FEATURED ARTIST :: Yann Pendaries

I always enjoy perusing the work of this week's featured artist, Yann Pendaries.  Every photo is like walking into a snapshot of someone's dream.  There's always an air of beautiful and inviting mystery.  If you haven't already discovered his inspiring work, I hope you'll take a moment now. 

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

A random fun fact about yourself:
Once during a trip to Germany I was looking for my train in Koln train station, and I did not speak German (and still don't!) so I decided to ask my way in English to an employee of the station, but my English is about as good as my German, suddenly instead of saying: "I have a problem" I said to the stationmaster, "I'm a problem," the stationmaster directs me to a window behind which was a man in uniform and there I thought I would go to jail as mad, but the station master made me understand my nicely with gestures where I should go and how to get the right train.  I swear I felt very very ridiculous, I laughed all alone and I think people really took me for a fool.

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
walking, spring, bike

What's your favorite read of all time?
a book on the history of Paris, because I love my city, which is full of unusual stories

Any guilty pleasures?
chocolate! I have a very sweet tongue ;o)

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
Island is in a beautiful area that I do not know, but someday I hope to go in this country that looks magical

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
exciting

How long have you been at it?
I've been taking photos since my childhood – but I have been working in this field for about 8 years now.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I think it is at first a natural talent but then practice does perfect is like a musical instrument, the more we work on it, the best you play.

Do you dabble in any other forms of art?
I tried music, I learned to play accordion for a while, but I have no ear for music and I broke the ears of my next-door neighbors so I prefer to listen to others ;o)

From where/how do you find inspiration?
On random walks or meetings. I don't look for it usually, I happen on it.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
When I went the first time to the home country of my mother, in Czech Republic where I discovered a magical culture and landscapes.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
Not having my camera and seeing a scene unfold before my eyes without being able to grasp and put a half second on a picture for life.

What is your formula for success?
passion

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Success is a difficult thing to achieve, and one must be patient, very patient.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Sometimes when I'm feeling a little down, because I can not find the inspiration, I do not seek to provoke it, but simply let it come to me, eg from walking around the city, and often it lifts my spirits because I managed to make some good photos.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Walking around the streets of paris, seeking inspiration... or just enjoying the moment!

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A hot-air balloon, for everyone likes watching a balloon go in the sky, a balloon is a direct meeting with nature, it's light, the silence is reassuring when you see a balloon in the sky, all the men stop to watch, I'm sure if men were fighting and a balloon would pass over their heads they would stop and peace for a little while... unfortunately I have never been in a hot-air balloon .. yet!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/malam 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/philippesarts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TimothyAdamDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/munieca
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cerriousdesign
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNebulousKingdom
and many more

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
That everyone would find its place and can live of his art, sharing this passion with others.

And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
I see a source of creativity as an eye looking to add color in the blank white square which represents the universe around us.

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

Yann, your work is brilliant.  Thank you for letting us take a peek at the man behind the camera!  :)

Seven things and Seven people

 
The lovely Dennice of Fringe has given me this blog award.  Dennice creates gorgeous knitted goodies, such as this turquoise lariat (which she happens to be giving away right now! click on the image to enter).

Thank you for thinking of me, Dennice!  It's a complete honor!  So in accepting, I need to list 7 things about me, then pass it on to 7 others. 

I'm going to do it a little differently, so rather than 7 facts, I'll list 7 things I aspire to do/be on a daily basis.

Every day, I hope to...
1 - be loving
2 - make someone around me laugh
3 - live openly and honestly
4 - do something creative
5 - give myself a break (doesn't always happen)
6 - take a photo
7 - tweeze (so that my husband doesn't suddenly discover that he's married to a werewolf)

And now, the 7 lovelies I'm tagging, in no particular order:
1 - June of June Shin
2 - Jen of Pole Star
3 - Emily of MChen Wears
4 - Lynn of UnaOdd
5 - Mollie of Rough Magic Creations
6 - Noelle of Xenotees
7 - Anna of The Noble Gnome

If it were up to me, I'd list just about everyone because I love learning more about my friends around me.  So if you're on my list of blog reads (to the left), I'm also tagging you.  And if you frequent my blog, I'm tagging you too.  Without you all, I'd be talking to myself (which is only fun for the first minute or two).  If you choose to accept this award, please list your 7 and link to 7 others (no pressure of course.. you're still beautiful regardless).

