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Travis Sudweeks creates pottery for the last thirty years. During that period he developed an astonishing level of perfection while creating his pieces. His smooth, minimalistic designs carry a dose of luxury that came from a years invested in his craft.
His style is definition of what he loves to see and the things he would love to use. And trough the years it has been a proven good practice.
A lesson we all should follow. A seed of wisdom to be nurtured.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s gorgeous in nature here.
The journey began 30 years ago as a 14 year old freshman at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. I was taught by master potter Andrew Watson. I knew I loved it from the beginning, and took every class I could. I would stay after school for hours making terrible pots, but always learning and not caring how good things were. It was fun. It still is fun. I learned from Andrew for many years after high school, and I still do learn from him. We chat on the phone and I learn from his goodness at being a human who works with clay. At one point, I lived in his huge farm house studio, it was anything but glamorous and was filled to bursting with not only pottery, but old cars, musical instruments, farm equipment, horse gear, couches, and a thousand other items that could have been seen as gross or interesting, depending on the person.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
Excitement I believe is my first emotion when I figure out a new design I want to make, or a glaze technique that works out. Usually I can’t wait to make more of the idea. When I first started on my path to becoming a full time potter I would dream of pieces, and I just had to go and make them. I would see them all the time in odd places, at odd moments, until I made them and then the drive would go away. I’ve also found inspiration when I swim laps, sometimes a shape will just pop in my mind when I swim. Very odd. It doesn’t happen as much to me anymore, it makes me kind of sad that it doesn’t. Maybe i make to much pottery now. But either way, it’s still a lot of fun and very gratifying to make useful pieces that people will use and hopefully love for a long time.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
My design aesthetic took a very long time to figure out, it still meanders, I feel like there are more roads to travel down with my design until I really feel like my glazes are 100 percent me. But I feel like my designs are me. I used to travel a lot, from those travels I was changed by the beauty of old and new architecture, and I found I absolutely love gaudy European architecture, the skill and art work, time and patience, and love that went in to those buildings, oh the stories they could tell. I love how these traditions continue on with the artisans of today restoring the old and keeping them alive. It truly blows my mind. But with pottery, I’ve found that I love simplicity, and I find that my favorite pieces to use, to touch, and to look at are the simple ones. Luckily, I find that many people and customers resonate with what I like to make, which allows me to keep creating and expanding my ideas and supporting my small family with pottery.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
This could be a book. I’m sure someone has written it. But I will try to tell you how much heart ache and pain and love goes in to all my pieces. Insecurities of making and design pop up every day. For instance, why don’t I sell out on my Virtual Studio Sales? How can I make more pottery? How can my designs be better so enough people will buy them to make this all easier? When can I finally buy a damn Ferrari? Just kidding, I only want a Vespa. Money can be an issue, summer is my slow time and I’m trying to figure out how to get over this hurdle. Having enough capital on hand to purchase materials, tools, etc, is crucial and is so important. When I first started on this full time venture I had to figure out how I could throw enough pottery to get as good as I could, as fast as I could all while working a full time job. Now I don’t have enough time in the day to make enough pottery. It’s always something. Right? As of January I now take Sunday’s off. This is the first time in 5 years that I’ve taken a day of the week off. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, well I would have it a little easier to make money, a little more time off, that imaginary house in the Swiss Alps is calling my name, just kidding, it’s in Portugal.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I like both. Single pieces can stand out and really tell a story, for me this is especially true with large vases. These pieces show so much craftsmanship, and can really be a statement to who the artisan is. But I also have fallen in love with the look of a hundred mugs waiting to be trimmed, all pretty much identical. There is beauty in repetition.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I use clay, I love clay, it connects me with the earth, it connects me with the people that use or own my pottery, it connects me to the other potters in the world that love to make pottery as well. Clay is every changing, it is an impossible process that we humans, ever the smug ones, think we can master, but we can never master clay, not even the masters.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
Art makes you feel. It is an experience. Art has the power to take you away from your problems and sweep into a world of it’s own making. For that brief moment we become part of that art.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Travis Sudweeks for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
Travis Sudweeks creates pottery for the last thirty years. During that period he developed an astonishing level of perfection while creating his pieces. His smooth, minimalistic designs carry a dose of luxury that came from a years invested in his craft.
His style is definition of what he loves to see and the things he would love to use. And trough the years it has been a proven good practice.
A lesson we all should follow. A seed of wisdom to be nurtured.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m currently based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s gorgeous in nature here.
