ChiChi is a textile artist and the director of Artspark, a sun-filled art and sewing studio located in the middle of Rozelle. Artspark sums up ChiChi's practice perfectly!
"We respect nature. Students will have opportunities to tend to plants, feed our resident guinea pigs.
We encourage students to think and be creative. Students will explore and learn in a safe, respectful, supportive, fun and considered environment. We will show how Art is linked to a range of topics – society, our physical world, nature and culture. We believe art-making is also a valuable tool for self expression and gaining independence."
Artspark has had several different owners over the years, and each has brought something special to the studio. Artspark was first established in 2004 by artist Jane Lancaster. Artists Diane Vukelic and Jessi Alexander-Head expanded the studio to its current location and began offering sewing classes between 2008 and 2012. Sandrine Lonchampt, a photographer and architect, took over Artspark in May 2012. She added the unique eco-garden and its animals to the studio. ChiChi Bracken and Natalie Morel-Lewis joined the managing team in July 2013. ChiChi is the present owner. This quote from sculptor Churyo Sato speaks to her approach to creativity:
“ The purpose of artmaking is not to draw a good picture or make things with well-formed line.
Draw the things you see carefully and make the things you think with your heart.
Then you will understand how wonderful nature is and what kind of person you want to become –
That is the purpose” – Churyo Sato (“To person who will read this book,” Art for Children 1, 1980)
