The Maker's Post

02 V O L U M E

T W O

02 V O L U M E

T W O

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EXPLORATION

Contents Volume 02

Explore with us as you read Volume 02!

We’ve searched high and low to create the perfect playlist! Full of good vibes and songs to inspire, make sure you click play on our sountrack to The Maker’s Post at www.themakerspost.com/playlist.

10

Little Fixations

14

Campfire Studios

18

Somewear

24

Marisa Keris

28

Kayamandi Township

32

Forrest Stone

34

Mamie Davis

36

Abbey Schlangen

40

Molly Hatch

46

Shannon Robbins

50

Bricker & Beam

54

Poetry with Paper

58

The Freaky Table

64

Wild Flower Bar

70

Phase + Function

72

Candice Lorraine

78

Barbara + Cecile

80

The Northwest

84

Awl Snap

88

Rooftop

94

Kitchen Garden Series

98

Artful Hands

102

Sons of Sawdust

Kitchen Garden Series pg. 94

Editor’s Note T

he last year has been quite the wild ride. The Maker’s Post started as an idea in a stockroom one April afternoon and has now grown in contributors, readers, and a

burgeoning community of artists to become what you see before you today. This magazine was formed from the notion that we could change the world by offering up inspiration and elevation of talent, and I am in complete awe of the reach we have already made in this short time. I am truly honored that we are able to serve as a platform for artists and makers looking to share their stories.

This past January we were able to have the first annual Maker’s Post retreat in Gordonsville, Virginia. As a team located all over the country, this was a rare opportunity to meet face to face—not just over Skype! The weekend was incredible, one of dreaming, planning, and family meals. It seemed as though our four days together wouldn’t be enough, with so much to do and too few hours to gather around the table. But it was during those late nights and early mornings that we decided on the theme of Exploration.

Every artist acknowledges the necessity of exploration. Creating requires the constant confrontation of the unknown and the courage to venture beyond the familiar. As a magazine that seeks to lend other artists the inspiration to go somewhere new, the notion of exploration is something that we hope our readers can all relate to. In the following pages you will read and see how people from all over the world explore. Whether through places, materials, other people, or by stepping outside of their comfort zones, each individual featured has discovered ways to explore in their work and personal lives.

If I have learned anything in the last 25 years of my life, it’s that sometimes you just have to decide to do something. I’ve been fortunate to have parents who told me I could achieve anything I dreamed up if only I tried, which led me to live my life exploring in a way I doubt I would have otherwise. The Maker’s Post is exploration for me. Through trial and error I am learning how to be a boss, a helper, a journalist, a graphic designer, and more. All of which are far out of my comfort zone, but all of which I believe myself capable. Thanks to the patience of an incredible group of people, I am able to learn—through trial by fire at times—how to be each of those things.

I share all of this to encourage you to find your own ways and places to explore. Whether through music, film, traveling, or creating, there is much to learn and experience. We’re still finding our footing, but I hope you can join us on our journey with The Maker’s Post, Volume 02.

Best,

Kassie Dyes Editor-in-Chief

Meet the Makers Kassie Dyes Founder/Editor-in-Chief Nashville, TN

Hannah Costello

Christian Gaston

M. Donovan Fisher

Photography Director/ Photographer Los Angeles, CA

Creative Director, Online

Marketing Director

Philidelphia, PA

Hartford, CT

Logan Kreider

Damarea Watts

Hannah Knight

Social Media Director Blacksburg, VA

Creative Director, Print

Visual Editor

Nashville, TN

Portland, ME

Charlie Long

Bethany Janka

Victoria Janka

Advertising Consultant

Copy Editor

Editor’s Assistant

Atlanta, GA

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD

Our Mission We are a group of creatives who showcase artists from all over the world. As a platform, we strive to illuminate the work of those who inspire us, as well as be a source of inspiration.

10

Little Fixations Words and Images by Alyssa Broadus

A

s a little girl, I vividly remember spending my summers in

just trying to find words to describe the things we were seeing (and

various parts of Colorado, bouncing from cabin to cabin, always

failing miserably). Lower Antelope Canyon is probably one of the most

nestled in mountains. My mother would have her camera attached at her

remarkable things I’ve ever seen in person. You see these beautifully

hip, forcing me and my siblings to take photo after photo in each scenic

raw formed areas and then snap a photo, and it’s even more incredible

spot we came across. I wasn’t aware of it then, but this is where my sense

through the lens, and you’re left thinking, “How is that actually possible

of wanderlust began. (I also credit my mom with developing my “craft.” I feel a constant gratitude for her passing down the love of capturing irreplaceable moments with me.)

There is something so wildly indescribable about travel, whether

though?”

“ There is something so wildly indescribable about travel, whether it’s going back to your favorite spot over and over, or seeing something for the first time... ”

it’s going back to your favorite

I prepared for this trip weeks in advance. I bought a small tripod, purchased a new 35mm lens for my camera, and made sure I had packed extra memory cards for the excursion ahead. If I’m shooting something for another company or a blog post, I’ll spend time

spot over and over, or seeing something for the first time, there’s always

researching photo ideas for inspiration, but for this trip I wanted my

this certain magic you take with you.

process to be a blank slate. I wanted whatever was in that moment to

My last adventure was very near and dear to my heart. My two

be captured, and looking back on the photos I took, the biggest things

oldest nephews were on the road with some of my family, and I flew

that stand out to me are the textures, the colors, and the company at

to Arizona to surprise them for the last stretch of the trip. We bounced

surrounded me (which was perfect, as those are the very things that I

from the Grand Canyon, to Horseshoe Bend, and then finally hitting

took back as highlights of the trip as well).

the Lower Antelope Canyon. Three equally mind-blowing destinations

I’m beyond excited and humbled to share my photography from this

in three days, and my heart could not be more full from this experience.

special trip with all of you. Thank you for supporting people like myself

I had been to the Grand Canyon once before, and seeing it again just reiterated that no photo would ever do this place justice. We hiked around several hours before finally sitting in silence out on a rock looking out at the view, taking it all in. This seemed to be a theme on this trip,

with a dream and a desire to share it with others.

(Follow Alyssa @littlefixations)

Campfire Studios Words by Kristen Camp Interview by Hannah Knight y name is Kristen Camp, owner and creator of a pottery and

college, but when I took my first pottery class during my sophomore

floral design company in Portland, Maine called Campfire

year I absolutely fell in love with clay. I immediately changed my

M Studio.

Along with my husband and business manager, Joe, the mastermind behind all display design, I operate a studio out of my home and sell my work both online and at various pop-up shops and craft shows in the Portland area. Joe is also a gifted woodworker and creative who loves turning on the lathe, which has led to collaboration in mixed media (including wooden pedestals for my porcelain planters).

Porcelain is my primary medium because I love the smoothness of the clay and its intense white coloring. I recycle my scraps of clay and hand dye them in batches to create natural grays and other neutrals.

Before throwing on the wheel, I wedge together the white porcelain with bits of the colored porcelain to create a marble pattern during the

major to 3-D studio art with a concentration in ceramics.

What came first, floral design or pottery? How did you get involved in both?

Floral Design, no question. I first started playing with flowers when my mom would design arrangements, and I continued experimenting in floral design for my college friends as they got married. Floral Design has become more of hobby for me as I pursue my true passion: pottery. This is my primary medium and the foundation of my business, Campfire Studio. I have to admit, though, that I do love the way plants and flowers go hand-in-hand with my pottery.

It seems so natural to combine the two, resulting in an art form all its own.

throwing process.

It was out of my love for exploring the functionality of pottery, as well

What brought you to Portland?

as my joy in collaboration that launched this business on Mother’s Day

Soon after we were married, my husband, Joe, and I felt drawn to

in 2015. It all began with a local flower farmer in Maine, for whom I

move to Maine to help launch Cross Church in Portland, and we

had the privilege of creating ceramic pitchers and mugs to display her

arrived in February 2014. We immediately fell in love with the city,

floral designs. This led me to begin creating new lines of planters, mugs,

its amazing art, food scene, and people, and we have loved building

and other items for the summer farmers’ markets in the Portland area.

our community attachments both through the church, where we

Today, Campfire Studio continues to grow.

continue to serve, and our respective business connections.

Inspired by my time working in floral design with my mother, I then married my love for pottery and for plants to offer floral designs and planters in my handmade pottery for weddings and special events. My mission is to provide my clients with floral arrangements that are as unique as they are.

I am excited about a new collaboration with a cake artist and floral designer out of Greenville, South Carolina. We are working to create a line of modern cake stands and floral containers to be used in weddings and special events. The culinary world is a great source of inspiration to me. We are working to release a new line of porcelain dinnerware in June 2016!

Tell us about yourself. What is your history?

Though I now live in Portland, Maine, I grew up in the Atlanta area in Georgia. The south is known for her hospitality, and southerners love to make every occasion an excuse to make things beautiful! This was certainly true in my family. Growing up, my mom would often do floral design for weddings of friends and family, and I would love helping her!

Because of her influence, I’ve always loved art and creating beauty in a variety of mediums. I originally intended to study painting in

Do you have an all time favorite piece or project you’ve done?