The journey began 30 years ago as a 14 year old freshman at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. I was taught by master potter Andrew Watson. I knew I loved it from the beginning, and took every class I could. I would stay after school for hours making terrible pots, but always learning and not caring how good things were. It was fun. It still is fun. I learned from Andrew for many years after high school, and I still do learn from him. We chat on the phone and I learn from his goodness at being a human who works with clay. At one point, I lived in his huge farm house studio, it was anything but glamorous and was filled to bursting with not only pottery, but old cars, musical instruments, farm equipment, horse gear, couches, and a thousand other items that could have been seen as gross or interesting, depending on the person.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
Excitement I believe is my first emotion when I figure out a new design I want to make, or a glaze technique that works out. Usually I can’t wait to make more of the idea. When I first started on my path to becoming a full time potter I would dream of pieces, and I just had to go and make them. I would see them all the time in odd places, at odd moments, until I made them and then the drive would go away. I’ve also found inspiration when I swim laps, sometimes a shape will just pop in my mind when I swim. Very odd. It doesn’t happen as much to me anymore, it makes me kind of sad that it doesn’t. Maybe i make to much pottery now. But either way, it’s still a lot of fun and very gratifying to make useful pieces that people will use and hopefully love for a long time.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
My design aesthetic took a very long time to figure out, it still meanders, I feel like there are more roads to travel down with my design until I really feel like my glazes are 100 percent me. But I feel like my designs are me. I used to travel a lot, from those travels I was changed by the beauty of old and new architecture, and I found I absolutely love gaudy European architecture, the skill and art work, time and patience, and love that went in to those buildings, oh the stories they could tell. I love how these traditions continue on with the artisans of today restoring the old and keeping them alive. It truly blows my mind. But with pottery, I’ve found that I love simplicity, and I find that my favorite pieces to use, to touch, and to look at are the simple ones. Luckily, I find that many people and customers resonate with what I like to make, which allows me to keep creating and expanding my ideas and supporting my small family with pottery.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
This could be a book. I’m sure someone has written it. But I will try to tell you how much heart ache and pain and love goes in to all my pieces. Insecurities of making and design pop up every day. For instance, why don’t I sell out on my Virtual Studio Sales? How can I make more pottery? How can my designs be better so enough people will buy them to make this all easier? When can I finally buy a damn Ferrari? Just kidding, I only want a Vespa. Money can be an issue, summer is my slow time and I’m trying to figure out how to get over this hurdle. Having enough capital on hand to purchase materials, tools, etc, is crucial and is so important. When I first started on this full time venture I had to figure out how I could throw enough pottery to get as good as I could, as fast as I could all while working a full time job. Now I don’t have enough time in the day to make enough pottery. It’s always something. Right? As of January I now take Sunday’s off. This is the first time in 5 years that I’ve taken a day of the week off. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, well I would have it a little easier to make money, a little more time off, that imaginary house in the Swiss Alps is calling my name, just kidding, it’s in Portugal.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I like both. Single pieces can stand out and really tell a story, for me this is especially true with large vases. These pieces show so much craftsmanship, and can really be a statement to who the artisan is. But I also have fallen in love with the look of a hundred mugs waiting to be trimmed, all pretty much identical. There is beauty in repetition.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I use clay, I love clay, it connects me with the earth, it connects me with the people that use or own my pottery, it connects me to the other potters in the world that love to make pottery as well. Clay is every changing, it is an impossible process that we humans, ever the smug ones, think we can master, but we can never master clay, not even the masters.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
Art makes you feel. It is an experience. Art has the power to take you away from your problems and sweep into a world of it’s own making. For that brief moment we become part of that art.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Travis Sudweeks for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
Our blog is the place where we talk about art. About emotions and energy which create the world around us. It is a place where we learn and get new information. Today we have a great pleasure to present to you one very inspiring lady. The lady who asks the questions looks for an answer and contributes to the positive change in the best way she can. Meghan Yarnell created a pottery brand for which she finds inspiration in one of the most severe problems of her community. Her art pieces educate you most profoundly. With her subtle approach, she leaves a deep mark and makes you think more. What are our priorities in life, where are we heading to?
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
Our blog is the place where we talk about art. About emotions and energy which create the world around us. It is a place where we learn and get new information. Today we have a great pleasure to present to you one very inspiring lady. The lady who asks the questions looks for an answer and contributes to the positive change in the best way she can. Meghan Yarnell created a pottery brand for which she finds inspiration in one of the most severe problems of her community. Her art pieces educate you most profoundly. With her subtle approach, she leaves a deep mark and makes you think more. What are our priorities in life, where are we heading to?
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
A mind of a child is one exciting place. It works fast, soaks up the information that gets, and with that exciting imagination of a child, it creates beautiful stories. The ones who nurture that inner child when they are older are the ones who win in adult life. It gives them a world without limits and a fruitful stream of creativity.
When we first encountered Casey Taylor Ceramics we could feel the inner child in her work. Tangled with great skills she developed during her carrier, it brought to us beautiful pieces of art that seem to keep on giving to their owners. That feeling of joy and excitement that we felt led us to the open and vulnerable interview with her. Take a moment for yourself and enjoy her art while reading it.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m from Rhinebeck NY, and am currently living and working across the river in Kingston. My art journey really started when I was very small- from the first time I picked up a crayon. My mom was pretty creative, and my dad was a mechanical engineer, and they both liked drawing but had very different styles. I’m not neuro-typical so drawing really became the way I stayed connected with the world around me, I would get in trouble so often in elementary school for doodling because my teachers thought I was zoning out- but it was the drawing that actually helped me stay tuned in. From high school on, I expanded my creative endeavors to sewing and sculpture, and eventually ceramics when I was in my third year in college. That changed everything.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I don’t know if I could say it’s an emotion that drives me to make work- it’s more of a desire to see something in my head take up physical space, and sometimes it’s just a need to be doing something with my hands. If it’s something that’s in my head already, I tend to bake that inspiration for a bit before actually making it. I’m not sure if that’s to make sure I don’t change my mind or what- part of me thinks it’s a bit of a lack of confidence in confronting my inner critic, who I call Stacey. She thinks that everything I make has to have an ‘educated’ approach and represent some big, vast idea- I’m getting a bit better at telling her that not all art has to do that.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
Oh man, this is a tough one. I have so many designs in my functional work- I think it’s safe to say that the back story is simply wanting to make different things and always be exploring and having fun. I tend to see the world in a very positive light, I’ve had a lot of loss in my life and while it really weighs on me, it also makes all the wonderful things out there a little more wonderful. A lot of inspiration comes from 90’s cartoons and retro fast food kids meals and packaging; some of my favorite things from my childhood.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
My advice is definitely get all the paperwork and boring yet official business things done first, even before you think you need to! I waited to do any of that because I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to support myself as an artist full time. But fact is, if you love it enough and don’t mind putting hours and hours of work in, you can absolutely do it!
I think my main struggle with working as a full time artist is self discipline. I’m definitely getting better at it- but I have my studio in my house where I also have 40 other projects going and two cats that love to cuddle and play, so those things can be a little distracting! I’ve found it helps to make a daily routine around being in the studio, like relaxing a bit with breakfast and then getting tuned into a podcast or an album that gets you in the mindset to start making.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I actually really like both in different contexts. Most of my work right now is functional ceramics like mugs and things, where I will make multiples of each object, but they are all single object stories to tell. When it comes to my sculptural work though, I really like working my way through understanding a concept by making numerous pieces related to it. I don’t know if that’s storytelling exactly, but there is a narrative quality.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
My main material right now is clay. There is so much I could say about it! Every time we did any kind of ceramics in high school, I was so fascinated and excited by the process. When I took a class in college and could experiment to my heart’s content, a light came on. Before that, I was creating something on an already established surface- but with ceramics, you create the canvas and what goes on it.
