We were introduced to Camie Lyons' work by our dear friend Megan Morton and it was love at first sight!

Camie’s sculptures are playful, simple and mesmerising. The organic shapes and sophisticated materials sit comfortably in any interior. It’s no surprise her work is beautiful, the hands and mind behind these pieces are equally beautiful and inspiring.

Camie’s pieces make me happy. Quite simply, I’d love a world full of Camie Lyons!

THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE YOU?

Tenacious, creative, brave. I think most creatives need these traits to see it through and make good, honest work.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?

A ballerina and then an artist – I've pretty much stayed on track. When I was 16 I moved from the country to study full time dance – I then went on to work professionally as a dancer for over a decade. I was always a maker of things and that interest eventually won out and I found myself at RMIT in Melbourne studying Sculpture. I then moved to Sydney for love (what better reason and a good move, 20 years and 2 boys later) and completed an MFA at COFA and have not stopped working as an artist since. I feel very blessed to have to fulfilled both passions and continue to do so.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO EARN YOUR FIRST PAY PACKET?

I worked in a cake shop on weekends on Acland Street St Kilda. It was around the corner from the ballet school and had the added bonus of daily leftovers and free coffee of which I am still an addict! (Note to self: I can not get away with eating cake when not dancing 10 hours a day! Bummer)

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

Surviving in such tough industries and still feeling the love . . . I still wonder about this journey and think 'How did I get here? This is actually pretty good!'

My other proudest achievement is raising two fabulous little people with my husband. It's just us, we are a tight unit. They are experiencing a completely different childhood from my own, they have grown up surrounded by art and mess and travel. They have been dragged from pillar to post – literally from the Colosseum to the outback. I can only imagine the influence all this is having . . . time will tell.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I could string off a long list of artists I admire, the Bourgeois, Kapoors and Hepworths, but really it's everyone, everything, every breath. I gather my inspiration from the everyday puzzle that is to 'be', to 'fit' and to 'understand'.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST VICE?

I drink too much, I worry too much, I am overly sensitive – sound familiar?!

Continuous Drawing Bronze 99 x 70 x 28cm — *Continuous Drawing* Bronze 99 x 70 x 28cm

DO YOU FOLLOW TRENDS OR ARE YOU A TRENDSETTER?

Can I say neither? I am aware of what's going on and who's who but I am very much on my own path and deeply involved in my own practice. I don't think my work is fashionable . . . I very much hope it is beautiful, unique and enduring.

WHAT DREAM DO YOU STILL WANT TO FULFIL?

To continue making and improving my work until my eyes give up and I can't weld anymore! I do admire the mature artist, they have so earned their stripes and survived a thousand internal battles to keep creating.

I would also LOVE to show in London, and in Paris, and in New York . . . life is long, I think I have time.

WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNT ALONG THE WAY?

Tenacity. To never give up and to not question the creative process too much. I try to make quick and honest decisions and be brave when working. This actually applies in many ways to welding – grinding and throwing molten metals can be scary and dangerous, but so bloody fantastic! It reminds me of dragons and I never tire of it! I think it will sustain me for many years to come.