To date, my favorite project is my new line of cake stands. I recently had the privilege of creating a small line of marbled ceramic and wood cake stands for a photo shoot with Pylon Cake in Greenville, SC. This was a team effort as I created the ceramic tops and my husband Joe turned beautiful wood bases for them. They are stunning, and Pylon’s amazing cakes complimented them perfectly. As a bonus, I was able to watch a group of the most talented people work together during the photoshoot, which was both inspiring and refreshing.

It seems like you’re always working on something new whether it’s planters or dinnerware. Where do you get the inspiration for new ideas?

Function, purpose and beauty are typically what inspire me. I love how pottery can serve a multitude of purposes. Whether it’s dinnerware that serves delicious food at a family dinner, art in someone’s home where they make beautiful memories, or a special piece used for a celebration, pottery offers functionality and versatility all while serving as an art form. I love to see my work in all these settings, and that inspires me to discover new ways to marry the function and beauty of pottery. (Follow Kristen @campfirestudios)

Photo by Meredith Brockington

15

Photo by Meredith Brockington

Photo by Meredith Brockington

Photo by Meredith Brockington

19

Somewear Words and Images by Lucia Fainzilber

B

orn in 1986 from Buenos Aires,

like Dossier and campaigns for international

Argentina.

and local brands. Her major exhibitions have

Photographer,

art

included: “Moment of Recognition,” curated

director, colorist in postproduction. in

by Amy Arbus at Rita K.Hillman Education

Filmmaking at the University of Cine in

Gallery at the International Center of

San Telmo, Buenos Aires. After graduating

Photography, New York, 2011; “My Truth, Your

in 2008, she worked as a colorist in

Truth,” curated by Alison Morley and Marina

postproduction,

movies

Berio at Rita K.Hillman Education Gallery

in a visual mastering studio before moving

at the International Center of Photography,

to New York to study at the International

New York, 2012; Solo Exhibition “And

Center of Photography. After finishing the

Spring Again” at the Argentine Consulate

one-year certificate program at ICP, Lucia

in New York, 2014; “Somewear” at Praxis

assisted various Fashion Photographers

International Art Gallery, New York, 2014.

based in NYC while also doing her own

Her upcoming exhibition is “Wild Flowers” at

editorial work for international magazines

Praxis International Art Gallery in April 2016.

Lucia

studied

Art

Direction

color-correcting

Somewear Images by Lucia Fainzilber Interview by Hannah Costello

Hannah: What interests you about the themes of your work?

with life. There are other kinds of photographers who discover the

Lucia: I discovered through my work that the feminine world is

world through the exploration of what it is out there, but I identify

something that has always been present among my different projects.

with something more intimate and personal. Photography is a way

I find it mysterious, and there is a beauty in it which I feel very

of understanding.

attracted to. I come from a family surrounded by a lot of women, and this has been something that influenced me a lot. As I develop my work, I realize that all these images have to do with who we are and where we come from. It is a way of reviewing what makes our essence so unique.

What inspired the Somewear series?

Somewear has been inspired by my attraction and devotion to patterns and textile design. Walking in the city and observing what surrounds us is an inspiration. NYC is a city that stimulates the eye constantly--so many different cultures trying to live together makes it so eclectic. Fashion, architecture, art, and even nature organize their beauty in these patterns in order to be understood; or at least our eye tries to understand it. That was the starting point for this project: trying to see a little bit more in those everyday details.

How did you decide to make these self-portraits?

Putting myself in front of the camera is something I’ve never done before. It is a very different approach to photography. Since I wanted to talk about the idea of identity, the best way for me to accomplish this was to review who I was and where I was standing in relation to the self as a subject. I wanted to have a more personal approach to this and pushing my own limits was a way for me to discover how we define ourselves.

Exploration is often categorized by an outward search, yet you appear to explore very introspective topics. What draws you there?

For me, photography is a way of expressing the eternal path of discovering who we are. As I grow up, I question myself and try to find all these answers during the process of learning how to deal

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and been living in NYC since 2010.

You worked as a postproduction colorist. What perspective does this bring to your current work?

Ever since I was small I was very attracted to colors. When I was eight years old I decided I only wanted to dress in this shocking shade of pink and black, and I was obsessed with Dorothy’s red shoes in the Wizard of Oz. I can still see those kinds of things in my work today. Working as a colorist gave me the tools needed to understand color and how to dominate it. Color is not a decorative thing for me and is even a subject in itself.

What amount of your work is experimentation versus planning?

Experimentation for me is part of the brainstorming process of a project. I allow myself to try, to face the disgust of what I am doing, to fight for it until I fall in love. When I get to the point where I know the direction I want to take and understand the place from where it begins, I start planning. The space and the location are two of the most important elements in my shootings. I have a background in filmmaking as well, so I think of a shoot as a story, and I work in the production process with a lot of planning and organization.

What still needs to be explored within your work?

My work has always been very feminine, so I fantasize sometimes about the possibility of including men or even couples… This is may be a starting point for a future project… (Follow Lucia @lufainzilber)

24

Marisa Keris Intro by Kassie Dyes Interview by Hannah Costello

ainter Maris Keris and our photography director, Hannah

I love to use earth tones that specifically come from old family

P

Costello, recently had the opportunity to chat about Marisa and

photos. I’ve worked directly from them many times, so I get that

the themes of exploration that are so prevalent in her work and in her

feeling of nostalgia. I almost want to create this “memory-dreamy”

life.

state. My grandmother grew up on the same farm I did, so I feel

Currently in the midst of applying to graduate school programs,

like everything I do is so full of sentiment….One of my paintings

Marisa starts telling us about her time as an undergrad at RISD and

is called Welcome to the Jungle; this painting is a bit drippy and

describes how her subsequent years in Alabama have impacted her

moody. It’s as if you were going into the jungle, it would be shaded,

work.

rich in color but not as vibrant.”

“It’s been a constant exploration of trying to find out where work is going. For me, it’s driven by where I live or what I’m inspired by. So much of being in Alabama is landscape, so I am constantly trying to figure out how to capture that in paintings.”

The northeast native was originally into drawing, but in high school she developed an interest in painting, which she attributes to her wonderful art teacher turned mentor. During this time she was able to experiment with materials and mediums. “I had the right people to encourage me at the right time!”

Are these things you paint from real life, things that you’ve seen, or are they from your imagination?

Oh, it’s a total combination. I spent some time on the east coast of Florida; I went down there to paint and to volunteer. I was really inspired by the native wildness of the landscape. I was trying to capture that nature side, and not the suburbia of Florida. I wanted to capture that true landscape but also the feeling of nostalgia for something that can’t be there all the time. It does exist, but it’s also a fantasy world. Even more so, where I live in Alabama is on the TN

Hannah: How do you see yourself exploring?

river, which has some tropical trees south of the mountains, so it’s an

Maris: As an artist you’re always trying to explore your own work

interesting landscape. It’s wonderful to take inspiration from places

and continue to develop it. Personally, I think traveling is a larger

I’ve been, but it’s also interesting to be able to create a world and

way to do that in life. I live in Alabama now, but I was raised in New

express your ideas there.

Jersey on a Christmas tree farm. Allentown is a farming town, and that is still such a part of who I am. Exploring through gardening and nature has made such an impact, which I see in my work.

As we wrap up our interview, Marisa speaks about how her beautiful and thought-provoking work can be perceived by different viewers.

“Take the people swimming, for example. It’s a man and a woman in the

What was your childhood like?

water. Some people can take this as recreational swimming, but to me it

Well, you live on a farm and you don’t have a lot of neighbors--not a

also feels like Adam and Eve in the garden. It makes me think about our

lot of kids to play with until you go to school! I spent a lot of time in

history, where we came from. And not necessarily in a really religious

my imaginary world, so my creativity came out. My parents are both

way. There are so many different origin stories. Every culture has one

very creative in their own ways, and my sister is also a very talented

and how man and woman came to be. I think how it can mean different

musician, so my parents always encouraged creativity.

things to different people, no matter what their beliefs may be.”

I’m so interested in the tones you’ve used in your paintings! Tell

We have been so privileged to see and hear about Marisa’s work, so

me more about how you got here in your process.

make sure you look for yourself online at www.marisakerisstudio.

They are moody for sure! I’ve loved black and white photography, old

com and follow her on Instagram @marisa_keris

cameras, that feel of nostalgia, and I try to achieve that same feeling.

top left - top right: 3 Island in the Street, Hot Spring, East of Eden, Welcome to the Jungle, Bottom left - Bottom right: ExNihilo, Crypsis

Kayamandi Township Images by Martijn Roos Interview by Hannah Costello

M

y name is Martijn Roos, one half of a pair of identical twins,

is incredibly vibrant and beautiful in its way: chaotic streets, street

24 years old. I work as photographer, shooting mainly

barbeques, and colorful self-built houses.

portraits, weddings, and travel series. Coming from a small country like the Netherlands, I have always loved to travel and to bring my camera along the way. Lately, I have been blessed to shoot more international weddings, something I used to only do in the Netherlands.

I studied industrial psychology and graduated with my master’s degree last year, after which I decided to continue to take photos of awesome people and to travel more, especially to South Africa, where I try to spend my winters. Over the past couple years, I have met many amazing people here in South Africa, especially when I was studying

Who are the men photographed, and what is your relationship to them?

