DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A SINGLE SENTENCE?
I’m a multi-disciplinary creative, working with leather and sculpture.
WHY DO YOU CREATE?
Creativity is my purpose; it begets all great things in life. I enjoy the both the sensory/tactile aspects as well as the technical problem solving, it’s the making of the thing that is most fulfilling. For me, giving something tangible and useful and hearing someone say, ‘this bag goes everywhere with me, it’s become part of my body’ is incredible.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m working on a collaboration with artist, stylist, and photographer Amber Star who took these beautiful images of me. We’re exploring clothing as art and working to bring my two practices, sculpture and leather together. Looking forward to sharing this soon…
WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?
Good ideas, and hot stormy weather.
ABIGAIL BRODRICK
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
LEATHER ARTIST - BAG MAKER
38 YRS
POCKET BAG
STILL LIFE BY AMBER STAR
WHEN DID YOU REALISE THAT LEATHER WORK WAS YOUR PASSION?
When I found myself persevering through the many hurdles and still had endless energy for it, the hours just disappear.
WHAT DO YOU DAYDREAM ABOUT?
Daydreaming makes me think of aspirations, like getting to make and collaborate with other artists and designers, so I have to acknowledge how content I am with what I have right now. I am excited for the future; I daydream about keeping on this wonderful path I’m going.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY?
My dad's cheese on toast. He made a grill by welding an element into the top of a scrap metal box that looked like something he had pulled out of a car. He would stand the toast on top of an old baked beans can which was the perfect height below the element. That piece of toast characterises my dad so perfectly.
WHEN DO YOU COME ALIVE?
I come alive when I’m creatively challenging myself; when I’m excitedly chatting with other crafters about making; when I’m sailing or just near the ocean; but most of all when I’m with the ones I love.
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Anything that is sweet or sad brings tears to my eyes, but seeing anyone suffer the injustices we as a society have the power to solve but don’t, makes me want to weep.
WHAT SONG GETS YOU MOVING EVERY TIME?
Ooosh so hard to choose just one but it's got to be Swordfishtrombone by Tom Waits. The song is a poem about the life of a shell-shocked WWII veteran, sad but beautiful, you've gotta hear it.
ABIGAIL BRODRICK
AUCKLAND
THE POCKET BAG BY ABIGAIL BRODRICK
DIPTYCH BY AMBER STAR