4.01.2009

FEATURED ARTIST :: brownbunnybyiris

This week's featured artist is the lovely Iris of brownbunnybyiris. She's so much fun, free spirited, and such a warm presence that it's probably unlikely that you haven't at least heard of her already. And this spirit is definitely reflected in her wonderful creations (not to mention the creative titles for those creations!). And something that I just discovered is that Iris is also an amazing painter! I'm so thrilled that she took some time to answer my questions. Thank you, Iris! :)




......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
I'm the one who laughs the loudest when watching a movie at the theatres.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
Sunshine, boudoir, movies.

What's your favorite read of all time?
My favorite read of all time is The Teachings of Don Juan by Carlos Castaneda. It taught me a lot about life.

Any guilty pleasures?

I love to be lazy although I always feel a bit guilty.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?

I lived for 2 years in Santa Fe, NM. It's the most enchanting place on earth for me. That's where I would like to be right now!

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
There is chaos around me. I have to cut through it! A hat is born!
As a designer, artist and creator I'm always experimenting with form and material, hoping to inspire. My biggest passion is designing hats. I love to make a dressed up person complete like putting the dot on the I.

How long have you been at it?
I honestly can say for ever! My first doll was African American and I loved to make dresses for her. Later I graduated from a fashion design school in Vienna, which gave me the necessary technical know how and back ground.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
It's definitely both :-)

From where/how do you find inspiration?
The moment I open my eyes in the morning I get inspired. I start the day with Sufi Whirlings. They put me in the mood of a child. Everything will inspire me. It can be the change of the weather, the vegetables I buy at the Turkish market, the colors of the flowers or the song I'm listening to.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
My most memorable creative experience was when I went for 3 weeks in solitude in a little hut, working on a series of shields I painted for an exhibition.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
If my creativity is tapped, I treat myself to something beautiful. I definitely dress myself up, use fragrances and make up, cook something very beautiful and share it with a close person. Normally this helps to get me back into creative mood!

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
I remember once when I couldn't create for a whole year. I just had to accept it. It felt like a necessary rest.

What is your formula for success?
My formula for success is creating only for yourself without being influenced by the norms of the society. Just designing dreams!

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
There are many moments in my life where I realize that I have achieved success. It depends of course on the definition of success. Success for example for me can be when I get people interested in my work. Success can also be when I sell my creations. Both happened very often in my life.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
I wouldn't take it too serious!

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Meeting people, go out into the world and listen to what other people have to say, see what other people create! Watch a movie!

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
I would be a singer or dancer!

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask about?
I'm also a painter.
http://www.irisartist.com

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?

GEOmetricSTYLE.etsy.com
decoratethediva.etsy.com
Meetalls.etsy.com
maclancy.etsy.com

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Not to expand that fast:-) which is probably not realistic.

Any suggestions for my next featured artist?
What about ArtMind.etsy.com



And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist... "what might this be?"

For me that's the universe!








.......................... end interview .........................

32 comments:

Sigmosaics said...

gorgeous choice in featured artist! Iris's creations are superb and it's wonderful to know more about her!!

Kreativlink said...

I very much enjoyed to learn more about fabulous Iris! :)

Catherine Ivins said...

I love Iris- thank you so much for doing this Ngan so we can learn more about the amazing Iris and her work!!

- Cat :)

Ama said...

Thanks for sharing this interview. I love Iris's creations and her friendly conversations.
=^x^=

ingermaaike said...

I loved reading about Iris! Thank you :-D

Kendra Zvonik said...

Great feature, Ngan!
Iris has always been so supportive of me and I really appreciate her enthusiasm and fearlessness! This post really shows what a great attitude she has about life and art making- reminding us not to take it all too serious! So true, Iris! I also appreciate hearing that even someone as creative as her has down times. Good advice about dealing with that.
I have been aware of her work as a painter and really admire her work. She is a real artist and a great friend.
Cheers Iris! Thanks Ngan!

Nora said...

I love Iris creations(the animal print is super chic) and her personality,She is always fun and in a good mood,a great persona,one of a kind,one of those you always love to have around

Nora
www.norakaren.etsy.com

l'actrice said...

