What is the best thing I love about my work? By far and away the best thing about my work is seeing the response from clients when they receive their garment, seeing their faces as they wrap themselves in a garment that tells their own story. It is pure emotion, it is intimate, it is what life is about. My work brings clients to me and they leave as friends.
My idea of perfect happiness is being able to live my life authentically, making money doing things that I love and surrounding myself with the people that matter the most to me. Life is about people and relationships and not dying with regret.
My greatest fear is living in a world of bigotry and hatred. It seems we are hurtling towards that eventuality but I’m doing my best to surround myself with people with open hearts. Together we are strong. Together we can beat this growing tendency to shut down and close our hearts. Vulnerability is strength.
The trait I most deplore in myself? I have an innate need to please which comes from a childhood around narcissists. I’m working on it , but it is an ongoing mission to work against default mode. I’m still learning to say no and mean it. But I’m getting better.
Which living persons in my profession do I admire? Oh my… where do I begin? Probably with my art mumma Sue Kreitzman , she believed in me and released my furious creativity . I love her and admire her in equal quantities. Marnie Scarlet , Anne Sophie Cochevelou, Funk Cutter ( lead singer of band anarchistwood) young up and coming creatives: Sade English, Daina Renton and Danie Cox ( the Featherz) all with such talent and passion. Ella Guru, who paints up a storm, Laurence Sessou who is a muse and dear sister friend … there are so many I can’t list them all. My world is full of inspirational humans.
What is my greatest extravagance? It has to be sleep. I love sleeping. I sleep well and take much inspiration from dreams . Having recently lost my first born daughter to suicide , I take to my bed waiting to chat with her in my dreams. She never lets me down.
On what occasion would I lie? Only to my grandchildren to spare them the savagery of the real world until they’re old enough to cope.
The thing I dislike the most in my work? Right now , I’m unable to work because of being frozen in grief. Work is my happy place. There is nothing I dislike about my work, maybe except for setting prices. That part is difficult.
I’m currently the happiest I’ve ever been in my work. I’m doing what I love for my living. Finally.
What would I change about myself? I’ve spent my whole life messing up and learning by mistakes. I think I’ll stop trying to learn by mistakes now. I’m happy with me.
My greatest achievement in work? It is bringing clients to happy tears . It moves me every time.
Where would I most like to live? I’d like to live in a bigger house by the sea in the middle of a bustling city but in the countryside, surrounded by my friends and family but in peace and quiet. With a big studio attached . Yes, I know. I’m very fussy.
What is my most treasured possession? It would have to be my sewing machine. Without it, I couldn’t work.
What is my marked characteristic. I’d like to think it is my empathy. Some may say I’m too f**king honest though…
My most inspirational location in my city? Anywhere where I am with my friends /family. It’s not the place for me, it’s always the people.
My favourite place to eat and drink in the city? Again, it’s wherever my friends /family and I happen to be eating and drinking together. It could be a picnic in the park, sushi at home with tequila and giggles, or a burger in my local pub. With good friends and family, it’s all perfect.
What books influenced my life and how? The book that had the greatest influence on me has to be The New Primal Scream by Arthur Janov. It was a random pick from my college library that has been at the root of understanding trauma and pain and how to deal with it.
Who are my favourite writers? I’m going to go left field and say Noel Fielding is one of my favourite writers as a writer of surreal comedy. Shows like the Mighty Boosh and Luxury Comedy enrich my life in a way I can’t quite explain. Silly is so underrated. My eldest daughter who died was an extraordinary writer. I hope to publish some of her work in the future.
What music would I listen to on my last day? Hopefully it will be the singing and laughter of my great great grandchildren. I really want to meet them.
What movie would I recommend seeing? The Intouchables which is based on a true story, and LoveTrue which is an extraordinary new documentary masterpiece by Alma Ha’rel . I’ve seen both films three times.
Heroes and heroines in real life? My youngest daughter is my heroine. She’s kind, stronger than she knows and has the biggest heart. She’s been through so much so young yet always has time for others and a ready smile. She is also fierce . I’m so proud of her.
What role does art play in my life and work. It is centre stage. My work is art, my life is art. I live and breathe art. No more time for excuses.
Sue Kreitzman is my biggest support and partner in crime. I adore her. She showed me just by being her magnificent self , that I could live my life authentically and unapologetically
Who would I like to work with in 2017? I’d like to work with so many creative powerhouses, but this year is rather in stasis. It’s looking like 2018 will be the year for me to get back to work properly. Someone like Grace Jones or Angela Davis or Bjork would be a dream to make a garment for. Strong, fierce unapologetic women inspire me.
I’m open to making many creative connections in the future. I have a few exciting ones lined up that I can’t wait to work with as soon as I’m ready.
My work can be seen on my Instagram( @DianeGoldie) or Facebook page , or on my website www.dianegoldieartist.com. where you’ll be able to keep up to date about any upcoming exhibitions or collaborations . Diane Goldie Artist Wearable Art makes handmade hand painted unique bespoke wearable art customised fashion style for individuals. Bright colour,dramatic dianegoldieartist.com
I will never retire as long as my heart is beating, I shall be creating. It is my life force. Once I stop creating, I shall be dead.
What creative heroines? Marnie Scarlet, Sade English, Laurence Sessou, Frank Cutter, Daina Renton, Dannie Lu Carr
I can be contacted by email on thebabyfairyfifi@hotmail.com or by messaging me through Facebook or Instagram.
Passion Never Retires 