Here's a chance to find out a bit more about one of the newest Guild members.
What defines you as an artisan? Oh good, an easy one to start with. ;-) Well, I don’t really consider myself as an artisan, but that’s more to do with me needing to gain more confidence in my work than anything else. I don’t take my work ‘seriously’, it’s just something I enjoy doing, it’s not a real passion. I’m too lazy to get really passionate about too many things. :-D
Where do you live? I live in Eindhoven, a city in the south of the Netherlands. I’m British though, originally from Liverpool – I moved here almost 10 years ago for work.
How does your place of residence influence your crafting? It doesn’t really. I confess that I get a lot of my supplies online, because I can’t always find what I want locally. I do try to support my local craft shops where I can, but I’ve yet to find anywhere nearby that sells sterling silver findings, for example. And I can only find felt in very basic colours – when I want to make a felt aubergine, the colour has to be just right!
How did you get into crafting? I can’t really remember. I know my Nan taught me how to embroider when I was quite young – she used to make outfits for my teddy bear and I would embroider his initial on the front. *shame* I’ve always been more crafty than arty though, I can’t draw or paint at all. I’ve always liked to make things, from embroidery and knitting when I was younger, then some paper crafts like quilling, then cross stitch, and then in the last few years, card-making, jewellery-making, and most recently, making felt toys.
Where did you learn your craft? I am self-taught, apart from the embroidery lessons from my Nan. I would love to follow a course in sewing, or bead jewellery, as I can just about manage brick stitch, but that’s my limit.
Who do you consider your mentor (s)? I don’t really think I have one. Sorry, very boring answer. Wait, let me go and look at the answers previous interviewees have given – be right back….. OK, right. Well, I still don’t think I have a mentor, but as others have said before, I appreciate anyone who gives their time to share their skills, experience and knowledge of their craft. In particular those who take time to make tutorials for others.
What are your views in respect to mentors and mentoring? Another tricky one, I don’t really have views on this topic.
Where do you get your inspiration from? My jewellery inspiration comes either from seeing a piece of jewellery and wanting to make something in a similar style, or from seeing some beads and *needing* to make something from them. As for the felt toys, I am inspired by cartoons, things I see in the supermarket, silly conversations with friends, and other people’s work.
What is your most treasured object in your studio? I guess I can’t say my PC? :-D Then my next treasured item is not a craft item at all, it’s a canvas print which my husband bought for me recently, to decorate my craft room. It’s of a musician I really like, and I love it so much. I don't have any expensive craft tools - yet. I have my eye on a Sizzix Big Shot for cutting felt shapes though.
What do you like best about your studio? Well, at the moment my ‘studio’ is a bit of a mess, and it doubles up as a home office, as well as housing the ironing board. I like the fact that I can switch between computer and work desk easily, and that everything is within reach (even if it’s not immediately visible under the piles of stuff).
What would you change about your studio? Storage space. I need a bigger work desk, the one I have is a small desk which I bought second hand, and it’s really past its best. I want a bigger table so that I can spread out a bit more, and also use my sewing machine more easily. I would also like to be tidier, but I guess we’re only talking about changes, not miracles here, right? ;-)
How do you divide your crafting time? I tend to work in fits and starts, when the mood takes me. I work full time, and I am usually too tired to do much in the evenings, so most of my craft stuff gets done at the weekend. I want to try to get more of a balance between felt stuff and jewellery in my shops, so I should try to make more felt things.
What is your favourite material? Why? I guess it would have to be felt - at the moment, at least. And until I can use my sewing machine more smoothly, hand-sewn felt.
Which material would you never work with? Why? Anything that requires a lot of mess or preparation. Much as I admire people who work with ceramics, glass, pottery etc., it is just too much effort and mess for me.
How did you come across ArtFire? I don’t remember exactly, I think I could have seen something about it on Twitter though.
What role does your family play in your crafting? My husband is my harshest critic. There’s always something, he never says ‘Wow, that’s nice!’ straight away, there’s always a pause while he thoroughly inspects whatever it is. My mum is a fan of my jewellery, but she's not so keen on the felt toys. ;-)
Besides your own craft what other crafts do you admire? I am jealous of anyone who can sew neatly – my stitching is a bit haphazard (to me, at least - I've had no complaints from others). I can knit or crochet (only the basics) so anyone who can do either of those well impresses me.
What other craft would you be interested in learning? Why? I have tried to learn needle and wet felting, and I would love to be a success at it. I love the idea of laying out the different colours of wool, adding some water, and making a piece of art. It’s painting with wool, almost. Maybe I need to take classes in that? *thoughtful*
Why do you think buying handmade is beneficial for society? I think it gives people a chance to go back to the days before mass-produced items, to buy something with a bit of meaning, something made by someone who cares about what they make. And for the artisans themselves, it’s an outlet for creativity, it’s a way to make the world a little more beautiful or joyful, it’s giving something back, it’s sharing.
What are your goals in respect to your craft? I would like to work in a more structured way. Not assembly-line structured, but to get into the habit of making something on a regular basis, instead of whenever I can be bothered. I’ve already mentioned my felting ambitions, so the only other goal would be to reduce Bead Mountain a little.
