Fluid art supplies store opens in Albion Park Rail

Former graphic designer Karen Wickham opened her bricks and mortar store Fluid Art Supplies on Shaban Street in May, after her online warehouse at the same location boomed beyond expectations.

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Ms Wickham had been running workshops in the practice of fluid art prior to the onset of COVID-19, but needed to find another way to "pay the bills" when face-to-face contact became a problem.

"To get my own supplies the only places to go were Officeworks and Levers in Wollongong, there was nothing down this side of Illawawrra," the entrepreneur told the Mercury.

"I knew there was a gap in the market there, but I also knew no-one else was solely selling fluid art supplies - through a website or in store Australia wide."

Fluid art is the practice of "pouring" various mediums (like resin, acrylics, dyes, watercolours) across a canvass to create an abstract image - something which is becoming incredibly popular, according to Miss Wickham.

"I was selling a few items at workshops, so then I bumped it up and we were selling from home, so my home was transformed into a mini warehouse," she laughed.

"You don't need a background in art, you don't need to go to university to take up fluid art, all you need to do is follow the instructions, it's really simple.

"Mix the paints, have lots of fun, if you achieve a great painting that you want to put on the wall afterwards that's the bonus. It's just about taking time out of your day, it's great for mental health."

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The artist discovered had worked in freelance graphic design for many years but had always longed to paint. It wasn't until she saw a video of a fluid art piece her "life took a new direction".

"It was at a time that I lost my best friend, he died," Miss Wickham said. "It was a great escape for me and that's what I find with my workshops - or even when customers come in - they use it as a means to relax or take time out of their day."

The business also provides take-home children's packs via the NSW Creative Kids vouchers.

https://fluidartsupplies.com.au/

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