A Lot on My Plate with Gemma Leslie
As part of these monthly newsletters, I will be sharing short interviews with friends and creatives who have a lot on their plate. Everyone has been through a lot in recent times, and I wanted to check in and see how they're going, if these trying times have changed them or their relationship with their work, what good things they're enjoying and doing and most importantly, what they're eating.
First cab off the rank, Gemma Leslie. Gemma is a close friend of mine and an amazing multi-disciplinary Designer. Gemma has worked for many amazing local companies, including Lucy Folk, Hamish Munro, Modern Times (the list is exhaustive and incredible). She also runs local bed linen label Scottie Store with her partner Mike, as well as her new not-for-profit culinary poster shop Food For Everyone, with 100% of proceeds going to FareShare Australia. It's fair to say Gemma has her hands full. Here's what she had to say:
How has lockdown affected your working habits?
The affect of lockdown has been great for me. More so, it has taught me to slow the pace down. I’m feeling more present in my work and more creative. I’ve done some of my best work to date in the past few months! Most recently, a project called ‘Food For Everyone’ A not-for-profit culinary poster shop. 100% of profits are donated to FareShare, a national food charity with a simple mission: to provide free, cooked nutritious meals for people in need. I’m so wrapped with how it came together.
The old adage goes, some eat to live, others live to eat. Where would you place yourself?
I’m definitely the latter ... living to eat. The best thing in life is coming together and sharing a meal. That’s my idea of a well lived life. I’ve been brought up in a family with that mantra, so I think I’ve been so lucky to have such a delicious upbringing.
Have you learned to cook anything new during lockdown?
I’ve learnt to make some simple and beautiful Japanese rice bowls. I love them because you really have most of the ingredients already. I love a flexible dish - you can jazz it up with salmon or chicken, or simple just have some mushrooms with veggies. A nice healthy change to my regular pasta diet! I’ve also mastered salad dressings.
Where will be the first place you go to eat when things open back up?
I’d love a knock off drink and snack at Gerald's Bar, then walk down the road to Carlton Wine Room for dinner afterwards.
Could you share with us some of the music that’s been getting you through the past few months?
I’ve enjoyed a playlist ‘weekly meditation’ made by a favourite artist of mine Matthew Halsall. It is perfect for the morning, mellow but with a bit of a morning kick to get me going and my mind feeling creative. I’ve also loved putting on World Wide FM’s show ‘Morning Mari’. It’s a 15 minute mini breakfast show. Plus the show contains different reflective features throughout the week. On Mondays, psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher offers his positive mindfulness advice. And when I need to concentrate I turn to my all-time favourite pianist and composer, Bill Evans.
What do you most look forward to when restrictions ease?
I am dreaming of Summers spent with family and friends, eating dinner at dusk in my backyard with the fairy lights on. Hoping to get up to Brisbane to visit family. Fingers crossed we can all be together soon.