Johanna de Ruyter on Losing Herself, the Ability to Listen, and Getting Your Creative Juices Flowing

This Thursday night we’ll be hosting a fun theatre, improvisation and embodiment meetup with Johanna de Ruyter called ‘Let’s Meetup and Get Our Creative Juices Moving!’ I caught up with Johanna this week to ask a bit more about her inspiration and practice being this intriguing event.

Performer, facilitator and martial artist Johanna De Ruyter.

What inspired you to organise a meet-up for people to get their creative juices flowing?
I ran a session for a group organised through a not-for-profit for organisations and participants in Western Sydney and lots of people were attracted to the session and wanted more. I think a lot of people don’t see themselves as creative and/or do not have a creative outlet so I want to offer a safe space for people to explore and strengthen their unique creativity which can be applied in a variety of chosen mediums.

Has creativity always been a part fo your life?
Yes the way I have moved through life has been through creative impulse – surprising, divergent, expressive, authentic.

How silly are you, between one and banana?
If by silly you mean playful then I would say I move between banana and one, and the more banana I can access the more creativity and connection I generate.

Is laughter truly the best medicine?
It’s one of the most enjoyable and available not to mention cheap!

Where does your knowledge behind the science of creativity come from?
I am more interested in the doing then the analysing but I have researched creativity as part of my training.

You have studied communication and performing arts?
Yes for many, many years now. The performing arts for me is all about communication and a very useful resource for communication, one that has focussed specifically on communication of ideas.

Where does your love of authentic connection and communication come from?
From my own experience of losing myself and finding myself through a theatre. I completed a 2 year Diploma of Movement at a unique drame school – The Drama Action Centre. It was located in grounds of the Rozelle hospital with a focus on physical theatre influenced by Jacque La Coque but it also combined personal development and group communication influenced by Psychodrama. It was very authentic, healing and creative and I find a lot of theatre training lacks the development of these skills especially useful in group collaborations and stable ego.

What kind of performances have you done?
Mask – Commedia and Basel, Bouffon – ugly, outcast clown, Clown, Improvised, Playback Theatre, Co devised scripted and unscripted.

How did you get into improvisation?
Through Drama Action training.

Wait. What?! MARTIAL ARTS?! HOW AFRAID SHOULD I BE?!
It is great training in managing your own power and strength, I know when I need to use it and not. You are so lovely I don’t think you will trigger my inner warrior ready to strike….

You also facilitate Leadership Presence training programs throughout the Asia Pacific region. What is one of the main things you think is important  to have in a leader?
The ability to listen, to share stories of learning, to excite their followers and support emerging leaders.

To conclude, if you were a marine life form, what would you be and why? 
Hmmmm a dugong because I love cows also and they are like sea cows – steady, strong and vegetarians.

Lover of creativity, communication and canines; Johanna de Ruyter.

If you’d like to come and enjoy a fun night of doing theatre, improvisation, being silly and exploring embodiment, Johanna’s night ‘Let’s Meetup and Get Our Creative Juices Moving!’ will be on at Nauti this Thursday 20th September from 6:15pm - 8:30pm.

Iain McKelvey on Family, Intimate Shows and Inspiration

This Friday night we will be hosting an intimate acoustic folk night at Nauti. This is being organised by musician Iain McKelvey, with proceeds going to Parkinson's research. I chatted to Iain to get some insight into him, his practice and his passions. 

Musician and event organiser Iain McKelvey.

Hi Iain! Welcome to Nauti! How long have you been making music? 
I've been making music on and off since I was 15. With incredibly varying levels of seriousness. I had an incredible knack for writing songs I would never complete when I was younger. I guess that was my 'instrumental' phase. I think it really related back to my confidence surrounding my voice. I didn't think I could sing. Once I started to focus on that it got easier tie the whole thing together and actually complete a song. It's only been in the last few years that I've begun to engage in it with a little bit more seriousness, thanks to the encouragement of friends and family.

How did you get into it? 
My parents aren't musical but they love music and have always been really encouraging with all the weird little paths I try to walk down. I took piano lessons when I was 9 (or thereabouts) and it's still my biggest musical regret, giving up the piano. I started Guitar lessons later on and that's when something started to resonate for me. What little kid doesn't want to rock out to Oasis's Wonderwall in their bedroom. It wasn't until I studied at JMC that I really began to explore possibilities within music. To be honest though, I struggle at a desk and music makes me feel good.

