25 February 2011

Sylvia Ji Interview

I'm delighted to say that American artist Sylvia Ji kindly accepted my interview request this week. As an excerpt from her bio reads "Make no mistake – Sylvia Ji is the real deal: an artist of genuine, sometimes brutal, sincerity in a world of swirling uncertainty and constant change. Yet, she does more than consistently adjust to the change that life brings, she thrives on it; taking life as it is, content to simply “be”. Using the simplest of materials to create her work….she would say “letting it magically happen”... the results obliterate the antiquated lines between ostensibly “high brow” and “low brow” art."
A huge thank you to Sylvia for taking the time in her busy busy life and here it is -

Describe yourself in five words!! Creative, lover, loner, eccentric, zen
Any new adventures for 2011

I'm dedicating this year to growing and evolving my work, which in perspective can kind of be an adventure. No traveling planned this year, but i'm a bit impulsive so I may just take-off to some random city.
What works really well for you and did it take some time for you to get there

In terms of medium, I find acrylic works the best for me. I started out painting with oils, but found under deadlines that the paintings weren't drying fast enough. It took quite a bit of time experimenting with the medium, I'm still trying to master acrylics!


Describe a perfect day for you

A perfect day is spent being productive on painting and then winding the evening down with my love.
Favourite artist/designer, music and type of food

I have so many favorite artist/designers, but at the moment i'm really into renaissance portraiture, especially artists like Holbein and Bronzio. Favorite music at the moment are Arcade Fire and The Black Keys; favorite food right now would be this one Brazillian spot near my home that i've been ordering every night the past week.
What’s Plan B

There is no plan B! The plan has always been making art, no room or time for failure!
Where would you like to be at this precise moment?

On a pristine white sand beach in Maui, Hawaii.
Who do you think I should interview next?  Brandi Milne!

Sylvia's links

Website

18 February 2011

Kickcan & Conkers Interview

Creative Interviews takes me to France this week and a particular person that inspired me with her great eye for detail, style and dedication to producing one of my favourite sites on the web. I'm talking about a Yorkshire rose now living in France - Deborah Beau. I just want to thank Debs for giving up her time and great patience with my technical problems in uploading this. We got there in the end!
Photo Collage by Zoe
So Deborah, a Yorkshire lass in France – does the mix work LOL

Well, it’s taken me over twenty years but I’ve finally found the right balance – a huge garden full of fig, pomegranate and olive trees surrounded by an old dry stone wall! The Yorkshire Dales meet The Mediterranean, that’s a good enough mix for me. After all, to quote Voltaire, maybe the key to happiness is to “cultiver son jardin”.
How would you describe yourself in five words and how would you like people to describe you?

“A bit of a dreamer”… or “Square peg in round hole”… How would I like people to describe me? Well, the French always call me “charming”, “elle est charmante Déborah…” , which I never quite know how to take. I’d much rather hear them say that I have “le coeur sur la main” (big-hearted / generous).

Give me the names of 3 objects or things you dislike most and why

I have to say that I dislike a lot of things. I’m a very difficult person to live with I think… If I have to limit myself to three today I would say Meat - I’ve been a vegetarian for almost thirty years, I really can’t stand the stuff! Waste, I hate wasting anything. Time, food, water, money, energy – the list is long. I am adamant that our children will grow up to respect our planet and its people. Let’s just say that I was more than happy to leave behind the inescapable, all-pervading British Class System.

Tell me about something you've achieved?

Well, I’d love to be able to tell you that I’ve finally passed my driving test but I’m 44 years’ old and somehow I just don’t think that’s going to happen! I’m working very hard to be myself, such a classic mid-life crisis LOL! I have a First Class Hons. French and Drama degree from Goldsmiths and up until I met my husband and came to live in France the theatre was all I lived for.
I love the smell of grease paint but somehow lost myself through years of translating monotonous technical documents, manuals and market research. I’ve finally decided to go back to being creative, to being myself, hence my blog and future shop.
Where do you get the time to maintain such a comprehensive and visually stunning site – your time management skills must be exemplary

I make time! I love Kickcan & Conkers, it’s as simple as that. We have three wonderful, demanding kids, a big house that we are renovating ourselves and a large garden in need of lots of tender loving care so I’m very busy but when you are motivated and passionate about something you always find time, don’t you? (Late to bed – early to rise seems to be the secret!)


