In this 4th episode of Coffee with a Creative we speak with Melbourne-based metal fabricator Ellen Sayers.
Beautifully combining creativity with functionality, Ellen creates commissioned pieces which can be spotted all around Melbourne, including a set of massive (seriously huge) Emu Feet that can be seen near Werribee Station.
Ellen talks to us about the determination that is required to mix art into her career and more about the incredible work she's producing around the city.
"Keep peddling it until something cracks and you can break that mould"
One of the pleasures of living and working in Melbourne is that you never know what you'll find behind one of the many side-street roller doors.
As the door to Ellen's studio opened, we were greeted with a cloud of dust and the sight of a team working hard to meet a deadline, putting the finishing touches on a giant Emu claw as part of an upcoming installation.
A collaborative art piece between Geoff Neil and Vicki Couzens, Ellen and her team have been putting in the hours as they finish construction on two larger-than-life emu feet scaling up at over 8 metres long!
Ellen talks to us about the determination and consistency it takes to turn a creative passion into a practical career. With a number of years spent balancing education, hospitality jobs and her creativity, Ellen has been able to break the mould and land in a place that blends all of her skills and art into a perfect outcome.
Finally, Ellen answers the question we love to ask, finding out what kind of clothing puts her in the right frame of mind to get out every day and put her creativity to work.
"Utility clothing, worker clothing, that's really what gets me in the right headspace"
The Werribee installation is now in place and can be seen at (Ellen to confirm), and if you want to follow the work Ellen is creating, or even better, get in touch to have her work on a piece that you want to bring to life - you can check it all out and get in touch via Ellen's Instagram: @ellenasayers_fab