Meet Daisy Collingridge | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daisy Collingridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daisy, what’s your definition for success?
That’s a nuggety question, and one I wish I had the answer to. I think to be able to define what success means to me would be a success in itself
On one hand, having shifting parameters of success keeps me striving, not just for more, but for variety, breadth, depth. On the other, chasing an ever-evolving ideal can be a recipe for restlessness and anguish.
Ultimately, our idea of success changes as we move through life. Mine certainly has; what I valued in my early twenties feels very different to what I value now. Even my partner, who has a clear sense of what success means to them, acknowledges that it’s something that evolves. Perhaps success is the ability to reflect on what matters most to you right now, and to try, in whatever way you can, to move toward that.
If I’m feeling in a wise mood, I see success as balance; maybe even “having it all.” The Japanese concept of ikigai resonates with me: the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s a grounded, holistic approach to success. (Being an artist is a privileged position and often ticks 3 of the 4 of these).
But I’m not always so philosophical. Some days, a singular ambition grips me and I bound forward with tunnel vision. I imagine you need both these mindsets: the reflective and the driven to be truly successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My practice is propelled along by an unrelenting fascination with the body, the human form, biology and the complexity of it all. I work across sculpture, photography, film and performance. Most recently I have delved in to the history of anatomy and the previous intertwined relationship between science and the arts. I’m intrigued by how we are all composed internally of things that we have no understanding or concept of. My work attempts at a physical rendering of those things invisible and internal, making them external and tangible. The more you look at biology and the way things are made, the more you realise how little you know or understand. I suspect this will continue to excite (or inspire) me for some time.

I take great pride in the craftsmanship. There is an awful lot of hand sewing in the construction of the work. Its labour intensive but ultimately, it’s a simple needle and thread that is required for creation of the pieces. Perhaps it’s my background in design that gives me a real solid sense of satisfaction when something is made beautifully.

One of the biggest challenges is making money from what I do. I’m starting to realise that it’s often better not to rely solely on earning directly from the work itself, but to be more creative with how I make a living.
I love doing prop and puppet-making jobs for film, and I also work as an illustrator. Taking the pressure off my art to generate income gives it more freedom — it means the work isn’t steered by commercial expectations, but can grow from a more authentic place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m very fortunate to have the most supportive family and partner. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to make, sew, draw, paint and make a mess. Ours was the kind of house overflowing with tools, “how-to” books, and handmade touches: quilts, curtains, and cushions sewn by my mum.

They’ve remained my biggest supporters. My dad happily becomes “Dave” (one of my wearable works), stepping in as a model for photoshoots and drawing workshops. My mum is always on hand as a sounding board, especially for technical discussions around dyeing and construction. My sister is smart and endlessly game for a good concept chat.

My partner has supported me through it all — including the ups and downs of an unpredictable income. I also feel incredibly lucky to have a brilliant network of friends working across the creative industries.

There is no way I would be doing what I do without all them!

Website: https://www.daisycollingridge.com

Instagram: @daisy_collingridge

Image Credits
Daisy Collingridge