Makers Part 6

                           

How do you adapt your creativity to life in another place? My next maker is an American now living with her Danish husband in Denmark. As a result, Lann Kolpin's  metal work is transforming into an exciting range of other creative possibilities. Her etsy shop Lann gives us a taste of this.

Can you tell me a little about your background? 
Hello, I’m Lann and I live in Aarhus, Denmark with my Danish husband. I grew up in Montana and that is where most of my family lives. I went to The Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee where I obtained a BFA in Metals. I have a background with working in many mediums from painting, drawing, glass, blacksmithing, metalsmithing to ceramic. I have a great difficulty sticking with only one. I also worked as a typesetter for a time and am currently teaching myself various things with digital design. Did I mention I also worked as a cake decorator? 

                                         
What do you make?
Most of my work on Etsy is bright simple jewelry using polymer clay. I also paint, draw and work with ceramic.

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?
When I first moved to Denmark, I could not bring my tools with me as many of them were large. I also had to sell a lot of my belongings to be able to come over here. I was in a new country with no studio or economy to start one so I started working with less expensive mediums. It started with painting and drawing as I had experience with them. As time went on, I worked my way over to using polymer clay. I first bought some FIMO to make small figures from the game “Star Craft” but the jewelry designer in me took over.

How long have you been making?
Since I can remember. I was raised on a cattle ranch in rural Montana with depression era grandparents so self-reliance was an essential part of life. My mother was also an artist and I remember her teaching me how to make things when I was really young.

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?
I create things on a daily basis although not always for my shop. My husband and I live in a two bedroom apartment and I use most of the computer room (besides my husband’s computer table) as my studio. I spend most of my time working at my computer desk as I like to switch back and forth between digital and physical mediums.

What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 
With polymer clay, I really like the color and texture but I wish it was taken more seriously. 

Who or what inspires you?
Nature has always inspired me but right now colour has been a large influence. It’s not something I've focused on so intensely until recently. My past works have been very limited and even void of colour but now it has now exploded in my life. I quite like it.


Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?  
No, I have too many ideas and too little time and resources. 

What other mediums would you love to explore?
I wish I was better with sewing. I know the basics but I would like to be proficient enough to make some of my ideas a reality.

What do you hope to do next with your practice?
Right now I plan on adding some new work with glass and metal. I got a hold of some new materials but I don’t want to introduce them to my shop until I have everything polished out. My long term plan is to go to Design school.

 

Thank you Lann! Are you a maker or an artist? I would love to feature you! Please contact me through etsy.

Makers Part 5

                                           

Today's maker is an Australian post grad architect student at UNSW in Sydney. In her spare time, Natalie Rosin translates her eye for form into ceramic jewellery and sells through her etsy shop called TaupeKlein.

Can you tell me a little about your background? 

I live in Sydney, Australia. Currently I am studying a Masters of Architecture. During my undergraduate studies I enrolled in a ceramics course at the College of Fine Arts followed by other casual classes at local community ceramics studios. 

What do you make?

I began creating wheel thrown and slab ceramic homewares such as mugs and bowls but soon branched into ceramic jewellery design.

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?

I am passionate about architecture but was looking for something more tangible in terms of design during my studies; sometimes one can spend months on an architectural scheme and have only digital drawings and renders to show for it. I enjoy using my hands and appreciate the experimental aspect of clay and ceramics. The medium has really tested my patience and allowed me to let go and remove the sense of control and precision you would expect from other art mediums. 

                                         

How long have you been making?

I have been making ceramic pieces for just over a year and plan to develop my practice throughout my life. 

    

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?

My current studio space is the studio at UNSW, Kensington. It is a fantastic shared space open to both the public and students. My schedule can vary; sometimes I will be in there three full days a week and other times just a couple hours a week. 

What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 

The best aspect about working with clay are its forgiving qualities. Since there are so many stages during the creating process, there are numerous opportunities to alter a form or smooth a surface. However, these multiple stages can also be frustrating and patience is very key when working with clay. Since the making process can in some cases involve waiting for weeks for one piece, at times you want to rush ahead and skip all the stages to arrive at the final product. I have learnt to overcome this by working consistently on separate projects to allow for a more constant flow of production and avoid those tedious waiting stretches. 


Who or what inspires you?
I am definitely inspired by my background in architecture. Many of my pieces follow this geometric, defined form. I am also focused on texture and tactility found both in nature and man made materials. My wood texture pieces are an example of this whereby I created a lino cut of a magnified wood texture and then pressed a clay slab into this carving, much like the steps involved in certain print making techniques. The result is a rich surface both visual and tactile. 

Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?