Tony Maake, a friend from University. The rest are friends of Tony, and now are also my friends: S’Fiso Charlie Brown, Ntabiso Sojane, and Lutho Ta Pluto Gqomo. They are inspired by the gentlemen from the old days, during or before Apartheid, when the black people would dress up on Sundays to go church, for instance. They have picked these clothes themselves and wear them occasionally.

in Stellenbosch in 2012. When I was there, I worked as a volunteer

What was your inspiration for this shoot?

in the township called Kayamandi, meaning ‘Nice Home,’ and during

I have been looking at old vintage posters and old movies, LP

this time I met Tony Maake, who had grown up in the townships near

covers, and so on. The idea came to mind when I was chatting with

Johannesburg.

Tony about shooting in the township. You never see vintage fashion

Tony and his friends know the struggles of living in a township. They

photographed in places like a township, but these people know how

work hard to improve the lives of the people in the township since

to look amazing with the little means that they have. I wanted to

they have been gifted the opportunity to study at university themselves.

show the beauty of the township and to raise awareness among

Tony is actively involved with the education of township children as

people that live or travel to South Africa without knowing what life

the founder of ‘Tony’s House Children Foundation.’ By means of this

is like there. Our models grew up in the township, but they are all

shoot, I also wanted to raise awareness of the life in townships and

studying at the University of Stellenbosch now. The nice clothes in

communicate the vision of people like Tony with the world, through

the chaotic and dirty streets reflect the contrast between their roots

means that speak to the heart. Tony’s foundation was born from desire to

and their life nowadays. Old versus new, township versus gentlemen.

give children from the township a chance to excel, to grow, to learn, and

They are a true example of the fact that hard work pays off.

to reach their full potential in life. While Tony believes that we should never forget about where we came from and credits his circumstances

What do you feel this is saying?

with making him who he has become, he also believes that, ‘’It’s not

Being fashionable doesn’t have to do with how much money you

about where you come from; it’s about where you’re going.”

have, where you were born, what your past looks like. Fashion reflects the heart. These guys are rightfully proud of where they are now but

Hannah: What brought you to this specific location?

also of the place where they are from. I was hoping for that pride to

Marttijn: Because I worked in and lived relatively close to the

be reflected in these photos.

township Kayamandi, I knew what the township was like, and I also

(Follow Martijn @martijnroosphotography)

knew it was rather safe. I’ve been taking my camera to the township a lot but never with the idea of doing an actual shoot. The township

Photo by: Gretchen Powers

Forrest Stone Artist bio

M

y name is Forrest Stone, and I’m a woodworker and metal fabricator based out of Portland, Maine. I design custom

furniture for residential and commercial spaces. Coming from a sculpture background informs and guides both the aesthetic and functional choices throughout the construction of each of my pieces.

I’m inspired by the works of Wharton Esherick and Hans Wegner. I love to design chairs and find simplicity and refinement with each form that allows the wood and metal to retain their integrity and natural beauty.

My favorite wood to work with is black walnut. I prefer to Tig weld when I can, and when I have the chance to leave a live edge, I usually do. (Follow Forrest @forjstone)

33

Photo by: Cynthia Jill

35

Mamie Davis Words by Charlie Long

W

hen I first heard Mamie Davis’s first album Holding the Big

to her album on Spotify. “Him” is a haunting tale about love lost and the

Chickens Now I recognized something that I hadn’t heard

resolution with the end of the relationship, and she experimented and

come out of the Athens music scene in a considerable amount of time:

loved the sound of dissonance on the track. “Some notes don’t sound

grit. This music is bitter and complex, with Mamie’s lyrics consisting of

right or feel out of place, and that’s because I didn’t feel right and felt out

intelligent contemplation and emotional angst, supported sturdily by a

of place” explaining how she likes to explore new ways to communicate

weighty electric guitar and dissonant sounds. It brings to mind the edgy

her emotions through her music. Yet to Mamie, the biggest component

music scene for which Athens was once renowned. Mamie Davis aims

of her songs lies in her songwriting, saying “There isn’t one word in

to resurrect personal and gritty music with a fresh face, stellar storytelling, and a whole lot of fun along the way The reason for Mamie’s rise in Athens music circles as well as amongst

my lyrics that I didn’t put a lot of thought

“There isn’t one word in my lyrics that I didn’t put a lot of thought into.”

promising record labels and Belmont University, is that her sound is goes against a theme of popular music.

into.” She says that people comment on her music and draw comparisons to bands and singers she’s never heard of, showing just how little she has let her music be influenced by anything other than her

own unique outlook and musical identity.

“There’s too much happy music” she says, finding the radio seemingly

Mamie will be moving to Nashville, seeking to record new music

heavy with upbeat pop anthems devoid of substance. Her music, by

in light of who she is now, a constantly evolving artist wanting to push

contrast, is all about trying to tell stories. “Happiness can be a general

the boundaries of not only her own sound but the music industry as

feeling for me, whereas when I’m sad, it’s about a particular thing” she

a whole. She is gaining national attention, and as she progresses and

shares. Telling stories through songs is what she wants to do and what

explores the depths of who she is and what she feels, people will have no

she knows how to do best, and Holding the Big Chickens Now is the

choice but to recognize the beautiful and soulful music of a new talent.

story of much of her life so far, dealing with issues such as religion and

(Follow Mamie @mamiedavis)

relationships, such as the opening song on the album.

The song is called “Him,” and it was my first experience with Mamie’s music, an experience that took command of my attention while listening

36

Abbey Schlangen Words by Kassie Dyes Images by Abbey Schlangen

I

was able to have a quick chat with

their environments and the history of the

Connecticut

Abbey

spaces... Southern California was specifically

Schlangen as she was finishing up her senior

important to this project! I was inspired by

project!

the succulents that grew natively to the land.

photographer,

Her project began in the botany

department’s on campus greenhouse.

This

They don’t need greenhouses to thrive.”

is where the majority of the photos in her

Her inspiration from these Southern

collection were taken! “The greenhouse was

California species kickstarted her senior study,

such a great place to work.

Especially in

and she continued to learn more about them

Connecticut where it is so cold, the greenhouse

and how we facilitate them as beings. This

was a great change of scenery, my own little

is something she would love to continue

oasis.”

to experiment with in different ways. She

As we talked more, I learned that there

explained more about this as we discussed her

was a connection between Abbey’s interest

dream project! Abbey has found something

in human psychology and her love of plants.

she loves and would now like to try a venture

The goal was to integrate people. For example,

that resembles the Botany Project but from a

humans in a botany surrounding. “I wanted

different perspective. More specifically with

to look at people in nature, humans and their

water based plants!

environments, and this project was a way to look at a specific environment.”

Abbey considers herself an explorer, and she is able to do so in many ways but most recently traveling.

“I would love to travel to places like the Barrier Reef ! I think it would be wonderful to conduct a similar style project but with a totally different experience and environment!

Whether it’s around

Abbey’s words of wisdom: Anything

different areas around the Northeast, studying

you’re interested in is explorable! Take the

abroad in Rome, or spending summers and

opportunity to do so.

winter break in Southern California, her

Best Day: Sunny, near water, outside,

inspiration has runneth over! “Each of these

comfortable in temperature, people and

different places inspires different kinds of

friends surrounding me

creativity. I lived in New Hampshire on a lake,

What’s on your playlist?: Beach vibe songs,

and I constantly explored on the water and in

end of college sentimental tunes, and a new

the woods. Rome inspired a totally different

favorite, Just kids, by Matt Carney.

kind of creative practice. It was so much about

(Follow Abbey @aschlangen)

the people and how they were interacting with

Molly Hatch Interview by Kassie Dyes olly Hatch is a Massachusetts based studio potter and designer.

M

the installation that was commissioned for the High Museum of

Raised in a household of creativity, Molly found a way to explore

Art in Atlanta, titled “Physic Garden.” I was delighted to have a

just that, and gained her own individualistic ways of letting it out. Since

piece commissioned by a museum that had plates lined up to create

those childhood days, she has become a successful full-time studio

a mural sized wall painting. I was so excited to see functional pottery

potter creating whimsical and modern pieces for you and I. While her

on the walls of a museum! And the work is for the public not just a

tableware can be found at your favorite retailers such as Anthropologie

private collection. In my design work, I would love to design a whole

or Twig New York, she also makes one of a kind pieces working from

interior space one day—a storefront or an environment. This would

her studio. As someone who has been following her career for several

be amazing…Oddly enough, I have a few screenplay concepts in my

years now, I’m excited to share with you a quick chat with Molly as we

mind as well. I would love to write a movie script!

focus on history, exploration, and the people, places and ideas that have molded us.

In what ways do you find yourself exploring? In life, music, materials, etc.

Molly, tell me a little about yourself.

Always thinking about new materials and scale, especially in design

How did you get to where you are today? I grew up loving making

work. I love combining materials and have concepts for lots of things

things—anything I didn’t have and I wanted I would try to make for

that aren’t necessarily in my wheelhouse but excite me. I spend a lot

myself. I was a crafty kid with not a whole lot of resources, but an

of my time watching television and films, reading biographies, and

artist mom and some creative thinking go a long way. I think that

going to museums. I listen to tons of podcasts and books on tape.

the idea that I can make what I have in my mind is something that

I love a good story, and that keeps me going during late nights in

has driven me to become an artist designer. I studied fine art as an

studio.

undergraduate student and more specifically ceramics as a graduate student. I started my career as a studio potter making pottery for a living. Anthropologie noticed my work in a Greenwich Village Gallery in New York City and approached me to work with them after. I am delighted with the excitement designing has brought with it—the ability to spend my time coming up with new ideas all the time instead of making the same work with consistency and quality as a studio potter—maybe introducing new collections once a year or so. I really have so many ideas all the time. It’s been a fabulous place

How has the idea of exploration effected you personally or in your work?

