Please give us a brief introduction of yourself Chloe?
I'm a writer, emerging curator and Artist Liaison at Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney.
I'm a writer, emerging curator and Artist Liaison at Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney.
How would you describe your personal style and key wardrobe pieces? What are your go-to looks for summer dressing?
Classic, textured, functional. I grew up idolising female artists and fashion icons like Patti Smith, Georgia O'Keefe, Twiggy, Edie Sedgwick and Alexa Chung, determinedly pouring over the contents of my local op shops with their silhouettes in mind. My wardrobe is a blend of new and vintage pieces that I've been collecting for the past several years. In the gallery, I wear a rotating uniform of all black outfits with the odd injection of white, grey and navy. On evenings out and weekends my clothes are more relaxed: striped shirting, jeans, mini skirts, sundresses, little black dresses, ballet flats, knee high boots – Jane Birkin serves as a constant style compass. For summer dressing, I opt for less is more: cotton and crochet dresses, tank tops and lightweight pants, anything strapless. At the beach a good sarong and sunhat are essential.
Talk us through your creative process and where you seek inspiration?
I do most of my creative thinking while waking up on a morning walk outdoors or just before I go to bed. Once I'm in the office or at my home desk (dining table), before I do any good work I need a clear and tidy space. Then I make some tea or coffee, sit down and hope for the best.
There is no strict method to the inspiration equation, it ebbs and flows with the time I have to engage with creative people and the things they've made, and the time I have to produce things myself. I'm conscious of going out and seeing as much work and as many exhibitions in person as I can. I love reading, I'm constantly adding to my ever growing/changing bedside reading pile. There's also nothing like reentering the world after seeing a great film, when your existence feels inexplicably altered by the mere act of watching life reflected back at you on a grand scale.
What does a typical week look like as a creative?
People who work in the creative industries often say no two days are the same, and I would have to agree. From never ending admin to artist studio visits to strategy planning to exhibition planning and scheduling to events managing, I can't remember the last time I said "I have nothing to do".
Current favourite artist?
It's impossible to choose just one. Online, I've been enjoying the sartorial cues and soft flatness of Sahara Longe's compositions; the colour washed scenes of Poppy Jones paintings; and returning to fossil-like sculptures made from recycled footwear and clothing by Tenant of Culture. In person, I've been thinking about Louise Bourgeois a lot since the opening of her first major show of work in the country, Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? at Sydney Modern.
Architecture inspiration right now?
Karen Kjærgaard's dream cottage in a wildflower meadow of Sjællands Odde. All its missing is a body of water to plunge in.
How do you plan to fulfill your creative desires for 2024?
Limiting screen time, limiting excuses, reading more, writing more, making time to do less.
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Chloe wears the Sigrid Lace Slip Dress shot by Kitty Callaghan.
