MEET THE SMALLEST TRIBE

2. What is it that you love about being a textile artist?

Well, being able to create what I want, rather than using what is available, is obviously a big one, but I love that it allows me to push back a little! Our kids have their whole lives to be grown up, so I love being able to have a small part in keeping them kids as long as possible. I aim to create styles and prints that are kid-centric, not mini versions of adult clothing.

I like simple, strong lines, solid chunky stuff and try to strike a balance between what appeals to the little people and what is not painful for grownups to look at! Of the two main prints I have for this Summer, And the Saguaros had a Dance Party and Rain Dance, one is very obviously a thing, the rain drop, and the other is all little pieces that could be anything. I like that they don’t reference anything in particular, that they’re not trying to send a message beyond play, imagine and have fun. The imagery is very much intended to be gender neutral and not about how girls play or how boys play, it’s about how kids play.

3. What made you start The Smallest Tribe?

I had started making my son his own shorts just before he turned one because I wanted him to be comfy, to be free to move and explore and not be hindered by too long shorts or ill fitting pants or by thick heavy denim fabric – which was all that was available!! I just wanted to dress my son like a kid, not a mini adult! I am a qualified teacher and taught the lower primary for 10 years and love watching kids learn. I truly believe the best start we can give our kids is by letting them experience their surroundings, and that active kiddos are inquisitive kiddos. Letting them be inquisitive is not only the best way to spark all those little neurons that create the pathways in their brains during those crucial early childhood years, but allowing that inquisitiveness helps set them up to be lifelong learners. What better start to give your kiddo than a love of learning?!

4. What gives you the most joy when it comes to The Smallest Tribe?

Seeing your kiddos in the clothes! My favourite ones are the blurry ones or the ones with the heads chopped off because they were too busy playing to stand still and pose for a photo!