Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Meet the Artisit - Marie of Pillowsophi

Meet the Artist - Marie of Pillowsophi
Interviewed by JeannieRichard

Pure obsession of all things Scandinavian and mid-century artifacts? No, I'd say Marie is an aficionado. She displays an exceptional taste when it comes to Scandinavian pottery such as vintage Denby, Royal Copenhagen/Aluminia Denmark. Soholm Stentoj, H.A. Kahler, Elle Norway, Michael Andersen & Sons, and mid century modern brass and glass – visit her shop, Pillowsophi and you'll know exactly what I mean :)

Meanwhile, let's enjoy an animated chat session with Marie, you'll find her as interesting as her vintage shop!


ISG: Describe yourself in under 50 words :)
Sensitive, smart, dorky, goofy, compassionate, forgiving, clumsy, awkward, logical, tall. Oh, and pottery-obsessed!


ISG: When did your love for all things Scandinavian and mid-century mod design begin?
It all started a few years ago, with a coffee set at my grandparents’ cottage. One day I realized that I was drinking out of what had to be the most perfect mug ever created. I decided I needed to have one of my own, so I did some research and found out that the pattern was Denby’s “Studio” (which remains my favourite to this day). I started hunting for pieces to start my collection...and as time went by, I branched out into other vintage patterns. Eventually, I realized I had more Denby than my little apartment could handle and decided to list some of it on Etsy. Soon afterward, I discovered my love for Royal Copenhagen Fajance (stoneware), which led me to start learning about Scandinavian pottery and mid century modern design. Now I have a shop full of vintage treasures!


ISG: By official profession, you are an accountant - if given the choice and setting, would you rather go full-time with selling your vintage wares?
Actually, I’m a grad student! I’m working at an accounting firm this year, but I’ll be starting my PhD in philosophy in the fall. I love what I study and I love teaching, so I definitely wouldn’t want to give those things up... but I love my shop, too! I’m hoping to find a balance between studying/teaching and being a vintage seller; if I had to close my shop, I’d really miss the customer interactions, the Etsy community and the opportunity to bring so many beautiful things into my home.


ISG: How do you decide that "this" is the piece that has potential?
When buying for my shop, the three main criteria I use are:
1. Beauty, of course!
2. Quality. I only buy very high quality items, and I have a few favourite manufacturers. For example, I love to offer pieces by Denby, Wedgwood, Royal Copenhagen/Aluminia, Michael Andersen & Sons, H.A. Kahler, Arabia, Elle, Zeuthen and Dybdahl.
3. Vibe. If it won’t fit with the aesthetic of my shop, I’ll try to avoid purchasing it. Sometimes I just have to bring in an amazing oddball item, though!


ISG: You have a strong stand on vegetarianism, anti-cruelty to animals, etc. Why do you hold these principles and is there a message you would like to share on this subject?
It’s really important to me to try to cause as little suffering as possible, be it human or animal, physical or emotional. I think a lot of people feel this way; however, most of us never see the most disturbing things – like the awful scenes inside factory farms, slaughterhouses or animal testing labs – happen, so it can be easy not to think about the real consequences of our choices. To me, that’s a tragedy.

Here’s one of my favorite quotes:
"Our task must be to free ourselves . . . by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." 
– Albert Einstein


ISG: How long have you been operating your Etsy shop and where do you see yourself with it in another year?
I sold my first vintage item on Etsy in April of 2011; it was a “Studio” coffee set! Since then, my shop has evolved a lot and I've become more knowledgeable about vintage pottery and mid century modern design. Next year, I hope my shop will be even better and I’ll know even more! Also, I’ll have moved to Philadelphia by then, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what sorts of treasures the city has to offer.


ISG: Vintage is a very thick market, how do you propound yourself differently to your buyers?
With difficulty. ;)
I have a Facebook page, and I’ve done some advertising. I’m always trying to make sure people who are looking for the items I specialize in will be able to find my shop through Google, but I haven’t quite figured that one out yet. I think many of my customers find me by accident... I guess my shop is still sort of undiscovered, in that sense.


