Linda Bates
Linda's creations are held as treasured pieces in homes across Australia and abroad and can now be found in selected outlets in the far north.
Born into an extremely creative family, there was probably little doubt that art would play an important role in Linda's life. With her early years spent in Grafton, she then attended teachers college in Lismore, lived for a time in Mount Isa and now resides in Ingham north Queensland where she works as a kindergarten teacher.
Linda lists her hobbies as pottery, glass bead making, singing, sewing, feltmaking, reading and performing in her local theatre group; favourite colour, purple, favourite birds, chickens, favourite food, cake.
Of her art Linda says, "I like to fiddle. Just ask my Dad".
"I grew up with my mother painting pictures and my father making anything he put his mind to. As a child I always had access to paint, paper, pencils, plaster, clay, fabric, sewing machines, wool and a Nanna to teach me to knit and crochet. I did study art at high school, but that was not the high point of my academic career.
At teachers college in Lismore I took craft as my main study subject. That was more like it!! We were given experience in woodwork, leatherwork, weaving, batik and tie-dye, and clay. I started making animals then, but have only really developed my style over the last fifteen years.
I find Australian wildlife very appealing; we have unique creatures in this country, and not that many Australians making original, handmade representations. I aim for cute..... if someone picks up my work and goes Aww! I've achieved my objective. My sort of art will never be exclusive; I want it to be in houses where people can enjoy it every day. I do get a buzz when I know that my work has gone overseas. I love the texture of clay, and the combinations of different textures with string and other materials."
Linda's creations are held as treasured pieces in homes across Australia and abroad and can now be found in selected outlets in the far north.