FEATURED ARTIST :: yevgenia

 It never ceases to amaze me how much talent I come across on a daily basis, just from wandering around Etsy.   Being a stay at home mom at this time in my life, I don't often get opportunities to peruse art galleries.  Thank heavens for Etsy and the internet, my window into art that is not created by my 2-year-old.  I recently discovered Yevgenia's work through her Etsy shop and am so thrilled she took a moment to answer my questions!  You can also take a look at her incredible artwork on www.yevgenia.com.  You will be amazed.  I also love that she's a fellow Murakami addict!  Without further ado, let's meet Yevgenia!

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

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
Dash
Splash
Hurrah

What's your favorite read of all time?
Anything Haruki Murakami, but specifically “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle”.




Any guilty pleasures?
Very dark chocolate. But who said it’s gotta be guilty. Isn’t it good for ya?

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
It’s a toss up between London and Paris. I’d go back to either city any time…

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
It’s definitely playful, whimsical, colorful and complex in a child-like way.

How long have you been at it?
I started this kind of craft 2 years ago when I needed to figure out a birthday present for my dad. What do you get for person who’s seen it all - definitely something meaningful from the heart. But since his walls are covered with my paintings I wanted the present to be functional, so he’d think of me every time he uses it. After that I moved on to everything else in the house, including sinks, lamps, glass wall partitions and so on. At this point all our cups, dishes, vases and containers at home are hand painted by me.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
I have to say both. I always have visuals in my head of how I want the final product to look like. But it takes a lot of practice to actually make it happen exactly how I want it. I do not sketch the design before I start a piece, so it’s a work from scratch each time.

Do you dabble in any other forms of art?
Yes, I am a multi-media artist, making sculptures and installations with background in painting. I’ve been doing art ever since I can remember myself. My most recent series are 3 dimensional translucent paintings with architectural structures done on old reclaimed windows. They lit up and serve as an art object and a light fixture at the same time.  You can check out my art at www.yevgenia.com

From where/how do you find inspiration?
I always draw inspiration from my childhood memories, stories, book illustrations that are vividly imprinted in my mind, but also from maps (all kinds of maps) and nature.

Share something about your creative process that most people wouldn't know.
I start creating by thinking what would I kill for to have in my house that I haven’t seen in stores. I think of an object, and then scout for it either in the attic, thrift stores or anywhere else. I treat each project as making a painting. I want to be captivated when looking at it.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
Collaborating with my husband, a wonderful talented artist, Carlos Carrillo, on an installation show we had at Dumbo, Brooklyn 2 years ago. It was a dream come true to develop a vision together and work through all the obstacles and challenges to make it happen. It was the most wonderful 3-day creative marathon.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
First I freak out, and then I work through it, thinking that there is always something to be imagined. And if it doesn’t work I switch gears for a little while. Long walks, riding my stationary-bike (I can actually daydream on it) or running helps tremendously, that’s when I work out any issues I have.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
3 days ago I couldn’t figure out the design that would work on a new liquor bottle I got. It was an angular geometric shape, which is different from curvy, round objects I usually find. And I hit a wall. That was 3 days if intense workouts. ☺

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Reading or cooking, love cooking! Or playing with my 2 cats and a dog.


In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
I’d be a cook!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
dadaya.etsy.com
LondonParticulars.etsy.com
Stepanka.etsy.com
elementclaystudio.etsy.com
kjoo.etsy.com

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40291719
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23599016
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36254112
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8799537
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40919719






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

Deep well










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


Yevgenia, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring thoughts and art with us!

