“My home is my safe space, my Paradise, my Eden.”
“I have been collecting, creating, connecting and curating for eons. Each nook and cranny exemplifies and expresses my passion and exuberance for life itself.”
Ceramic and mosaic faces by artist Sandy Caldow
“My love for Frida Kahlo began over 30 years ago. She was a fierce feminist, revolutionary, artist, courageous, original, passionate, spirited and embraced every moment as if it was her last. We should all love and live as fiercely as Frida!!”
“My three words to describe my space – ‘Wondrous’, ‘Magical’ and ‘Divine’.”
This stunning candelabra was gifted to Kerri by her mum earlier this year.
“This wall records and commemorates moments in the inspiring history of my life and family. A treasure trove of glorious people, stories, journeys, celebrations, tragedies, war and grief traversing over 120 years.”
1. What’s the room and who uses it?
There’s no favourite room, wall, nor space in my home. Instead my whole home is a ‘favourite’. I have been collecting, creating, connecting and curating for eons. Each nook and cranny exemplifies and expresses my passion and exuberance for life itself. It is a reflection of my free and all encompassing abundance of art in all its form. I use the room!
2. What do you do for a crust?
My work history has covered a variety of fields mainly without design or intention. I began working in my father’s company part-time as a child. I’ve been a store manager, a woman’s fashion buyer and designer. As an adult I began making art and my life has never been the same. Now my time is spent filling my existence with as much joy, love, art and connections as I can. I’ve also spent the last nine years immersed in the making of clay and pottery.
3. What goes on in the room?
My home is my safe space, my Paradise, my Eden. I have music playing upon rising, until the wee hours. I have enjoyed multiple incarnations in the past eleven years I have resided here. I spend most of my time being in the moment, whether that involves daily immersing myself in the energy of my beautiful balcony, creating art, meals, entertaining, meditating, loving, laughing, crying, and as always, music…at the moment it’s classical – Baroque is my current music of choice.
4. Favourite piece in the room and why?
It’s quite literally impossible to choose a favourite piece. I adore everything I have on display or hidden. If there was a fire and I could only choose one item to save what would it be? Not my work, but my grandmother Erna’s vintage charm bracelet. It symbolises everything that my family has experienced to help bring me to this exact space and time. On a final note, I would save myself if it came down to that, everything else is only a thing and I’m the receptacle of all that I am, have and will be – so I am perhaps my favourite piece.
5. Is there anything on your wish list that you would love to add to the space?
I wouldn’t mind if my cupboards, art supplies etc were better organised. It may never happen, and I am 100% happy with how things are. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
6. What do other people say when they see your room for the first time.
The responses are hugely varied, depending on the person. It can range to “wow!” to absolute silence…no comment whatsoever. Some are overwhelmed, which I totally understand, it’s a lot! I’m always seeing my home anew through each individual’s eyes, which is marvelous. My mum always says, “Where you going to fit that?”. I respond with, “Don’t ask, I always find room”. I’m endlessly fascinated by the responses or lack there of. My three words to describe my space – ‘Wondrous’, ‘Magical’ and ‘Divine’.
7. Why do you love this room?
This place is a true expression of all that I am today. It is an extraordinary reflection of all that I have been, all that I love, all that makes my heart sing and resonates within me. It is a sacred and blessed home and I’m incredibly grateful to be here, inhabiting my world as it is now.
8. What’s one lovely memory you have whilst being in the room?
I have to give you three lovely memories!
My first, is of my magnificent husband Bruce seeing this home for the first and only time. I see it’s development over the years since, in my mind’s eye, and wonder at the changes, as if seeing it with his eyes. Secondly, being able to share my home with my loved ones. Thirdly, feeling safe enough here to be able to heal, change and grow as I have and continue to do.
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The Room Illuminated 