Clay is this really humble material that connects all humans- it’s discovery allowed us to start the very first civilizations by making it possible to store food, and eventually discover beer; and it was just hanging around near riverbeds minding its own business ! Having this connection that’s so ancient and rooted in community really makes clay almost human itself- seeing fingerprints on ancient vessels and feeling the marks of someone else when you drink out of a mug they made, there’s part of the maker in these objects. It really makes you feel a deep connectivity, and that’s my favorite part about it.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
I’ve been trying to decontextualize art as it exists for me vs how it’s defined by institutions; basically a reconditioning post-college trying to unlearn how serious I became and to have more fun. I’m still working on that, so I don’t have a solid answer- but in getting closer, I’ve figured out that I need to love what I’m making to call it art. It has to be for me, even if I’m selling it. It doesn’t have to have a big story behind it, or be making a big statement on society; it just needs to give me that ‘feeling’ when I look at it.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Casey Taylor for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
A mind of a child is one exciting place. It works fast, soaks up the information that gets, and with that exciting imagination of a child, it creates beautiful stories. The ones who nurture that inner child when they are older are the ones who win in adult life. It gives them a world without limits and a fruitful stream of creativity.
When we first encountered Casey Taylor Ceramics we could feel the inner child in her work. Tangled with great skills she developed during her carrier, it brought to us beautiful pieces of art that seem to keep on giving to their owners. That feeling of joy and excitement that we felt led us to the open and vulnerable interview with her. Take a moment for yourself and enjoy her art while reading it.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m from Rhinebeck NY, and am currently living and working across the river in Kingston. My art journey really started when I was very small- from the first time I picked up a crayon. My mom was pretty creative, and my dad was a mechanical engineer, and they both liked drawing but had very different styles. I’m not neuro-typical so drawing really became the way I stayed connected with the world around me, I would get in trouble so often in elementary school for doodling because my teachers thought I was zoning out- but it was the drawing that actually helped me stay tuned in. From high school on, I expanded my creative endeavors to sewing and sculpture, and eventually ceramics when I was in my third year in college. That changed everything.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I don’t know if I could say it’s an emotion that drives me to make work- it’s more of a desire to see something in my head take up physical space, and sometimes it’s just a need to be doing something with my hands. If it’s something that’s in my head already, I tend to bake that inspiration for a bit before actually making it. I’m not sure if that’s to make sure I don’t change my mind or what- part of me thinks it’s a bit of a lack of confidence in confronting my inner critic, who I call Stacey. She thinks that everything I make has to have an ‘educated’ approach and represent some big, vast idea- I’m getting a bit better at telling her that not all art has to do that.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
Oh man, this is a tough one. I have so many designs in my functional work- I think it’s safe to say that the back story is simply wanting to make different things and always be exploring and having fun. I tend to see the world in a very positive light, I’ve had a lot of loss in my life and while it really weighs on me, it also makes all the wonderful things out there a little more wonderful. A lot of inspiration comes from 90’s cartoons and retro fast food kids meals and packaging; some of my favorite things from my childhood.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
My advice is definitely get all the paperwork and boring yet official business things done first, even before you think you need to! I waited to do any of that because I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to support myself as an artist full time. But fact is, if you love it enough and don’t mind putting hours and hours of work in, you can absolutely do it!
I think my main struggle with working as a full time artist is self discipline. I’m definitely getting better at it- but I have my studio in my house where I also have 40 other projects going and two cats that love to cuddle and play, so those things can be a little distracting! I’ve found it helps to make a daily routine around being in the studio, like relaxing a bit with breakfast and then getting tuned into a podcast or an album that gets you in the mindset to start making.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I actually really like both in different contexts. Most of my work right now is functional ceramics like mugs and things, where I will make multiples of each object, but they are all single object stories to tell. When it comes to my sculptural work though, I really like working my way through understanding a concept by making numerous pieces related to it. I don’t know if that’s storytelling exactly, but there is a narrative quality.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
My main material right now is clay. There is so much I could say about it! Every time we did any kind of ceramics in high school, I was so fascinated and excited by the process. When I took a class in college and could experiment to my heart’s content, a light came on. Before that, I was creating something on an already established surface- but with ceramics, you create the canvas and what goes on it.
Clay is this really humble material that connects all humans- it’s discovery allowed us to start the very first civilizations by making it possible to store food, and eventually discover beer; and it was just hanging around near riverbeds minding its own business ! Having this connection that’s so ancient and rooted in community really makes clay almost human itself- seeing fingerprints on ancient vessels and feeling the marks of someone else when you drink out of a mug they made, there’s part of the maker in these objects. It really makes you feel a deep connectivity, and that’s my favorite part about it.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
I’ve been trying to decontextualize art as it exists for me vs how it’s defined by institutions; basically a reconditioning post-college trying to unlearn how serious I became and to have more fun. I’m still working on that, so I don’t have a solid answer- but in getting closer, I’ve figured out that I need to love what I’m making to call it art. It has to be for me, even if I’m selling it. It doesn’t have to have a big story behind it, or be making a big statement on society; it just needs to give me that ‘feeling’ when I look at it.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Casey Taylor for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
There are many pros and cons for both directions but, it is always fascinating to hear that a childhood dream came true. Simona Candini started her artistic journey as a child. Her first desires were to create, to paint, to develop an art skill. During her life, as many of us can relate, those dreams were stopped by what we call a reality of adult life. Fortunately for us and for her many fans around the world, she found her inner spark and made a fire. A fire of creativity, craft, and beauty.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
Hi! I’m from Bologna, Italy. My art journey starts when I was a child. I loved to create comics and illustrations with funny characters like cute animals or inanimate objects. I was using old daily planners to create my “comic books”. I still have all of these at my parent’s home! I was also creating manga style romantic stories. Then I grew up and went to the scientific high school. I had to study a lot and I couldn’t draw as much as I wanted. After the high-school I didn’t want to go to the university and so I started to work as a secretary.
