Leaving the corporate world in Sydney behind, Lyn Barton swapped the high-pressure job to weave baskets under a tree and it’s a positive change she doesn’t take for granted.
Lyn operates Fibre and Clay by Lyn, and she holds weaving workshops teaching her twining skills to the community.
On Australia Day Lyn, and fellow artist Jassy Watson from Earth Circle Studios and Gallery, will host a drop-in art workshop at the Great Australian Bites event.
Lyn said they were excited to be able to provide artistic content for Bundaberg’s official Australia Day event, and everyone was welcome to take part.
“It will be a chance for the community to bring a rug or a chair and sit down for a good chat, they can enjoy the atmosphere while learning a new artistic skill,” Lyn said.
“What better way to enjoy the day and celebrate Australia in a creative way.”
Lyn’s passion for weaving baskets, plant or fruit holders and functional artwork is evident in her voice as she shares her knowledge on producing pieces that require little money and no set plan.
“I use a lot of natural material in my weaving, I incorporate everything I can think of, as I forage and collect material,” she said.
“I use natural raffia, plant leaves or recycled items like packing tape. At the moment I am drying bromeliads and dying them with turmeric. I see what other people do and use what I can source from around the place.
“I love community weaving and during this workshop I will show people twining with fibre. It’s the best thing to do in a short time.
“I don’t use a pattern, I just let the fibre dictate where to go. It’s relaxing and meditative, good for the soul – with no pattern you can’t get it wrong.”
Before moving to the Bundaberg Region, Lyn worked as a strategic source manager, at Circular Quay, negotiating with large executive firms around Australia, and she never thought one day she’d be retired, relaxed and sharing her newfound weaving skills within a coastal community.
“I played the corporate field with large executive firms, it was a high-pressure job with a lot of responsibility, but then I went on to sitting under trees weaving,” she laughed.
“What a beautiful change it was. Elliott Heads stole my heart.
“When I moved here, I found there were lots of plants and so this came about, and I want to share the enjoyment with others.
“I love to talk and chat. I hope the community get the same as I do out of this, it’s a great sense of relaxation and creativity.
“You are only bound by your imagination.”
The drop-in art workshop with Lyn and Jassy is supported by Creative Regions.
It will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm at Nielson Park, Bargara on Wednesday 26 January with all materials provided.