What has been your most rewarding experience regarding your craft? Mostly it’s been to do with my felt toys – making them as a surprise for someone, and then hearing about how much they love it is a great feeling.
Anything else you'd like to add? Not really, I think I am all typed out now. :-D
Visit our studios
Showing posts with label meet the artist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meet the artist. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Meet Cat from Cat's Wire
What defines you as an artisan?
Wikipedia defines it like this:
"An artisan (from Italian: artigiano) is a skilled manual worker who crafts items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, household items, and tools. The term can also be used as an adjective to refer to the craft of hand making food products, such as bread, beverages and cheese."
Although my bread is mostly a disaster and the only cheese I have ever made was Indian paneer (with an original Indian cheese cloth, mind you!), my milk shakes are not even that bad.
I guess this is not the question, though. Let's say I work with my hands, my crafted items are strictly decorative as it is impossible to open a can with one of my bracelets, and I surely am skilled. Not as much yet as I aim to be, but I am optimistic it will improve even more.
Where do you live?
I live in Southwestern Germany in Göppingen. Train lovers will know the name because Märklin is situated there.
How does your place of residence influence your crafting?
Not at all. I could take my wires and hooks anywhere. The area used to be known for its textile industry, though. In our small local museum there are beautiful examples for hand knitted pearl pouches. They showed me how unusual techniques can lead to unusual pieces, so maybe that influenced me a little.
How did you get into crafting?
I was never a crafter, unlike so many others in this business. When I studied to become a librarian, there was a professor I liked very much. When he taught us business basics, he was a bore which was probably more the subject's fault than his. I doodled a lot during the lessons and when my paper consumption rose to a huge level due to it, I started knitting. I still have my knitting phases as I call it, but it was never something that could fill me out. When I discovered Etsy, I was drawn to the wire crochet pieces and after I had seen a book reference in one of the shops, there was no holding me back ever since.
Where did you learn your craft?
Of course I learned how to crochet in school and my grandmother worked on it together with me, showing me things. There are books from a wool company in this area, first published in the 30s I think. I taught myself a lot from these books concerning knitting and I still use them for new crocheting ideas. And then there was the book that got me started on wire. It was not so much about teaching me stitches, I knew that, but about wire gauge, material and I like to look at pictures ;-)
Who do you consider your mentor(s)?
Craftwise I don't think I have a real mentor. I like to experiment on my own and the book just gave me the final kick, but that was it.
Now for everything around my craft, regarding the studio, the business, the social networking, I regard lots of the great people I got to meet online - hope it'll be in real life someday - kind of as my mentors and I hope I can be one for others eventually.
What are your views in respect to mentors and mentoring?
I thank everyone who helps me and makes the journey a little easier for me this way. People sharing their knowledge is good to some extent, meaning in business unfortunately you should be wary how much you actually share. I'd rather have friends that share with me and that I can share with. Maybe it has to do with my understanding of the word mentor that I would rather call them helpful friends.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am not the inspired one. My hook is. I rarely sketch out things before I make them. That's the reason why something that started as a bangle can suddenly turn into a collier. Sometimes these experiments don't work out, but sometimes they make me very happy.
What is your most treasured object in your studio?
Not sure if I understand the question right. Are we talking about my items or my tools? My home studio (which really mostly consists of my beloved and often mentioned armchair and my couch table) or my ArtFire studio?
I guess I already answered about my home studio. It's my armchair. And my crochet hooks. And the knitting spool. Have I mentioned my armchair?
I can't answer it for my ArtFire studio. I love each item while I make it and then it's off to the next item, otherwise I couldn't be creative, but would do the same thing over and over again.
What do you like best about your studio?
About my home studio I like best that I am surrounded by the things I love. I don't have a studio like many others do as I don't need torches or lots of hammers etc. Yet. Who knows what will be in a while? My studio is my library at home. I have my books surrounding me, I can relax and let my mind wander off with the hook. That may sound silly, but that is really the way it is. Crafting makes me forget everything else. If my muse isn't on vacation, that is.
My ArtFire studio? That's easy. It leaves me so much room to play with colors and widgets and cool features and I am probably not done yet.
What would you change about your studio?
I need more storage unit in my home studio. Apart from that I have to see what time will bring. I would change a lot about my photo area, though.
For my ArtFire studio I had a different avatar and banner in mind, but there is still a problem with it, so I don't want to talk about it. If it takes much longer, I am not sure if it makes sense to change it after people might have got used to the old one. Also I would like to have zoom-in pictures. When looking at other sellers' studios, I am often sorry about not being able to zoom in to have a closer look.
How do you divide your crafting time?
I have a day job. I have a husband, I have five cats and some other critters around. I have a family and I have friends. I have a household, not an organised one, but it's there, so I have chores.
I just try to sneak in as many crafting time as possible, usually on my weekends and in my vacation, it's not so easy in the evenings.
What is your favorite material? Why?
Wire and beads of course. It depends on my mood which color, gauge, size or cut I choose. Some days are copper days, some silver. I can take out beads ten times and put them back until I finally decide. It's a fun part of the creative process for me.
