Having scoured every shed and cornered every crafter, we are proud to introduce our 13 incredibly talented Makers, ready to showcase their artistic genius, unique skills and passion for their craft on 10’s epic new crafting and DIY series, Making It Australia.
These top Makers will need to saw, sequin, and sculpt their way through a series of challenges for their shot at the $100,000 grand prize and title of Master Maker.
Vying for the inaugural title are artisans from all walks of life; Denise, a Sculptor and University lecturer from
Perth; Plumber Dan and Kid’s Entertainer Kat, both from South Australia; Scrap Metal Artist Andrew,
Propmaker George, Graphic Designer Rehana, Animator Rizaldy and Apprentice Electrician Will from New South Wales; and Architect Jack, Artist Robert, Costume Maker Russell, Mixed Media Artist Sai-Wai and Party Planning Mum Stephanie from Victoria.
With hosts Susie Youssef and Harley Breen ready to cheer on our Makers, plus guidance from our expert judges, award-winning Production Designer Deborah Riley and renowned Paper Engineer Benja Harney, the sky really is the limit for this creative bunch.
MEET THE MAKERS:
Andrew, Scrap Metal Artist, NSW
Our oldest Maker, Andrew discovered crafting when his wife suggested he go to the shed and try and get creative. A salt-of-the-earth type from country NSW, he specialises in scrap metal work sculptures with additional experience in metal fabrication, drawing, cartooning and painting.
Dan, Plumber, SA
Although Dan is a master plumber, he’s more a ‘Dan of all trades’ with experience in metalwork, woodwork, masonry, welding, silver and gold smithing. A pocket-rocket with a passion for pimping cars, Dan credits his passion for making and creativity from his father, who served in the Army.
Denise, Sculptor, WA
The coolest grandmother this side of the Making It barn, Denise is committed to her craft and her family. Working as a university lecturer in the arts and design department, Denise is also an accomplished artist with many of her pieces featuring in Cottlesloe’s Sculpture By The Sea. Specialising in large 3D metal and stainless-steel sculptures, Denise is skilled in welding, woodwork, textiles and knitting.
George, Propmaker, NSW
Cheerful and strong-willed, George is an experienced props maker with a degree from NIDA to prove it. From film and television, to corporate events including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Vivid Sydney, George works across multiple disciplines to create outrageous and fabulous works of art.
Jack, Architect, VIC
With his vintage wardrobe and signature red beanie, Architect Jack is known to his mates as ‘the human firework’. Studying architecture in Tokyo, Jack spent a lot of his childhood in Indonesia where his father, also an architect, worked. While architecture is his primary profession, Jack also has experience with textile sewing, and casting work.
Kat, Kids Entertainer/Crafter, SA
Confident and energetic; textiles are Kat’s specialty. A passionate crafter, Kat makes her own clothes, bags, upholstery, and quilts. Kat’s crafting skills help enhance her part time job as a children’s entertainer, wowing kids at birthday parties and special events with elaborate costumes and props.
Rehana, Graphic Designer, NSW
Rehana’s love of crafting comes from her siblings. When she’s not working as a graphic designer, Rehana’s whipping up ridiculous cakes, painting, crocheting, paper craft and making fabulously extra earrings. Rehana says she’s excited to immerse herself in the Making It world, with so many tools and materials to work with.
Rizaldy, Animator, NSW
Born in the Philippines, Rizaldy moved to Australia 29 years ago with the offer of a dream job; animating for the Walt Disney Company. He took his skills from 2D to 3D, eventually making tangible toys and characters from scratch. It was a full circle moment for him, as his father once did the same when the family couldn’t afford their own toys. Suitably, his motto is ‘why buy when you can DIY!’
Robert, Artist, VIC
Robert had a sliding doors moment where he was set to play football professionally, but chose to pursue art instead. Robert specialises in Aboriginal art, from painting to sculpting to woodcarving, all with the aim to celebrate Gunnai, Waradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta culture. His inspiration is undoubtedly his heritage, aiming to raise awareness and tell stories of his and his community’s mob.
Russell, Costume Maker, VIC
Making, is Russell’s way of giving. They love helping people sparkle and feel beautiful. As a Costume Maker, Russell works with countless drag artists and performers to elevate their looks; from wigs to feathers, crowns to dress making, they’ve got it covered. Spending a lot of time alone as a child, Russell turned to making as a way to keep themselves entertained.
Sai-Wai, Mixed Media Artist , VIC
Lush and over the top, Sai-Wai calls herself an all-rounder because she will try it all. Specialising in fashion design and mixed media sculpture, she also makes a lot of 3D pieces using paper, textiles and embroidery. Initially using making as a way to appease her anxiety, Sai-Wai’s family, who had hopes of her becoming a lawyer or doctor, were initially taken back when she chose making as her career.
Stephanie, Party Planning Mum, VIC
An absolute super-woman to her two kids, Stephanie likes to spend months planning their parties with matching invites, decorations, table settings and costumes. A glue gun connoisseur, her preferred materials are paper mâché and cardboard. She also has experience with a drop saw and sander, even helping her husband build a deck for their backyard.
Will, Apprentice Electrician, NSW
Even though Will is Making It’s youngest maker, we like to say he’s an old soul. Driven, hardworking and always up for learning new things, he wants to inspire young people to get creative. Will’s specialty is in metal work, with strong experience in blacksmithing, knife making metal fabrication, woodwork as well as manipulating and treating leather.
Making It Australia Premieres Wednesday, 15 September At 7.30pm on 10.