VERSATILE FIND :: more magnetism

These necklaces by colorblindsmarties are so much fun!  Just look at what you can do with them.  Nice to see I'm not the only one who loves jewelry you can play with.  :)

BRILLIANCE :: This Too Shall Pass

OK Go's music videos are always genius in my mind, but I can't tell you how much I love this video!  You have to watch it a hundred times to appreciate every single detail.  And if you look in the background, you can see some of the remains of previous takes.  It's like a virtual theme park ride.. multiplied by all kinds of awesome!  Sure, you can quote me on that. ;)  Enjoy!

FEATURED ARTIST :: asherjasper

 

This week's Featured Artist is Vicky of asherjasper.  Having 2 little ones at home, I am always looking at amazing handmade baby and kid-related goodies on Etsy.  I recently came across Vicky's shop and just had to feature her incredible and absolutely adorable work!  After perusing her shop, I just want to take every adorable little creature home with me... I mean, for my kids, of course.  ;)

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

A random fun fact about yourself:
I'm from England and met my husband on a painting trip in Italy when we were both 23. We now live in California with our 2 boys Asher and Jasper.





The first 3 random words that pop into your mind: shape, move, pretty

Any guilty pleasures?
I'm a complete chocoholic. I cannot have it in the house or it will be gone in seconds.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
right here wherever I am.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Fun and happy needle felted sculptures and toys.

How long have you been at it?
I started in October 2008 when I decided I wanted to felt something for my friend's children.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
A little of both. I have drastically improved my skills over the past year just by needle felting for several hours a day - but my ability to design a product and my complete obsessive compulsive personality are innate.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. I pull from a 'kawaii' sort of style and I like simple clean design. I often think, "What would my boys enjoy," or what would I have liked for them when they were babies. I often make some of my most successful toys from custom requests.I love it when customers give me an idea of what they want and I make it come to life.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
When my art teacher gave me a huge box of oil paints that he found in the back of a closet to use at home when I was about 12 years old.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
Hasn't happened yet :P I just look around and there's something else to explore.

What is your formula for success?
Dedication to your craft, perfecting your product, bright clear photos and great communication.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Yes, when I had to close my store 3 times in about 3 months so that I could catch up on orders.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Search around on Etsy, Flickr, go to the library, go for a walk and something will just jump right out at you!

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Playing with my kids Asher(5) and Jasper(2). I love to cook and am often found in the kitchen preparing something. I am also addicted to the internet. Love listening to TED talks and KCRW's This American Life.

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A biologist.


What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
sarahclemensclothing, pirilamporiscado, yellena 

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Anything from Sarahclemens ;)

Any suggestions for my next featured artist? 

mamaslittlebabies I've always found her store really interesting.










And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
A tunnel









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

Vicky, thank you so much for taking the time to share your work with us!  :)

Noble Gnome Giveaway WINNER!

Congratulations to JewelryBySolange! 

She said "I love Anna's use of color on all her creations. Im a huge fan of labradorite and turquoise, so I would love to see more pieces using these stones!"

Thank you to everyone for all your entries!  Stay tuned tomorrow for my next featured artist!

Featured Artist and GIVEAWAY :: noblegnome

 

I'm so thrilled to introduce you to my next featured artist, Anna of Noble Gnome, another extraordinary painter, jewelry designer, and mom!  I bet you're already familiar with her work.  It hasn't even been a year since she opened her jewelry shop and already, she has had incredible success with it!  And it's no wonder she found such great success, her jewelry designs are so vibrant and unique.  I'm still in awe that she has accomplished so much already, which is a real testament to how much of a natural talent she is.

Thank you so much for sharing your work with us, Anna!

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

A random fun fact about yourself:
I have hiccups a lot and the only thing that helps (trust me, I’ve tried everything) is my husband telling me he will give me a million bucks If I hiccup again. It never fails although I know he‘s lying through his teeth and I don‘t give a hoot about money. Yes I’m blond!

The first 3 random words that pop into your mind:
Licorice, books, clouds

What's your favorite read of all time?
When I was a kid, my brother and I would take turns reading the Lord of the Rings and it is still my favorite. 