Which material would you never work with? Why?
In my line of craft or in general?
I don't think there is much I wouldn't work with. I haven't worked with gold yet, but that is because of the price, not because I don't want to.
In general I hate glue and fabric. I never learned how to sew, I never will and I admire everyone who can do it. And I can't handle glue, I never could. I am a klutz and therefore prone to glue myself to a chair. Won't do. I stay away from it.
How did you come across ArtFire?
I think it was through my jewelry forum, SJA. People there sell on different platforms and some of them recommended ArtFire.
What role does your family play in your crafting?
In the beginning my husband thought it was just a passing phase. Now he got around to criticise my things and even give me tips sometimes. My mother and my sisters give me tips from a female side of view.
Over all the role is more being appreciative, comforting and just being there.
Besides your own craft what other crafts do you admire?
I admire everything. There is a show on German TV sometimes, called "The last of his profession". It's about glass makers, people that cut the stones for grindstones, gold-beaters, whip makers and many more. I love to watch others doing what they are good at.
What other craft would you be interested in learning? Why?
I will try to increase my jewelry-making skills, try silversmithing etc.
I would love to learn lampworking, I think. Glass fascinates me. I dabbled in clay and polymer clay many years ago, but I don't think I was very good at it. I would love to learn drawing, especially animals.
Why do you think buying handmade is beneficial for society?
I think society needs to get back to some old values. I won't say everything was better in the past although sometimes I start to sound like my grandmother used to ...
We need to respect the work that went into a piece, the ideas, the inspiration, the time. We need to respect the person behind that piece. Too many people out there are denied the appreciation for their hard work, children, women and men.
I am no angel, I can't buy only handmade myself. For many people it's a question of money and priorities set by everyday life and circumstances. But each small step counts.
What are your goals in respect to your craft?
Is it a trick question? What if I say I want to be rich and famous?
My goal is to make people happy with my work and if I can go on buying supplies because there are those happy people out there, I am happy. I am not expecting too much.
What has been your most rewarding experience regarding your craft?
When my first customer ever told me how happy she was about her items. When she returned. When she told me people ask her about these items.
That was my most rewarding experience coming from the outside.
Coming from the inside it's letting my mind flow and creating. It's rewarding over and over again.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Haven't I said enough already? Ok.
Without wanting to make it sound like an Academy Award speech, I want to thank all the gorgeous people out there, may it be on my forum, in my groups, in Wales, Holland, Serbia, the US, Australia - I can't list them all, but they know they are there. Thank you.
And a very special thank you goes to my recent studio manager who cares for my supplies to be kept safe all the time (or he would steal them without winking an eye!), Mr. Ponder Stibbons.
Visit our studios
Wikipedia defines it like this:
"An artisan (from Italian: artigiano) is a skilled manual worker who crafts items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewelry, household items, and tools. The term can also be used as an adjective to refer to the craft of hand making food products, such as bread, beverages and cheese."
Although my bread is mostly a disaster and the only cheese I have ever made was Indian paneer (with an original Indian cheese cloth, mind you!), my milk shakes are not even that bad.
I guess this is not the question, though. Let's say I work with my hands, my crafted items are strictly decorative as it is impossible to open a can with one of my bracelets, and I surely am skilled. Not as much yet as I aim to be, but I am optimistic it will improve even more.
Where do you live?
I live in Southwestern Germany in Göppingen. Train lovers will know the name because Märklin is situated there.
How does your place of residence influence your crafting?
Not at all. I could take my wires and hooks anywhere. The area used to be known for its textile industry, though. In our small local museum there are beautiful examples for hand knitted pearl pouches. They showed me how unusual techniques can lead to unusual pieces, so maybe that influenced me a little.
How did you get into crafting?
I was never a crafter, unlike so many others in this business. When I studied to become a librarian, there was a professor I liked very much. When he taught us business basics, he was a bore which was probably more the subject's fault than his. I doodled a lot during the lessons and when my paper consumption rose to a huge level due to it, I started knitting. I still have my knitting phases as I call it, but it was never something that could fill me out. When I discovered Etsy, I was drawn to the wire crochet pieces and after I had seen a book reference in one of the shops, there was no holding me back ever since.
Where did you learn your craft?
Of course I learned how to crochet in school and my grandmother worked on it together with me, showing me things. There are books from a wool company in this area, first published in the 30s I think. I taught myself a lot from these books concerning knitting and I still use them for new crocheting ideas. And then there was the book that got me started on wire. It was not so much about teaching me stitches, I knew that, but about wire gauge, material and I like to look at pictures ;-)
Who do you consider your mentor(s)?
Craftwise I don't think I have a real mentor. I like to experiment on my own and the book just gave me the final kick, but that was it.
Now for everything around my craft, regarding the studio, the business, the social networking, I regard lots of the great people I got to meet online - hope it'll be in real life someday - kind of as my mentors and I hope I can be one for others eventually.
What are your views in respect to mentors and mentoring?
