Reader of the Week: Fiona Jane Harding

This Aussie makes Japanese-inspired accessories and turns Post-it® notes into street art.

By Kirsten Kilponen
Published: December 22nd, 2008 | 12:00am

Not many people look at a Post-it(R) note and think to themselves ‘art.’ Besides making cute hair accessories inspired by her travels to Japan, Fiona Jane Harding, owner of Peachypan, blurs the line between everyday objects and fine art by plastering streets with colorful sticky notes.

Where did you get your inspiration to make ridiculously cute hair accessories?

There’s no hiding that my biggest influence is the Japanese concept of cute, a.k.a. 'kawaii.' I’m inspired by their ability to make inanimate objects cute, and I was swept away by the world of Kanzashi silk hair accessories, made famous by Geishas. When I was approaching the day I would go back home to Australia, I knew I needed a job, and I liked the idea of making and things that are fun, cute, and affordable. I pretty much threw myself in the deep end and I'm glad!

How did you come up with the idea to make Post-it(R) note street art?

I was a teacher over in Japan, and often had free time at my desk. I just wanted to draw, but it wasn't appropriate to whip out a canvas in the staff room. Post-it(R) notes are deceptive because people think your doing work and not making art. If something isn't behind glass, or doesn't have a price tag, people won't necessarily think it's art. For me, little old ladies making beautiful intricate lace tablecloths, or cultures that weave baskets with story-telling designs are just as worthy as being labeled art. “Low art” forms like street art and crafting have just as much relevance, and I guess I see my Kanzashi and Post-its(R) as such.

What inspires you to juxtapose big bows and under-eye circles in your Burntfeather artwork?

I daydream a lot and draw the images that get stuck in my head. I wanted to make art that was sweet, that you could put on your wall and would make you smile. I can't escape cuteness, but with my art I'm able to express more of a darker side. I'm drawn to people like Mark Ryden who present sickly-sweet works with gloomy images, and I like the idea that something could be lurking behind the seemingly innocent.

When you’re not creating art or cute accessories, what do you like to do in your down time?

I'm obsessed with the beach — I can't imagine anything more beautiful than lazing in a hammock listening to music and watching the waves. I work long hours, but I sometimes need to act silly or spend time outdoors away from it. Australia is a beautiful place because to be occasionally lazy isn't frowned upon and we have such pretty places to hang out!

www.peachypan.com

www.burntfeather.etsy.com

www.community.livejournal.com/postproject/