Who or what influences your blog and do you have an absolute favourite you just can’t see past

I have very eclectic tastes I think. Kickcan & Conkers naturally seems to have become child-oriented (for big and little kids alike), with a strong emphasis on vintage finds, art, illustration, photography and design. My Tumblr is more experimental, more diverse. I like them both.
Tumblr
I don’t really plan anything, I just post whatever catches my eye. I go out of my way to find unusual artists, makers and designers, often living outside Europe. I have discovered so many wonderful, inspiring people, it would be hard to have to choose an absolute favourite.
Camilla's Photography
I get my daily art fix from Hazel over at the Art Room Plant and I love Camilla’s photography and reading about her life in Montana. Joel’s creativity never ceases to amaze me, he’s very talented and will go far I think.
Tonis & Marlen
At the moment I’m really enthusiastic about Tonis & Marlen , a creative couple from Estonia, Sérgio Dias, a toy designer from Portugal, Chris Theiss, a ceramist / cardboard-art making genius from the States and I love Jessica Quinn’s new work.
Sergio Dias
Where would you go in the world for inspiration

Ilkley Moors – I’m not going to start doing my Cathy and Heathcliff bit but nowhere inspires me more than Ilkley Moors, I have heather and granite in my veins I think. Other than that, I would love to go to India, Poland and Russia.
Chris Theiss
Are you usually late, early or right on time?

Oh I try, I really do, but three kids and near-round-the-clock enthusiastic blogging do not seem to equate with meticulous time-keeping. I’m always, always late these days.
Ilkley Moor
Do you like to shop and if so for what

I’m quite happy to shop online for most things these days (we live in the country) but I wouldn’t miss our weekend trip to the market in Sommières for the world.


Any advice for Ziggy  Be yourself, everyone else is already taken!


Deborah's links -

Kickcan & Conkers

Tumblr 

Twitter

12 February 2011

Scottish Food!

Would you put up artwork in your kitchen - let me know. I think it might brighten it up and add interest ..

11 February 2011

MimiLove Forever Interview

I'm always delighted that these talented artists, designers and makers have taken the time to answer some questions. And, this week is no exception as I'm pleased to introduce you to our English rose - Karen and I want to thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions and wish you lots of success and happiness in all your ventures and adventures!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started?

I'm Karen Grenfell aka MimiLove Forever... at your service! I have been painting and messing about with art since I was knee high to a spacehopper. After a spell at uni, various jobs and the advent of internet Mimilove was born! I had always provided a portrait service but it was mainly word of mouth etc that I gained clients so the internet opened up a whole new world for me and I started selling on ebay with a range of paintings mainly large portraits and abstracts for both individual and commercial clients.

In 2004 and 5 a selection of my work appeared at the Birmingham Nec as part of the Memorabilia UK show, it was here that several paintings were signed by celebrities including David Carridine and Britt Ekland. The sporting heroes World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst MBE and boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper OBE also signed pieces and the Henry Cooper painting was eventually sold at Sotheby's later that year!

Since then I have been involved with providing illustrations and artworks for various companies including Blast Recording Studio's in Newcastle and Surrey based Brand New Films.

A collaboration with promoter Steve Wraith and former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock helped to raise funds for children's charity The Bubble Foundation UK. I have also worked with former Scorpions keyboard player and prog rock musician John Young and graffiti/street artists Id iom

Over the past 2 years I have moved away from the large scale "pop art" pieces and have combined my love of embroidery with painting to produce mixed media works including a range of Cockney Sparrows and Budgie Stufferies and a unique pet portrait service which can be found around the globe from Alaska to Australia!
What item could you absolutely not live without as far as your work goes?

Apart from endless supply of tea and cake? My paint brushes...I've had some of them since I was 14...(they've aged better than I have) and I have a few fave colours on the paint front that I'd be lost without, but on the whole I'm pretty casual and will use whatever comes to hand, although I'm constantly losing things like rubbers, pencil sharpeners, general bit's of kit, so some sort of locator beacon would be useful.


Are you an early bird or a night owl worker?

Well I'm always up at the crack of sparrows but really just tend to getting cracking when the moods strikes, but once I'm in my stride I'll be at it 'til kitty and Mr.Mimi start muttering about feeding, sleeping etc!
This might be difficult to answer but, right now, who, at this very moment, is the one particular person who inspires you?

Oh now that's a toughy! It's so hard to say one particular person. This will probably sound soooo corny but I'd have to say my folks, they died quite young but they're in my thoughts every day and a constant source of inspiration in my work from their advice, humour and drawing on their experiences and memories. But I've met some fantastically talented folks out there from all fields, painting, textiles/stitching, street art/graffiti and so on, who are not only an inspiration but great friends too!


What do you love most about what you do?

All of it! I love the painting, it's where I'm most comfortable and you can't whack sloshing a bit of paint about! The stitching is the bit where I can sit quietly and really go for it on the details, it's the most time consuming part of the process, although that is partly because it takes me so long to thread a needle :)
And I've said it before but I do love the commission pieces; I cannot explain how much I enjoy working on these, gathering as much info as I can and then incorporating it all to make it extra special for the recipient.
Henny Detail
If you didn't do what you do what else would you be?