I thank everyone who helps me and makes the journey a little easier for me this way. People sharing their knowledge is good to some extent, meaning in business unfortunately you should be wary how much you actually share. I'd rather have friends that share with me and that I can share with. Maybe it has to do with my understanding of the word mentor that I would rather call them helpful friends.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I am not the inspired one. My hook is. I rarely sketch out things before I make them. That's the reason why something that started as a bangle can suddenly turn into a collier. Sometimes these experiments don't work out, but sometimes they make me very happy.
What is your most treasured object in your studio?
Not sure if I understand the question right. Are we talking about my items or my tools? My home studio (which really mostly consists of my beloved and often mentioned armchair and my couch table) or my ArtFire studio?
I guess I already answered about my home studio. It's my armchair. And my crochet hooks. And the knitting spool. Have I mentioned my armchair?
I can't answer it for my ArtFire studio. I love each item while I make it and then it's off to the next item, otherwise I couldn't be creative, but would do the same thing over and over again.
What do you like best about your studio?
About my home studio I like best that I am surrounded by the things I love. I don't have a studio like many others do as I don't need torches or lots of hammers etc. Yet. Who knows what will be in a while? My studio is my library at home. I have my books surrounding me, I can relax and let my mind wander off with the hook. That may sound silly, but that is really the way it is. Crafting makes me forget everything else. If my muse isn't on vacation, that is.
My ArtFire studio? That's easy. It leaves me so much room to play with colors and widgets and cool features and I am probably not done yet.
What would you change about your studio?
I need more storage unit in my home studio. Apart from that I have to see what time will bring. I would change a lot about my photo area, though.
For my ArtFire studio I had a different avatar and banner in mind, but there is still a problem with it, so I don't want to talk about it. If it takes much longer, I am not sure if it makes sense to change it after people might have got used to the old one. Also I would like to have zoom-in pictures. When looking at other sellers' studios, I am often sorry about not being able to zoom in to have a closer look.
How do you divide your crafting time?
I have a day job. I have a husband, I have five cats and some other critters around. I have a family and I have friends. I have a household, not an organised one, but it's there, so I have chores.
I just try to sneak in as many crafting time as possible, usually on my weekends and in my vacation, it's not so easy in the evenings.
What is your favorite material? Why?
Wire and beads of course. It depends on my mood which color, gauge, size or cut I choose. Some days are copper days, some silver. I can take out beads ten times and put them back until I finally decide. It's a fun part of the creative process for me.
Which material would you never work with? Why?
In my line of craft or in general?
I don't think there is much I wouldn't work with. I haven't worked with gold yet, but that is because of the price, not because I don't want to.
In general I hate glue and fabric. I never learned how to sew, I never will and I admire everyone who can do it. And I can't handle glue, I never could. I am a klutz and therefore prone to glue myself to a chair. Won't do. I stay away from it.
How did you come across ArtFire?
I think it was through my jewelry forum, SJA. People there sell on different platforms and some of them recommended ArtFire.
What role does your family play in your crafting?
In the beginning my husband thought it was just a passing phase. Now he got around to criticise my things and even give me tips sometimes. My mother and my sisters give me tips from a female side of view.
Over all the role is more being appreciative, comforting and just being there.
Besides your own craft what other crafts do you admire?
I admire everything. There is a show on German TV sometimes, called "The last of his profession". It's about glass makers, people that cut the stones for grindstones, gold-beaters, whip makers and many more. I love to watch others doing what they are good at.
What other craft would you be interested in learning? Why?
I will try to increase my jewelry-making skills, try silversmithing etc.
I would love to learn lampworking, I think. Glass fascinates me. I dabbled in clay and polymer clay many years ago, but I don't think I was very good at it. I would love to learn drawing, especially animals.
Why do you think buying handmade is beneficial for society?
I think society needs to get back to some old values. I won't say everything was better in the past although sometimes I start to sound like my grandmother used to ...
We need to respect the work that went into a piece, the ideas, the inspiration, the time. We need to respect the person behind that piece. Too many people out there are denied the appreciation for their hard work, children, women and men.
I am no angel, I can't buy only handmade myself. For many people it's a question of money and priorities set by everyday life and circumstances. But each small step counts.
What are your goals in respect to your craft?
Is it a trick question? What if I say I want to be rich and famous?
My goal is to make people happy with my work and if I can go on buying supplies because there are those happy people out there, I am happy. I am not expecting too much.
What has been your most rewarding experience regarding your craft?
When my first customer ever told me how happy she was about her items. When she returned. When she told me people ask her about these items.
That was my most rewarding experience coming from the outside.
Coming from the inside it's letting my mind flow and creating. It's rewarding over and over again.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Haven't I said enough already? Ok.
Without wanting to make it sound like an Academy Award speech, I want to thank all the gorgeous people out there, may it be on my forum, in my groups, in Wales, Holland, Serbia, the US, Australia - I can't list them all, but they know they are there. Thank you.
And a very special thank you goes to my recent studio manager who cares for my supplies to be kept safe all the time (or he would steal them without winking an eye!), Mr. Ponder Stibbons.
Visit our studios
Monday, June 29, 2009
Meet Liesan from Ignis Fatuus
We already did an interview with some members a while ago but since we changed the questions we decided to start over.