But my passion for art was still burning inside me and after a couple of years I decided to continue my study and this time I chose the Academy of Fine art University in Bologna. I had to pass a test to enter because I didn’t previously go to the art high-school and the classes were tough because they assumed that you already had an art formation. It was a great experience, but I always consider myself a self-taught artist, because most things that I know about painting I had to learn by myself by trial and errors. I was working in the evenings, attending classes in the mornings and studying during the rest of the day. I ended up graduating with honors and it was a great satisfaction.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I have constantly new ideas that I would like to paint right away, but most of the time I can't because usually gallery shows have precise themes. Also when you work on commissions you have to follow the idea and themes chosen by your collectors, which it's something that I actually love because my collectors are very much in tune with me! I like to hear their stories, their ideas and connect with them. So I have a “magic” notebook that I keep filling with my thoughts and, anytime I have a chance, I make a painting based on the ideas that I wrote down. It happened to have something written there for a few years before I was ready to paint it! I feel a urge to create, I can't stay too long without painting, I feel terribly guilty for some reasons. It feels good to paint, being in the now while listening to music or to an audio-book. I helps me to concentrate and focus on what I'm doing.
On the contrary I have to be in complete silence when I'm sketching out my ideas or I would get distracted. Art helps me to go through the difficulties of life and so sometime what drives me to paint is the attachment and love for life, the need to go ahead day by day. When I sketch an idea, usually I stay with the first layout, so I don't really make many version of the same painting before starting.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
Well, I paint mostly for myself , I mean it is my own need to paint and I paint what I like, what I would love to hang on my walls. I paint what I feel, my dreams, my favorite fairy tales, I paint something inspired by music that I love, books or even movies. I don't know what other people will see, I think that everybody is free to interpret my artworks. I love when people reach out and let me know that my art brightened their day, or that helped them going through a tough period, when they tell me that they can relate with the characters of my artworks. Sometime It happens that I write a little explanation about what drove me to paint a certain subject, but we are all different and with our own baggage of experiences and life, so it's wonderful to know how wide is the range of emotions that an artwork can stir in the heart of somebody depending on infinite variables.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
Personally my main struggle is being productive as I would like to be when it happens that I'm physically sick or maybe I'm in a tough period and emotionally not in the right place. In these cases it's hard because I would like to do so many things but I don't have the energy and I have to
Accept that the only thing I can do is to take good care of myself and give me some time without forcing me too much. When there is a close deadline though, you don't really have the chance to take some time off, an so you have to really gather all your energy and go ahead even if you don't feel at your best. This really teaches you a lots of discipline. In the common imagination the artist is somebody who only paint when is very inspired, maybe at night and have a life with little or no rules. But in real life most of the time is not like so! We actually need to set our own rules in order to accomplish our goals and being too free sometimes can be a disadvantage if you don't know how to handle such freedom. So my advice to a starting artist would be is learn discipline, create good habits, be consistent, have grit (which is even more important than natural talent!) and go ahead in following your call, no matter what other people says.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Actually I like both creating single pieces and series, but probably I mostly work on single pieces because I like the variety of characters and moods. When I work on a series, for example illustrations inspired by a fairy tale, I pick the parts of the story that means the most for me and that would translate good into a scenery possibly filled with little details. I like to take different moments and character from the same story and freeze them into a composition a little bit like in a movie poster.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I've been using different media through the years, but the one that I connect the most with is oil on canvas. Oils are slow drying and I like the possibility of going over, blend some more, taking my time to work the colors in, the shades, the tones. I don't fit well with fast techniques. I do use watercolors too sometimes, but I “invented” my own technique that doesn't really require being fast. I love to create transparent glazing of colors over a monochrome under-painting. That's my favorite technique with oils and I do my best to keep learning about it.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
Art is my call in this world and to me means purpose, the right path when I'm lost, connection when I feel alone, hope when the world around me seems collapsing and it's therapeutic when I feel blue. Art for me is also my way to express joy, love, beauty, diversity, enthusiasm for the little things and sometimes away to watch the world through the eyes of my inner child. I think that art is an elixir and a cure for the hearts.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Simona Candini for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
There are many pros and cons for both directions but, it is always fascinating to hear that a childhood dream came true. Simona Candini started her artistic journey as a child. Her first desires were to create, to paint, to develop an art skill. During her life, as many of us can relate, those dreams were stopped by what we call a reality of adult life. Fortunately for us and for her many fans around the world, she found her inner spark and made a fire. A fire of creativity, craft, and beauty.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
Hi! I’m from Bologna, Italy. My art journey starts when I was a child. I loved to create comics and illustrations with funny characters like cute animals or inanimate objects. I was using old daily planners to create my “comic books”. I still have all of these at my parent’s home! I was also creating manga style romantic stories. Then I grew up and went to the scientific high school. I had to study a lot and I couldn’t draw as much as I wanted. After the high-school I didn’t want to go to the university and so I started to work as a secretary.
But my passion for art was still burning inside me and after a couple of years I decided to continue my study and this time I chose the Academy of Fine art University in Bologna. I had to pass a test to enter because I didn’t previously go to the art high-school and the classes were tough because they assumed that you already had an art formation. It was a great experience, but I always consider myself a self-taught artist, because most things that I know about painting I had to learn by myself by trial and errors. I was working in the evenings, attending classes in the mornings and studying during the rest of the day. I ended up graduating with honors and it was a great satisfaction.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I have constantly new ideas that I would like to paint right away, but most of the time I can't because usually gallery shows have precise themes. Also when you work on commissions you have to follow the idea and themes chosen by your collectors, which it's something that I actually love because my collectors are very much in tune with me! I like to hear their stories, their ideas and connect with them. So I have a “magic” notebook that I keep filling with my thoughts and, anytime I have a chance, I make a painting based on the ideas that I wrote down. It happened to have something written there for a few years before I was ready to paint it! I feel a urge to create, I can't stay too long without painting, I feel terribly guilty for some reasons. It feels good to paint, being in the now while listening to music or to an audio-book. I helps me to concentrate and focus on what I'm doing.