This is such a huge part of pushing your work as an artist. If we are safe and stay with what we know all the time, then we end up stagnant and stale. New ideas are always responding to exploration of our personal interests. It’s so important to let yourself obsess.

Sometimes my little obsessions lead to new work. Sometimes they are simply just a fun tangent.

to put all those ideas. My one of a kind artwork has also continued

As an artist, how do you get through the tough days? The days

to develop alongside my design career - working through concepts

lacking in motivation and inspiration. What re-inspires you?

that are related to those that I employ in design but are exploring a

Typically I go for a walk with my dog when I am not finding

different aspect of those concepts in sculptural and installation scale

inspiration. Usually this is a sign that I am tired or need a break.

works.

Travel also helps give perspective on studio practice and helps me

What has been a seminal experience for you?

For me, I would say that there isn’t one trip I went on or one museum

see what needs to be changed or worked on next. When all else fails, I look to history for inspiration.

I attended but more a realization in graduate school about what my

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

work is about. I have always challenged myself to make objects that

Gosh, this is so hard. One of my professors in graduate school

are drawings and drawings that are objects. I want my work to play

encouraged me not to wait too long before starting a family—

with 3D and 2D relationships in painting and drawing as well as

knowing it was what I wanted. I can’t thank her enough because I

explore our relationship to the objects we live with.

have had my daughter all along the way, and she has been a part of

Tell me about what your dream project would be.

I would love to be able to shift the scale up in my work for my one of a kind art objects. I think my dream has already come true with

my life rather than feeling as though I had to set aside my studio practice or career to have her. She has simply been a part of it.

(Follow Molly @mollyhatch)

41

“Physic Garden” The High Museum of Art Atlanta, GA

“It’s so important to let yourself obsess. Sometimes my little obsessions lead to new work.

Sometimes they are simply just a fun tangent.”

“Illume” For sale at Todd Merrill Studio Contemporary

47

Exploring Words and Images by Shannon Robbins

S

hannon

Canadian

simply snapshots of the people I love, those

photographer who fell in love with

Robbins

is

a

who I surround myself with. And of course,

taking photos at a young age. Originally

those I explore with. With each image comes

captivated by landscape photography, it was

a rush of memory; they bring me back to a

through experiments in self-portraiture that

moment in time when life was bliss, and all

she began to explore and ultimately fall in

the elements came together for a great shot.

love with photographing people. Shannon

Whether it was a pocket of light shining

is currently attending Ryerson University’s

through a window, or a group of trees that

School of Image Arts to further pursue her

was begging to be photographed, each time

passion for image making.

I clicked the shutter it was instinctual. That’s

The photos I’m submitting to you here are

how I approach photography, especially when

not highly conceptual images. I didn’t set out

it comes to capturing images of exploration.

with the intention of creating them, like I

They shouldn’t be overanalyzed. They should

do with my images for school. There was no

be enjoyed.

careful consideration, no contemplation on

(Follow Shannon @shaerobbs)

what the best pose would be. Instead, they are

Bricker & Beam Words by Josh Cox

B

ased in Columbia, South Carolina, on the convergence of the

Evans and Ellington Lines--each named after beloved jazz musicians.

Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers, Bricker & Beam is a

Bricker & Beam is named in honor of Cox’s grandfather, Jim Kollar,

custom furniture operation specializing in marrying modern, clean-

who taught him woodworking in his warehouse beginning in the

lined design with heirloom-quality craftsmanship.

1980’s. Mr. Kollar still resides on Bricker Hill in Salem, Ohio, where he

The brainchild of owner and lead designer, Josh Cox, Bricker

has lived and worked for over 40 years.

& Beam focuses on creating signature pieces of furniture that tell a

We just recently finished designing and building several pieces of

story. Whether it be the source of materials brought in by a client, or

furniture for a cool modern house in Columbia, which we’ve dubbed

a collaborative concept developed in-house with the team, Bricker

the “Ellington House” after our Ellington Collection, which is featured

& Beam believes furniture should stand for something beyond itself,

in it.

something meaningful.

The project began when a new client approached us about building

Each piece is made to order in the company’s shop, providing

an entire custom collection around our Ellington coffee table design.

the opportunity to work closely with every client toward a tailored

They gave us complete creative freedom to design as we saw fit, save that

furniture solution for their specific needs. With a particular affinity for

it maintained an overall continuity of the Ellington design.

exceptional design and one of a kind architecture, Bricker & Beam aims

Each piece in the project was carefully designed and crafted to

to incorporate various materials into its work, including leather, steel,

compliment the architecture of the client’s new home, bringing the

glass, and premium hardwoods.

beautiful live-edge walnut slabs to each room.

In addition to custom commissions, Bricker & Beam also offers a growing number of original furniture collections, including its popular

(Follow Bricker & Beam @brickerandbeam)

53

Poetry with Paper Words by Tara Galuksa

y name is Tara Galuska and I create poetry with paper! I

choice. Through the guidance of the book The Artist’s Way and finding

am an artist and illustrator who uses paper to create work

support in the other areas of my life that were troubling me, I went on

that is unmistakably whimsical, delicate and feminine. I was born in

to try a number of different mediums and styles in my work. Each new

Zimabawe, spent my early childhood in Zambia, lived most of my life

experience led me to my next step and, without knowing or expecting

in Australia, and now live in Canada. I studied illustration and design

a specific outcome, I just kept moving forward. I was so thrilled and

at the Enmore Design Centre and have been creating with paper since

even relieved when I created the paper self-portrait that revealed the

2014.

direction I knew I would follow in my work from then on! Looking

M

back now, it is beautiful to see the

My work is process driven: I

create

paper

intricate,

objects,

sculptural

creatures,

and

compositions. Each one sparks the viewers’ imagination. I start with a very specific visual idea of what I want to create in my mind, then break down the layout into parts.

“ Fortunately, the high level of discomfort I was experiencing led me to a time of just going with the flow and trying new things, really because I had no other choice. ”

threads

that

tied

everything

together, and I wouldn’t give up any of the “in-between” times that I have muddled through.

When I describe my art to people I like to say that I create poetry with paper, but I’m also exploring my experience with the

I work step by step, being very precise with each cut and element of the composition. I have often been

world through it. Since my early childhood, I have spent my life in

told that people are awestruck or filled with wonder when they first

constant search of all things wondrous, seeking out magic and beauty

discover a piece, as though the object or creature is animated and alive.

in the everyday. This has continued to be a prominent factor in how I

Following that, the viewer looks closer and realizes that the work is a

navigate the world. We all get caught up in the rushing, the tasks, the

meticulously hand-cut paper sculpture. I consider the work to be most

deadlines, the daily grind—when something stops us in our tracks it

successful when the labor of craft is only discovered after the viewer

can give us the time and space to reflect. These are the things that I am

identifies with the object.

inspired to create with paper in my own work, whether it’s a humble

To get to the work I am doing now has been a process of exploration!

little houseplant, a majestic bird, or the delicate wings of a moth.

After graduation I worked as a graphic designer, and when I moved

A simple piece of paper holds endless possibilities. I can cut it, fold

to Canada I found myself “stuck,” in a lot of ways, but especially

it, scrunch it, glue it, mark it, tear it (the list goes on!)…until it becomes

creatively, which was a very painful experience. Fortunately, the high

what it is meant to be. The perfect material to explore with and express

level of discomfort I was experiencing led me to a time of just going

what I want to share with the world!

with the flow and trying new things, really because I had no other

(Follow Tara @taragaluska)

55

58

The Freaky Table Words by Zaira Zarotti

I

’m Zaira Zarotti. I was born in Venice, in the heart of this amazing

had left through my senses. Smells and tastes tie us to places and people;

and unique city, on New Year’s Eve in 1988. It’s here that I spent

food does this and so much more. The house where I grew up used to

the first years of my life, smelling the fog and seeing the water reflecting

smell of homemade cakes and sometimes of turpentine. I liked the old

on the noble palaces. I was born into an unconventional family of artists

wooden table in the kitchen where my father sometimes ate with his

who brought me up encouraging me to draw on the walls of their

fingers still stained with paint.

studios. I like to think that my creativity comes from the genetic code

The table loaded with the used household objects and simple but

I had received, or that it may be a sort of contamination from which I

carefully prepared food have taught me the beauty for the daily life,

couldn’t escape.

which is what I seek out in the styling of my photographs. Like Venice,

I lived in Venice, Milan and – for a fair amount of time – also in Paris,

I was fascinated by the revelation of Paris displaying so much of its

but the artistic environment in which I grew up has always been part of

well-preserved past. In Paris, I visited the old flea markets and went to

who I am. Primarily, I’m a photographer, though I’m not keen to define

the brocante shops looking for that antique, vintage, fin-de-siecle (end

myself as a such. I attended painting workshops at home, at art school,

of the century) look that reminded me of my family’s home interior.

and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice until I put all my trust in photography.

