*Aiming to aspire to inspire as I chat to others, picking their brains, exploring their gifts and practices.
All posts are raw & unedited because f**k none of us are perfect & it is time to celebrate that - I'm here for the honest & real, you?
Who are you?
I am Belle Orton, I'm a 28 year old painter with two cats living in Lismore, Northern NSW
What sets your soul on fire?
Hmm it can be so different depending on where my head is at, swimming in freshwater, spending time in the country especially with my partner, Jacob and probably most of all the moment when I’m painting and feeling trust within myself when doing so, those moments when self doubt is a little quieter.
What do you wish you could have told your teenage self?
Probably that your dad is right, as frustrating as I would have found that, you will find your community and your people, people that love you and back you, they aren’t all here now but there is a big world out there and you won't be stuck in your small town forever, just don’t get caught up in it now. Also to be gentler to myself and to those around me, no one knows what’s going on, let go of a little angst.
What was your childhood like?
My childhood was happy, it was easy in comparison. I was very fortunate and loved, I grew up in Albury and spent a lot of time with extended family on farms by the Ovens and Murray River, places that are very beautiful and wild.
If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I would live closer to my sister, that’s probably it.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I’m super passionate about Swimming as a sport, love it so much.
What is your proudest achievement outside of work?
The people I have in my life, my sister, my friends, my family, my partner, I like to believe that the people surrounding you are a reflection on your person so I really hope there’s truth to that because I'm incredibly proud of my people for all their intricacies and quirks.
What nourishes you?
Probably the same answer as above, I really do love my people a heap.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a body of work, paintings to celebrate my loved ones, I hope to have a show at some point this year, just need to be brave ha!
A song to represent your life?
Mmm I’m not sure but perhaps ‘Everything is Borrowed’ by The Streets, something about the ups and downs and how precious and fleeting time is.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Probably like weather control, wouldn’t it be great to have a rainy day whenever you like or a sunny one when you have plans haha, selfish but so helpful.
What is your favourite hobby?
I recently did an embroidery workshop with the incredible artist, Liv Enquist and it was so great, I’ve now started embroidering over all the unfortunate paint stains on my favourite clothes and it’s so fun to do on road trips or by the water.
What is your favourite book?
It’s not so original but I read ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara last year and I don’t think anyone is the same after that story, a really strong reminder of the power of gentleness and friendship.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Maybe Joan Didion, she would be one of those people that would be incredible to just listen to speak about life and the world.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Ages 13-20 were pretty embarrassing!
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Honestly I have 2 cats and I would probably just get more, totally get people that end up with 10 haha
Being constantly creative, how do you balance?
I’m not sure I do balance very well, it can be frustrating
What do you think is the meaning of life?
I don’t know if there really is one, have some fun, do your best, be nice to each other.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
God big question, wealth and power inequity is probably a good start.
What is your biggest fear?
Stick insects lol.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in life?
Mm maybe that time is wasted if I’m not having as much fun as I can, it doesn’t have to be big fun or dramatic fun but if I can’t look back and smile at my most recent memories it’s maybe time for change, there can still be some fun in bad times if you have the right people around you.
Currently, how is your relationship to yourself? How is this different to a year ago?
It’s always an up and down game but currently it’s pretty good, I’m proud of myself for some things and know the areas to improve on but that’s probably what it’s all about, I feel a bit more secure and sure of myself than I did a year ago, I have a bit more direction, I think I trust myself more and more the older I get.
What is your definition of success, and how do you measure it in your life?
It’s cliche but my own happiness and the happiness of my close ones, also balance, do I have time for all the different things that are important and also time to take a moment to appreciate it all, if I can look back on my life and feel that’s how it’s generally gone then I don’t think I could really ask for more.
What was your process for finding your personal style?
I think I just played around until I saw something of myself in my work, stripping bits back then adding back in until I could see me.
What is the process of creating to sharing with others?
It was a very vulnerable one in the beginning, all of the self talk stopped from being able to share with the world but after a talk from my best friend encouraging me and the response being very positive I just try to share a little bit of the process and the end without too much over thinking.
Connect with Belle