Thank you Ngan for this wonderful interview with me! I feel so well understood! I also really appreciate the great comments of all my friends in here! Thank you all for taking the time. I love you for that!

Mitsy / ArtMind said...

Hahaha, when I read the first line of this interview and I was already laughing!
I wonder who of us both will laugh hardest when going to the theater! I love laughing!
Iris is such a wonderful, loving person, there is no way not to love her! And it was so nice to read more about her and get to know her better!
Thanks Enve & Iris for this! :)
Enve, I'm still green about your blog lay out! :P

pey said...

Great questions and even better answers, love Iris and love Iris facts..... a great read, thanks !

karuski said...

Such a great interview, so fun to read about Iris and her life. And wow, I didn't know much about her paintings yet. I love those landscapes.

-minna

ohleoluca said...

This is great! I really appreciate that you asked interesting/intriguing questions. And her answers are just spot on how lovely she really is in real life! She's a great friend of mine and is really inspiring with the way she lives life and her secrets on staying happy!

Anonymous said...

Great interview. Love to get to know other artists!

fel4u said...

Iris I really enjoyed reading about you !Great interview !!!!!!!

glasfaden said...

Thank you so much for featuring Iris! I really enjoy knowing more about her.
Iris dear, if you once come to visit me, we'll sing together, okay? :) Thanks for sharing about yourself!! *hugs*

The4inONE said...

Iris is not only a very creative artists but one of the most adorable friend we could find on Etsy!
Compliments dear friend!!!
Hugs!

:-) :-)

Unknown said...

It's wonderful to see yet another side to Ms. Iris. She is a remarkable person who has lived a remarkable life. I'm still waiting to see the movie she acted in that is yet to come to DVD, but hopefully will soon. :c)

Tina

maclancy said...

I just want to say that Iris is one of the nicest an most upbeat people on etsy and I think we would laugh out loud together in a movie!
Keep your inner child free as you are and I cannot wait to see your paintings.Thanks for mentioning my site on etsy! you are the best!!
happy trails!
Marianne

Botanical Bird said...

I love this girl, Iris!!
I'm so happy to know more about her and I'm so inspired by her enthusiasm for life! Fabulous interview Nagan...thank you!
xoxo
Cyd

Decorate the Diva said...

This is AWESWOME!!! I love Iris; she is an inspiration to me! An actress, artist, creative sewer, and all around down to earth lady! She starts the day with Sufi Whirling’s, how whimsical and romantic is that… I just love her! You must see her art if you haven’t it's magnificent!!! I wish I could afford to own a piece or two!!! xoxo
~Renee

Unknown said...

I love Iris,and her jop wonderful ..

Raven said...

Great interview, Ngan!

xxx

lillyella said...

great one, Ngan! Such a cool art form.

laura slocum said...

Hey Ngan, you probably picked the most interesting artist EVER for your feature - I enjoyed reading it!! (I like to be lazy, too.. then I feel guilty.... maybe we are related??!!) laura xxoo

June Shin said...

Iris is such a lovely person. Who doesn't love her! Thanks for sharing this with everyone!

f2images said...

What cool hats!

Winklepots said...

Fun questions and a great feature, Enve. :o)

l'actrice said...

I'm so bewildered by all this cool comments! May I send out some kisses to all of you! Iris

Ngan {eNVe Designs} said...

Wow Iris, you are so loved. It's no wonder why though! :)

Chocolate and Steel said...

I am not familiar with Iris's work until now. What great creations and she seems like such a wonderful person. Thanks for this interview. I feel uplifted:)

Unknown said...

--how nice to learn more about iris!! we all have this sense of one another on etsy ( oh what a wonderland) --and i've always felt Iris's beautiful spirit shining through-- from her wonderful treasuries to her original designs and her shop. what a lovely feature ngan-- and what a vibrant life loving lady! ( well both of you actually!)

iris YOU ROCK! as wren willow would say!! and yes i'm off to see your paintings. i am looking forward!
xoxo

limonada said...

I'm so glad i found this! I love Is, she's the sweetest person!