Now, I live near Venice in a country house close to the Brenta River, the Riviera del Brenta, as it’s known, along which stands the

I have learned that the search for who we are and how we express

ancient villas of the Venetian nobility, who used them as their summer

ourselves comes from doing what makes us feel good in accordance with

residences. From the window of my kitchen, I can see a big garden, and

our deeper nature. During any act of pure creativity, like photography,

a little further, beyond the orchards, there are my family’s large studios.

painting or cooking, something extraordinary happens, which is like a

This place has become a creative workshop with lots of activities

sort of meditation. It’s a solitary and intimate exploration of yourself.

taking place but has managed to keep its old characteristics and a slow

I find this space when I do something that I really love doing, and

way of life. This includes the seasons, the moon, and the sustainable

I apply myself with devotion. I understood I had become devoted to

vegetable garden where vegetables are grown with care. It also includes

photography after accepting the fact that I would never have been able

the love for beauty in all of its forms, for the good food and the value of

to compare myself as a painter with my parents. Through photography

time added on every material and object used.

I’ve found my path.

Here, my work mostly consists of photography and food styling. I

I graduated from the CFP Bauer Photography School in Milan,

develop new recipes or use the traditional Italian and Venetian ones. I

where I lived for five years. I enjoyed living in Milan, but I’ve never had

use organic and local products or the vegetables grown in my vegetable

strong feelings for this city. My nostalgic eyes were constantly looking

garden.

for that fabulous Venetian decadence in every small thing. That’s when

I’m always looking out for objects and materials that are vintage and

I understood the great value of time because it gives a sacred aura to

out of the ordinary, and I personally take care of the styling. It doesn’t

things. Venice is all of this, and I missed it.

matter where they come from or what condition they are in, what’s

When I was living in Milan, I was looking for a way of belonging,

important for me is their quirkiness. Just like the food that reaches my

and so I started to cook in my tiny kitchen to remember the place that I

table, the objects also have their own unique story. For this reason, I have

Photo by: Eugenio Marongiu

started a new production of ceramics raku. Each unique piece is entirely

The most amazing thing when making Raku pottery, is the moment

designed and handmade by myself. In this Japanese technique, deeply

of removing each piece of work from the kiln when it is still bright

rooted into the Zen spirit, I’ve found a connection with my search for

red hot. Creativity and improvisation, together with a knowledge of

beauty in the imperfection. I perform the complete production process,

different materials, give way to some unique and surprising objects.

from the clay modelling to the baking.

In fact, a Raku firing process is something like an event where all the

I love to give a new life to second hand things. Worn out objects

primordial elements such as water, wind, earth, and fire are combined

seem to have a history of their own that reveals itself in every single

together in an equilibrium that is given both by a bit of chance and a

blemish caused by wear and tear. I’ve always loved flea markets and

bit of chemistry. The value of this technique is in the impossibility of

small antique shops and not only because it’s sometimes possible to find

foreseeing the perfect result, which, with its imperfection, can also be

some very good bargains. Plates with broken edges, cracked little bowls

surprising.

and occasionally, some marked tools.

I was first introduced to the magic world of pottery by my father,

“Look. I can give you a discount for that damaged plate.” Damaged?

Luciano. As far as visual arts are concerned, my family is like an artistic

What nonsense! I buy it exactly for this! In those small defects I see its

community, where everyone has their own profession. We exchange

uniqueness: there isn’t another one like it. For me, the imperfection is an

views very often, and it’s particularly nice when someone’s enthusiasm

added value and it’s priceless.

in experimenting with new techniques also influences the others who

I’ve started to use the word freaky when speaking in Italian, here and

are very eager to learn.

there, and often someone will ask “What did you say?!” “Freaky! You

Luciano is now 72, and regarding painting techniques, he’s like a

know, something that is unusual and a bit odd. Absurdly imperfect!”

alchemist wizard, but he is also a tireless experimenter and researcher.

What a lovely sound it has! I like it to the point I’ve made some Italian variations like “freakyssimo” – which is similar to bellissimo – because this word has a very positive meaning for me.

“ Nothing is perfect – nothing stays forever – nothing is incomplete: beauty is linked with the transience of things and to the effect of time.”

Freaky is the cracked plate left aside because it doesn’t match the others any more. But for me, freaky has become more than just a word; it’s another way of approaching what is around us.

Perfection doesn’t exist. In my opinion, there is a variety of beautiful

When he started to fill his studio with some huge bags of clay, carrying them with effort and sweat, we looked at him thinking that he was crazy and that everything would be over soon.

Three months later, we had built

together a large pottery workshop with three raku kilns.

We have become something like a trio, my father Luciano, my boyfriend Francesco, and myself. Luciano is our mentor. Francesco and I are respectively the brawn and the brain behind the freaky raku.

imperfections that make things and people unique. But it’s also the

We have studied and worked hard in order to learn a technique

passing of time that plays a fundamental role in this vision because it

that was new to us, starting from nothing. We have experimented

changes inevitably every single thing.

with chemical combinations, combustion methods, and clay-shaping

Nothing is perfect – nothing stays forever – nothing is incomplete:

techniques. Raku is not simply making objects, it’s an ongoing

beauty is linked with the transience of things and to the effect of time.

experimental process that is strictly linked to the primordial elements

Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic concept that can be detected but that isn’t

and to Nature. It’s an amazing ritual. It’s an exploration into the art of

linked to any defined physical features. However, to our material culture,

imperfection.

Wabi-sabi objects are often seen as rustics because at first, we view them

We have built our kilns in our garden, near the bamboo thicket, and

as asymmetric, simple, with unrefined surfaces. They are irregular and

when the sun goes down we wait for the evening to arrive. That is the

faulty. A perfect example of this kind of aesthetic is Raku ceramics.

perfect moment to remove our bright red heat works from the kiln and

Raku is a firing technique for pottery whose origins are linked to the

to see the thick cloud of smoke covering the garden like a mantle of fog.

ancient Japanese art of tea ceremony. This technique is deeply rooted

In the silence of the night, our expectations are always fulfilled by all

in the Zen philosophy and related to the influence that Buddhism had

those small setbacks that make each piece unique. Raku means finding

in the Japanese culture, whose Raku ceramics production can be traced

great pleasure in those moments because they contain the core of this

back to the sixteenth century.

ritual. I strongly feel that beauty often lies in the freedom of being able

It seems that this technique was created by chance, by a craftsman

to surprise myself with the unexpected.

named Chojiro. In order to make pottery that seemed old and worn out

The “freaky raku” is a project about the search for beauty that can be

in a quick way, he used the same materials and technique used for roof

found in the uniqueness of anything that is not perfect. Every object has

tile production: sandy clays and by removing the pottery from the kiln

its own story, its own time and its own soul.

as soon as the glaze had reached the red-heat stage. The thermic shock

(Follow Zaira @thefreakytable)

provoked by the cooling process gave the pottery an aged look, which also added some value to the objects.

65

Wild Flower Bar W

ild Flower Bar is a slow lifestyle floral studio located in Budapest, Hungary, with a mission: wild nature

belongs to urban days.

We create seasonal floral designs for events, installations, weddings, private residences, and editorial styling. We strive to bring about a feeling, in whatever we’re doing, that reminds people of something—moment, place or time.

Our passion about wildflowers and pure nature reflects our styled bouquets. Working together with local flower farmers gives our work an unique touch.

We were so excited to discover Mimi and Kata, the lovely ladies of Wild Flower Bar, while exploring on Instagram! The striking images of their work instantly spoke to us as we wished for nothing else but for their shop to be at the end of our block!

Be sure to visit their website to shop and be inspired by their collaborations with other makers, as well as follow their process and daily musings @thewildflowerbar.

71

Phase + Function

By Alicia Pinckney

A

licia Pinckney, a 25 years old, Philadelphia born designer, has spent most of her life creating.

Whether it be art or fashion, creativity has always been embedded in her genetic makeup.

Upon completing her undergraduate at Philadelphia University, she fell in love with menswear and is devoted to perfecting her menswear brand G. Leon, dedicated to her late grandfather who recently passed. Alicia’s menswear has been featured in Cotton Incorporated’s 24 Hour Runway Show in Miami, Philadelphia & Brooklyn Fashion Week, Philadelphia University’s Evening of Innovation and various local shows.

P

hase x Function is a menswear collection that finds inspiration in how things work, the behavior and characteristics of the moon, and other components related to the world of

space, theory, and functionality. This collection is divided into five chapters named after the five main phases of the moon, with each chapter taking on the aesthetics of that particular phase.

Each of these being its own entity also joins together to create a full story. Make sure you head over to www.gleon1938.com for more about this collection!.