What inspires you to make music? 
The Blues and anyone and anything. Music, to me has been a consistent in my life at bringing people together and creating amazing experiences. I am really in to taking a notebook out with me, sitting in the park and just seeing what happens. It's really experiential for me, which probably explains why I go long periods without making anything (a good excuse eh?). I've been on a real introspective bent lately, diving in to music as catharsis. A medium in which to work through, explore and reveal some aspects of yourself that you might not otherwise want to face. That can be pretty depressing to listen to haha. For a long time it's been me, a guitar and a bedroom, so I think that's natural. Cabin fever has definitely set so I'm trying to right some more upbeat tunes, so people don't have to listen to me whinge all the time, more so I can dance. 

Some of the proceeds of the night at Nauti will be going to the 'Shake It Up Foundation'. What inspired you to donate, and why did you choose this organisation? 
Shake It Up is a really special foundation for me. Their focus is on Parkinson's Research and they are the largest NGO geared towards this. My Dad has Parkinson's and suggested them due to their donation structure being very well skewed towards research rather than admin and bloated salaries. My Dad really is a massive inspiration. Approaching everything with poise and a wickedly in tact sense of humour. He's helped open my eyes to what it really means to have and to be affected by Parkinson's. It's my way of combining what I know in a way that I can raise awareness and do my part for Dad and the millions of families out there.

You are setting up this night to be quite different to a lot of other live gigs in Sydney. How is it going to be different? 
I want these experiences to be special. Often there can feel like there's this wall between artists and punters. I don't want that. It's a small (50 person capacity), intimate show in a space that most people might not think of as a live music venue. The aim is to introduce and showcase the incredible talent that we have here in Sydney. There's a focus on singer-songwriters, as that's my background, but that doesn't always mean acoustic. It could be spoken word, a duo or electric. The artists get to sit in with the crowd and share stories behind their work and hopefully engage with each other in a lasting fashion and a way that wouldn't normally happen at a purpose built music venue like The Hordern.

Which musicians most influence your music? 
That's a near impossible question to answer! There's the standards like The Beatles. Delta Blues artists like Robert Johnson and Lead Belly. I think Sarah Blasko and Missy Higgins are incredible, I've recently enjoyed a tour through their back catalogue. Nick Cave is a huge one for me, especially on the words and stories front. He's incredible at painting a picture. Tom Waits, Jackson Browne. I love pop music too, I'm not ashamed to say it. Toxic by Britney Spears? One of the best ever written. Pretty much anyone that plays these experiences I put on is an inspires me in some way. That's why I want them to play, so I can share that. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's hard to pin down any one main influence but there's an anchor in the classics due to Dad not letting me change the radio from WSFM. Which I am now hugely thankful for. 

What's the best live gig you've ever been to? 
Again so hard! What are you doing?! (HAHA!) I remember seeing the Pixies at Splendour one year and that was pretty epic. The Lumineers at The Enmore Theatre was incredible. Their support act D.D. Dumbo had to cancel so their pianist Stelth Ulvang came out and from that point it was just a big ol' party. They commanded that room. One of the most raucous gigs I've been to was Swedish punk band The Refused, easily the wildest gig I've attended. Locally though I just recently saw a band called ARSE at Petersham Bowling Club. They were SO good.

And finally, if you had to choose one nautical creature to best describe yourself in metaphor, what would it be? Why? 
Oh man....I don't know. I'd like to say Sea Turtle. I resonated on such a deep level with Crush from Finding Nemo. He was just the ultimate dude, cruising round the ocean having a blast. He seems like he would never get mad and I can have a grouchy side. Maybe a sea lion? They seem pretty chill but then like to make an incesseant amount of noise occasionally. Yeah that works...For now.

Catch Iain this Friday night at Nauti Studios. Click here for more info and tickets.

Iain McKelvey probably deep in musical thought. 

Announcing... Life Drawing Classes at Nauti Studios with Elsa McGrath!

ANNOUNCING...

Monthly Life Drawing Classes at Nauti Studios!