Today: meet Liesan from Ignis Fatuus
What defines you as an artisan?
Ignis fatuus does :). But seriously, crafting, doing art it is just what I do, it is my life not in the sense that it ‘fills my whole life’ but… well it’s like this: I also cook food and that is also my life, I fold clean clothes and that is also my life, I cycle and that is my life, I brood and that is my life, I teach and that is my life, I make love and that is my life, I love and cry and laugh and hurt and that is my life etc… and it is all chasing shadows, following lights that lead me into swamps instead of safe little houses. But I happen to like swamps…
I know this may sound complicated and I planned to say something in the line of ‘there is no special definition for me as an artisan’ but that just isn’t true, there is just no way to define me ‘as an artisan’ without defining me ‘as a human being’ and that incorporates everything I do.
Where do you live?
In The Netherlands, Nieuwegein a place very close to Utrecht
How does your place of residence influence your crafting?
Not a whole lot I think, it is a quite uninspiring and boring place to be. The circumstances though influence what I do a lot, I am fortunate to live with a partner who generously can and is more than willing to provide for both of us and with no kids around the housekeeping is not that demanding so I get a lot of room for doing what I love most.
How did you get into crafting?
I attended a Waldorf type school all of my youth, sometimes it seemed like arts and crafts made out a greater part of the curriculum than any language, math or history lessons did so I think the seed that must have been in me since birth got room to flourish there.
Where did you learn your craft?
At the previously mentioned school I made my first book, after that I learned most from books and the internet. I learn better by myself, figuring things out the hard way is what works best for me.
I will start a 2 year formal bookbinding education either this year or next year September (depending on how much room there is and if I can afford it)
Who do you consider your mentor (s)?
Well I suppose the teacher who showed me how to make my first book, besides him many authors whom I have never met in person.
What are your views in respect to mentors and mentoring?
I do not have views, I just know that to me it doesn’t mean a whole lot and to others it does. I do immensely appreciate and respect someone who knows more than me and is willing to share his/her skill but that is the extend of it.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Anywhere, everywhere, I really can’t answer this because I just don’t know.
What is your most treasured object in your studio?
Well that was sold ages ago :) But from what I have now my ‘Royal Blue’ is special to me, it was the first book I made when I moved in with my partner after a long long time of not having been able to do much due to personal issues. I do want to sell it but secretly I’m glad it has been allowed to stay with me for such a long time.
What do you like best about your studio?
The flexibility and the easy way of listing things. Since the fusion studio’s aired I kind of like the lay-out as well
What would you change about your studio?
I would like (and will make) a better banner and avatar. Something that reflects my work better. I would also like it when thumbnails of all my product pictures would be somehow visible instead of people having to scroll through them.
I am still ambivalent about my name, it has meaning to me and my approach to doing arts and crafts but that is a very personal, spiritual and even somewhat religious (although not at all in the traditional sense) matter and I have noticed people don’t understand Latin and get confused. From a business point of view it may not have been the best choice.
How do you divide your crafting time?
I don’t, or in the most chaotic manner thinkable and that actually works for me, chaos to some degree is excellent for creating things.
What is your favorite material? Why?
Paper! And I have no idea why it is not a rational matter I just love paper, making it folding it painting on it writing on it cutting and tearing it etc…
Which material would you never work with?Why?
I think there is nothing I wouldn’t work with, of I could have the tools and the space I’d probably do anything I could think of. But sewing fabric and me is not a good combination, I always imagine how much fun it’s going to be but am disappointed by the lack of quality my work has.
How did you come across ArtFire?
I think it was a link on the Etsy forums. I don’t even remember why I jumped in when I did but I’m very glad of it.
What role does your family play in your crafting?
Well my partner gives me all the room I need and my mother is a great supporter, that’s about it I think.
Besides your own craft what other crafts do you admire?
I humbly bow to those who are skilled wood- and bone carvers, and I love pottery but that I am quite good at myself (need room for a turntable though)
What other craft would you be interested in learning? Why?
All thinkable crafts, but as far as crafts that I don’t expect to be able to teach myself to some degree go I think I’d love to learn to work with glass and precious metals.
Why do you think buying handmade is beneficial for society?
For me it is first of all a personal thing, I just love to know that especially the luxury goods I have are made by people who wanted to make it because they love what they do instead of by people who are pressed to produce and get underpaid for it. My attitude might be beneficial for society but as stated it is a personal matter.
I try not to get involved too deeply in larger scale social matters because the sheer volume of suffering and wrongness makes me apathetic and deeply depressed and no-one is served by that.
What are your goals in respect to your craft?
First of all I’d like to become good at it, really very good and confidant, and I dream of the day that I can earn some real money of it, maybe even sustain myself if needed but that’s a far away dream.
What has been your most rewarding experience regarding your craft?
Just the fact that a stack of paper, some thread and glue and some binders board put together make a new product that actually makes sense makes me happy every single time, no matter how simple or complicated the process.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Not really no, I’ve already said more than I normaly would.
Oh yes well maybe this: besides my own handywork you'll find sweet felt friends in my studio, those were not made by me but by my 86 year old grandmother.