On the contrary I have to be in complete silence when I'm sketching out my ideas or I would get distracted. Art helps me to go through the difficulties of life and so sometime what drives me to paint is the attachment and love for life, the need to go ahead day by day. When I sketch an idea, usually I stay with the first layout, so I don't really make many version of the same painting before starting.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
Well, I paint mostly for myself , I mean it is my own need to paint and I paint what I like, what I would love to hang on my walls. I paint what I feel, my dreams, my favorite fairy tales, I paint something inspired by music that I love, books or even movies. I don't know what other people will see, I think that everybody is free to interpret my artworks. I love when people reach out and let me know that my art brightened their day, or that helped them going through a tough period, when they tell me that they can relate with the characters of my artworks. Sometime It happens that I write a little explanation about what drove me to paint a certain subject, but we are all different and with our own baggage of experiences and life, so it's wonderful to know how wide is the range of emotions that an artwork can stir in the heart of somebody depending on infinite variables.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
Personally my main struggle is being productive as I would like to be when it happens that I'm physically sick or maybe I'm in a tough period and emotionally not in the right place. In these cases it's hard because I would like to do so many things but I don't have the energy and I have to
Accept that the only thing I can do is to take good care of myself and give me some time without forcing me too much. When there is a close deadline though, you don't really have the chance to take some time off, an so you have to really gather all your energy and go ahead even if you don't feel at your best. This really teaches you a lots of discipline. In the common imagination the artist is somebody who only paint when is very inspired, maybe at night and have a life with little or no rules. But in real life most of the time is not like so! We actually need to set our own rules in order to accomplish our goals and being too free sometimes can be a disadvantage if you don't know how to handle such freedom. So my advice to a starting artist would be is learn discipline, create good habits, be consistent, have grit (which is even more important than natural talent!) and go ahead in following your call, no matter what other people says.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Actually I like both creating single pieces and series, but probably I mostly work on single pieces because I like the variety of characters and moods. When I work on a series, for example illustrations inspired by a fairy tale, I pick the parts of the story that means the most for me and that would translate good into a scenery possibly filled with little details. I like to take different moments and character from the same story and freeze them into a composition a little bit like in a movie poster.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I've been using different media through the years, but the one that I connect the most with is oil on canvas. Oils are slow drying and I like the possibility of going over, blend some more, taking my time to work the colors in, the shades, the tones. I don't fit well with fast techniques. I do use watercolors too sometimes, but I “invented” my own technique that doesn't really require being fast. I love to create transparent glazing of colors over a monochrome under-painting. That's my favorite technique with oils and I do my best to keep learning about it.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
Art is my call in this world and to me means purpose, the right path when I'm lost, connection when I feel alone, hope when the world around me seems collapsing and it's therapeutic when I feel blue. Art for me is also my way to express joy, love, beauty, diversity, enthusiasm for the little things and sometimes away to watch the world through the eyes of my inner child. I think that art is an elixir and a cure for the hearts.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Simona Candini for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
I have to say that long-term goals require a strong will. And our generation is very fragile to long-term goals. Everything goes to instant experience. Instant information access, instant shopping, instant paying - instant living.
But most of the habits we have, contradict the reality of quality life.
We need time to make up our minds. We need time for quality choices, we need time healing, we need time for love. And we need time to call ourselves professionals, to build expertise, and teach others how it should be done.
That's where I find Dragon Star Art as one nice example. Starla Friend committed her whole life to art. Since she was a little child always had her goal in front of her. Details on her little sculptures seem to tell a story of their own. A story of a different world, a story of our desires, a story of our home.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
My name is Starla Friend and I am an independent artist working under the studio name Dragonstarart. I am from Texas and currently living in San Antonio with my husband and two cats. I decided as a very small child that I wanted to be an artist, and have spent my life working towards that goal. I went to Webster University in St. Louis with the intention to be a graphic designer and graduated as a painter. That’s where I got my first taste of ceramics, and then I didn’t touch the medium again for several years.
I was at a festival one day, and while visiting a shop selling ceramics, a deep and visceral longing to sculpt came to me. I knew at that moment that I wanted my own kiln, and I wanted to start making ceramics again. I didn’t know where the journey would take me, but I knew I had to start.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I get excited when new ideas come to me, but it’s often at the most inconvenient times. I nearly always have my sketchbook with me, where my ideas begin as a small drawing, and occasionally as just a few, hurriedly scribbled words. I let most ideas grow for a while before getting started on them. It's always interesting to see how the idea and design evolves by the time it's complete.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
I try to convey a little cheerfulness and magic with my ceramic designs. I loved painting and drawing animals when I was younger, so it seemed only natural to sculpt them as well. I do occasionally make pieces that are a bit odd and creepy, or evoke a sense of longing. This helps to declutter my overactive imagination.
You can’t demand that the viewer see exactly what you see in your work, but I love when people see my work, and their faces light up with joy. I know in that moment I’ve made something good and brought a little happiness into this world.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
One of the main struggles is having the patience to let your career grow. It can take so much time and hard work to make a living with art. I am so lucky to have my wonderful, supportive husband who has always believed in me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward in my career.
Another huge struggle for me is interacting with my fans. I’m very much an introvert, and having so many followers can be anxiety inducing, especially with the constant influx of messages, comments, and questions. I’ve had to learn to take a deep breath, relax, and manage the various messages and tasks in smaller pieces.
My advice for starting artists is to be persistent and allow yourself to experiment with different ideas and mediums. Don’t give up, hold tight to those people who truly support you, and remember to take breaks when you get overwhelmed.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I prefer pieces that can stand on their own, but as I’ve created my collection of work, I can clearly see how many of the pieces are related. They seem to communicate and inform the design choices even across seemingly unconnected mediums.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
Most of my work is ceramic sculpture, but I also create paintings with watercolors and acrylics. The most alluring thing about ceramics, for me, is the way it transcends time. I’m awed by the ancient trinkets and figurines that have been unearthed, made by someone so long ago, and yet they still exist. I find the permanence of the material intriguing.
