 Her business Baroque Butterfly Designs centres around the creation of wall – mounted designs which feature exotic real–life butterfly species in ornate frames and which are mounted onto richly coloured silks and designers papers bordered by stunning mouldings of gold, silver and natural woods.
Fiona says the butterfly is “certainly my muse” and it has been an inspiring image for many people over the years.
She talks about such butterflies as the beautiful blues in the Morpho species of South America, and the alluring and mystical Ulysses, which are mounted onto Du pion silks of rich reds, royal blue and pure white, or perhaps even various designer papers such as flocked black and white.
Today, she says, the butterfly is again a popular symbol for artists and interior designers and many well known social organisations.
“I try to embrace their beauty in a unique way and especially emphasise their ethereal qualities,” she says.
Fiona’s background in project management and quality assurance have been helpful, she says, in establishing her own business, as has her experience in marketing and public relations.
But it’s the creative process where her passion really lies.
Admitting to having a pragmatic side to her personality Fiona also finds immense pleasure being able to create something beautiful by using her own hands.
She is also committed to creating products of exceptional quality and only uses the best available materials to achieve this. For example, she only uses top quality “conservation materials” from the picture framing industry.
And, by the way, Fiona also happens to be a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association. A social conscience
Fiona says an important feature of her business centres around social responsibility and ethical practices in the production of designs, which actually reflect her own values in life.
The framing materials she uses, for example, are produced from re – growth forests and real – life butterfly species are sourced from butterfly farms worldwide.
She is also adamant that as her business grows so will her contributions to a number of environmental organisations.
“Businesses these days really do need to act responsible in terms of their impact on the environment,” she says.
Baroque Butterfly Designs is a business that continues to grow and Fiona is excited about the number of calls she has received from both local and Sydney – based homeware and niche stores.
She sees this as just the beginning in terms of local interest and beyond.
Fiona will further test this interest when she travels overseas in October to introduce her designs to a number of London–based shops.
For more information you can contact Fiona on 0402 298 260
or go to www.baroquebutterflydesigns.com.au
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