Gawd knows! I've never really been a career gal; I've had loads of different jobs in the past from window dresser to art/craft tutor for adults with learning difficulties to graphic designer and even a shampooist in hair salon... (I've washed the hair of both Caprice and Justin Haywood..him out of the Moody Blues...bit of Mimilove trivia there! ;D ) So I guess i'd just go with whatever is thrown in my path but I'll always paint, it's just in the old ticker to do it
3 wise words to help new talent out there?

Tea! Cake! Nap! I know people think I'm probably just a big lazy lump who spends most of her time shoveling down copious amounts of darjeeling and Mr.Kipling's in between snoozes...and they'd be right...but! Point I'm grasping to make is don't fret or panic if sales are slow in coming or beat yourself up if you're not spending every waking hour strapped to sewing machine/canvas etc. Sit back, relax and enjoy/love what you're doing and if it's starting to become a chore and you're losing heart step away from the stressiness and have a drop or two of something yummy....mind you I'm 2 slices away from a muumuu so don't take too much notice of my advice!
Any advice for Ziggy??

So advice for Ziggy... hmm? Well maybe he should think about knocking the thumb sucking on the loaf cos he'll cream cracker his Hampstead Heath (let me know if you should need translation) x ; )


Links to Karen :-

Web - MimiLove

Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mimilove4ever/

Blog - http://mimiloveforever.blogspot.com/

Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/mimilove

4 February 2011

Mariska Wright Interview

I'm over in Two Rivers, Alaska this week asking questions to doll maker extraordinaire Mariska Wright how's kindly taken up the interview challenge. Thank you so much for this interesting insight into who you are and your work.

So, Mariska, what's it like where you live?

I live in Two Rivers Alaska, a small community about 30 mile outside of Fairbanks. I live in a land of extreme opposites. Summers are very short but hot with 24 hour daylights, our winters are very cold (-40 / -50 degrees) and a period of no daylight.We have an abundance of wildlife and wilderness. In the winter I spend many sleepless nights waiting for the northern lights to dance in the sky. Photography is one of my passions.
How would your friends describe you in 5 words?

big animal lover, funny, creative, a little crazy but compassionate


Favourite artist/designer or maker and favourite musician or band?

I couldn't realy tell you who my favorite is. If I had to mention some doll artists I would say Jack Johnson, Beth Robinson, Nefer Kane and Loopy Boopy. There are so many amazing artists out there and I really like all kinds of music from rock to classical. It all depends on what mood I am in and what I am working on
What's an ideal day like for you?

Waking up early, good cup of cofee, going outside feeding the cows and the horses, then taking the dogs for a nice walk, coming home to a nice woodfire in the stove and then spending the rest of the day in my studio creating.


Describe your working space?

It's pretty messy. I have never been a very organized person. But I know where everything is. (most of the time)
Any plans for 2011?

I hope I can keep working from home as an artist. We are hoping to finish building our house this year and maybe enjoy a few more luxeries. (indoor plumbing would be nice) You would be suprised how many people here in Alaska live without electricity or running water. I hope to attend the local farmers market again this summer, every Saturday and Sunday. I really enjoy meeting the people that buy my work.


How do you get inspired?

Most of my inspiration comes simply from watching the people around me. Alaska is full of interesting people.
What would you do if you weren't creating your wonderful people?

I have spend most of my life working in animal welfare. I have always worked in animal shelters and veterinary clinics. My artwork has always been an escape from the often depressing reality I had to deal with on a daily basis. I think I would still be doing something in that line of work. Or I would love to work in a garden center.
Where would you most like to visit and why?

I am not a warm weather person and tropical countries are not my cup of tea. There are so many places here in Alaska I would like to visit. I love to explore more of Canada. I would love to visit Nova Scotia, New Foundland and I would love to visit the Isle of Mull


In your life, what are you most proud of?

My dedication to animals


Are you a tea Jenny or a coffee drinker?

Growing up in Holland I used to drink a lot of tea. I do treat myself to a good cup of tea every now and then. But for the most part I am a coffee drinker.
How do you network your work and do you think the new social networking tools have helped you in any way?

I use Etsy and Facebook and it has been great. I think both are a very good way to get your work out there. I have also sent out mass emails with pictures of my work and that has been productive too. I am in the process of setting up a website.

Mariska's links - 

Facebook

Etsy  Under the name of dinjik

1 February 2011

Tile Tuesday : McEtsy

Just been made joint captain of McEtsy - anyone who is involved in Etsy and has a connection with Scotland can join.  Here's just a few that I've found so far.

Top Left - Littlebirdesigns

Middle Left - Aileenclarkecrafts

Bottom Left - Ovgilliesdesigns 

Top Right - AeFondKis

Middle Right - Dragonflightdesigns

Bottom Right - Red2white

Crowdfunder Clay.Coven Ceramics

Just a few more days to go to achieve their dream of bringing the creativity of clay to the local community. And as my lovely friend Tash sa...