My paintings are more personal. I paint to meditate and calm my anxious mind.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
To me, art is everything. It is so much a part of our world that we can’t separate it from being human. Even if you don’t make art of your own, you interact with it everyday. I sometimes feel that if I stop creating, I might cease to exist.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Starla Friend for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
I have to say that long-term goals require a strong will. And our generation is very fragile to long-term goals. Everything goes to instant experience. Instant information access, instant shopping, instant paying - instant living.
But most of the habits we have, contradict the reality of quality life.
We need time to make up our minds. We need time for quality choices, we need time healing, we need time for love. And we need time to call ourselves professionals, to build expertise, and teach others how it should be done.
That's where I find Dragon Star Art as one nice example. Starla Friend committed her whole life to art. Since she was a little child always had her goal in front of her. Details on her little sculptures seem to tell a story of their own. A story of a different world, a story of our desires, a story of our home.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
My name is Starla Friend and I am an independent artist working under the studio name Dragonstarart. I am from Texas and currently living in San Antonio with my husband and two cats. I decided as a very small child that I wanted to be an artist, and have spent my life working towards that goal. I went to Webster University in St. Louis with the intention to be a graphic designer and graduated as a painter. That’s where I got my first taste of ceramics, and then I didn’t touch the medium again for several years.
I was at a festival one day, and while visiting a shop selling ceramics, a deep and visceral longing to sculpt came to me. I knew at that moment that I wanted my own kiln, and I wanted to start making ceramics again. I didn’t know where the journey would take me, but I knew I had to start.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
I get excited when new ideas come to me, but it’s often at the most inconvenient times. I nearly always have my sketchbook with me, where my ideas begin as a small drawing, and occasionally as just a few, hurriedly scribbled words. I let most ideas grow for a while before getting started on them. It's always interesting to see how the idea and design evolves by the time it's complete.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
I try to convey a little cheerfulness and magic with my ceramic designs. I loved painting and drawing animals when I was younger, so it seemed only natural to sculpt them as well. I do occasionally make pieces that are a bit odd and creepy, or evoke a sense of longing. This helps to declutter my overactive imagination.
You can’t demand that the viewer see exactly what you see in your work, but I love when people see my work, and their faces light up with joy. I know in that moment I’ve made something good and brought a little happiness into this world.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
One of the main struggles is having the patience to let your career grow. It can take so much time and hard work to make a living with art. I am so lucky to have my wonderful, supportive husband who has always believed in me and encouraged me to keep pushing forward in my career.
Another huge struggle for me is interacting with my fans. I’m very much an introvert, and having so many followers can be anxiety inducing, especially with the constant influx of messages, comments, and questions. I’ve had to learn to take a deep breath, relax, and manage the various messages and tasks in smaller pieces.
My advice for starting artists is to be persistent and allow yourself to experiment with different ideas and mediums. Don’t give up, hold tight to those people who truly support you, and remember to take breaks when you get overwhelmed.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
I prefer pieces that can stand on their own, but as I’ve created my collection of work, I can clearly see how many of the pieces are related. They seem to communicate and inform the design choices even across seemingly unconnected mediums.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
Most of my work is ceramic sculpture, but I also create paintings with watercolors and acrylics. The most alluring thing about ceramics, for me, is the way it transcends time. I’m awed by the ancient trinkets and figurines that have been unearthed, made by someone so long ago, and yet they still exist. I find the permanence of the material intriguing.
My paintings are more personal. I paint to meditate and calm my anxious mind.
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
To me, art is everything. It is so much a part of our world that we can’t separate it from being human. Even if you don’t make art of your own, you interact with it everyday. I sometimes feel that if I stop creating, I might cease to exist.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Starla Friend for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
Is it difficult to be a team player? A question that is barely asked. We are always bombed with flocculus how much teamwork is important and how special it is. But we are never asked, is it difficult to be a part of the team? To fully believe the other person. To feel supported and not overwhelmed. To feel like you are ending each other sentences and encouraging creative storms just when it's needed.
If you ever felt like a stranger in a room, or like the only person that doesn't get the topic right - we invite you to read this blog. Let it soak, and try to find some answers to your struggles.
The powerful artistic duo behind Pottery&Poetry is a great inspiration for anyone looking for an example of team work. Maria Baleva creating pottery and Zornitsa Genova writing poetry. In every aspect of their work, you can feel them complementing each other. With grace, they blended two art directions into one brand. Making a creative and encouraging space for every person that decides to be a part of their journey.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
Is it difficult to be a team player? A question that is barely asked. We are always bombed with flocculus how much teamwork is important and how special it is. But we are never asked, is it difficult to be a part of the team? To fully believe the other person. To feel supported and not overwhelmed. To feel like you are ending each other sentences and encouraging creative storms just when it's needed.
If you ever felt like a stranger in a room, or like the only person that doesn't get the topic right - we invite you to read this blog. Let it soak, and try to find some answers to your struggles.
The powerful artistic duo behind Pottery&Poetry is a great inspiration for anyone looking for an example of team work. Maria Baleva creating pottery and Zornitsa Genova writing poetry. In every aspect of their work, you can feel them complementing each other. With grace, they blended two art directions into one brand. Making a creative and encouraging space for every person that decides to be a part of their journey.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
How many times have you heard it? For me, it's one of the phrases that keep on repeating endlessly, and no one is giving you the manual to live that way. To be present. To be here. With your full mind and body. I must admit I have tried to practice that life approach couple of times, but it always ends up with failure.
Being so fascinated by the present moment, and in constant search of the right recipe for my unsolved case, I came across one fascinating artist. Her story made me think in a different direction.
Bea was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago. In her search of solutions for life problems that hit us hard - she found art. She started developing her world of Tender Flesh, a pottery brand of exquisite pieces. And everything that Tender Flesh is now is part of who Bea was, and who she will become.
