Armidale Men's Shed

When did you first start coming along to the Men’s Shed?

I’ve been coming to the Men’s Shed for about 5 ½ years. I bumped into Daryl Albertson (a member) at a poultry auction and he convinced me to join the evening art group. With congenial company, this soon expanded to Thursdays and Sundays. 

What do you enjoy spending time doing when you’re here?

Painting!

What one thing would you like people to know about the Armidale Men’s Shed?

It’s the social stuff – it’s connecting you to the community. The variety of people you meet here, with everyone doing all these different things.
Meeting different people from different backgrounds, which is amazing, and making new friendships.
There is a standard of behaviour here of courtesy and respect. It’s friendly and welcoming. 

AND A FEW GET-TO-KNOW-YOU QUESTIONS…

Did you pursue a particular career path?

I was always interested in sciences and animals.
After studying sciences at university and working in a biochemistry/zoology laboratory my interests expanded.
I worked in various occupations and continued my education. My various occupations involved outdoor work in a range of environments, leading to an appreciation of natural landscapes and their ecology. 

How long have you been an artist?

Initially I ventured away from science and studied craft textiles, focusing on spinning and weaving.
After moving to Armidale about 20 years ago (have travelled a bit with work and lived in a few places - Broken Hill, Tasmania, Northern Beaches in Sydney, Grafton, Cowra), I began art classes at TAFE and attended many and varied workshops with respected artists. Watercolour has always been my favourite medium however I do work with oils, acrylics and pastels as well.
I still consider myself an art student. I’m an open sponge, always absorbing. I don’t know when you stop being a student, if ever.

Do you have any hobbies?

Art, spinning, weaving, photography, crochet and knitting.
Camping and visiting National Parks, especially out west in desert environments.
Solar cooking and experimenting with new recipes for that.
Bushwalking and reading. 
One of my hobbies used to be breeding chickens. I have 4 silver and gold laced Wyandottes to provide me with eggs and 9 resident starving magpies to wake me up each morning.  They all stand on my verandah in the morning and sing.

Do you collect anything?

Stuff and more stuff.

What makes you laugh? 

Quirky humour.
I don’t laugh at most standup comedians.
Really enjoy ‘Would I Lie to You’.
And looking at the funny side of life even though it doesn’t necessarily seem funny. Like when my lawnmower fell apart and one piece went one way and the other piece went the other way.

What excuse do you use when you need one?

I don’t invent excuses.

What did you want to be when you were young?

When I was at school I wanted to be a jillaroo. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up’ – I still don’t!

You’re an avid reader – what are you enjoying reading at the moment?

I read a lot. My current interest is mostly crime novels. My favourite author at the moment is Australian author Candice Fox - she is funny to listen to when being interviewed.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what book would you want to have wash up on shore?

No idea.  If it was a desert island, then a bush craft book would be useless.  Maybe ‘Teach yourself Chinese’.  That should occupy me!

Is there a quote or saying that has stayed with you over time?

‘Do it once and do it properly.’
Not that I always do it but it often comes into my head.

Do you have a favourite food?

Solar cooked lamb shanks and roast leg. Solar cooking used to be just an interest but has become a passion.
Coffee, often with friends, usually begins my day. 

What's the most unusual or unpleasant thing you've ever eaten?

Years ago, at a party we ate chocolate coated crickets! Didn’t like them much.

And the big question…

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CONTENTIOUS TOPICS OF CONVERSATION THAT CAN BRING DISCORD TO THE MOST CIVILIZED OF DISCUSSIONS, ONE OF WHICH IS THE TOPIC OF PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA – YES OR NO?

Take it or leave it