ISG: Why do you think that every home should have a piece of Scandinavian/mid-century?
One of the wonderful things about mid century modern design is its versatility. Because the lines are clean and the shapes are organic, mid century pieces fit nicely with many other styles of decor. It’s hard to imagine a room that couldn’t benefit from a simple, elegant modern vase in a neutral color. On the other hand, lots of mid century pieces are real attention-grabbers! I have so many fun, colorful things in my shop. They make me smile, and I hope they make my customers smile, too.



V I S I T   &   F O L L O W

G I V E A W A Y
Marie will be having a giveaway tomorrow, do check back :D









Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Meet the Artist - Maria of Call of Earth

Meet the Artist - Maria of Call of Earth
Interviewed by JeannieRichard

As a beader myself, I truly appreciate the thought Maria has put into her designs and lovingly stitching them into form. In fact, Call of Earth is one of the many inspiring shops that encouraged me to open our shop on Etsy! Her unique and simple designs are enduring through trends and would make a lasting sentimental piece in your life.


ISG: Describe yourself in under 50 words.
Maria: My name is Maria. I was born in Kazakhstan in a family of mathematicians however, my love was always something in the creative - like learning to play piano for 14 years. When I was 20, I left everything familiar and emigrated to Israel with just one small bag. It was feeling like I was creating a beginning, for me to say that today I'm 20 years old!
Today, I am a mother of three amazing children, and a wife to a very special man and artist.


ISG: You are person who is very in touch with your inner sensations, how do you process that into your jewelry?
Maria: All my life, I was looking for the inner meaning of all things visible, something that cannot be seen by the eyes, but felt by sensations. Like Albert Einstein said, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." I just going with my inner sensations when I choose colors, materials, etc.


ISG: How would you define your design styles?
Maria: My design styles are very natural - all that I create is related to events that strike me and want to share it. Right now it's “Life is really simple, but we just insist on making it complicated.“ If I remember correctly, it's Confucius. So most of my latest design minimalist and simple.


ISG: Describe to us your typical creative process :)
Maria: My creative process is like being in a trance state - like from another person's perspective, like an out of body experience, looking at myself choosing colors and starting the creation. Sometimes, I will research before "dreaming" about something or I listen to music, often with classic music or some song that I wake up with :)


ISG: Does spirituality play a role in your work?
Maria: Spirituality permeates all of my life :)


ISG: If you had one boon from God, how would you use it?
Maria: First of all, I feel blessed and I strive to be grateful. How I use it? Spread it with word.


ISG: What is the one motto in life that you would love to share with us?
Maria: My life motto: Life is never-ending journey. Happiness is to remember it and enjoy this trip.


V I S I T   /   F O L L O W
> Blog <
> Twitter <
G I V E A W A Y
Call of Earth will be having a giveaway from May 2 to 15, come back tomorrow ;)
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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Meet the Artist - Yuliya of Yuliya Art

Meet the Artist - Yuliya Art of Golden Section
Interviewed by JeannieRichard

We’ve always been captured by surreal art because they bring one into a realm of imagination where there are no boundaries. It really makes one stop and look at the detail work and wonder what the artist is thinking, what he/she is going through, why he/she painted it so, etc etc etc! But all in all, just amazing talent – exactly how this amazing artist makes us feel with every single work of hers.


She is truly an artist of fantastical work of profound detail, color, emotion and did we say detail? ;)

Come spend your coffee break with Ms Yuliya and her surreal world…


Q1. In under 25 words, describe yourself to us :D
Artist. This one word ideally suites the way I feel about myself. But there are more good ones I can think of: creation, imagination, curiosity, travel, question, skill collection, fire, sun, energy and of course – watermelon :)



Q2. You are obviously born a very talented creative individual, however where you influenced by another great artist along your creative journey?
I admire, appreciate and get inspired by any talented individual I ever see or meet, in any field, but I never had any iconic figures in my life.



