Meet the Artist: Fiona Kennedy
Meet Fiona, owner of Fiona Kennedy Art Gallery and Studio in South Gippsland. Fiona is a mother of three children, she lives by the beach with her family and has designed the life that she wants; that of a working mum and artist, living her dream.
In January 2013 her next exhibition ‘Embrace’ takes place at the Inverloch Community Hub. To learn more about this creative woman read on…
1. Fiona, where do you live and where are your parents originally from?
I grew up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. My parents were born in Australia, but I am of Scottish, Irish and Spanish descent; Mum is Scottish, Dad is Irish and Spanish.
I had a wonderful upbringing with eight other siblings – five sisters and three brothers. It was crazy at times and loads of fun, with so many of us we had to fend for ourselves from an early age. This taught me the art of independence.
2. Tell us about your career to date?
My career to date has involved creating: painting, teaching and solo exhibitions. I hold one exhibition a year and people come to Inverloch to view my work, to see what I have been creating throughout the year. It is an exciting process, one that I love. I have had many paintings commissioned by clients across the globe, from France, England, Japan, Canada and Dubai.
I was chosen as one of fourteen artists from around Australia to represent Australian Contemporary Art at an exhibition in Canada. The exhibition was held at the Academy of Spherical Arts and it was very exciting for me to be a part of.
3. Fiona can you tell us a little more about this painting, “Flying Fish’?
I paint for many, many reasons, and I am inspired by all aspects of life. My paintings are both emotional – which is very much a part of who I am – and incredibly symbolic. There are always reasons why I paint what I paint. Each living creature has not only a story of their own to tell, but they often reflect back to us where we are in our own life.
I painted ‘Flying Fish’ after my son had become very ill. I was driving my son home from the Children’s Hospital one night, when I noticed the sky was incredibly beautiful, with cloud formations that looked like flying fish. These fish were flying across a full moon and the brightest stars I have ever seen.
‘Flying Fish’ is a reflection of my gratitude to the universe that my son became better and didn’t suffer the way many other children have. We are often not privy to why these things happen, and I can only believe that such experiences are for our greater life purpose and life path.
FK xo
Art Class with all the beautiful little people in Fiona’s studio creating their own Angel Fish.
Art in process
4. Your take on balancing your career with parenthood?
I have three children and yes, it is a juggling act balancing my career with parenthood, but it is a lifestyle I have chosen. I get to work and see my kids at the same time, so I am very fortunate to be in a role where I can do both.
My studio is at home, so when my kids get home from school I am here for them. We all work together incredibly well.
‘Angel in Paris’ painted after Fiona’s trip there.
5. When did you decided to start your own business?
I was working in a completely different field, the food industry, for 7-8 years before my artwork took off. The time arrived when I decided I should start my own business with what I love to do, and that love is Art.
I opted for a sea change to escape the busy life of Melbourne and I have never looked back. To work with a career I absolutely love is very rewarding.
5. To do your job you need to be…
Artistic, but you also have to have management, organisational and marketing skills. All of these skills are required to not just create the work, but also to promote it.
6. What is your definition of time versus money?
Time verses Money? Well that is a very interesting question! Time to me is so much more valuable than money, especially when you are talking about family, love, friendship and creating art!
While I am not driven by money, the business world requires I respect both; the money to promote my work and the time to create the work. So, I try and use both wisely.
7. Today do you feel you are really getting paid what you are worth?
Yes, my paintings have travelled the world in a very short time and I feel so humbled by this process. It forever astonishes me the amount of attention my paintings have attracted. I have been so fortunate that people have connected with my artwork. I think it is this reason the paintings sell for a price I am both happy with and grateful for.
8. What is your advice to other women who want to design the life they really want to live?
Be passionate and confident about whatever it is you undertake. Love what you do and it will always shine through.
9. What challenges do you think women face today running their own business?
The challenges women face today are probably the same they have always been! And that is, the juggling act. However, today I believe there are more opportunities for women in business with the growing technology available.
For anyone wanting to commission a painting for a Christmas gift please contact Fiona at [email protected]. You can also find Fiona on Facebook, Fiona Kennedy Art Gallery and Studio, or on her website www.fionakennedy.com. Fiona will work to any specifications and can build a frame according to your needs.
If you are in South Gippsland in January (1st – 31st) you can go to her Embrace exhibition at the Inverloch Community Hub in Inverloch.
I am sure you love Fiona’s work as much as I do.
Enjoy!
Janelle xoxo