72

Candice Lorraine Words by Charlie Long

C

andice planned to meet me at The National, which happened to

photo-shoot. Someone was manipulating the scene, organizing every

be the nicest restaurant in Athens. It’s not the kind of restaurant

aspect of what the photos would portray—lighting, textures, scenery,

that’s intimidating, like those that claim the title of having the city’s

etc. That is what Candice knew she wanted to do, to tell a story just as

best menu, but instead is very real, inviting, and clearly has its own

she had done with weddings, but through images of objects, flowers,

personality. So of course Candice would want to meet here, in a place

and food.

that has the same character and energy as her work. It’s also no surprise

Candice particularly loves styling drinks, especially by/when/through

that she has taken and coordinated many photos for The National, of

using the ingredients that comprise it/of which it is composed. She tries

their uniquely devised cocktails and premiere vegetable plates more of

to “create a story through the additional elements surrounding a focal

which she was taking today.

point,” and there really is a whole story to be told behind everything

Candice is very specific about how everything must be set up for the

Candice styles. She makes it her job to figure out how to position those

pictures that either she or her photography partner Danielle Hulsey

elements to introduce people to a concept they haven’t seen before. “I

take. She has a precise/an exact vision for every photograph, tweaking

have to be creative at every point,” she says. “It’s crazy and chaotic, and

and perfecting the placement of every cocktail ingredient or element of

I love every minute of it.”

food. Yet at the end of every adjustment, whatever she has fine-tuned

Although she has been building a solid reputation for herself as a

looks more natural than it did before. She simply put everything where

freelance stylist, she recognizes the difficulty in treading across new

it was meant to be, which is what a good stylist is there for.

terrain. She’s always learning always trying to build relationships with

Candice somehow has an innate gift to visualize stunning

people that can teach her more about her craft, and most importantly,

arrangements of just about anything, but it hasn’t always been an easy

she recognizes that she has to fight for success. “Every creative person I

journey to realize this ability. Her optimism/positivity has brought her

know has to fight for his or her passion.”

to where she is today. “Every chapter prepares you for the next one,”

Her journey is still new, and she continues to venture into more and

Candice says confidently, and she credits her professional background

more unfamiliar territory. But her desire to tell stories and her inherent

in wedding planning with teaching her not to be afraid. There simply

talent to visualize those stories are testaments to her creativity, and we’re

wasn’t enough time for fear; she had to be able to think and act quickly

excited to discover where her current chapter is preparing her for.

in order to tell each couple’s story through their wedding.

(Follow Candice @candice_lorraine)

She stumbled across the idea of styling while she was on set for a

Photo by Danielle D. Hulsey

Grapefruit Drink: This all goes in a pitcher and then serve individually:

INGREDIENTS 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice 1 cup mezcal 2 cups tonic Angostura bitters

Stir gently to combine.

2 dashes of bitters.

Photo by Danielle D. Hulsey

Add tonic and add ice.

Photo by Danielle D. Hulsey

Combine grapefruit juice and mezcal.

Photo by Danielle D. Hulsey

Featuring Zola Registry

Photo by Rustic White

Featuring Zola Registry

Photo by Rustic White

78

Barbara + Cecile Interview by Kassie Dyes

arbara + Cecile was started by Winnipeg designer Monica Jones.

B

own right. A get together with the English side of my family was

After experimenting with sewing and materials combined with

always joyful but also proper and refined, where as a get-together

countless hours of practice, her business was official established in

with my French side would always be boisterous, fun and unexpected.

2014. We had the opportunity to chat with Monica about her business,

In the middle of these two different backgrounds is where I grew up

inspiration and how her adventure began!

and continue to gain inspiration. Barbara + Cecile is reminder to me of who I am and where I come from.

Monica, tell me a little about yourself. How did you get to where you are today?

In what ways do you find yourself exploring? In life, music,

For as long as I can remember, I’ve identified myself as an artist,

materials, etc.

a person with a fierce desire to create and be creative. Throughout

As an artist, I am always exploring who I am and who I want to be

childhood, I explored many different forms of expression which

in my art and my day to day life. I like to learn how I can be better,

included creative writing, painting, dancing, and music lessons to

how I can eat better, feel better, exercise better.

name just a few. In my teenage years I edited down my interests to

I love discovering new music. Since I spend so much of my

music and fashion design. I was learning to play tenor saxophone

day sewing, I listen to a lot of music which also inspires me as a

and became so enamoured with jazz and improvisation that I

musician. When I discover an artist I really like, I find out who they

decided to pursue a music degree after high school. During my

are influenced by and then I check that out and on and on it goes

summer breaks between school however, I would take a break from

until I discover worlds I never knew existed. When I heard one of

music and spend my free time learning to sew. After graduating and

my favourite groups for the first time, Haitus Kaiyote, they were so

marrying a fellow musician in 2008, I took a break from music and

different and new sounding yet somehow also very familiar.

embarked on a new adventure starting an online shop selling my

A few years ago I started working with leather. This opened up an

handmade clutches. Here I began to explore the world of handbag

entirely new world of possibilities for me as a handbag designer.

and apparel design as well as textile printing. After a few years of

Leather is an amazing material to work with. It is strong and durable

teaching myself I decided to take a course in apparel design. It was

and lasts a long time. I consider the handbags I make artful products.

here that I filled in many gaps of knowledge and really evolved

They are meant to be used but a lot of creative energy has been put

on my skill set. After completing the course, I launched my label:

into each one. With each new hide I work with, I’ve learned to listen

Barbara + Cecile Handbags. Shortly after that I started playing and

to it and watch how it behaves first and then design something to

performing music again and, most recently, writing music again. I

be made from it. Learning new techniques and implementing them

am a multi-disciplinary artist, and instead of choosing only one form

into a design is something I make sure to do often. Finding new

of expression, I have now made the choice to live this balancing act

ways to challenge myself as an artist keeps me inspired. There will

of a lifestyle as both a musician and designer.

always be new things to learn, and ways of getting better. An artist’s work is never final and perfect. I think we are constantly evolving,

Barbara + Cecile, tell me a little about how this came to be.

My label name came from my grandmothers. My English grandmother Barbara was also an artist. She sewed, knitted and painted and taught me what she knew. My grandmother Cecile is a Metis woman, strong with a quiet grace and a creative woman in her

and the work we produce is a reflection of who we were at the time it was made.

(Follow Monica @barbaraandcecile)

The Northwest

Interview by Kassie Dyes Images by Eric Garcia

for three days--he let me borrow his car, stay in his house, the whole nine! I decided to go out to the Olympic Peninsula, which was four hours away from where my friend was living at the time. I would go to bed by midnight, planning my trip for the next day. I’d set my alarm for 2:30 a.m., sleep for a few hours, and be up and out the door

Kassie: How would you describe your work?

by 3 a.m. to be in the Olympic by 7 a.m., the perfect time to see the

Eric: I would describe my work as serene. There are so many things

fog creep in. I did this for three days, running on little sleep, but the

to capture in this world we live in, but I think the beauty is found

happiest I had ever been in my life. I remember at a certain point I

in the things untouched by man. Things such as forests and oceans

was standing on Vance Creek Bridge, and I looked around to realize

are what really inspire me. My goal in photography is to capture

I was living my dream. I was 1,000 miles away from home. I had

images that evoke some sort of emotion in the viewer--whether it be

hiked to the middle of nowhere, had been drenched by the rain, and

sadness, beauty, or solitude. My images have been captured all along

I was standing on an abandoned bridge completely surrounded by

the west coast--Washington, San Francisco, and the Bay Area, but

trees. I was disconnected from society and felt a sense of serenity and

my personal favorite place would have to be the Northwest.

an overwhelming sense of happiness to me. After this experience, I

Tell me a little about yourself. How did you get to where you are today?

I hadn’t really noticed how far I’ve actually come until just recently.

I came across some of my first few photos from three years ago and laughed at how bad they were!

decided I was going to pursue a career in which I could travel to the corners of the world to experience everything this earth has to offer and to never settle for anything else.

What would your dream project look like?

Dream project?! I haven’t thought this far! Laughs. I would say travel to places like Alaska, the Faroe Islands, Antarctica--some of the

What has been a seminal experience for you?

colder places in the world--with my close friends. I feel like we don’t

I recently had a life-changing experience that really altered the path

know much about how people live there and the things those places

I want to create in my career. I took a trip to the Northwest for the

have to offer so I’d like to see them for myself and to document

first time last spring. I was up there with a really good friend of mine

them.

81

In what ways do you find yourself exploring? In life, music,

I’m the youngest of four siblings, and I will be the first in my family

materials, etc.

to graduate from a four-year university. She’s always wanted at least

Ever since I began exploring art, I’ve also been exploring different

one of us to go to college, and I’m her last hope, so I have to make it

forms theatre, cinematography, drawing, and music! I like the

happen. I’m already two years in!

storytelling that some of these mediums provide, and my favorite part about them is that it’s universal. I’ve found myself listening to French or even Portuguese music that I don’t understand but enjoy the way it makes me feel. I’ve also really enjoyed theatre and film in particular! I love watching different plays and movies and have a fondness for the movies from the 20’s and 50’s.

How has the idea of exploration affected you personally or in your work?

It’s affected me personally because it has helped me step out of my comfort zone. I used to be horrified at the thought of going somewhere not many people had been to and trespassing, and I wouldn’t do it. I still get nervous, but it’s not so bad now.

As an artist, how do you get through the tough days? The days lacking in motivation and inspiration. What reinspires you?

Aw, man, I know every artist relates to this all too well--the days you’re stuck and uninspired. It doesn’t happen very often, but when it rains, it pours. I’ll go weeks without really being inspired by anything, and I won’t really create anything. It’s hard to pinpoint a certain thing that inspires me because there are many, but if I had to pick one it would be my family and loved ones, mainly my mom.

Tell me about your best day.

I wouldn’t really say I’ve had a best day yet? My best days are when it’s raining, foggy, and dark outside (which, unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of here in California).

What advice would you give your younger self if you could?

Probably to not be afraid to stand out and that there’s no such thing as a “good” photo. Kinda. Everything is subjective, especially in art.