After a brief break, Nauti Studios are excited to be bringing back by popular demand our monthly life drawing classes, held the first Thursday of each month!

Beginning on Thursday the 2nd of August from 6.30 - 8.30pm, these 2 hour life drawing classes are for people of all different experience levels. Beginners can master new skills and techniques for learning photorealism, amateurs can refine their drawings with new techniques and professional drawing guidance, and pros can choose to do their own thing or revisit foundation techniques. 

Tickets are $20 at the door, or available for purchase online here.

They'll be taught by Nauti newcomer Elsa McGrath, a super talented and creative artist. Read below to find out more about our new teacher!

Elsa in her element.

Elsa Isabella McGrath is a visual artist based in Sydney.

Her painting practice explores the everyday - moments considered banal are seen through a unique lens, transforming space from the ordinary to the extraordinary, and nestled organically within are human forms.

Tell us about yourself and your drawing!

Drawing was absolutely my first passion in life, and as I grew older and began to develop and discover my art practice through painting, drawing gave me the structure and knowledge about how to translate my own style to different mediums.

I think growing up in a very nature-heavy environment solidified my love for charcoal as a drawing tool. I'm really drawn to its looseness and ability for high tonal range. 

Why were you drawn to art? How long have you been doing it?

Like most creative people, I can't remember a time when I didn't have a pencil in my hand - it seems like art has been in my life since day one.

I am an introverted person, and art gave me an avenue to feel bold, brave, and expressive. I draw when I'm sad, happy, anxious, tired, lonely - it is absolutely my one true love.

What is your favourite type of art?

Though my tastes sway and change I think my main love has always been a painterly mark with a strong sway towards impressionism.

I also adore graphic novels! 

Do you find yourself fascinated with one theme or motif throughout your work?

Definitely the motif most present in my art is the human figure. It forms the base of the majority of my work. The human form is something that is forever explorable, moldable, and open to interpretation - it can be relayed in anatomical detail, broken down into two dimensional shapes, pure line - the options are endless! 

The human form is something of extreme beauty in my mind, there are no two bodies alike so each chance to depict that is really exciting!

You studied at the National Art School – what was that like?

It was a great experience! I graduated last year majoring in painting with my main body of work exploring the human form through varying abstraction techniques. 

Something I really loved about NAS was the weighted importance placed on life drawing as not only a crucial activity to participate in, but as a foundation for truly seeing what you're drawing, with the idea that you can carry those skills to any other art form. 

What are your favourite mediums?

Charcoal and oil paint! Separate, and together!

What do you like about teaching?

I believe strongly that drawing is the foundation of all art. I love being around likeminded people coming together to learn, grow, and explore their own art practice. I've been involved in all facets of life drawing for over a decade as a student, model, and teacher. 

My drawing comes from a classical draughtsmanship stance and I believe that learning how to truly see what you are drawing is crucial to grow as an artist - through measurement, perspective, tone, line weighting, and mark making. Only then once those laws have been learnt can you break them down and rebuild to suit your style. 

What are you most excited about for the Nauti life drawing classes?

Immediately, the space itself is incredible! Open, airy, light-filled - perfect for life drawing!

I'm really excited about meeting people beginning their journey with drawing and art, as well as those who have established themselves and are wanting to further their skill base, or just relax for a few hours, let go and draw! 

Finally – if you were a sea creature, which would you be and why?

A Dumbo Octopus - mostly because they are little, shy, and swallow their food whole, and I'm a notoriously fast eater. 

Elsa's work.

Naugh-tea or Nice: Q&A with Monique of The Loose Leaf Tea House

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Tea-lover Monique Lucas started The Loose Leaf Tea House in 2010, and has been cooking up delicious blends ever since. Monique handblends each and every one of our teas to make every cup memorable - from your regular morning 'pick you up' - through to those special tea moments that take you out of the everyday. She's an ever-present fixture at Nauti Studios, always ready for a chat over lunch or sharing some of her new concoctions.

Why tea?

I love the ritual of tea. I like that it’s a excuse to stop for a moment from our crazy lives. I find it really comforting if anyone is sick or down it’s always “I’ll make you a cup of tea”.

Tell us about how you make your teas! Do you blend them yourself, and how do you come up with the flavour combinations?