Today: meet Liesan from Ignis Fatuus
What defines you as an artisan?
Ignis fatuus does :). But seriously, crafting, doing art it is just what I do, it is my life not in the sense that it ‘fills my whole life’ but… well it’s like this: I also cook food and that is also my life, I fold clean clothes and that is also my life, I cycle and that is my life, I brood and that is my life, I teach and that is my life, I make love and that is my life, I love and cry and laugh and hurt and that is my life etc… and it is all chasing shadows, following lights that lead me into swamps instead of safe little houses. But I happen to like swamps…
I know this may sound complicated and I planned to say something in the line of ‘there is no special definition for me as an artisan’ but that just isn’t true, there is just no way to define me ‘as an artisan’ without defining me ‘as a human being’ and that incorporates everything I do.
Where do you live?
In The Netherlands, Nieuwegein a place very close to Utrecht
How does your place of residence influence your crafting?
Not a whole lot I think, it is a quite uninspiring and boring place to be. The circumstances though influence what I do a lot, I am fortunate to live with a partner who generously can and is more than willing to provide for both of us and with no kids around the housekeeping is not that demanding so I get a lot of room for doing what I love most.
How did you get into crafting?
I attended a Waldorf type school all of my youth, sometimes it seemed like arts and crafts made out a greater part of the curriculum than any language, math or history lessons did so I think the seed that must have been in me since birth got room to flourish there.
Where did you learn your craft?
At the previously mentioned school I made my first book, after that I learned most from books and the internet. I learn better by myself, figuring things out the hard way is what works best for me.
I will start a 2 year formal bookbinding education either this year or next year September (depending on how much room there is and if I can afford it)
Who do you consider your mentor (s)?
Well I suppose the teacher who showed me how to make my first book, besides him many authors whom I have never met in person.
What are your views in respect to mentors and mentoring?
I do not have views, I just know that to me it doesn’t mean a whole lot and to others it does. I do immensely appreciate and respect someone who knows more than me and is willing to share his/her skill but that is the extend of it.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Anywhere, everywhere, I really can’t answer this because I just don’t know.
What is your most treasured object in your studio?
Well that was sold ages ago :) But from what I have now my ‘Royal Blue’ is special to me, it was the first book I made when I moved in with my partner after a long long time of not having been able to do much due to personal issues. I do want to sell it but secretly I’m glad it has been allowed to stay with me for such a long time.
What do you like best about your studio?
The flexibility and the easy way of listing things. Since the fusion studio’s aired I kind of like the lay-out as well
What would you change about your studio?
I would like (and will make) a better banner and avatar. Something that reflects my work better. I would also like it when thumbnails of all my product pictures would be somehow visible instead of people having to scroll through them.
I am still ambivalent about my name, it has meaning to me and my approach to doing arts and crafts but that is a very personal, spiritual and even somewhat religious (although not at all in the traditional sense) matter and I have noticed people don’t understand Latin and get confused. From a business point of view it may not have been the best choice.
How do you divide your crafting time?
I don’t, or in the most chaotic manner thinkable and that actually works for me, chaos to some degree is excellent for creating things.
What is your favorite material? Why?
Paper! And I have no idea why it is not a rational matter I just love paper, making it folding it painting on it writing on it cutting and tearing it etc…
Which material would you never work with?Why?
I think there is nothing I wouldn’t work with, of I could have the tools and the space I’d probably do anything I could think of. But sewing fabric and me is not a good combination, I always imagine how much fun it’s going to be but am disappointed by the lack of quality my work has.
How did you come across ArtFire?
I think it was a link on the Etsy forums. I don’t even remember why I jumped in when I did but I’m very glad of it.
What role does your family play in your crafting?
Well my partner gives me all the room I need and my mother is a great supporter, that’s about it I think.
Besides your own craft what other crafts do you admire?
I humbly bow to those who are skilled wood- and bone carvers, and I love pottery but that I am quite good at myself (need room for a turntable though)
What other craft would you be interested in learning? Why?
All thinkable crafts, but as far as crafts that I don’t expect to be able to teach myself to some degree go I think I’d love to learn to work with glass and precious metals.
Why do you think buying handmade is beneficial for society?
For me it is first of all a personal thing, I just love to know that especially the luxury goods I have are made by people who wanted to make it because they love what they do instead of by people who are pressed to produce and get underpaid for it. My attitude might be beneficial for society but as stated it is a personal matter.
I try not to get involved too deeply in larger scale social matters because the sheer volume of suffering and wrongness makes me apathetic and deeply depressed and no-one is served by that.
What are your goals in respect to your craft?
First of all I’d like to become good at it, really very good and confidant, and I dream of the day that I can earn some real money of it, maybe even sustain myself if needed but that’s a far away dream.
What has been your most rewarding experience regarding your craft?
Just the fact that a stack of paper, some thread and glue and some binders board put together make a new product that actually makes sense makes me happy every single time, no matter how simple or complicated the process.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Not really no, I’ve already said more than I normaly would.
