September 10, 2012

kym elphinstone's potts point home

Foyers and lifts are usually places that people pass through in apartment buildings. Rarely does anyone stop to talk, and laugh - especially with strangers. But every time I passed through these communal spaces in the apartment building of Kym Elphinstone, someone stopped to chat or offer bon mots. There was the older lady - as she was dressed to fit the word, with painted lips and nails - who said, "Don't rush for me, dear. I am off to the pub for a drink. I know it's only 10am, but it's my birthday, and when you're my age, you can do as you please." And so she did. There was also a motley crew of old timers in the foyer, as well as some younger well-heeeled locals at various times. The residents were just as iconic as the building. It is one of the reasons Kym was attracted to the place. The story about her home, shot by Warnes & Walton, is in the latest issue of Madison magazine.

One of most striking elements about Kym's home was her use of contemporary artworks. While her interior style is quite classic, the art was more often than not, bold and arresting. This included photographs by Petrina Hicks and Christian Thompson. Kym has turned her passion for art into her life's work too. She runs a PR agency that specialises in promoting arts-based organisations, such as the Biennale of Sydney, Carriageworks and Art Month. She also distributes Icelandic anti-aging product Bioeffect.

Which five words best describe you? Passionate, loyal, meticulous, inspired, driven.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I trained as a lawyer but my heart was always in the arts and the written word. My first official role in the art world was at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney where I headed up PR and communications. It was a steep learning curve but I loved every minute. After a couple of years I took the plunge and established my own consultancy focused on the arts and have not looked back since.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Follow your heart and don’t be afraid to do what you love. That will lead you to work hard and with passion, which in turn will translate into success.

What’s your proudest career achievement? I’m particularly proud of [art]iculate’s client list. We have been fortunate to work with some of the most respected names in the arts including the Biennale of Sydney, Carriageworks, Anna Schwartz Gallery, Kaldor Public Art Projects and Art Month to name a few. As a result we have had created some wonderful relationships with hundreds of artists and creative luminaries along the way.

What’s been your best decision? Launching my business. It has been an avenue to work with people and organisations that inspire on a daily basis - which to me doesn’t really qualify as work.

Who inspires you? The incredible women in my family: my mother, godmother and grandmothers.

What are you passionate about? Contemporary art! I am also a strong supporter of Australian creativity across all fields: food, hospitality, design and fashion.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? The Dalai Lama

What dream do you still want to fulfil? I’ve always wanted to stay at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and am planning to do just that for my next birthday.

What are you reading? Gold by Chris Cleave.

images courtesy of warnes & walton (photography chris warnes; styling natalie walton) and madison magazine

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