Sure, I get creative blocks. I end up just making something completely unplanned, spontaneous and intuitive. The result in either surprising, mundane, beautiful or some combination. It is definitely not the end of the world, especially having noticed that sometimes the pieces I don't particularly appreciate others seem to prefer.

What other mediums would you love to explore? 

I would love to branch off into mosaics and integrate that knowledge into my architectural practice. I really appreciate the buildings of Gaudi, a Spanish architect who explored these processes and created the most beautiful spaces I have visited to date.

What do you hope to do next with your practice? 

Currently I have an Etsy store and I wholesale to a local pop-up shop named Merge Contemporary Art Space. Recently Etsy Australia included me in their Melbourne Fashion Week exhibition at Federation Square. I hope to increase the wholesale portion of my sales, continue to exhibit my pieces and constantly design and create new necklaces and possibly other forms of jewellery in the future. Online Store, Merge Contemporary Art Space

Thank you Natalie! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - particularly if you make something that is unusual - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today.

Makers Part 4

My next maker in this series is visual artist Kylie Fogarty, who lives in Canberra, Australia.  Kylie is a country girl at heart and draws inspiration from her environment. As well as selling her work directly on etsy and her web site Kylie also exhibits regularly.

Can you tell me a little about your background? 
My name is Kylie Fogarty, I am a full time, visual artist enjoying my art practice in Canberra, A.C.T.
Art has always been a part of my life, drawing from the time I could hold a pencil, which has been the basis for my art practice in all avenues. I enjoy participating in as many art workshops as I am able to attend as this really works within my time frames. I have had the pleasure of attending many workshops such as Portraiture and Life Drawing workshops with Archibald Finalist Sue Taylor. I grew up in Regional Australia, being inspired by my surrounding landscape and all within it, which remains my inspiration today.

                                 
What do you make?
My art practice includes a large spectrum of 2D Visual Artworks, ranging from line drawings in pen, intricate drawings in graphite, to landscape, botanical and portraiture paintings along with abstract mixed media works. 
I enjoy being versatile with my work, often clients have a particular interest in one genre and its nice being able to offer a range for clients to choose from. I love the range of mediums available to artists today and enjoy spending time in my practice using the various mediums in their traditional methods as well as testing their boundaries. 
Often when experimenting in the combination of mediums you find the most unexpected results, which then takes my artworks to a new horizon, I love it. Recently I have started to offer Reproduction prints and Archival Giclee Prints of my works as well as cards for all occasions. The past year has brought a new fascination with miniatures, specifically ACEOS – (Artist Cards, Editions and Originals ) which are tiny works that must be 2.5 x 3.5”. 

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?
My fascination for Miniatures is that I often hear from clients that they do not have a huge space to fill or a large budget to allow them the ability to purchase large scale art. These Miniatures are a great way to start investing in Original Artworks, they have a great following and are highly collectible. 

Although I do create larger scale works as well, it’s the miniatures that I find myself grabbing when I have a spare half hour to continue on the artwork that has already been started. One could say that I have trouble focusing on one particular art medium or materials, however, I like to be able to use various types for differing genres.

I really enjoy the process and relationship of the medium to the artwork that is being created, particularly in my more abstract paintings, having the time to allow the medium to evolve is a large part of my artistic process. I also create a lot of line art and archival pen drawings which I enjoy immensely as it is an easy art form to set up, you only need to take out a pen and an art pad, you can find me drawing in at any given moment when I have five minutes spare.

How long have you been making?
I have been creating my entire life; however, I have been more prolific since moving to Canberra in 2008.

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?
My practice fits around my very hectic family life, which is a juggle at times but I wouldn’t have it any other way. On days where the inspiration takes over I paint well into the night in my small but friendly studio here in Canberra.
My work has been exhibited in Art Galleries throughout Australia, is held in the shop section of the Strathnairn Arts Gallery and I have an online shop (www.KylieFogartyFineArt.etsy.com) alongside my website (www.kyliefogarty.com) to enable clients to purchase online without needing to be in Canberra. 

What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 

The best aspect of working in so many mediums is the variety of choice, the worst aspect is that this choice can be problematic when choosing which medium to use, although that isn’t always the case.

Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired from all aspects of everyday life, be it a colour in an object, something in the landscape or even a memory or experience, moment or inspirational person. Capturing a moment in time is a delight for me, which is an aspect of portraiture I really enjoy, often these candid moments are the ones that grab my artistic attention the most.

Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?
I do get creative blocks, and it’s at these times that I return to drawing the most, as it is the basis for all of my artworks and I love to allow the lines to flow and see what evolves from them.  In these times I get very frustrated so it’s my drawing that relaxes me and this generally gives my mind the space to contemplate what subject matter I would like to focus on next.

