Little Dandelion
Australian company Little Dandelion make a stunning range of over-sized knitted throws and blankets.
Their exaggerated form dwarfs you in size, making you feel like a child all over again. As cozy and comfortable as they look, each piece is created with passion, love and many hours of tireless work!
Recently picked up by multiple new stockists, it is refreshing to hear that success can come from a learned skill, that was handed down to Jacqueline by her mother. A lovely sentiment to encourage everyone to keep quality craftsmanship alive and to cherish the skills of our ancestors.
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Photography by Rachel Kara
Artist Name: Jacqueline Fink / Little Dandelion
Artist Location: Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Type of work – Medium: Woollen and Linen Textiles
How would you describe your style of work?
I’d say it’s intuitive. Given my lack of formal training in textile design, I don’t feel constrained by any preconceived notions of what my work should be.
I make things I love and it’s a bonus if others like them too. Everything I do is completely by hand, so every piece is one-of-a-kind. I am driven purely by the need to create. I’m drawn to objects which give me sensory feedback so I guess it’s no accident that all my pieces are highly textural by nature. They are also exceptionally warm.
It’s hard to appreciate the scale of my pieces without seeing them first hand. They are an artwork, as much as a functional object and they take hours and hours to complete. I’m talking days really. I put a lot of love and effort into each and every one and I love to know where they end up.
Photograph by Sharyn Cairns, Styling by Glen Proebstel
Are you formally educated or self-taught?
I am formally educated (LLB) but not in anything remotely related to my work. I knitted as a child with my mother but it never occurred to me that living a creative life was a valid work choice. Shame on those career advisors in the 1980s, although I suspect it’s not really any different now.
Photography by Rachel Kara
Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
This is a hard question to answer because I am inspired by so many things. My work is a tangible reflection of my journey thus far so I’d have to say that it’s ones life experience, and not just my own, that is the ultimate inspiration to me.
I don’t mean to sound political, but my work is my quiet rebellion against society’s desire for perfection and it’s expectation of conformity. I really dislike mindless, mass production and I find the increasing mechanisation of our world troublesome. That an individual can take the time to create with their own hands something beautiful out of nothing is something to really value because it is created with love, care and considerable thought.
Curiously my ideas come to me in my dreams or when I’m driving in the car listen to music. I like to sit on an idea for a few days before I work it up though. Often, the best ideas come out of my mistakes.
Where can readers see / buy your work:
Stockists:
Newport Beach, NSW 2106
http://www.lesinterieurs.com.au/
http://www.hermonhermon.com.au/
http://spacecraftaustralia.com/
Commissions: I do accept commissions. People can email me at hello@littledandelion.com for more information.
Photography by Rachel Kara
Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?
Don’t listen to the nay sayers, trust your artistic intuition, create branding which is in keeping with your story, work hard and just do it. Success is in the doing, failure is not having tried at all. Above all, move beyond your fear.
Photograph by Sharyn Cairns, Styling by Glen Proebstel