I have some traditional blends, such as English breakfast, but I try to blend most myself. I seem to go through phases of flavours, for example cinnamon was quite dominant in a few blends then it was orange, now rose. I am thinking lavender next…

What is your ultimate creative dream?

I would love to open a little tea store that’s floor to ceiling full of tea! 

What do you use the space at Nauti Studios for?

I use the space as my office and where all our tea orders are processed.

What’s your favourite part about the space at Nauti?

The social aspect. There is a nice community here where we have lunch and afternoon tea together which makes for great breaks through out the day.

We have a ping pong table here at Nauti – are you any good?

I am ok, until we start scoring ;)

If you were a sea creature, which would you be?

Does a hippo count? 

Finally, are you nauti or nice? ;)

I think I am nauti but in a nice way.

Sustainably Awesome: Nat Cheney on her Sustainable Coworking Dreams

In 2014, Natalie Cheney decided--let's open Nauti Studios.

After transforming the old warehouse space into the fantastically nautical themed space it is today, Nat opened the doors to the creatives of Sydney. One of the most interesting things about Nauti Studios is its emphasis on sustainability, upcycling, and caring for the environment. We spoke to Nat about why it is just so important to her.

Sustainability is always very important to you. When you decided to start working on a co-working space, did you know you wanted to use upcycled and sustainable materials?

100%. I have always liked using found materials in my practices. They really appeal to me on multiple levels; environmentally, financially, aesthetically, and emotionally. 

Before starting Nauti I was living in Melbourne for four years doing illustration. I had paid work but I wasn’t by any means loaded. I would use found materials for a lot of my work because, MONEY. Money is a thing. But also I found that pre-loved and pre-used objects have their own charming history and character. 

Whether it’s paper, wood, a lamp shade, a room. They have character from where they’ve been, who used them, what they were made of, why they were made. I love that. I love those stories. Those rich histories. 

This methodology may possibly have grown in me from descending from a long line of farmers and green-thumbs. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from running around on my Grandparents’ farm. Mum once sent me to the farm for eight months straight because I kept breaking my arms. So I spent the good part of a year sleeping with cows in fields, swimming in the stream, adventuring with the cattle dogs, getting down the well with Grandpa, spotting foxes, making beer with my Grandpa (lol he was cheeky - he trained me to be his little brew hand), gardening. I loved it there. Farm life, unless you run a massive produce farm, tends to come hand in hand with a DIY attitude. I have definitely inherited that. My folks, too, have been renovating their house themselves for similar reasons for FAR TOO LONG. Lol. My dad’s out there in the summer lifting each 35kg retaining brick himself. Part of me hates that he’s spending his retirement working, but he enjoys it, and he sure appreciates it. There is a lot of joy in his eyes when he looks at something he’s built, and I can relate to that. There is nothing quite like seeing something you’ve made and transformed, be enjoyed. 

I get a lot of joy from seeing people learn, grow, connect and thrive at Nauti, and my re-use of used/reject materials gives me a similar joy. I get to watch something I’ve made being enjoyed, but also I get to see the disused and unloved materials I source get a new life. A new purpose. 

I also LOVE nature. I feel so at home when I’m out in the forest, or the sea. The desert. The sky (another story). On top of a mountain with the breeze in my face. The natural landscape is so varied, so vast; it is incredible. A lot of people are super wasteful when making their products, crafts, buildings, whatever. I just can’t do it. Whenever I can I recycle and reuse things I do, because nature is so magic. 

Nauti Studios is an eclectic and vibrant space. How did you go about finding the materials you used?

A magician never reveals their secrets ;)

Lots of the items in the space have a story! What’s your favourite story?

Hmmm… That’s a hard question. Dang. Um… Definitely the top story. That’s where the studio is. ;)

You’re a self taught builder, and built Nauti Studios from scratch in both Stanmore and Hazelbrook. How did you go about teaching yourself these skills?

Very slowly and painfully. Very. Painfully. Learning by making mistakes and doing things the wrong way first.  LOL!

A lot of people seem to think that sustainability can be a hard practice to live life by. Do you agree?