Q3. Which artists/individual inspires you most and why?

I would say it is the whole world which inspires me. It changes so dynamically, every day I discover something or someone new, I get inspired even from everyday weather, seasons, words, smells, emotions. Big or small – everything matters.


Q4. Your illustration work are fundamentally surreal and fantastical, what goes through your creative process thoughts before embarking on a blank paper?

It is a storm, constant and unstoppable! I feel overfilled with ideas and desires to create most of the times, so having a piece of blank paper in front of me it is always a relief, means I finally will be able to express all I have imagined. :)





Q5. You were born in Ukraine – the land of beautiful ladies ;) – what brought you over to Canada?
Very simple – work. I used to work for computer game industry as an artist in Ukraine. Willingness to grow professionally and develop my skill set further brought me at first to Germany to work on a next gen game project and then I was invited to join game company in Canada.



Q6. Do you flow with the mass opinions or go against the flow with what is right?
I just do what I like, sometimes it matches mass opinions and sometimes it does not :)



Q7. What special meaning goes behind your brand name Golden Section?
It is my motto – try to balance in Golden Section in any aspect of my life. I feel it is important not to go to extremes and keep the most important things in your mind no matter what.



Q8. Apart from illustration, you are also fluent with photography. When did you start photography and what sparks your photo composition and messages?
I think my interest in photography started from my father, he used to take a lot of family pictures and we developed our documented adventures in a dark room late at night. It was very exciting to see the picture coming alive in front our eyes :) When I was a teen I used to borrow every available camera and was enjoying playing with it and discovering new angles and themes to shoot. When we were out with friends or family, I was the one taking pictures of everyone. When I grew up I knew exactly which camera I want, I was dreaming about it for a long time. Thanks to my husband this dream came true! He made it his aim and worked really hard to fulfill my dream :) I cannot thank him enough for everything, all the support and help he gives me everyday.



Q9. Which book have you read that has left the most impression on your thoughts and why?
I used to read enormously in the past, but I read way less now, there are not enough hours in a day :)  I found the way how to enjoy a book once in a while recently – I read while travelling. But no book leaves a lifetime effect on me, it is the last one I read always the most influential. From the most recent reads I loved the Stieg Larsson’s trilogy Millennium series. The Help by Kathryn Stockett was very informative and provided some nuances on the history I didn’t know of before. This Perfect Day by Ira Levin is my current read and I am enjoying it  very much!



Q10. Who is your best loved musician?
Hm… I watch movies these days rather then listening to the music. Me and my husband we love to have movies running on the background whole day and we listen to them while working. As we prefer not to have cable we created a very extended collection of movies, so we simply make a playlist and enjoy the whole day. As we always like to have a good laugh, our current favorite is The Office, we both just discovered it and truly enjoying watching it from the first season to the latest series. Again and again :) That’s what she said :)



Q11. Talent vs hardwork – what is your take? ;)
None of this alone will work, only two together. Having a talent it is only the beginning – one will never know the magnitude of what is given to him until one will invest all the possible hardwork to develop it. That being said, I believe every person has a talent, unique ability, you just need to find what is it.



Q12. What is your opinion of today’s art as opposed to the art by the greats of the past?
I am happy to see that there is always something new to be said – this I feel is the main thing, creation and invention should never stop.



Q13. If you were given $3 million dollars with no strings attached, how would you use it?
I would travel the whole world, living in different countries for a long time to really feel the country and to get to know the life there, not only tourist spots how it usually happens when one comes for a short period of time. Me and my husband try to see the reality of the place even if we spend only couple of days somewhere, we walk a lot, usually away from common places of interest. Discoveries from this trips sometimes are so rewarding! :)



Q14. You wake up one morning and realize everything is repeated as yesterday, its a groundhog day… how would you spend it?
Same what I am doing now – try to create and learn all I want to. It is similar to the idea if I would live for hundreds of years – I would learn all possible awesome things and develop my skills as much as I could! It is so much fun! :)



Q15. What would your advice be to aspiring young artists of tomorrow?
Congratulations on the chance to be an artist and find your real selves.



