A Conversation with Stacey of Art Out Loud NZ

Eye-catching personalised name art and clothing designs is Stacey of Art Out Loud NZ's forte. Creating 'art that speaks'!!  Here, Stacey shares an insight into her creative world...


Who is Art Out Loud NZ?

My name is Stacey Vinnicombe and I am the artistic designer behind Art Out Loud NZ.   I live with my partner and our one year old son, Lachlan.  Art Out Loud NZ is also supported by my wonderful mum, who balances the books and is a super sidekick at markets and expos.  I am also a part-time primary school teacher, who loves to write stories and pen poems on the side.

What’s your “handmade groove?”

Art Out Loud NZ’s “groove” is continually evolving, at the moment my creations include:

Unique Artwork for Children - Personalised canvases using the child’s name as inspiration for the hand painted image. 

T-Shirt and Onesie Designs – Personalised garments using the child’s name as inspiration for the printed image.

 Family Tree Artwork – Personalised canvases created using the names of each family member to create a special piece of art. 

A Wide Range of Contemporary Word Art - for the home, gifts and a variety of special occasions. 

Art Out Loud NZ will soon also feature gift cards, hand-made block prints and more...


What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)

A pile of books that I wish I had the time to get through – mostly courageous true stories, a glass half full of water and a small bag of almonds, cashews and craisins (to curb those inevitable chocolate cravings).


Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?

There are an abundance of authors, artists and philanthropists out there that fire my motivation to create – I savour the music of Eddie Vedder, Billy Corgan, Michael  Jackson, Liam Finn, Lady Gaga, Kimbra, Dave Matthews’ Band, Cold Play, Brooke Fraser, Bic Runga – (I could go on… trust me – for a long time!)

 I revel in the stories of those who have overcome personal odds to achieve a dream, be it simple or a goal for humanity. An old classic that I read to all my classes is The Cay by Theodore Taylor.  I also rate Bridge Across My Sorrows by Christina Noble, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint by Brady Udall, The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl are among my very favourites.

 I admire a vast array of illustrators, poets and artists from Mark and Rowan Sommerset to Jenny Palmer from A Little Ink and Dr. Seuss, just to name a few!


What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?

I love to talk – with those both like and unlike minded, to conspire and to challenge. I enjoy talking about creative innovations, relationships, travel, history, children, aspirations… I’m pretty open, so anything at all really.


If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be? What are they about?

I’ve heard there is a Happiness workshop in Australia that my friend is going to – I wouldn’t mind jumping in her suitcase… I would love to challenge my creativity at a specialist cake decorating workshop and also want to further my study in art therapy.


How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?

It’s not easy but balance is something I strive towards… I juggle teaching primary school students and looking after my young son during the day and get creative during his naps or in the evenings or when-ever my partner is home from work to take over. I do find it a push when I have a rush of ideas and need to take a breath in between each project, instead of tackling them all at once.  I try to make a conscious effort to plan time for my partner and I to enjoy together and as a family, as I realise how much my creating can consume my every waking moment.


What is your favourite creative screw-up?

When artists find they are unsatisfied with a piece of work, they can usually revamp it by painting over mishaps in a bold block colour and adding new layers, so I’ve always been able to paint my way out of a corner, so to speak. I think my biggest vice is that I often work into the wee hours, sacrificing many a good night’s sleep which is also an under-valued resource to fuel creative efficiency.


Kitchen table or studio?

At the moment my lovely kitchen table… but a well lit studio (or even spare bedroom!) would be a goal to work towards.


Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?

A unique little villa by the sea to redecorate and work from, time to nurture my relationships and participate in my children’s learning and growing, free and unlimited overseas trips, a lifetime of artistic and literary creations appreciated at home and internationally, an Art Out Loud NZ run art therapy class, writing hit songs to be sung to the world and a special little pill to overcome my addiction to chocolate.

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