Interview | Tate Luckensmeyer, artist

Budding young artist Tate Luckensmeyer was a much respected team member at Saddler & Co while she finished high school and during her gap year. We recently commissioned one of Tate’s beautiful watercolours, and caught up with the Dubbo-based artist to learn more about her practice.

We will be sending out a beautiful postcard with new orders, so you can look forward to receiving a limited print postcard. 

An artist is attune to light and shadow. We love how you have captured the essence of a maker's skill and hands in this artwork of the Saddler. What drew you to the art of painting and how long have you been engaged in this?

There was never a time that I didn’t love creating. I did my first watercolour painting about seven years ago, and have been practising and refining my style ever since. Painting has been my respite from the busy world, and I am so grateful for the people that have enabled me to pursue it seriously.

What do you love most about the practice of art?

I love that I can capture the things I see in the world around me on paper. Even better than that is when my work evokes emotions in people – whether it is a painting of their childhood home, or of a random windmill. As an artist it is so fulfilling to see the way a painting can touch people’s hearts.

As an artist it is so fulfilling to see the way a painting can touch people’s hearts.

Can you share a little glimpse into your style? How would you define craftsmanship for yourself?

My work is both orderly and structured – messy and real. I try to instil order into everything I do, yet always find myself most creative when I have shoved everything off the desk, put on my overalls, and end up using my hands more than the brush. In my mind, craftsmanship is a little sacred. Pouring time and love into learning new skills and refining them is so special. In this busy life it is a reprieve – a little tucked away world that you have the joy of making yourself.

In this busy life it is a reprieve – a little tucked away world that you have the joy of making yourself.

Above | The inspiration behind the artwork - Saddler & Co's Bede Aldridge cutting leather with a traditional round knife tool.  

As a budding artist, did your time in the Saddler & Co team change the way you view your own creative practice?

I so loved being surrounded by people who valued the creative practice and the skills that went into every type of craftsmanship. The value that the Saddler & Co team placed on the art of handmade crafts instilled in me a respect for others’ creative practice – as well as my own. It gave me the confidence to value the work that went into my own art.

Would you share your favourite Saddler & Co product and how you use it?

Of all the Saddler & Co products that I have collected – my very favourite is my special pencil case that was given to me before I moved away. This pencil case goes with me everywhere: to every uni class, every spontaneous adventure into nature to draw. It carries my most used and most loved tools, and is a treasure I will be using for years to come.

You can find Tate Luckensmeyer on Instagram.