Inside the creative world of Kere M Baker
It’s that time again where we’ll be taking you behind the scenes with our favourite local business owners and creatives to find out where they go to eat, what playlist they’re listening to, where they take their out-of-town friends, and ultimately, what makes them tick.
For our 27th instalment of SPILL, we take a little step into the creative world of Kere M Baker of Pseudonym Gallery.
Kere M Baker
Firstly, what and where would people across Newcastle recognise you from?
Pseudonym Gallery in Wickham, and hopefully soon also Loobylou Candles, my home fragrance business.
Where are you from?
Originally from the Manawatū [region] in New Zealand. I moved to Sydney in the mid 90s and stayed way too long. I’ve been in Newcastle permanently since December 2023.
What made you decide to make Newcastle home?
A developer approached us about buying the complex we had in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and my daughter and her partner were here in Newcastle.
I was searching between Mona Vale all the way to Newcastle. I accidentally fell deeply for this property, totally emotionally attached and showed my hand. Yeah, that happened. And now the kids live in Melbourne!
Do you consider yourself more of an early bird or a night owl?
I’ve long been a night owl, but that’s only recently shifted. I went to design school in the evening for four years (Enmore), so I think my brain was trained to be the most creative in the evenings. My best (and worst) ideas are when the rest of the world is sleeping.
What’s your morning ritual?
I now walk at least 8000 steps first thing, listening to music and chatting to loved ones in different time zones. Then it’s coffee when I’ve earned it.
Where’s your late-night hangout spot?
Lately, my art studio. I’m in a few exhibitions coming up, and if I’m on a roll, I just lose myself for hours in there.
What’s your coffee order?
Skinny latte on a cold morning, but iced long black in summer. I’m trying to drink more tea. Genmaicha, matcha, and gyokoru are my go-to brews, or anything from The Tea Collective.
Speaking of coffee, which local venue knows your order by heart?
Stevie at Dark Horse Wickham is my must-stop after my walk, or Brew Tales on the weekend.
Tell me about your biggest career highlight…
There’s been a few for Loobylou as I white label or manufacture for a few incredible businesses, and the National Gallery of Victoria was an exciting place to be (that no one knew I was).
My favourite highlight would be Stem Cell Donors Australia, hands down. LoobyLou began as an idea for me while in the Royal North Shore Hospital navigating late-stage blood cancer (Lymphoma). It was a time where not a lot of people believed I’d survive, and here I am, thanks to the generosity of a bone marrow and stem cell donor I may never meet.
Now, candles which tell my story are included in the thank you packs for Australian donors. It’s the most beautiful full circle you could imagine, and my heart bursts when their orders come in. We call them simply, Thank You.
In your spare time, what are your THREE top favourite things to do in Newcastle?
Spare time? I’m a small business owner. Haha!
I LOVE the beach here in summer. The art galleries in Newcastle are absolutely next level. And my dining table has become a hub for many a wine and chat with friends – new and old. I’m still so new there’s still so much to discover.
If you wanted to dazzle your out-of-town friends and family, where would you take them?
For breakfast, Sonny & Betty or Equium Social.
Blanca for pre-dinner snacks and drinks, Merewether Surfhouse, or the Rooftop at QT for a dazzling view with drinks.
Honestly, any one of the amazing restaurants, bars, or beaches here. Standouts so far are Light Years Asian Diner and Humbug.
Beer? Wine? Cocktail? Mocktail? What is your tipple of choice and where do you frequently visit?
Beer in summer if I’m having a chat. Bubbly if it’s a night ending in karaoke! The Hanabira and Velvet Underground cocktails at Roxanne or the Yeti at the QT Newcastle have been tried and tested very well.
On the daily, what’s guaranteed to make you smile?
My geriatric budgie Modi, a great song recommendation, and a good chat with the kids.
What do you NEVER leave the house without?
My phone, lip balm, and my AirPods lately.
We’re all about keeping it local - what's THREE of your fave local businesses, and why you couldn’t live without them…
There are too many!
1. Eckersley’s and Aaron Framed it are integral to running a creative business here.
2. Newcastle Harris Farm Markets is the best around.
3. And Rose, the most incredible masseuse from Natural Path in Marketown is a salve to this often overworked and overwalked body.
What are you reading / watching / listening to now?
I read poetry a lot, or song lyrics as another form.
When I gift myself reading time, Paullina Simons or Jodi Picoult are a go-to, though I’ve not been reading often enough. I’ve been actively asking for music recommendations lately for walking, and I’ve struck some recent gold. How did I not know about Six60?
If you’re needing a short break away from Newcastle, where do you go and why?
We have a little place in Murrurundi, and it’s been much too long between visits. My closest family is in Gladstone – lucky I love them because I don’t love Gladstone!
What’s your go-to playlist?
Oh wow, I couldn’t pinpoint that. Too many styles, genres, and artists. It’s mood dependent.
What would you like to see more of in Newcastle?
Wider spread funding for the arts and artists. And a deli – somewhere to get great olives or a really good sandwich. Is there one? Please advise.
Lucky last – who would you recommend we interview next for SPILL?
Ahn or Dino from Straitjacket Gallery – they’re local icons, and gorgeous people with a shared belief that rising tides will lift all our boats.