Oh yes well maybe this: besides my own handywork you'll find sweet felt friends in my studio, those were not made by me but by my 86 year old grandmother.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Meet Susanne from Babs Beads & Design
Please introduce us to who you are.
I’m a part time lampworker who lives in Sweden with my husband and two children. This January I turned 41. I found lampworking during a long period of illness two years ago, and I never want to stop melting that glass again!
Where in the world are you and what is the best thing about where you live?
I live in Uppsala, the fourth biggest town in Sweden. It’s about 80 kilometers from Stockholm. I’ve lived here since 1988 when I came to study at the university (Swedens oldest). I still haven’t left…
Uppsala is just the place where I happen to live. I'd like to move from here one day but I would probably never leave Sweden to live in another country. Although the winters are cold and dark, the spring- and summertime is fantastic! I love all the unspoiled nature we have in Sweden. The big forests, the sea, the lakes…
Tell us a little about your craft and why you love it.
Lampwork – the noble art of melting glass by an open flame – is fantastic! I’m a creative person who does all kinds of craft, but this is the one that really makes me happy. I’ve always been interested in the forming of glass, but until recently I believed that you had to become a glassblower to get to do that. And then I by accident found out about lampwork.
I love it because the glass is so beautiful in so many colours. I love the three dimensional aspect of it. I love the concentration it takes. And last, but not least, I love the endless possibilities the glass offers.
What is the most expensive supply you have purchased for your craft?
The most expensive investment is the kiln. It’s a kind of oven where I put my beads when they’re finished. The kiln has a digital control that’s programmed to slowly cool off the beads. This is to prevent them from cracking and no lampworker should sell beads that are not kiln annealed. It’s a code of honour. :-)
The second most expensive investment is the torch. I’ve got one that runs on propane and oxygen.
Me in the studio with both the kiln and the torch showing. And my pretty, pretty safety glasses! Could you please tell us about a person in your life that has inspired you?
I’m inspired by anyone who follows her heart and is not intimidated by “what society thinks”. It’s hard to go your own way, breaking conventions. There are always people there, ready to tell you it will never work.
People who defy that are inspirering.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Meet Liesan from Ignisfatuus
1. Please introduce us to who you are.Hello, my name is Liesan from Ignisfatuus, I am a 30 year old woman and I spend most of my time trying to become a decent bookbinder, mostly by teaching myself but I'm thinking of attending a two year course in September so I get some formal education in traditional techniques. I have a deep passion for paper, it has a magical quality to me that no other material in this world can claim, so I play with it, a lot! Besides that I sometimes serve as a substitute teacher (which I thoroughly dislike at the moment) in Dutch, English and homework classes. My Lover and I play GildWars and watch silly SF series together and I love to read and write and listen to audio books when I'm busy crafting.
Some of the fruits of my labour I try to sell on-line, besides my own things I also sell things my grandmother makes. If I wouldn't we would both drown in our own creations :).
2. Where in the world are you and what is the best thing about where you live?
I live in Nieuwegein, a place near Utrecht in The Netherlands. The best thing about Nieuwegein is how close it is to Utrecht. Besides that there is nothing of any interest here. Utrecht has all the nice little stores and worthwhile museums.
Living in The Netherlands isn't really that special to me, it just happens to be the place where I am.
3. Tell us a little about your craft and why you love it.I attended a so called 'waldorf-style' school when I was younger. If you have no idea what that is you can look it up or send me a private message.
But anyway, this meant that there wore lots and lots and lots of arts and crafts lessons from kindergarten up to final year of college, and thus it came to be we got bookbinding classes. At the time I didn't really think much of it, I liked it well enough but there was no instant passion. But it just stuck with me somehow, like a little friendly virus working it's way into my system and suddenly, almost 10 years later I just had to pick it up again. And so I did.
It is hard for me to explain why bookbinding is so dear to me, the best I can say is that it somehow feels so completely 'right' when I sit at my table playing with binders board, paper, thread, fabric etc... There is nothing in this world that makes me more happy (ok well maybe there is some competition from Lover).
4. What is the most expensive supply you have purchased for your craft?
The supplies I buy are quite evenly priced so I'm going to stretch it to tools.
The most expensive tool I bought myself was a cast iron book-press, it is second (or third or fourth) hand but looks as good as new. It has been the best 75 euros I ever spend. The most expensive tool that was bought for my craft was a brand new table top board shear, I got it from my ex-boyfriend (when we were still together of course) and he paid 300 euros for it.
Immediately afterwards I felt guilty about letting him buy something for me that cost that much (I'm not good at accepting expensive gifts) but I am to this day very grateful for it because I have no idea how I would even make books without it.
5. Could you please tell us about a person in your life that has inspired you?In my pursuit of crafts in general I think I instinctively take after my grandmother and that is about as close to an inspiration as anyone gets, bookbinding (and all crafting) for me is very much about following my own lead, I have no examples or inspirations to look at.
6. If there was only 24 hours left before the world ended what would you be doing?
I don't know, probably not crafting ;). It sort of depends on the situation the world would be in that last 24 hours but I think I would ultimately want to spend most of them with Lover, doing nothing special, maybe even fall asleep in his arms and not experience the end consciously.