It’s as hard as changing any habit. Which can be very hard, but once it’s ingrained, it becomes easy. I think the difficulty is in getting in the habit of asking where things come from, and by saying “no” to sources and things that aren’t sustainable. Companies make it so easy, and so convenient for you to not give a shit about the environment. If someone is wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle I would recommend seeing what you buy and where you buy it from. If you don’t agree with where something comes from, or how it was made, don’t buy it. Don’t give them your money. Don’t fuel their business further unless they start producing things sustainably. 

Personal agency. Yumbo. 

It’s like if you buy cookies from Scouts when they come to your door, but every time you buy from them they take a poop on your front lawn. Your neighbours buy from them too, because they go to their door and it’s easy, convenient. Then they shit on your neighbours lawn. Everyone just keeps on buying the cookies and complaining about the smell in the street. Why would you keep buying from them if they keep doing more and more poops on your lawn, your neighbours lawn, every body’s lawns? You wouldn’t. Unless your lawn needs fertilising. Then, fair play to you.

One of the favourite features of the space are the boats we have! Why boats, and why nautical?

When I fist got the studio I was chatting with my mate Steve, who is an architect. We were talking about the best ways to lay out the studios, and he asked me if I was going to have a theme. I think in hindsight he, as a professional architect, meant “tasteful interior design colour palette theme”. But I straight away thought “YEAH! SOMETHING FUN! NAUTICAL WOOOOHOOOOO!” 

What’s one tip you’d give to someone about living a sustainable life?

Every time you go to buy something think “Who is my money going to at the end of the line?”, and “Do they care about the environment?”. If the answer is no, then walk away and give your money to someone who gives a shit (but not on your front lawn (unless you want them to)).

The Prince and Me: Q&A with Brand Guru Daniel Poskitt

Dan is one of our full-time studio members, and what a joy he is to have around the space. He's a graphic designer and brand identity guru, and he's always up for a game of ping pong or a chat over lunch. Check out his stellar work on Dan's website.

Tell us about yourself and what you do!

My name is Daniel Poskitt, I’m a graphic designer and I specialise in brand identity. 

How did you become interested in design? 

I don’t think there was ever a moment when I became interested in design, it’s just always been that way. I remember doing title pages for classmates in Year 1 and I’m still doing them. I was one of those kids who could draw. 

Your business is focused on having clients work directly with the people doing the work! How do you find this different from working in big, more impersonal agencies?

It’s easier to discuss plans with the people who will implement them and problems with the people who will help you solve them. It’s more efficient to deal directly with the person who actually does the work – it’s quicker, most cost effective, and dollar for dollar the results are better. The added bonus is that a clients’ job won’t ever get flicked to the junior, every job gets the attention it deserves.

What is your ultimate creative dream? 

To think and it just happens.

What do you use the space at Nauti Studios for? 

I have my computer there and I find it a very creative place to be. The people are awesome and like-minded so there’s also a social element to it. I love the rawness and character of the building, the old furniture and quirky bohemian style. It’s something big ad agencies try to do but never get right. 

What’s your favourite part about the space at Nauti? 

It’s the constitution, it’s Mabo, it’s justice, it’s law, it’s the vibe and aah no that’s it, it’s the vibe

What’s the wackiest design you’ve ever worked on? 

I once designed a tie pin for Prince Charles and the approval process was crazy. You think corporate approvals are bad, you should try the Royal Family. It had to be signed off by 25 people! Luckily, there were no changes.

We have a ping pong table here at Nauti – are you any good? 

Not too bad, I’ve improved a lot over the past few months.

(NB: Dan is modest. He's a fiend. In my first week at Nauti, he beat me 11-1. Slaughtered.)

If you were a sea creature, which would you be?

A killer whale. 

Finally, are you nauti or nice? ;) 

Nauti

Illustrator Extraordinaire: Q&A with Jessica Meyrick

Originally from the city of Bristol, Jessica Meyrick graduated from Falmouth University with a first class degree in Illustration BA (Hons) in 2016.

Exploring minimalistic approaches to figures and environments using watercolours and inks, Jessica is intrigued by uses of limited colour palettes; strong, fluid lines and graphic shapes that reflect in-depth ideas.

Jessica currently works and lives in Sydney, Australia and is represented by The Jacky Winter Group.

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Tell us about yourself and what you do!

