A Conversation with Carol Neilson

Who is SheCreates?
Hmm, an emergence of creativity, a passionate woman looking for like minded spirits, a paradox of emotion and logic, (just like a woman huh?), filled to the brim with idea's, loves adventure, running away, listening to silence, philanthropy and eating. You do realise of course that SheCreates is just an alter ego to play under, right? And one day, in the future, I will feel affluent with my passions.

Whats your handmade groove?
I am a book binder, writer, printmaker and enthusiastic amateur (for the moment).. my visual arts and design tutor described me as being an alchemist, I'll take that one...

Whats on your bedside table right now (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
Curiously it is pretty functional right now. I am gypsying around from home to home..(a whole 'nother story) so here we go

• contact lens case
• glasses, in case I need to raid the fridge in the night.
• a red rose (sorry, its not that romantic. The thing is dead and I have not buried it yet) in a plastic drink bottle
• used tissue (for wiping mouth after fridge raid)
• digi clock (unplugged)
• very old book

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
The temptation to be a pretentious twit crept in just a little here....fortunately I caught her just in time..
Dave Dobbyn's "Welcome Home" - gets me every time and I cry - especially poignant right now. But I am inspired to create from this space as well as renew my relationship with this amazing country I live in - NZ. I have eclectic music tastes - can range from Rob Zombie to Hildegard of Bingen. But currently enjoying Imogen Heap...
I love the poetry of Rumi and listening to Coleman Barks as he reads him. mmm! It somehow frees my creative soul..

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Ok, so here is where I put my hand up and say, anything and everything, though the conditions have to be right - if the conversation is witty, sparkling and just downright passionate and fiery, that's where I will be.. I am NOT shy with my opinions, and sacred cows? Bring them right over here and let me at them..

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year what would they be? What are they about?
Oh you got me here...
Anything Natalie Goldberg runs. She's a writer and buddhist.. Right up my alley, so to speak.
Workshops/Retreats for women that I'm going to run - shameless plug right here, right now...on writing, creativity and finding your way.
Squam - ahhhh, just so I can hang with my beloved friend Leonie, the creative stuff would be a happy bonus to this reunion.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life committments?
What family? What life?
Head phones on, shut the door, leave the house, write a note and place it lovingly on the table. "Carol has gone creative, call this number and hope for the best while she is gone. Oh, and could you cook the fish in the fridge for tea, and the chooks need feeding as well. Love your wife and part time mother"

What is your favourite screw up?
Are we talking things here? Just checking 'cos I could almost start a heck of rant on something else.. So, as an art student there have been plenty... BUT as an Al-ke-mist I transformed them all into something else.. its called bluffing!

Kitchen table or studio?
Hmm, its a bit of a personal question isn't it? I never kiss and tell.....

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us whats on it?
world domination, one handmade nation at a time...
to be able to understand the man in the corner shop when he speaks orstralian.
to be able to forgive my mother for giving my sister the pink polka dot halter neck dress instead of me.
eat at the french laundry
travel on the orient express

So now you have met most of the New Zealand Handmade group. Its time to meet our NZHM friends .............beginning with Melanie of Felted Kiwi.. toodooloo........