                                                  

What other mediums would you love to explore? 
I have been attending some workshops with local Printmaker Jo Hollier (www.johollier.com) learning how to do etching and intaglio prints. This has been so interesting and I am hoping to continue with more workshops in the near future. I really enjoyed copperplate etching and have recently purchased some Gelliplates to experiment with in my studio – it’s a real bonus to not to have to have a personal press to be able to use these plates.


                                         


What do you hope to do next with your practice?
I am currently preparing and creating for my upcoming joint exhibition with Photographer, Cindy Wilkins from Worldscape Imagery in July, Canberra at the Strathnairn Homestead Gallery, called “Two Views” – which will be an interpretation of Australian Landscape, Flora and Fauna.

Thank you Kylie! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - particularly if you make something that is unusual - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today!

Makers Part 3

This week's maker from etsy is Kristy, an Aussie girl who makes beautiful and sophisticated soy candles in her home kitchen. They have delectable flavours like Toasted Coconut, Sex on the Beach, Love Spells and Champagne and Strawberries and she sells them from her etsy store Maison Blanche. Why Maison Blanche? check out her store for the story....

Can you tell me a little about your background? 

My name is Kristy Payne and I live in Sydney Australia. I was always a creative kid. My family would be the first to tell you. I used to wake everyone up on Saturday mornings at 5am when I was young, to the sound of a sticky tape dispenser because I was making shoes out of old tissue boxes I took from the bin. Or maybe it was hat. Probably both. My day job is working for an amazing cosmetics company that is natural and ethical and an all around happy place. Working here has taught me how different aromas influence mood and access memories. I also really like cats.

                                      


What do you make?

I make hand-poured scented soy candles.
                            

What attracted you to this particular medium?

I really love candles. It’s as simple as that. At nighttime I would turn my lights off and burn dozens candles scattered over the bookshelves in my home. I started to notice that the candles I were using were either burning uneven or producing soot that would stain the wall and books around it. So I looked into making my own candles that burnt all the way to the edges and didn’t produce soot or fumes. And that’s when I discovered soy wax!

How did you get started?

I had created candles for my own home, but when I really started making candles was at Christmas time. I made a candle for every household in my family. I picked scents that I thought reflected them, and packaged them up with some home made dog biscuits.

Two weeks later we all got together for my grandpas birthday, and the reception and appreciation I received for my candles was amazing. Everyone was so pleased not only with the scent, but the quality and aesthetics. I don’t think I had ever made something to be proud of before.

                         

How long have you been making?

I started making candles in 2012

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?



I take one day a week and dedicated it to my candles. Whether it’s taking photos, getting scent inspiration, test burning or actually producing the candles.

I make candles out of my kitchen at home.






What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 



The best is that I’m able to work with a renewable ingredient, soy wax. It’s made from 100% soybeans from America. It makes me proud that the product I’m putting into the world isn’t in-turn hurting it.

The worst would have to be the time it takes to make a candle from start to finish. There are so many aspects that go in to creating a perfectly even and well-scented candle. From heating to the perfect temperature, waiting for it to cool 20 degrees to be able to mix in scent, and then more waiting until it is ready to pour. And after all that, it takes 24 hours to set.

Who or what inspires you?

Other sellers on Etsy. The creativity in the Etsy community blows my mind. They inspire me on a daily basis to pick up my game, take risks and give myself fully to my craft. People, who I don’t even know, become my support as well as motivation, to be the best creator I can be.

Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?

My creative block, realistically, is more like laziness. The best way to deal with trying to juggle a day job and a handmade business is to schedule time around my days off to really focus on being creative and productive. When I need a kick in the butt to get motivated, I start with the things I’m most passionate about, at the moment it’s growing my business on social media, and I find everything will follow.

What other mediums would you love to explore? 



I would love to take my fondness of soy, fragrance and natural products into the world of hair and body products.

                                            

What do you hope to do next with your practice?

I hope to be able to quit my day job (every Etsian’s dream). But in the short term, I hope to be able to create more scents that I can make into candles and start to sell wholesale to local independent businesses.

Thank you Kristy! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today!

Making Part 2

This is my second post about creatives. Darlene is a teacher, a blogger, a mother, and an artist living in Santa Fe in New Mexico and in her spare time she creates unique jewellery out of old bike parts, cast off toys, buttons, bits of wire and anything old and interesting which she sell in her etsy shop darlicioushouse. 

Can you tell me a little about your background?
I am a second grade teacher that creates for mental health stability!

What do you make?
I create one-of-a-kind upcycled industrial chic with bike parts and found objects.

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?
I started using found objects when i couldn't afford silver anymore (I was a silversmith for many years). I just got hooked on using what ever I could find, then one day, my husband broke a chain and I asked if it came apart even more and a love was born! The love of bike parts!

