As I often say, I am a creative, and I love making things. It's gratifying to have an avenue to channel my creativity. My original career was onstage as a dancer. Without delving into a complete biography of my life, I transitioned from onstage to backstage as a dresser. The perfectionist in me always strives to excel at whatever I do, so I taught myself patterndrafting and sewing. It took me a good couple of years, navigating through Imposter Syndrome, to confidently label myself as a costumer, designer, and maker.
Beginning with a blank piece of paper, a ruler, and pen, finishing with a 2. Now that we've established what I do and vaguely touched on where I've been, let's focus on the presentβthe now. At 42, stuck on a ship in the Bahamas not as glamorous as it sounds , I wondered if I would make it back to Australia.
Fortunately, I caught the last flight back to Sydney, moved in with my parents, and took the opportunity to reevaluate what I wanted from my life and career. I wanted to create costumes instead of just dressing performers. Day work appealed to me more than night work. I longed to join the general public and have a social life. And I aspired to be a part of the leather community.
I wanted to be a Leatherman. This past year has taken a direction I couldn't have planned if I tried. I had the opportunity to be a cutter on a Mardi Gras float, which led to Dancing with the Starsβsomething I never thought I was capable of. Being thrown in the deep end, I had to either sink or swim, and I swam.
I also became a Leatherman, crafting my own gear and discovering the unique qualities of leather. There's a thrill in working with leatherβthe smell, the texture, its ability to stretch, and the history reflected in the scars and holes. It became a medium I wanted to explore further, steeped in tradition within my community. Unfortunately, my Great Auntie passed away at Fortunately, I received some inheritance from the sale of her house.