I guess we can agree with a strong point: Life is about the journey, and experiences and love, and sorrow. And everything that we listen, feel, or see. It is unique to us - it is tender like the flesh.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m from a small town in rural Wales, but I now live in Bath, England. I’ve always been interested in art, specifically 3D, and I’ve had a fascination with objects which appear alive as long as I can remember. From a young age I would sculpt prosthetics and SFX costumes, and spent a long time practicing realistic sculpture and body horror. A lot of my current work is inspired by horror sculpture, intersected with drag culture and fashion.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
Many of my pieces come from a morbid curiosity with the human body and its limitations, though a lot of my work comes from a place of humor - in fact a lot of my ideas start as jokes with my partner.I have lists of ideas for pieces that I’d like to make, and add to them whenever inspiration strikes. Usually as soon as I’ve had an idea I’ll know if it’ll work well and whether it’ll be effective – though sometimes the pieces I didn’t expect to work were the ones that came out the best! Sometimes though I just start sculpting and whatever comes out comes out, but usually I’ve planned out what I’ll be making ahead of time.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
I began making art as a way to deal with my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) two years ago. I felt betrayed by my body and I use my art as a way to explore the relationship I have with my fragile, tender flesh, and also as a way to create something I value when my MS means I can’t do my PhD.
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
My main struggle is in dealing with the unexpected and constant nature of my MS. Some days I can work for hours and feel fine, but others I can’t get out of bed or feel my hands, and I often don’t know how a day will be until I wake up that morning. I am still grieving for my life before MS, but I’m finding joy in what I can do, and appreciating the new worlds my disability has opened up for me and the connections I’ve made along the way.
My advice to starting artists would be to not aim for perfection but progress, and to be gentle with themselves. Also, social media may be a nightmare, but it has opened up so many doors for me, and I encourage artists to use it as they feel comfortable but also not to dwell too much on numerical measures of success, which can be demotivating and can ruin the joy of creating.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Usually each item I make is stand-alone, though last year I collaborated with an amazing artist (Izzie Beirne) on a small run of pots which she painted in her unique style. I really enjoyed working on this collection of four complimentary pieces, and would like to do more collections based off a unifying theme in future.
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I use polymer clay for all of my pieces, because it’s a material I can sculpt, paint and bake at home. I began creating during the beginning of the pandemic, and since I was shielding I couldn’t go to a ceramics studio to use a kiln, so I opted for this more accessible material. It has its limitations, and I would love to make ceramics now that I feel a little safer going outside, though I’m aware it’s a very different material so it could take some getting used to!
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
For me, art is freedom, self-expression and beauty. It exists everywhere and enriches all our lives, whether we’re aware of it or not. I enjoy art which is honest, scary and thought-provoking, and my aim with my work is to create animate inanimate objects that I’d like to have in my own home but which frighten me a little.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Bea for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
How many times have you heard it? For me, it's one of the phrases that keep on repeating endlessly, and no one is giving you the manual to live that way. To be present. To be here. With your full mind and body. I must admit I have tried to practice that life approach couple of times, but it always ends up with failure.
Being so fascinated by the present moment, and in constant search of the right recipe for my unsolved case, I came across one fascinating artist. Her story made me think in a different direction.
Bea was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis two years ago. In her search of solutions for life problems that hit us hard - she found art. She started developing her world of Tender Flesh, a pottery brand of exquisite pieces. And everything that Tender Flesh is now is part of who Bea was, and who she will become.
I guess we can agree with a strong point: Life is about the journey, and experiences and love, and sorrow. And everything that we listen, feel, or see. It is unique to us - it is tender like the flesh.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
I’m from a small town in rural Wales, but I now live in Bath, England. I’ve always been interested in art, specifically 3D, and I’ve had a fascination with objects which appear alive as long as I can remember. From a young age I would sculpt prosthetics and SFX costumes, and spent a long time practicing realistic sculpture and body horror. A lot of my current work is inspired by horror sculpture, intersected with drag culture and fashion.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
Many of my pieces come from a morbid curiosity with the human body and its limitations, though a lot of my work comes from a place of humor - in fact a lot of my ideas start as jokes with my partner.I have lists of ideas for pieces that I’d like to make, and add to them whenever inspiration strikes. Usually as soon as I’ve had an idea I’ll know if it’ll work well and whether it’ll be effective – though sometimes the pieces I didn’t expect to work were the ones that came out the best! Sometimes though I just start sculpting and whatever comes out comes out, but usually I’ve planned out what I’ll be making ahead of time.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
I began making art as a way to deal with my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) two years ago. I felt betrayed by my body and I use my art as a way to explore the relationship I have with my fragile, tender flesh, and also as a way to create something I value when my MS means I can’t do my PhD.When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
My main struggle is in dealing with the unexpected and constant nature of my MS. Some days I can work for hours and feel fine, but others I can’t get out of bed or feel my hands, and I often don’t know how a day will be until I wake up that morning. I am still grieving for my life before MS, but I’m finding joy in what I can do, and appreciating the new worlds my disability has opened up for me and the connections I’ve made along the way.My advice to starting artists would be to not aim for perfection but progress, and to be gentle with themselves. Also, social media may be a nightmare, but it has opened up so many doors for me, and I encourage artists to use it as they feel comfortable but also not to dwell too much on numerical measures of success, which can be demotivating and can ruin the joy of creating.
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Usually each item I make is stand-alone, though last year I collaborated with an amazing artist (Izzie Beirne) on a small run of pots which she painted in her unique style. I really enjoyed working on this collection of four complimentary pieces, and would like to do more collections based off a unifying theme in future.Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
I use polymer clay for all of my pieces, because it’s a material I can sculpt, paint and bake at home. I began creating during the beginning of the pandemic, and since I was shielding I couldn’t go to a ceramics studio to use a kiln, so I opted for this more accessible material. It has its limitations, and I would love to make ceramics now that I feel a little safer going outside, though I’m aware it’s a very different material so it could take some getting used to!What does ART, in general, mean to you?
For me, art is freedom, self-expression and beauty. It exists everywhere and enriches all our lives, whether we’re aware of it or not. I enjoy art which is honest, scary and thought-provoking, and my aim with my work is to create animate inanimate objects that I’d like to have in my own home but which frighten me a little.
The FOURLINEdesign team would like to thank Bea for sharing inspiring thoughts with our community.
