An Organised Life With... Holly Ryan

Sculptor and fine jewellery designer, Holly Ryan, is the latest inspiring woman to be featured for 'An Organised Life With...'

I visited Holly in her new Bronte home studio - to chat all things stationery, organisation, business and future goals!

Name: Holly Ryan

Occupation: Full time Jewellery designer + maker and part time sculptor.

Ok, so first things first - How did it all begin? + Did you have any business experience previously?

I studied Fine Arts majoring in Fashion at QUT and graduated in 2010. I launched my jewellery label straight out of uni after receiving orders from buyers at my grad show. I begun sculpting when I was looking to create a unique display for my jewellery at MBFWA in early 2017.

What have your biggest pinch me moments been?

MBFWA last year and my solo sculpture exhibition this year have been the happiest, most exciting and craziest moments in my career. Launching in Browns, London was also a major pinch me moment!

And on the flip side what have the most challenging moments been?

Every day has its challenges as I work on so many different projects at once it can be rather overwhelming trying to stay on top of it all at. There are cashflow issues and production set backs when materials are not available but I think one of the hardest things I endure is trying to remain as sustainable and ethical as possible in such a fast paced industry. Consumers want things immediately and I am trying to create unique pieces that last a lifetime, handcrafted on Australian shores from recycled materials while still remaining true to my own design aesthetic.

You're such a creative woman and your designs are all so unique - what and who are you inspired by?

Thank you, that means a lot to me. I am inspired by art and nature predominantly. My favourite artists are Constantin Brancusi, Barbara Hepworth, Picasso, Alexander Calder, Joan Miro and Matisse. I am in love with the Japanese design aesthetic 'Wabi-Sabi' which means to the accept and embrace beauty in things that are imperfect, unfinished or transient. I spend a lot of time in nature and this is where I feel most at home and the most free to let my mind wander, imagining my creations.

As a business woman, it is always important to have a support network by your side - who are yours?

My support network are those closest to me in al areas of my life. My parents and my boyfriend who all help directly with the brand.

Looking back on your career to date - what would your advice be for budding, like minded, creatives + entrepreneurs?

Always trust your intuition and follow your gut instincts to take risks because they will guide you in ways that no other individuals advice ever could.

Why is organisation so important to you?

My life and my mind would be absolute chaos without it. Brock and I were chatting just this morning about the importance of uploading our schedules to 'the cloud' (iCal) rather than letting everything cloud our minds.

What are the top ways you organise your life?

Writing lists, I am an avid list writer, organising my schedule in my diary and also iCal so that I get reminders when I am out and about and don't have my diary on me and keeping a clean workspace because clutter around me causes more clutter in my head and stresses me out.

Stationery wise - are you a….Diary Lover / To Do List Lover / Calendar Lover / Sketch Book lover - or all of the above?!

Haha, I am all of the above. The To Do List and Sketch Book are probably what I use the most though.

What is the one thing you are notoriously disorganised at?

My eating habits. It's terrible. I just starting seeing a naturopath to try to help me create better eating habits within my schedule. I always put work before food and start my day answering emails or jumping straight into creating at the workbench before I think to eat. Before I know it, it will be midday and I am starving!

Tell us about your new Sydney based workspace / workshop - whats your vibe and style?

My workspace (which is in my home in Bronte) looks out over the ocean, its breezy, full of natural light and plants. I have art books scattered everywhere and the colour palette is neutral, with a minimal 70's styling vibe.

What are your fave essentials at the moment that we would find on your desk?

I always have my Organised life sketch book by my side and my Welle Co. drink bottle filled with Super Elixir alkalising greens powder & coconut water or a peppermint tea in my favourite Romy Northover ceramic mug. My tools are all within arms reach along with art books to pull inspiration from at any time. I also like to burn either a Byredo - Fluer Fantôme candle or Palo Santo from Orchard St. to make me feel calm.

What is the first thing you do when you get into the office? Is each day different or do you have a routine down packed?

I wish I had a strict routine down, however every day is different for me depending on deadlines and the many different projects I work on. Some days I sculpt first and then make jewellery or vice versa. Some days I am out all day for meetings and organising jewellery loans as I am currently looking after all of my own PR in house. I live right next to the beach though so one thing is always constant, a swim and a headland walk with my golden retriever named Hugo.

And finally - the fun part - what are your plans + goals for Holly Ryan in 2018?

I will be showing my new collection of jewellery at MBFWA in May before travelling to Spain & Italy for both research and a holiday. My boyfriend is touring Spain playing drums for Steve Smyth so I will jump on towards the end and then we will hire a car and drive around Italy for a month. When I return to Sydney I will begin work on my next solo sculpture exhibition with Jerico Contemporary and also design my next jewellery collection.

FOLLOW HOLLY RYAN:

Instagram / Website / Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY BY:

Hannah Roc he