Opening the kiln is like unwrapping a gift

We love letting our readers know about amazing Perth artists. Here, Tina from Serendipity by Design introduces herself and tells us the meaning behind the business name.

My name is Tina Coppola and I would like to welcome you to Serendipity by Design. The name “Serendipity” comes from my curious love for the word Serendipity – definition being “unexpected and delightful discoveries”. Serendipity seemed to embrace many aspects of myself and my creativity. Firstly, being my initial encounter with fused glass, which was to enhance 3 dimensional art that I was working on at the time. This then opened the door to making exquisite glass jewellery and further fuelled the fire for the sheer passion and obsession that I now hold for glass and the amazing things I can manipulate glass to do. Never did I envisage that I would one day be where I am today. 

Secondly, the way I seem to work holds true to the definition of serendipity – as more often than not, I start to create a piece with a design in mind – however, throughout the process of designing and creating, somehow the finished piece results in being quite different to the initial outline in my mind (more often than not for the better – hence y decision for Serendipity by Design as a business name). Quite often I say to family and friends that “opening my kiln is like once again being a child opening presents on Christmas day” – sometimes you have an idea of what surprises are in store and other times you are blown away by what lays before you. 

I have now been working with the glass medium for approximately four and a half years – spending 40-60 hours per week on average in my home studio either researching or designing or creating. I have attended numerous intensive workshops to further both my technical and creative knowledge of both art glass and dichroic glass so as to further enhance my ever growing curiosity and hunger to learn all I can about this amazing medium. These workshops include fusing and slumping (working with warm glass), cold working, dichroic glass and art glass jewellery making and design, glass casting, creative mold making, imagery in glass and chemical reactions and boiling glass. 

I spend my days (and quite a few of my nights – some into the wee hours of a new day) working in my studio creating jewellery, fused glass and slumped plates, clocks and glass wall art, some of which is combined with metal and copper. Basically, if it can be created in glass, then my aim is to create it – with perfection. 

I am blessed with a wonderful husband, Domenic, who helps me in every aspect of my life, whether it is with our 3 gorgeous children (Jasmine 17, Shenae 15 and Jacob 12) or in the studio with me. There has been many a time that we have been standing at the sink washing and reassembling glass at one in the morning so that the kiln can be switched on, before collapsing in a state of exhaustion into bed. The late nights and early mornings are all well worth it as it is such a pleasure to watch the expression on someone’s face as they view my creations, small or large and to receive the many compliments regarding my work. 

2011 brings with it high expectations as I am contemplating an exhibition in mid 2012. I am currently underway with designing and creating with this vision in mind. I am also undertaking several more workshops throughout the year under the tutelage of interstate and international glass artists which is always very exciting. 

My jewellery creations can be viewed online at www.dichroicglassdesigns.com   or for further information regarding larger works of art I can be contacted by emailing serendipitybydesign@iinet.net.au

Jewellery by Serendipity by Design

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Professional Make-up

By Cara Templeman, Changing Faces Makeup

Makeup by Changing Faces at the NW Fashion & Photo Night

Cara has done some fabulous work with New Work for fashion shoots, events and personal portrait shoots. You can experience some of her work first-hand at New Work’s April and May workshops. Book tickets here.

First impressions count, there’s no way you can deny it. Especially if you have your own business as you are often the sole representative. This is even more important if you are designer, or anyone in an industry where attention to detail is important. Wearing makeup is an important way to define how you look and influence that first impression. It doesn’t have to be a lot but a small amount of well placed makeup can boost your confidence as well as your appearance.

It can be incredibly confusing when there are so many brands and types of makeup. I recommend looking at your life, your skin and how you apply makeup and then go from there. For example I am often up at 4.30am to work on a shoot, I have oily skin and I have to wear makeup every day so I choose a mineral makeup. It’s really quick and easy to dust on, good for your skin if you are wearing it every day and being a powder absorbs some of the oil. If you like a really polished look then I would go for a medium to full coverage liquid or stick with a compact powder to give a matt finish, that way you can take the compact with you for touch ups during the day. It’s really about looking at what will work for you or you simply won’t use it.