Any guilty pleasures?
Don’t feel guilt at all about any pleasures.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
Kare Kare beach in New Zealand. My family and I lived close to it when I was a teenager and it is still the place I go to in my head when I need a relaxing moment. It’s a place of unspoiled beauty, deadly cliffs and the greenest ocean I have ever seen.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Earthy, eclectic and rustic.

How long have you been at it?
I feared this question as some may not take me seriously after reading it but I started making jewelry the day before I opened my shop in March 2009. I was frustrated with not finding what I liked for a price I could afford. That said, I believe original designs and hard work deserve a high price, I just wasn’t in a position to acquire it and I know there are many more out there like me. I have always worked with my hands, creating art, fixing things, improvising. This was merely another avenue for an over stimulated mind!

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
Not really sure. I am a firm believer in “you can do anything you set your mind to” but although it has taken A LOT of practice and wasted wire, jewelry making feels right, just like painting feels right and no matter what it is, I am sticking to it.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
Growing up I was blessed with two parents who cherished nature, knowledge and folk tales. That is still a huge part of me.

My father, an incredible force of inspiration in my life passed away almost three years ago from brain cancer. He was one of the most respected specialists on brain research and learning in my native Sweden. I’m safe to say, he would find the irony in this. When I was a child and young teenager, he would tell tales of Mythology, forgotten people and those that never were. To this day, those stories are a great part of me and I guess they are very dear to me in part because of him and most of my jewelry start out with one of those stories in mind. Also, a healthy dose of world travel/living does work wonder for creativity.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
When my husband had brought home a vintage block of worn steel, bought me the perfect hammer and told me to have fun! That’s when I realized I could break free from the standard machine made ear wires. How liberating.

Any memorable low points that you've learned from?
The low points are really only an opportunity to make it better. I’ve had many but try to focus on making new designs when sales are slow.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Every time a customer takes the time to send me an e-mail or give me positive feedback is mind boggling to me. It is such a treat and it keeps me motivated but I think the moment you think of it as success it takes away from that appreciative feeling. Sales don’t mean a thing unless the customer loves what they are wearing.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Stay true to what you feel in your heart. If you truly feel good about the quality work you are making it is worth your time to create, present and promote but you must do all these things if you really want to sell your work. I started out as a vfine artist on Etsy, selling oil paintings, but not knowing any better I had this idea in my head that if people liked it they would find it. For the first half hour after listing the item this was true but you have to believe in your items enough to find ways to promote them, to tell the world where they are.

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Playing with my two little kids. They are 1 and 3, taking up every minute of the day. They are my priority during the day. I want them to grow up the way I did, experiencing the world, not watching it on TV. We spend plenty of time outside and reading books. In a few years in an ideal world, oil painting will again be a great part of my life. Sigh…

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
Ha, you had to ask. Probably working with wildlife in some form. The kiddos would love that!

What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
This could be a very long list but here are a few:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/comedaygoday
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatHannah
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PegandAwl
http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonovermaize
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ureshii

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Any of her originals but I love this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33363471

And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
My dog Bullseye was born with a big dot on his forehead. His markings have changed a little and it is not quite as prominent anymore. We’ve had him since day one and I always think of him whenever I see a circle!








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

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!!  
(winner selected on Monday, March 8th)

Anna is graciously giving away these stunning Solaris earrings to one lucky winner!

Here's how to enter:

*  Visit her shop and leave a comment about what you would like to see more of.
* you must include your contact info (email, blog, or etsy shop) so I can reach you if you win

Possible Bonus Entries:

Leave a separate comment for each entry please.


1) follow Anna on twitter: @noblegnome
2) follow me on twitter: @eNVeDesigns
3) tweet about the giveaway (include @eNVeDesigns and a link to this post for validation)
4) fan Noble Gnome on facebook
5) fan eNVe Designs on Facebook
6) follow Anna's blog: http://www.noblegnome.blogspot.com
7) follow my blog (sorry, I can't validate anonymous followers)

You have one week to enter.  The lucky winner will be selected at random next Monday, March 8th so get your entries in before then.  Good luck! :)