Born and raised in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev, Yuliya now lives and works in Canada. She has a strong art education: she started studying art in the school for gifted children, then followed Kiev’s National Art College and then Kiev’s National Institute of Applied Art’s and Design, all of them she graduated with honor.
Yuliya has graced many a mentionable publication, just to name a few:

– 2011 Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Award, Canada –
– Publication in “PhotoEd” magazine, Canada, 2010 –
– Personal exhibition “Chemistry Of Attraction” in Pikto gallery, Toronto, Canada, 2010 –
– 2010 Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Award, Canada –
– International Photography Awards, USA, 2009 –
– Exhibition “NEW CANADIANS” Art’s Project, Canada –
– Magazine “Everything about computer collage and photo editing 2″, Russia –
– Magazine “180 style art fashion style”, Canada –
– Magazine “Digital Photo”, Russia –
– Winner of the L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest 2006, USA –
Despite her major recognitions, Yuliya remains a very humble personality; we truly enjoy Yuliya’s sweet company and are honored to be a friend of hers. We definitely think her work would stir within you profound sensations just as how it has for us.

What do you think of her work? :)



V I S I T

F O L L O W
Blog • Twitter • FaceBook • Flickr

G I V E A W A Y ! 
Yuliya Art will be having a giveaway from
April 18th to May 1st, come back again tomorrow :D


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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Meet the Artist ~ Angela of Windy City Knits

Meet the Artist ~ Angela of Windy City Knits
Interviewed by JeannieRichard


Think soothing color palettes, think simple classic form, think Windy City Knits.
We love Angela's knitted accessories for its enduring styles, quality yarn and meticulous handmade touch – that is what you get from Angela!
Know the knotter behind the knits, and know that every time you wear a knit of Angela's, its imbued with much relaxed and wholesome vibes ;D


ISG: Describe yourself as a person on the whole in under 70 words.
Angela: I am a city and beach loving girl, yet I have to drive a bit to get to both, I love espresso way too much, I would eat pasta everyday if I could, I love watching old 1980’s movies, my favorite time of year is Summer.

ISG: What is it about knitting that got you hooked for the past 10 years?
Angela: A good friend showed me how to make a knit stitch and I made a scarf. It was so imperfect and it took me forever but I loved it. I find knitting to be so relaxing and comforting. I love watching a piece take shape in my hands.

ISG: From where/who/what do you draw your inspiration for your designs? Describe to us your creative process.
Angela: I search for yarns that are high quality and super soft. I work from the yarn itself, looking at the thickness, the drape, the color and then I design a piece from there. I love to work with colorful yarns and classic stitch patterns.

ISG: Apart from knitting, what other endeavors keep your creative cells churning?
Angela: I love to sew. Two of my favorite things to sew are bags and skirts.


ISG: How would a perfect day be for you?
Angela: A perfect day for me would start with an early morning run, a leisurely breakfast with my family, including espresso of course, an afternoon walking around the city, and ending with a home cooked meal and curling up on the couch with my knitting basket and husband and a movie.

ISG: Selling hand knits on Etsy is highly competitive, what advice would you give to aspiring/struggling fellow knotters?
Angela: I would say to them to use their own style and not be a copy. Find a way to make yourself and your love for your knits show through in your shop.


