Liz Watson, Co-founder, Everingham & Watson
Doing something you love every day ...
Those who have attended a late-night design thinking event at the State Library of Queensland may have come across the bright red locks and infectious smile of Liz Watson. A programming coordinator at the Asia Pacific Design Library at SLQ, Liz is also know for being one half of local Australiana design line Everingham & Watson. Creative partners and lovers of the Australian lifestyle, Liz and long-time friend Susie first launched the brand in late 2011 with the aim to support local designers and artisans. Liz’s background in visual arts and graphic design sees her designing the popular prints that adorn the brand’s in-house range of tea towels, totes and cushions. Her expert eye and love of colour and design translates to her wardrobe as well, with Liz often draped in intriguing frocks and sporting coordinated nail and lip colour. The Weekend Edition caught up with Liz at E&W’s Newstead store to chat weekends and reading to small people.
How do you like to start your weekend?
With a BIG pot of tea.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Markets, papers and breakfast at Pearl Cafe.
How do you like to unwind?
Is it bad to say a drink, or three? Things are always hectic with the business and I work part-time at the Asia Pacific Design Library at SLQ, so wine always helps keeps the balance!
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Good friends, some drinks, some family time and lots of laughs.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Holidays! This last year has been hectic and Susie and I have worked long and hard to get the business up and running. Christmas holidays are still a little while off, but I’m excited all ready!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Catching up with family for a meal and a chat. There are lots of small people in my family now and I love spending time with them.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I’m going to the opening of California Design 1930–1965: Living in a Modern Way at the Queensland Art Gallery on Friday night.
What are you reading at the moment?
Questions of Travel by Michelle de Krestser. Loving it so far. I have started reading Snuggle Pot and Cuddle Pie to my niece. I’m loving reading it again – the stories are hilarious.
What design items are you coveting at the moment?
I would have to say a shack! I’d take either beach or country.
What inspires you?
People giving it a go. I’m always encouraged by seeing people doing something they are passionate about.
What was your childhood dream?
To do something creative and to have a shop! I had a verandah shop set up when I was little. I had the cash registers, aisles, shopping trollies – the works. My family had homemade credit cards and I had to bribe my brothers to buy things.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Starting Everingham & Watson and maintaining my friendship with Susie. We have our days, but we are really lucky to enjoy spending so much time together and still laugh!
What is success to you?
Doing something you love every day.
What are your words of wisdom?
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
What’s next for Everingham & Watson?
We are planning our next pop-up shop for November. And we also have lots of new designs in the mix.
Which local creative folk have you got your eye on?
I’m always inspired by Easton Pearson. Pam and Lydia are such amazing, talented women. They have maintained a creative business over so many years and still create such beautiful and inspiring designs.
Only a local would know … that you need to carry sunscreen with you at all times in Brisbane. Or maybe that’s me?
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … A walk around 4101.
Relax … Peregian Beach.
Dine … Pearl Cafe, Woolloongabba.
Indulge … In Therapy, Paddington.
Shop … Easton Pearson and Blonde Venus in Fortitude Valley and Woolloongabba Antique Centre.
Catch-up … My back deck.
Be inspired … Asia Pacific Design Library, South Bank.