How long have you been making?
I have been creating since a child. My mom was a never ending enthusiast of making things and I caught the bug.

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?
Every day life? Not so much as I grade, lesson plan, create fun projects...all for school. But on the weekends, this is my life line! I work on an enclosed back porch that i share with my hubby and his bikes. Just a small WWII industrial desk, a table and me!

What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium?
The best part is creating something unique out of cast offs and the down side is creating with just castoffs as they can be limiting at times but of course, freeing at others.

Who or what inspires you?
Junk inspires me and my desire for balance drives me. My family is my biggest cheerleader!

Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?
My creative blocks occur when the goods go low and I am limited in what I can create so to unblock, I scour etsy and thrift stores for new components as well as looking around on the ground. I once found a folded up, driven over yellow sanders pad that lent itself well to a fabulous neck piece made with an old pencil, black linen and inner tubing. I used the sewing machine to put it all together. What fun and it sold immediately, now that's inspiring!

                                     

What other mediums would you love to explore?
I would love to explore clay more. We had a local "you make it, we bake it" place which was fun and I got hooked, but it went out of business. The whole family would go and it would cost a little money but they provided the clay, tools and glazes. We made snakes, coiled pots, trays...whatever the mind saw. Fun, fun!

What do you hope to do next with your practice?
I want to get back into shows. I do the Santa Fe Recycled Art Show every year, but would enjoy doing more. I am currently looking to be juried in to a weekend gig for the summer. That would be cool!

     

Thank you Darlene! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today!

Making Part 1

As an artist, I am always interested in the process of creativity. Selling and upcycling vintage on etsy gives me an opportunity to meet both collectors and makers. Previous blog posts have focused on collectors, and now, here is an interview with my first 'maker', Lorena. Lorena is a fashion designer and illustrator based in Nundah in Brisbane, Queensland in Australia and she has two stores on etsy - BaleaRaitzART and BaleaRaitzORIGINAL plus very glamorous blog on fashion. Lorena offers free shipping for any blog readers who visit her stores.

Tell me about your background

My name is Lorena Balea- Raitz and I am a fashion designer and illustrator based in Nundah Brisbane, QLD. I come from Europe and I enjoy every minute in Australia. It'a a wonderful country. 

My family still lives in Germany. My mum influenced me very much and she is one of the reasons why I started a career in this field. I have a background in Fashion and I studied Fashion Design in Los Angeles, and Fashion Design and Fine Art in Timisoara, Romania and I have a Master's in Fashion Design. My interests include Art, History, Fashion, Cooking and Classic movies.

What do you make?

I create fashion accessories and illustrations I specialize in Romanian Point Lace designs and fashionable art such as fashion portraits, fashion illustration, custom fashion illustration, fashionable stationary, etc...

                        

What attracted you to this particular medium? How did you get started?

I was always interested in fashion and art. After finishing my degree in Fashion Designs and Fine Art, I was working as a designer for a few years. Now I work for myself and try to provide original fashion accessories and illustrations for everybody out there! I have always been asked to create something original for my friends to spice up an outift so I came up with the idea to create lace jewelry. 

Fashion illustration was always part of my work and so it was natural that I bring it to another level. Professionally it all started as I was illustrating custom fashion accessories like bags,purses, shoes and custom fashionable party invitations, wedding invitations, etc... all with a fashion twist. 


How long have you been making?

I have been making almost 3 years. 

How does your practice fit in with your everyday life? Do you have your own studio space and when do you work and where?


I can call a room in our flat my studio. I am based in Nundah, Brisbane and I am excited about the vibrant creative area. 



What are the best and worst aspects about working with this medium? 

The best is that I can always create something new and original and the worst is that time is always running out. 

Who or what inspires you?

My inspiration can change daily from music, to culture, art, fashion etc... 
When it comes to fashion accessories I am inspired by ancient lace like the Romanian Point Lace.  When I illustrate I am inspired by my wonderful clients, or by fashion week. 


Do you get creative blocks? If so, how do you deal with it?

Yes, I do! It was never really a panic moment. I learned to relax and let it all come to me. Music helps a lot, fashion documentaries and art history helps a lot to get creative! 

What other mediums would you love to explore? 

I am very interested in creating illustration for blogs and this is a new medium that I started to explore and I offer this to my clients as well. It's all about originality. 

What do you hope to do next with your practice?

I hope that I can bring my practice to the next level and reach more people who are interested in one of a kind fashion accessories and illustrations. 

                                                  

Thank you Lorena! Are you a maker or an artist? - I would love to feature you - its painless and gives your work exposure - it is so inspirational to hear about other creatives, as everyone's story is interesting. Contact me today!