CHLOE SADDLER X KOZII - INDIGENOUS COLLECTION

My name is Chloe Saddler, I am 25 years old, and I grew up in northern NSW in a town called Murwillumbah. I grew up playing lots of sports, with excelling at national level in both hockey and touch football. I am a qualified Registered Nurse but really love being creative and developing aboriginal art.

Can you share how you began your journey as an Indigenous artist?

My journey getting into art began when I was still in high school when I went through a tough time with my mental health. Getting through each day was difficult let alone doing schoolwork, so some teachers decided that I could design and create two murals for the school. I had never done anything like this before and it was a fun experience to help get me through the tough times. From there I discovered that people loved what I was creating so I kept painting and selling them online via social media. It really took off and I continue to this day to sell majority of my work via my social media platforms

What is your Indigenous Heritage?

I am of Wiradjuri descendent, living and residing on Bundjalung land.

Does art run in your family?

My artwork and creative side are the first within my family and really have no idea where it comes from. But I am grateful to have been given this gift from my spirits and I utilise it to connect back to my culture.

How would you describe your style of art?

My style of artwork is basically a reflection of myself and how I perceive indigenous art. My art is unique to me, and I am always honoured when people purchase an artwork piece to have for themselves.

What influences your art?

Being creative comes in waves, sometimes I am super motivated and other times I do not want to see another paint brush. I have learned over the last year to honour the good and bad times. My inspiration for most pieces basically comes to me naturally. I get a vision in my head of how I want a piece to look then transition it onto canvas.

Can you share with us your inspiration behind your collection with Kozii Swimwear?

I wanted to create a collection for Kozii that was different from the previous indigenous collection done prior. Majority of these pieces I designed have a common link of earth, as this represents the one connection everyone has to the world, whether you come from an indigenous or non-indigenous background. The earth is a central meeting place that brings people together, establishing connection and bonds for all involved.
 

What is the process of creating your wonderful artwork?

My artwork is majority done with acrylic paints on canvases, but I have recently learnt the process of creating digital pieces on my iPad which I have then made into jerseys for local sporting teams and now swimmers for Kozii swimwear. I love that I can transition between both digital and handheld art pieces, and both end up turning out amazing. The process of creating a digital art piece is very time consuming compared to painting on a canvas, but I love the challenge and always look forward to the end design when it is finally finished.

This is your first swimwear collection you have created art for. How did you find the process?

I loved the process of creating this swimwear collection. Kozii has made it such a breeze with the hardworking team involved. I loved how the patterns turned out and I cannot wait to see them worn on people. I never have thought my artwork would be on swimmers, let alone a whole collection so I am soaking every moment up as it still amazes me that I was able to create such wonderful pieces.

Tell us one of your career highlights at an artist.

This year I was asked by NRL to design the 2024 Indigenous jersey for the Rooster’s men’s team as they were honouring my late pop, Ron Saddler. I designed the jersey on my iPad within a couple of days and sent it off to the Roosters team. This was such an amazing experience to honour pop and the legacy he made. Being able to share my story, design and history with everyone on such a large scale will forever be a highlight in my career.


Chloe's collection with be arrving online Tuesday 15th October 12pm.