Get to know a Dilly Artist
Let us introduce you to Sharon, a local creative who turned her passion into an amazing local business with her husband providing custom metal pieces for the home and outdoors. Sharon's work is inspired by Wollondilly's peaceful energy and natural surroundings and she wouldn't choose anywhere else to run her business or raise her family.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I would describe myself as a gentle, intuitive and creative person - someone who is very receptive and empathetic to other people’s emotions. I married my high school sweetheart, my best friend whom I work with now. Together we make our wonderful metal artworks for the community to enjoy. But our best artworks by far are our two children.
What about your art? When did that all start?
My passion for Fine Arts started very young – it’s in my blood you could say, as my Grandfather was an artist, and my mother is an artist. At 12 years I began painting landscapes and portraits with valuable mentoring and guidance from artists such as Dave Thomas and Roy Jackson. This followed with opportunities and growth at UNSW where I earned my Degree as a Fine Artist. Later, I started Curves and Edges.
And now your business?
Curves and Edges is all about inspiring people with metal art. It’s about the union of intuitive artworks and designs with high end engineering. I work side by side with my husband Jon, an optimistic and positive person to share life with. Together we create unique and inspiring metal artworks in the form of Automatic Gates, Sculptures, Fire Pits and Spheres, Screens, Wall Art, Balustrades, Mailboxes and Mirrors. What I love about the business is how our customers feel afterwards. How much they admire their new artwork and the joy it gives them, their family and friends.
So why did you choose Wollondilly for your business?
Wollondilly is such an inspiring place for an artist, especially one whose favourite subject matter is landscapes. Just driving to meet my many clients in the area, I find great inspiration as I pass through the landscape of glorious trees and rolling hills.
I have pulled over many times to take photos of trees and sketch down ideas that come to me on my way to appointments. Wollondilly for me provides the calm and peaceful energy I need to create my next piece. Between each artwork I often take a moment to meditate or walk so that I can recharge and be my best for my next client – being located here facilitates finding the ‘best of myself to share’.
What’s the best thing about living in Wollondilly?
The natural surroundings from walking at Picton Botanic Gardens, to Thirlmere Lakes National Park. I do love the cosy and warm feeling of the local cafes, the aromatic coffee and cake that takes me back to being younger, where mum would treat me to a ritual of hot chocolate and pecan pie.
I love taking my teens down to the various pubs and restaurants for a burger and steak, or a lastminute Sunday decision to indulge in some slow cooked brisket in Picton followed by ice-cream, whilst enjoying the park bench and sunshine. I enjoy a catch up with local businesses from the Wollondilly Women in Business network, where we meet and listen to inspiring speakers about topics that will enhance life as a business owner.
