Artists in Isolation: Alexi Willemsen
Australian based NZ artist ALEXI WILLEMSON shares her Byron Bay bubble with her husband Simon and their 4 year old daughter Saskia in a “quiet albeit busy seclusion”.
“During this period I haven’t had much solid time in the studio with Saskia home full time but we’ve found ourselves pursuing new creative activities together which has been a lovely experience. My studio shifts between a craft and prep zone. I’ve been sanding back old panels and priming paper to maintain workflow.
A crafty highlight has been the construction of a pulley and basket linking us to our neighbours balcony. We’ve set up a lending library which allows Saskia to select from a catalogue of toys and books collated by the older girls next door. We’ve also exchanged baking, pictures and Easter craft.
We spend a lot of time in our garden collecting bits and pieces or just simply looking closely at things. I love being outside in the late afternoon when the ‘ladies’ next door wander over pecking and scratching amongst the undergrowth as they do. We have replanted most of our veggie garden and Saskia enjoys checking up on the herbs and sprouting seeds. There’s always something to crush up and smell or pick to taste; some mint or fennel, a fragrant lime or orange leaf, and even pecans from an enormous tree at the top of our sloped driveway which roll down towards us when we open the gate. The chilies are invitingly glossy and brilliant at the moment too but we save them for Simon!
Walking aids recalibration when things are a bit off so I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to go for a few solo walks along the beach to clear my head and lay my ideas out. A favourite book of poetry by Ada Limón, Bright Dead Things has been an open hearted companion at times.
An indulgence at home has been making our way through the wonderful Studio Ghibli movies! It’s so great to share a film with our 4 year old!”
