What are you hoping to bring to your new location - Mona Vale Creative Space?

Whenever we set up a new space, we like to be conscious of 'place'. Our approach is always slow and measured and we use what is already there - particularly the creative spirit, which the Northern Beaches has in abundance.

Our space will be a 'common ground' where the creative spirit meets community. Our aim has always been to demonstrate a spectrum of value that inspires the individual to pursue their own purposeful endeavours. The shop front will showcase our own slow clothing label, and the work of other artists that resonate with our philosophy of creativity as a source of shared value.

Can you tell us a little about your upcoming workshop program?

A central piece of our work is collaborating with others to organise workshops and events. Our first in Mona Vale will be for International Women's Day (with the theme 'For What it's Worth') on Wed 8 March, 10.30am - 12 noon. 

We have a dedicated small group workshop room too, where we will invite local makers to run creative workshops. 

What drew you both to India, and what inspires you most about your travels there?

There is a common thread for any person who decides to live a more purposeful life - things come to them, not the other way around! Our task is to say 'yes' to the unknown and then allow resonation to take over. This is how we initially found ourselves working with communities in India. Any community able to perceive and harness a creative force bigger than self or ego, automatically has access to a mindset that can solve problems with less effort. This is what our local communities in Australia need too. Our travels have inspired us to know that the most renewable energy we have is our creative spirit. It is as simple as believing kindness is a power, if you can think that creatively about kindness, then you will solve many of your problems!

How did you initially become interested in the circular economy and the practice of upcycling? Can you explain the benefits of this practice?

Kim was an economics teacher for 20 years, then realised how limited and exploitative linear based economic thinking is. Circular economics (which was the way we lived, bar the last few generations of humans) offers the most efficient, ethical, and equitable processes, if we account for every aspect of supply chains, that is, people AND planet. Circular economics is very simple in one way, it invites us to rethink what we waste. The Possibility Project has always been about resourcefulness and building something with what we already have - so using dead runs of fabric or repurposed materials was an obvious way to do business. It does require a longer and broader term view of markets, it does require people to see value in what they waste, disregard, or even put in the 'too hard basket'. It certainly means changing our behaviour and thinking. One of the greatest benefits is doing something for a greater good, you just have a better state of physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. We know it’s possible, and we feel deeply grateful to Northern Beaches Council for supporting our work in this area.

Gallery

All images courtesy The Possibility Project.