By Milena Spasojevic
Anastasia Trusova is the real example of that. Brought up in difficult conditions, her artistic spirit grew even stronger. Highly influenced by the environment she grew up in, she paints in a live and almost self telling way. It is a time machine, a transporter into a Russian snow fairytale where all the beauties and difficulties come to life. Her paintings take you to a different world, they are a rest to the tired eye and beauty to the home.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
Anastasia Trusova is the real example of that. Brought up in difficult conditions, her artistic spirit grew even stronger. Highly influenced by the environment she grew up in, she paints in a live and almost self telling way. It is a time machine, a transporter into a Russian snow fairytale where all the beauties and difficulties come to life. Her paintings take you to a different world, they are a rest to the tired eye and beauty to the home.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
When we first encountered Lois art we thought she is doing sketches from new-age Disney movies. All those details and the strong personality of her designs must be from a serious department full of very talented artists, working for a huge company. But, my oh my, we were so wrong.
The talented artist from The Netherlands spent most of her life working on her craft. She is a digital artist, without the limits for her imagination. Her designs move the most delicate feelings inside your soul and wake up your inner child. With a serious response to major social issues she is speaking her truth, the best way she can - through art powered with a creative spark.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
When we first encountered Lois art we thought she is doing sketches from new-age Disney movies. All those details and the strong personality of her designs must be from a serious department full of very talented artists, working for a huge company. But, my oh my, we were so wrong.
The talented artist from The Netherlands spent most of her life working on her craft. She is a digital artist, without the limits for her imagination. Her designs move the most delicate feelings inside your soul and wake up your inner child. With a serious response to major social issues she is speaking her truth, the best way she can - through art powered with a creative spark.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
The complexity of human beings and all of their emotional states has always been a lesson to learn from. And the artistic approach that explores the world around us is a neverending process that keeps on rewarding. Giving us "live" examples, and showing us various emotional states. But how to keep it in one place, how to take those lessons to the future? How to prepare the young and give them the wisdom they are promised?
The artistic duo Coderch-Malavia is solving that mystery. Their dedication and love for their craft, have brought to life one of the most beautiful sculptures of modern time. While looking at them we can feel "the moment", we can develop empathy for the emotional states of their sculptures... And you will realize slowly, we can fall in love with their art.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
When I was very young I was lucky enough to find a teacher of Plastic Arts who saw in me the love and sensitivity I had for volume. He supported me and helped me by teaching me the basics of modeling. He took me to the house of Manuel Hugué, a famous Catalonian sculptor of the early twentieth century. This was for me a turning point. I discovered a whole new world andI realized sculpture, and Art in general, is the perfect way to express my ideas and my feelings.
I've always liked to draw and I've always loved nature, the human body, chemistry and physiology. Before I started my university studies I did not really know very well whether I wanted to follow one way or another.
Suddenly something clicked in my mind, just like when inspiration comes to you, and I realized that I wanted to study fine arts.
Once in class, the first contact I had with sculpture, especially the modeling, was like a crush. . . it was love at first sight.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
The fact that a work of art can emerge from the collaboration of two different sensibilities might catch people's attention because it might seem complicated, but in reality we believe that this alliance empowers the finalresult. However, starting a project from a dual dynamic requires much more previous work. We start from several brainstorming sessions in which we put all the cards down on the table. During this process we share our ideas, no matter if they are good or bad, to get to a point where we understand what is important to us and what is that we want to develop.
Meeting and discussing is simple, the complicated part is organizing and sharing the physical creation of the work itself, because you need double discipline, you must learn to trust your partner and be able to share your ideas and your work with him, and, above all, you must put your ego aside in order to stay equal to commit to the final result.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic
The complexity of human beings and all of their emotional states has always been a lesson to learn from. And the artistic approach that explores the world around us is a neverending process that keeps on rewarding. Giving us "live" examples, and showing us various emotional states. But how to keep it in one place, how to take those lessons to the future? How to prepare the young and give them the wisdom they are promised?
The artistic duo Coderch-Malavia is solving that mystery. Their dedication and love for their craft, have brought to life one of the most beautiful sculptures of modern time. While looking at them we can feel "the moment", we can develop empathy for the emotional states of their sculptures... And you will realize slowly, we can fall in love with their art.
Where are you from? Where does the art journey start for you?
When I was very young I was lucky enough to find a teacher of Plastic Arts who saw in me the love and sensitivity I had for volume. He supported me and helped me by teaching me the basics of modeling. He took me to the house of Manuel Hugué, a famous Catalonian sculptor of the early twentieth century. This was for me a turning point. I discovered a whole new world andI realized sculpture, and Art in general, is the perfect way to express my ideas and my feelings.
I've always liked to draw and I've always loved nature, the human body, chemistry and physiology. Before I started my university studies I did not really know very well whether I wanted to follow one way or another.
Suddenly something clicked in my mind, just like when inspiration comes to you, and I realized that I wanted to study fine arts.
Once in class, the first contact I had with sculpture, especially the modeling, was like a crush. . . it was love at first sight.
What is the first emotion that drives you towards creating an art piece? Do you recognize the connection immediately and let yourself flow on the creative process? Or do you "bake" the inspiration for some time?
The fact that a work of art can emerge from the collaboration of two different sensibilities might catch people's attention because it might seem complicated, but in reality we believe that this alliance empowers the finalresult. However, starting a project from a dual dynamic requires much more previous work. We start from several brainstorming sessions in which we put all the cards down on the table. During this process we share our ideas, no matter if they are good or bad, to get to a point where we understand what is important to us and what is that we want to develop.
Meeting and discussing is simple, the complicated part is organizing and sharing the physical creation of the work itself, because you need double discipline, you must learn to trust your partner and be able to share your ideas and your work with him, and, above all, you must put your ego aside in order to stay equal to commit to the final result.
What is the back story of your design? Because every one of us sees the world through separate lenses. How hard it must be to transfer it to other people?
When it comes to making a living from your art, what are the main struggles? And what would be your advice for starting artists?
What do you prefer, single pieces or storytelling through a whole project? And what approach do you use in each case?
Why do you use certain materials? What connects you with them, and makes you feel they are perfect for your art piece?
What does ART, in general, mean to you?
By Milena Spasojevic