for a read...