Mosey Loves: Smudge Artspace

Can you tell us a little about yourself and the path that led you to starting Smudge Artspace?

I'm a mum to two wild creators, Olive who's 8 and Finn who's nearly 6. I studied Media and Communications thinking I'd end up in children's book publishing, then went back and studied Primary Education. Fast forward 12 years of teaching, two kids and covid, and Olive and I were spending every day making and creating and playing with new materials. It was the stuff of my dreams! Smudge Artspace grew out of that.

Our Crimson Floral napkins served as the canvas for a kids' art session recently

 

Was there a particular moment when you realised you wanted to create a space like Smudge?

I was sitting on the couch with my husband Drew, in tears, just after my gorgeous friend Faye had passed away in early 2023. He asked me if I could do anything in the world, what would I choose? That was the first time I'd ever said out loud that I’d open a children's art studio. I'd been dreaming of it forever but never thought I could make it real.

Starting a creative business often takes a leap of faith. What gave you the confidence to go for it?

Drew didn't hesitate. He loves action (I'm classically avoidant!) so he lovingly pushed me towards the first steps before I could overthink it.

The name "Smudge" feels playful and meaningful. How did the name come about?

Thank you! I wanted a name rooted in art but also about movement and mark-making. Something that means there's no one right way to create. A smudge is playful and accidental and fun. The whole studio is about experimentation, so it felt right.

Looking back, what's been one of the biggest challenges in building the business?

My self-belief, hands down. Putting myself out in the world the way Smudge asks me to is something I never thought I could do, and it plays into every other challenge. I'm learning, making mistakes, picking myself up again most days. It's a muscle I'm still trying to build.

How has Smudge evolved since you first opened the doors?

It was just me running everything for the first eight months. Now I’m so lucky to have eight gorgeous women teaching classes and hosting parties with me. Apart from our dreamy Studio Assistant Alia, they're all teachers, mums and artists, and they bring the Smudge philosophy to life in a way I couldn't on my own.

And online is where Smudge has really grown beyond the studio. We've built a supportive community of families that's now The Smudge Hub, our online membership where I share all my process art ideas. My mind is blown when what we do at Smudge resonates with people on the other side of the world. It just shows creative freedom and play and colour are universal!

Mother's Day art classes at Smudge, complete with Mosey gift bags.

 

How do you personally stay inspired and creatively energised?

I'm dreaming constantly. A lot of the time I just get an itch to try something new. I'll think 'oh, I've never done cyanotype' and so I plan a whole holiday program day around it so I can experiment alongside the kids. I love that part of my job. I'm not coming in as the creative expert (not in any way!). I'm just there to learn and make things alongside them.

What brings you the most joy in your work?

When I get to step back in the studio and see kids and families making things without pressure or expectation, just having fun, that's the whole reason I started Smudge. I get a little teary most weeks.

How do you unwind or recharge outside of work?

A long lunch with my girlfriends. Everyone's lives are so full but when we're together I'm just so happy. Otherwise it's being outside with my kids and nieces and nephews. Beach walks looking for shells and sea glass, or along the river at Warrandyte.

Sundae Seersucker Tablecloth setting the scene for the Mother's Day spread at Smudge

 

Are there any artists, educators, or creatives who have influenced the way you work?

My mum. She's an incredible abstract artist but she's also always got something creative on the go. Interiors, flowers, something she's making or painting. Growing up I felt like I had permission to try anything creative because she just did (she's her own harshest critic, mind you!). She's the reason I keep starting things.

What's next for Smudge Artspace — are there any dreams or ideas you're excited about for the future?

We just ran our first big external activation at the Mother's Day Classic and it was incredible. I'd love Smudge to keep showing up for events that really matter. And I'm dreaming about writing a children's book. I'm putting it out there because if I say it out loud I might actually manifest it! My original degree was in media and communications and I always thought I'd end up in children's book publishing, so it would be a real full circle.

And lastly, what is your favourite piece from the Mosey Me range & why?

Ohhh can I choose two? The Confetti Plaid cushion has all my favourite colours sitting next to each other. And the Marlo sweater. Both.

 

Rapid Fire Round

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
Ocean or Country? Ocean
Good Movie or Good Book? I'm a visual gal, so movies
Silver or Gold? Gold
Pink or Purple? Purple in the garden, pink everywhere else
Wine or Cocktail? Wine. The sparkling kind.
3 Songs you couldn't live without? Can I cheat and give you artists? Recently, it's Olivia Dean. My forever loves are Counting Crows, Bon Iver and Leon Bridges.