ISG: If you were given one gold wish a boon from God, what would it be?
Angela: It would be the opportunity to own a successful café. My husband is an amazing cook and I love to bake. We have always talked about owning a little place that serves all the stuff we like to cook, homemade pastas, organic vegetable filled dishes, and my baked cookies and cakes.



v i s i t   & f o l l o w
> Twitter <
> Blog

 

g i v e a w a y ! 
Windy City Knits will be having a giveaway from
April 4th to April 17th, come back again tomorrow :D 
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Meet the Artist ~ Jen of BoutiqueVintage72

Meet the Artist ~ Jen of BoutiqueVintage72
Interviewed by JeannieRichard

The first thing that sprung into mind when I think of Jen is eco-conscious boho chic chick –
guilt-free fashion accessories, guilt-free plush toys, guilt-free everything from her shop!
Jen's items are all about being eco-friendly while looking good and boy does she have really sweet and pretty things that you just want to possess!
Come sit a while with this fun and chirpy lady of BoutiqueVintage72 :D


ISG: Describe yourself in under 50 words
Jen: Silly, hopeful, down to earth, determined, a big believer in the power of good. I am definitely a "think outside of the box" kind of girl and a DIY fanatic. Lover of; long books, unfamiliar airports, cold streams, green hills, good food and farm fresh anything.


ISG: What was your profession before finding yourself as an eco-conscious designer?
Jen: I worked as a cook before graduating from culinary school where I majored in baking and pastry. I spent about 10 years as a pastry chef in restaurants and hotels in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. I absolutely loved the creative freedom of creating my own dessert menus and being able to search the local farmer's markets for inspiration. I loved the sense of family that is created in a kitchen crew and seeing people enjoy my food and the honor of creating wedding cakes was just such a joy. For my life at that time, it was the perfect career for me.


ISG: Why the change (from previous profession)?
Jen: As creatively satisfying as my profession was, it was also very stressful. Managing a pastry department and several pastry cooks, worrying about the cost analysis of each component on the plate, inventory, ordering, last minute banquet orders for 500 desserts on the fly, working every single holiday and weekend, typically working 50 hours per week. In my twenties, it was fun and exciting, but after I met my husband and we decided to start a family, I wanted a slower pace and a more peaceful life. I still work in a kitchen Monday through Friday at my daughter's elementary school and I couldn't be happier!


ISG: How did you find yourself in jewelry designing and why particularly eco-friendly?
Jen: I have always had a quirky sense of style, kind of a cross between tomboy casual and 1960's Bridget Bardot. I started creating jewelry because I could never find the kind of relaxed but interesting pieces I wanted to wear. Being eco-friendly is really second nature to me it's really just about living thoughtfully and responsiblly. I also have a lot more fun creatively when I am able to up-cycle. I love to look at a scrap of fabric or a piece of paper and challenge myself to make something useful and beautiful.


ISG: How would you describe your jewelry style?
Jen: Bohemian, whimsical, fun, relaxed and easy to wear.


ISG: Besides jewelry, you also create lovely tooth fairy pillows - what gave you that 'eureka'?
Jen: For a short time, my husband and I owned a small gift shop in Los Angeles, as the buyer for our store, I came across some tooth fairy pillows. I brought one of the pillows home for our daughter and realized that design wise, it was missing some really important elements and most of all, personality! I started tinkering around with different fabrics and themes, added the strap at the top so it can be hung from a door knob or bed post and finished it all with a happy little tooth pocket made from Eco Felt. My daughter absolutely LOVED the pillow I made for her and she is still my design consultant!


ISG: Life is precious however the way most people live is wanton. What is the one message that you would like to tell the world?
Jen: It has taken me a long time to realize that all that we have is what is right in front of us. Falling into the trap of thinking "I'll be happy when I have this or that" is just a waste of precious time. Finding the happy in each moment, appreciating each breath as an opportunity to grow and become who you were put on this Earth to be is a blessing. Nothing I can buy will ever bring me as much joy as a hug from my kid, a cup of tea with my Mom or a walk in the sun. I guess my message would be to live simply, be kind and look for joy because it is closer than you think.


VISIT & FOLLOW JEN!