If you are going to wear eyeliner I recommend a cream/gel eyeliner like the china doll one from Napoleon. You use a stiff angled brush to apply it which gives greater control and an easier application and it’s waterproof and smudge proof so it won’t end up down your face after a couple of hours. Pencils melt and smudge way too easily and start to look messy. A soft eyeshadow in beige, soft champagne pink, grey or brown is great to have because it’s not drastic, is easy to blend and gives a natural polished look. Combine this with mascara (Maxfactor Masterpiece Max is great) and you have three easy steps to a polished, low maintenance look for eyes that will take less than 5 minutes.

Again with blush don’t go for anything over the top unless you are confident in applying it. Make sure your blush has a slight glow or shimmer to it which will catch the light and give a natural glow to your cheeks. (Napoleon blush patrol is an investment but it is beautiful, otherwise try a Natio one, powder is the easiest.) Just remember that a powder blush goes on a powdered skin and a cream blush goes on unpowdered dewy skin. That way it will adhere evenly and not stick in places. It’s all about practice and finding out what looks good for you.

If you are going to all this effort please don’t forget your lips. It only takes 30 seconds to swipe on a lipstick or gloss and it really finishes the look. There are so many formulations and colours so just have a play around with what you like. A few good general colours are rosy pinks that aren’t too sweet and orange reds that give definition but aren’t too out there, for example Playful by Natio or Soft Rose or Raspberry in the new Revlon Colourburst lipstick.

I hope this has helped shed a bit of light on makeup application. I can’t stress enough that practice truly does make perfect, so keep trying until you find a method that suits you. I can do a full face of makeup in about 5 minutes for myself and that’s only through practicing and having a go. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Cara@changingfacesmakeup.com.au

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At the NW Fashion & Photo Night

Everyone dressed to impress at the NW Fashion & Photo Night on 10th March 2011, an evening of glamour, creative expression and networking organised by New Work Photography.

Canton Lounge Bar was the perfect setting, with a stylish lounge, exceptional service and food and drinks flowing. The red carpet was rolled out to greet guests and later doubled as the runway for the Caldi Design fashion show.

The show featured classic and new garments from up-and-coming Mt Lawley designer Caldi Design, looking to Australia’s Autumn, with both muted and bold colours in a range of edgy styles. The garments were complemented by jewellery by local designer HM Sass, and suede ankle boots by Betts. Hair and make-up styling was by Changing Faces Makeup, and among the models were those from WA’s own Cantik Models.

Guests also enjoyed an exhibition of art and fashion photographs by New Work Photography’s director Julissa Shrewsbury, with proceeds of sales going to the Global Good Foundation, a local charity empowering women from backgrounds of domestic violence. The guests were also treated to New Work Photography’s signature Style Shoots, a glamorous form of entertainment using photography. To top it off, some lucky guests received beauty prizes from Eve Organics.

Check out some behind the scenes, runway and Style Shoot photos below. If you had your Style photo taken on the night, for a limited time you can view the gallery and choose images to purchase here. You will need the password emailed to you!

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What you are saying about Style Shoots

New Work Photography’s ‘Style Shoots’ feature at our make-over and photoshoot workshops and at glamorous events and themed parties. Guests at the NW Fashion & Photo Night Thursday 10th March will experience it first-hand.

NW Style Shoots

Find out what people are saying about the Style Shoot…

I felt like a fashion model for a night! Very glamorous!  – Event guest

You really know how to make people feel relaxed in front of the camera. Thanks for making it so fun. Love the photos!    - Event guest

Wow, stunning photos, thank you!  – Event guest

I feel fabulous! Very cool.  – Workshop participant

Great for women’s confidence. Thanks for making me feel beautiful.  - Workshop participant

It is a totally different experience most women never get to have. You were awesome, it was great fun!                           – Workshop participant

Awesome night!  – Event guest

So fun! Thanks  – Event guest

Experience Style Shoots, for both men and women, among other fabulous treats at the NW Fashion & Photo Night. Last tickets on sale www.newworkphotography.com

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