My name is Jessica Meyrick and I’m a freelance illustrator, represented by the beautiful people at Jacky Winter – living and painting in Sydney. 

Why illustration?

I’ve drawn for as long as I can remember! After studying Fine Art & Design for a year, I moved to Cornwall where I received my degree in Illustration. Drawing is such a natural part of expressing myself that when I discovered I could develop something significant from it – that was pretty much it!

Tell us about your process! How do you go from idea to stunning creation?

If I wait for a good idea to happen – I’ll be waiting a long time. I push myself to sketch (VERY badly) as much, and as quickly as possible. My sketchbooks are a mess. But it helps to really smooth out the composition, colours and shapes so I can finally paint it all.

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To look back on my work and feel that I’ve had a small impact on social change. That would be the dream! Illustration is one of the strongest forms of communication – it’s universal! To know that I’ve made a difference in giving a voice to real people would be incredible. 

What do you use the space at Nauti Studios for?

Working 9 to 5, drinking coffee and painting amongst my baby plants. 

What’s your favourite part about the space at Nauti?

Being in a relaxed creative environment with friendly artistic peeps!

If you could meet and draw any person in the world, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Sylvia Plath. Her book, ‘The Bell Jar’ is one of my all time loves. She was a fascinating woman – I’d love to capture something of her in a painting.

We have a ping pong table here at Nauti – are you any good?

Uh…no.

If you were a sea creature, which would you be?

A jellyfish. Some can regenerate their own cells, making them immortal. Plus they look pretty cool.  

Finally, are you nauti or nice? ;)

NAUTI.

Vintage Tragic: Q&A with Amy of Minette's Vintage

Amy Truslove is the style queen behind Minette’s Vintage.

Minette’s is all about fashion, style and personal expression. She seeks out beautiful pieces for her collection, pieces that were made to last that she brings back to life for people to enjoy again. Minette’s has an ever-changing collection depending on what treasures Amy has found recently. Her collection ranges from vintage women’s wear, gentleman’s wear, pieces of furniture, homewares, jewellery, candles, scents and greeting cards.

Website | Instagram

Tell us about yourself and what you do!

My name is Amy and I am a vintage tragic/devotee. I love all things vintage and I love people, so it just makes sense that I have an online store that brings them together!

How did you get into vintage and retro clothing?

That’s a loaded question… probably growing up in a house full of antiques with a mother who taught me the joys of personal style and thrifting at a very early age.

I see clothing as a form of expression. An outfit to me is similar to a work of art – choosing the vibe, the inspiration to suit the mood, then the colours and the shapes and textures to suit, building layer upon layer to create just the right effect (and sometimes taking a layer or two off too...).

I prefer vintage clothing for many reasons – the colour palette, the designs, the (often) superior make, the eco footprint and the uniqueness. It is the antithesis of today’s fast fashion high street model which is not sustainable.

What is your ultimate creative dream?

To have a wardrobe the size of the Sydney Opera company’s filled to the brim with vintage clothing of all eras at my disposal!

Styling people is so much fun, showing them shapes and colours that really suit them that they would never have dreamed of putting on. 

Tell us about upcycling! We know you work with accessories as well as clothes; what’s the typical process for you?

Upcycling is the process of taking one item and using it to create another, in whole or in part.

The beauty of this is that you can use broken items that would usually be headed for the bin and create totally new items – like our range of crochet dresses made from vintage tablecloths and doilies for example: Upcycled crochet shift dress 

What do you use the space at Nauti Studios for?

I run my business from my private space and I shoot my products in the communal sunroom space.

What’s your favourite part about the space at Nauti?

Physically? The sunroom – it has the most amazing light. Spiritually? It’s the vibe man.

What would be your ultimate vintage outfit – ignoring cost!

Oooh, no one has ever asked me this…

Probably a perfect condition beaded flapper dress, with feather headpiece, double length string of black pearls and patent Mary Janes to Charleston the night away!

We have a ping pong table here at Nauti – are you any good?

No, I’m terrible! Mind you, I don’t play much which probably has something to do with it….

If you were a sea creature, which would you be?

Have you seen my messy locks? Mermaid for sure.

Finally, are you nauti or nice? ;)

A little from column A aaaaaand a little from column B. 😉