7. What is your favourite meal?Nothing in particular. I like food that is so hot and spicy that I tear up eating it.
Links
Artfire Shop
Etsy Shop
Dawanda
Blog
Flickr
Indiepublic
Byhand.me
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Meet Cat from CatsWire
Each week here on the European Artfire Guild blog we will be letting you get to know a little bit more about our Guild members.
This week it is Cat from CatsWire.
1. Please introduce us to who you are.
I am 43 years old, a librarian during the day Monday till Thursday, and I live together with my husband, five cats, a bunny, a guinea pig and several gerbils.
2. Where in the world are you and what is the best thing about where you live?
I live in a smaller town in Southern Germany, not very far from Stuttgart for those who ever had heard of that. The best thing is that I love my home town where I also was born and came back after five years of "exile". The second best thing is that my city is not far from Giengen where the Steiff factory with the museum is, always a fun trip to make!
3. Tell us a little about your craft and why you love it.
Although I started to try other things as well and have tried different crafts, wire crocheting really got me hooked (I know, the joke is not new). Not only that I can sit relatively comfortably while doing it, but I love the fragility of it and the amazingly different things you can make with it. I love the way the hook and the wire guide my fingers sometimes and what may have started out as a ring, ends as a drop with a little bending and experimenting. It's never boring and I surprise myself constantly.
4.What is the most expensive supply you have purchased for your craft?
The most expensive supply is the silver I use, I think. I stare longingly at beautiful gems, but I am holding myself back ... yet.
5. Could you please tell us about a person in your life that has inspired you?
My greatest inspiration has been my mother, not for my craft, though, but for my life. I admire her for the way she handled a big, rowdy family all those years and wish I had been not so blind and often selfish when I was young, even if it was mostly the typical teenager behaviour. I hope I can pay a little bit of it back now that I'm able to. For my craft the inspiration has been in all the crafters I've seen through the years. There was a friend of mine who used to knit the most gorgeous sweaters (mine are hardly to be called okay) or a friend who was so good at drawing or or or ....
6. If there was only 24 hours left before the world ended what would you be doing?
Erm, I don't know. Probably panicking in the attempt to finish everything I started? Lie in the grass, look at the clouds or at the moon at night. Really I have no idea, I don't plan that far.
7. What is your favourite meal?
Kässpätzle, no doubt. For those not from Southern Germany, this is like a traditional dish, I am going to try to explain. Spätzle are noodles made from flour, water, salt and eggs. Lots of eggs if you are a proud homemaker. You should make them yourself, the ready-made don't taste very good. After they have been boiled, you add cheese (Käse) and onions. Non-purists can add other ingredients, too. I am Swabish, I am a purist.
Now you know a little more about me and if you have any more questions about my craft or me go ahead and ask
This week it is Cat from CatsWire.
1. Please introduce us to who you are.I am 43 years old, a librarian during the day Monday till Thursday, and I live together with my husband, five cats, a bunny, a guinea pig and several gerbils.
2. Where in the world are you and what is the best thing about where you live?
I live in a smaller town in Southern Germany, not very far from Stuttgart for those who ever had heard of that. The best thing is that I love my home town where I also was born and came back after five years of "exile". The second best thing is that my city is not far from Giengen where the Steiff factory with the museum is, always a fun trip to make!
3. Tell us a little about your craft and why you love it.Although I started to try other things as well and have tried different crafts, wire crocheting really got me hooked (I know, the joke is not new). Not only that I can sit relatively comfortably while doing it, but I love the fragility of it and the amazingly different things you can make with it. I love the way the hook and the wire guide my fingers sometimes and what may have started out as a ring, ends as a drop with a little bending and experimenting. It's never boring and I surprise myself constantly.
4.What is the most expensive supply you have purchased for your craft?
The most expensive supply is the silver I use, I think. I stare longingly at beautiful gems, but I am holding myself back ... yet.
5. Could you please tell us about a person in your life that has inspired you?My greatest inspiration has been my mother, not for my craft, though, but for my life. I admire her for the way she handled a big, rowdy family all those years and wish I had been not so blind and often selfish when I was young, even if it was mostly the typical teenager behaviour. I hope I can pay a little bit of it back now that I'm able to. For my craft the inspiration has been in all the crafters I've seen through the years. There was a friend of mine who used to knit the most gorgeous sweaters (mine are hardly to be called okay) or a friend who was so good at drawing or or or ....
6. If there was only 24 hours left before the world ended what would you be doing?
Erm, I don't know. Probably panicking in the attempt to finish everything I started? Lie in the grass, look at the clouds or at the moon at night. Really I have no idea, I don't plan that far.
7. What is your favourite meal?Kässpätzle, no doubt. For those not from Southern Germany, this is like a traditional dish, I am going to try to explain. Spätzle are noodles made from flour, water, salt and eggs. Lots of eggs if you are a proud homemaker. You should make them yourself, the ready-made don't taste very good. After they have been boiled, you add cheese (Käse) and onions. Non-purists can add other ingredients, too. I am Swabish, I am a purist.
Now you know a little more about me and if you have any more questions about my craft or me go ahead and ask
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