If I see a photo of the New York skyline during sunset, It won’t really make me feel a certain way, as opposed to a photograph that tells a story that I can connect with.

Closing thoughts you’d like our reader to know?

I don’t think I’m in a position to give advice to other artists because I’m still figuring this stuff out myself, so I’ll just end with one of my favorite quotes: “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

(Follow Eric @genesiswestcoast)

84

Awl Snap Interview by Kassie Dyes

E

rin Roberts is a Richmond, Virginia based designer and maker

Is the business just you; do you have anyone else working with

and the brains behind Awl Snap. I had the privilege of meeting

you?

Erin at Chicago’s One-of-a-Kind Show and catching up with her later

I have two part-time girls that help in the studio, Ali Ferguson and

on to talk about her business and how she’s made it to this stage of her

Shahana Insari. They are awesome, and I wish I could afford to have

career. After graduating from George Mason University with a fine

someone full-time with me, but I do pull them in during busy season.

arts degree in painting, she spent time in Virginia Beach doing just that.

Prepping for shows and before holidays, that sort of thing. But day to

Painting. That was until her love hate relationship with the discipline

day, it is just me. Every aspect of the business. I do work with business

became more hate then love, and she decided to give, what she calls, her

coaches and mentors to understand that side of the business a bit better.

grown up job a chance. For Erin, this was working in advertising and marketing for six years. While during this time she found some joy in the marketing world, it is not where she wanted to say. Thanks to a coworker who first gave her some leather, Erin decided to make herself a leather bag. From there, it was thanks to Youtube and trial and error that began the business we know today as Awl Snap. Like many makers out there, Erin first started this as a part time gig, but as it continued to grow, she left her full time marketing job to be her own boss!

“It was

terrifying to turn a hobby into a full time job.” As she continued to talk about her adventure of starting a business, I realized just how relatable this topic of conversation really was.

Kassie: So how did you begin? What did you start with?

Erin: I made a plan. For me, once I decided to pursue this full time and quit my marketing job, I had to cut back on as many expenses as possible. From there, I was able to put all of my efforts into Awl Snap.

Have you completely built your business organically?

Yes! And that’s what’s interesting. I’m at a crossroads. To see more growth, I have some decisions to make! There are so many directions Awl Snap can go right now, so it’s hard to see what will happen. But when I first started, it was on a crappy home machine. Then after a while, I bought a used industrial machine off of Craigslist. Slowly, I got more machines that helped grow my capabilities. I acquired more and more machines and tools. Since everything I do is made to order, I’m able to purchase the tools I need as I go.

What tools do you use most often?

So many tools are used in each and every bag! The free arm sewing machine is great because it lets you get around curves and corners and can just handle much more. The classic Harbor Freight shop press is perfect for my high selling items. I’m able to use molds that can quickly and easily cut out patterns. But I guess my favorite is my Kingsley hot foil machine. It’s one of those that was used in the 50’s

to personalize stationery and pencils. The tiny table top machine has

you are, who your customer is, and where you fit in.

a heating element, almost like a little letterpress machine. I used to dread branding stuff. You’d be at the end of making something and you’d mess it up with the branding iron and have to throw it away.

This tool makes that so much easier.

Do you have any advice for up and coming entrepreneurs?

Use your resources! Google, videos, talk to people, get advice. I’m doing what I love, and I encourage people to do the same, but not to expect it to be easy. Even if you are doing what you love, it doesn’t

How do you begin? What is your process?

mean all the pieces will fall into place. You have to work for it! It’s

I used to just start, usually out of scrap, but then you realize that’s

all trial and error. And I will say, you have to have thick skin. Some

wasting a lot of leather. So I started sketching it out. I like to think

days you feel on top of the world, and some days are so awful and

about the idea, come back to it in a few days, and see if I still like it

you feel like you can’t go on. But I think if you can make it work, it’s

and want to move forward! I use one of those sketching apps on my

worth it being your own boss.

phone, like kids use, that way I can always sketch it out when I’m inspired! But I usually have my sketchbook as well. When it comes to the actual bag, I’ll make a paper pattern first and then cut out leather pieces. If I’m feeling really confident, I’ll just go for it, but It’s usually the paper!

How do you find yourself exploring?

I am always exploring in my work. Since there is so much competition this, forces me to explore and to go outside of my comfort zone. I’m constantly asking myself, “What else can I do to make myself stand out? How can I take this further, or can this make me more unique

Do you feel like the market has transformed so a shop owner can

than someone else?” Recently I’ve also found myself exploring

be successful?

through collaboration. There are six other artists and makers in this

It has become so much easier to start a business which is freaking

building. And in this, “collective” we have our own individual space.

fantastic! There is so much support and so many tools in order to

That being said, I am always trying to figure out how we can all work

help you do this. When I first started, there was so much to figure

together. I love this idea of collaborating with fine art friends to

out, but now there is so much there to help you. But with that, there

make something cool and unique and a little less practical! That is

is a lot more competition. It is such a saturated market, so that can

really what my dream project would be!

be a challenge. It can be harder to stand out, figure out your niche

(Follow Erin @awl_snap)

and your target market, so it’s constantly trying to figure out where

89

Rooftop Interview by Kassie Dyes Photos by Hannah Costello

T

he plan was to have a quick phone

specifically North Hollywood. During those

interview but after a short, excited, and

early years in the Northeast, Hannah first

frantic call from Hannah, that was quickly

became acquainted with photography When

rescheduled! She had been offered a free flight

she was in middle school, her mother won an

to Denmark set to take off just a few hours

underwater camera from a local radio station

from the time we talked, so she was rushing

and gave it to Hannah starting her interest in

around to prepare herself for the journey. Fast

the discipline.

forward 48 hours, and we’re Face Timing. Me

Talking to Hannah, I learned the impact

in Nashville. She in an Airbnb in Copenhagen.

all of these places had on both her life and

Needless to say, her last few days had been full

her work. “Within those moves, there were

of adventure and her surroundings slightly

so many different cultures to experience. I

more breathtaking than my tiny office!

loved the history that was the Northeast!

It took a while to get focused on the

There was so much all around you and in the

interview as we caught up on her last two

architecture. And then you have California

days of travel and exploration all wrapped in a

that is so wonderful because you can choose

bundle of nerves! Her Airbnb was a renovated

where you live based on the seasons you want

coffee shop turned house, and she had spent

to experience! You have the beach, but you can

her days walking around the neighborhood

also drive up a mountain and see the snow! It

getting acclimated to the culture and language

has so much to offer. And LA has so much

barrier.

culture all on its own.”

While Hannah and I have known each other

Her interest in photography was present

for years and have been working together for

all through highschool and college even as

several of those, we were focusing the majority

she chose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree

of our time focusing on her latest exploration

in social work. During that time, she met

project, Rooftop. That didn’t stop me from

her now husband, Jack and the two of them

getting a bit more of her backstory in order to

began taking on wedding photography and

paint a clear picture for those new to the life of

videography jobs as they planned their own

Hannah Costello.

wedding! “I never wanted to do weddings! I

Born Hannah Greenwood, she grew up in

actually turned down a few before I said yes to

the northeastern part of the United States

that first one. But then I did one, and all of the

moving around from Providence, Boston,

sudden it was something Jack and I could do

Connecticut, and back again.

From there

to earn extra money. I was in love, and so I was

her teenage and collegiate years were spent in

already in the wedding spirit which changed

San Diego, CA before making her way to her

my mind!”

current home in Los Angeles, CA and more

Rooftop Interview by Kassie Dyes Photos by Hannah Costello

Kassie: You’ve done more high profile weddings, most recently

favorite things! I knew most of the good places in San Diego, so it’s

Whitney Port’s. What is your process in choosing your clients,

so great being in LA and having so many new places to explore. I’ve

and are the high profile weddings something you prefer to do?

been able to find little nooks or drive up into the mountains!”

Hannah: Whitney and Tim had a wonderful wedding. She was such a great person to work with because she is super stylish and she and Tim have a great relationship. But it’s not so much about how well know the people are, but more what they are like as a couple. When working with clients, I want a couple that can trust my creative process. It comes down to this. Do they want to throw an awesome party? It doesn’t matter if it’s an elopement or for tons of family and

What does your dream project look like?

I mean I’m literally sitting here as we speak which is amazing. But I’ve always wanted to explore it even more. I love traveling and being my own boss and having a flexible schedule allows me to do just that. I would love to shoot a European elopement. Just me and the couple somewhere abroad just sounds perfect!”

friends, I want clients who have an attention to detail and to create

What is something that you’d like our audience to know about

a wedding that best represents them!

you?

Shifting gears a little bit, how did you get to the Rooftop shoot?

Well, I actually had a block of time after wedding season ended and before it began again. I wanted to do a giveaway for an engagement shoot, and work with a new couple. The couple I ended up working with was perfect! They had great style and this old Mercedes. Once I saw that, the idea just started coming together in my mind! So

What sets me apart is that I involve a lot of my personal self into my work. I give a lot of me and my personality. I find human connection really important. Not everyone is super comfortable in front of a camera, so I like to make people feel as comfy as possible.