GIVEAWAY!
Jen will be having a giveaway from March 21st to April 3rd,  so do check back tomorrow :D

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Monday, March 5, 2012

Meet the Artist ~ Jelena of JPwithLove

Meet the Artist ~ Jelena of JPwithLove
Interviewed by JeannieRichard as taken from JR Blog

Polymer clay is all the craze in today’s crafting world.
You see them as itty bitty cute cakes and as pretty flower hair accessories and jewelry.
But none thus far has made us think twice than Jelena of JPwithLove jewelry and hair accessories creations! Her work displays sublime meaning on simple form, rich color and detailed texture, which so elegantly and boldly expresses her passion for life!
We absolutely love her signature style of elongated shapes earrings that would make an lady exude much femininity and confidence.
Let’s have a little coffee chat with a lady with much gusto for life, Jelena of JPwithLove :D

JR: Tell us more about your fashion career/adventures before you started JPwithLove :)
Jelena: I lived in Florence (Italy) for 8 years. While I was studying, I was working for a company that had a chain of stores all around Florence selling clothing and accessories for younger population. 
It was then when I started paying more attention to fashion. Fashion style and trends in Italy changes so quickly that is difficult to keep up. But somehow, I was able to foresee future trends and colors that are going to be popular next season. 
I developed my own style and I was always looking for accessories that are special, different and interesting to match with my outfits.

JR: Would you consider a fashionable chic person and what is your typical style?
Jelena: Yes, I love fashion and I pay a lot of attention to details. I think that if you find the right pair of shoes and a nice shirt, mix it up with interesting accessories, you can look great without spending a fortune on big brands. I love colors as well, so I adventure myself in color combos like yellow and turquoise, purple and emerald green.

JR: We see many young girls today dressing close to nothing, would you call that fashion?
Jelena: No, not at all. I think that every woman should find her own style and should not buy a piece of clothing because her friend has the same.

JR: What attracted you to leave beautiful Florence for sunny Florida?
Jelena: MY husband :) I never thought I would be so far away from home.


JR: Are there artistic inspirations difference when you were in Florence and now in Florida?
Jelena: Absolutely, Italians pays more attention to fashion.

JR: Love is your inspiration as you put it on your personal blog. How does that manifest in your jewelry designs?
Jelena: Well, I make only pieces that I would wear myself. I love what I do and I put a piece of me in every item I make out of polymer clay. I make my jewelry with lots of care, I want everything I make to be perfect : )


JR: Does spirituality play a part in your artistic creations?
Jelena: Definitely, my mood reflects on what I am creating.

JR: What are your artistic beliefs?
Jelena: You can do whatever you want, just be persistent and don’t EVER give up your beliefs!


JR: Talent vs hard work, what is your take?
Jelena: You need a bit of talent and a lot of hard work to be successful. I would say 30/70.

JR: In your own words, a woman who doesn’t wear jewelry is … ?
Jelena: …too simple. I think jewelry reflects your personality, so women should all wear jewelry.


JR: What other interests do you engage besides jewelry making?
Jelena: Oh, I looove to cook and try new recipes, l love to travel and explore new cultures and try different, local food. I am pretty much DIY person, when I see something I like, I start thinking on how I can make it : ) Right now I am thinking how to learn to crochet, I would like to make a great cowl for me.

JR: What kind of foods do you love most – spicy? creamy? sweet? salty? etc?
Jelena: Mediterranean > red, green and white colored plates are always the best choice, and I love spicy food too.


JR: You are no doubt a coffee lover – any great blends/brands to recommend ;)
Jelena: For me, the perfect coffee is 100% Arabica Columbia Supremo.

JR: How would a perfect day be for you?
Jelena: Every day full of love and understanding!

JR: We live in a world of uncertainty; we wouldn’t know what would happen in the next 30-minutes. What and how will you live today if it was your last.
Jelena: I would love to be surrounded with people I love – my family and friends.

JR: In your life thus far, who motivates and influences your way of living the most?
Jelena: My husband, he is my strongest support!



We hope you all have enjoyed this fast-paced interview!
It certainly has helped inject Jelena’s contagious passion of life into our day and hope it has for you too!
Until next Wednesday for another coffee session, you can find Jelena all over the digital world ;)



GIVEAWAY!!
JPwithLove will be having a giveaway from March 7 - March 21st  2012 so come back again :D
ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE



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