Let them know about myself. Instant friendship is something I strive for in my business!

many photoshoots are focused on what my clients want, but this

Describe your style: modern yet timeless, authentic, fun

giveaway was a great opportunity to work outside my comfort zone,

What are you listening to? Beach fossils, Tame Impala’s album-

bringing in props and using a different type of location. I was really

Currents

able to put my vision together and see it come to fruition. Stuffing

Favorite time of day: 10 pm. I’m a night owl. I start to think like

them in a car was so different then what I normally do!”

crazy!

In what ways do you find yourself exploring on the day to day?

Oh I am always exploring! I used to be anti-Pinterest, But now I use it as a great tool to gather inspiration and focus my ideas. It really helps me get organized. I think location scouting is also one of my

What other art inspires you? Music, architecture, paintings Best day: nothing on the to do list, it’s a day where I can do whatever I want (Follow Hannah @hannah.costello)

95

Kitchen Garden Series Words by Heidi Barr Photos by Small Wonder

T

had a great run and was really feeling burnt

kitchen textiles made from reclaimed

out. I wanted to be doing something creative

materials that is sold to support urban

that felt like part of a solution in the face of

agriculture.

the endless problems I saw in the world, and

he kitchen garden series is a line of

Our mission is to provide you with heirloom

costumes weren’t filling that need for me. I

quality kitchen textiles while supporting

began getting together with my friend and

Philadelphia’s growing urban agricultural

fellow designer, Tara Webb, weekly to sew for

movement. We

designing

fun. One night we were making napkins and

and manufacturing our products in our

do

this

by

tea towels and talking about wanting more

neighborhood and donating a quarter of our

meaning in our work and more gardens in

proceeds to urban agricultural programs. Our

our city, and the Kitchen Garden Series idea

signature look comes from the up-cycled men’s

emerged. I never looked back.

shirts and linen that appear in our designs.

Using my design skills to contribute to

Using reclaimed materials has the added

urban agriculture makes my heart sing. At

benefit of reducing textile waste in landfills.

its core, my mission is environmentalism.

Our goal is to create sustainable designs that support sustainable food systems.

A

Urban growers practicing sustainable farming methods aid cities by contributing habitats

bout the Designer, Heidi is a

for small wildlife, improving air quality,

Philadelphia-based

working

improving the health and well-being of the

in costume design, textiles, and garden-

growers, and adding to the overall beauty of a

based installations. Growing up as the

neighborhood. I also use reclaimed materials

granddaughter of a farmer, Heidi was instilled

so I’m not adding to textile waste in landfills.

artist

with a natural wonderment for all things that

The Kitchen Garden Series is an exploration

grow: food, ideas, friendships, flowers, trees,

of how to apply my craft to what matters most

communities. She created the kitchen garden

to me in this life - sustaining the natural world.”

series to support their growth. “I was reaching

(Follow Heidi @thekitchengardenseries)

a breaking point as a costume designer. I’d

98

Artful Hands Intro by Kassie Dyes Interview by Damarea Watts

W

e recently got together with Jenny Lee at one of

college, she had always worked as a graphic designer. She took a

Nashville’s favorite coffee spots, Barista Parlor, to take

short month off before jumping into her first job but has been busy

on the formidable task of reflecting upon work, inspiration, and the infinite possibilities that the future may hold.

with the discipline ever since.

“How did you transition into handlettering from design?”

When we meet up, it’s actually turning into a nice day. The sun has

“Hand lettering is very much design for me. It doesn’t feel like two

just started to peek out after a bout of heavy rain, and as the weather

different worlds. And even then, it always seemed like something I

improves, the usual mix of locals and tourists start to stream into the

could do, I just didn’t know what to do with it. I clearly remember

initially quiet cafe. We settle onto bar stools in the corner facing the

being in a meeting at work and drawing out the phrase, ‘scratch and

wall, probably a little bit too close to the speaker, but as we talk, the

burn.’ But unfortunately I never pursued it. I felt like it wasn’t for

music and clanking of ceramic mugs fade into the background.

anything, so I just discarded it and moved on.”

“People call me Jenny Lee,” she quickly explains, “but my first name is Jenny, last name Lee--it can be confusing!”

Jenny is a designer from Alabama who now resides in the lovely city of Nashville where she works as a UX Designer for Dave

Jenny speaks with excitement and confidence as she continues to explain her love of letters and types. With inspirations such as Jessica Hische, she’s looked to those who have pursued a similar craft until she was ready to lend her own style to it.

Ramsey’s budgeting app by day and spends her free time working for

“I like creating work with a positive message! Not just something

her own business as a hand letterer. As she sums it up, “I’m a person

feel-good and cheesy, but something that promotes an action,

who loves to make things.”

helping people get motivated. I am a firm believer that we are in

Speaking quickly and with much enthusiasm, Jenny delves into the story of her creative journey, beginning with the formative high school years: “I worked for a newspaper during those years! I started out just

control of our attitude and our position in life. If something’s not right, we can change it.”

And that theme is so present in her work, which we continue to see as she delves into her process with us.

doing paperwork things, writing articles, for example. Someone else was doing layout, but this was the first time I had ever seen Photoshop! I thought it was so great, so I kept writing articles, but started a little bit of layout myself doing the super non-important things, like grocery store ads and classifieds.”

She continues to explain the process of deciding to major in graphic design. “I kind of just stumbled into design. I didn’t always know this was something I wanted to do, but as my knowledge grew, it seemed like a whole new world, and suddenly it just clicked! It was a learned love.”

We pause the interview as coffee is delivered to our table and quickly get right back on topic. Jenny goes on to explain that, since

Damarea: It starts with an idea, but how do you go about making it a visual reality?

Jenny: Let’s talk about one of my pieces, The Lord’s Prayer. I know what I want something to feel like, even if I don’t know what I want it to look like. The Lord’s Prayer is tricky because it’s so many words, I was going to church, and it was what we were studying through, which is how I first got the idea. First, I had to think about phrasing-which words I want to see together and go from there. Composition is so important. For me, the process starts rough and super sketchy.

I am constantly using tracing paper and a lot of refining. I make the style fit with what the words say so that the idea is mentally

and visually is cohesive. I didn’t want to repeat the same type of

quickly. I don’t want it to have too “insider” of an appeal but [to

treatment for each line, but have something to hold it together. At

appeal to] a wider range of people. I am constantly asking myself,

the same time, I wanted it to be more designerly compared to just

“Will it exclude people who may not understand it?” I want it to be

straight lettering. I sketched it out to scale, and then I went over it

something you can comprehend and continue to think about later, to

again and again until the piece felt balanced.”

communicate a simple message with important values.

What real life situations have inspired you?

Can we talk about the future?

A lot of pieces come from talks I’ve had with people or from podcasts

Laughs. I have a 6-8 week mindset. But 3-5 years? I don’t know! The

I’ve heard. I don’t like to use anything verbatim, but I like taking

future has so many different possibilities--it’s hard to comprehend.

someone’s thought or concept and making it my own. I make these

The idea of selling my own work sounds nice, creating my own

things just as much for me as I do for other people. It’s almost a

product. But I can also see myself doing branding or teaching in

reminder for me as I work on the piece, so I choose things that I

a workshop setting. Helping other people figure out how to work

personally need to remember.

through something! But I would want it to be fun. I mean, take it seriously folks, but we’re going to have fun while we do this. So I

How do you find yourself exploring?

guess we’ll see where that may lead!

I am such a traveler! It’s probably one of my biggest hobbies. I recently traveled to San Francisco to do a hand lettering workshop.

As we finish up, Jenny offers some parting words of wisdom for

I rented a convertible and drove from the city down to Big Sur and

budding artists and people who just want to explore: “Don’t overthink

back. It was so great! I’ve been to eleven different countries, but

things. Figure it out as you go. Things get better. You take in other

I want to go to so many more. I think you learn so much about

people’s work to learn but take your own steps and make your work

yourself and where you come from when you travel to other places.

your own. And most importantly, GET STARTED!”

Every culture is different, and in every place, I compare it to home.

Make sure to check out Jenny Lee on Instagram @daddysangbass or Traveling and gaining new perspective, how does that affect your

online at www.daddysangbass.com

work?

sangbass or online at www.daddysangbass.com

Doing so made me realize that I want people to grasp my work

103

Sons of Sawdust Words by Charlie Long

S

ons of Sawdust is a woodworking

along from their grandfather, who shared

business created by Matt and Ben

his love of woodworking with the Hobbs

Hobbs based out of Athens, Georgia. They

brothers in their childhood. They looked

believe that sometimes the best way to

to the wisdom and character of their

create new things is to go back to the past,

grandfather to influence the way they work

and in their business, that means looking

now. The story of his life and his love of

to reclaimed wood to create new furniture.

carpentry continues through them to create

Reclaimed wood is wood that has been

a new story. In the same way, they look to

previously used to build something else,

old and rustic wood to create a new story

be it a woodshed or a front door. Much of

for customers now. Something that was once

the wood they use is up to 100 years old

part of a barn in rural Georgia can become

bringing with it a visage of character gained

a dinner table in Atlanta over which many

from years of wear and weather. If the wood

jokes, arguments, stories and moments of

that they find is in good enough condition,

joy can be shared. The story of the wood

they will find new and inventive ways to

not only continues but gains more and more

use it in the creation of new high quality

elements as it survives and becomes a newly

furniture.

beautiful and unique entity.

Their idea of reclaimed wood was passed

(Follow Matt and Ben @sonsofsawdust)