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SHOW PONY MAGAZINE
Your work encompasses inspirational elements from your travels around the world, yet most of your pieces are fabricated in your hometown of Krakow, Poland. Tell us about this decision. I found the most reliable and creative seamstresses in Krakow. We have been working together for years and have great communication, no words are needed really, and I can fully rely on them. They are a bit on the expensive side, but I am committed to producing quality garments. As an established artist, in what ways do you continue to evolve and challenge yourself to create innovative new images and dress designs? I mostly try not to get affected by my industry: the trends, what’s in, what’s out, what’s appropriate, what’s not. I want to stay true to myself and follow my heart as much as possible. I try to challenge myself to stay more like a child – innocent and free – a child who doesn’t know what she cannot or should not do. I want to see and experience the world as it actually is, not the way we adults have been taught to believe that it is. To me, this is the secret to creativity and innovation. Baudelaire said “Genius is nothing more nor less than childhood recovered at will.” He was saying that if you can revisit the wonder of childhood you can taste genius. And he was right, it’s the child in you who is creative, not the adult. The adult in you wears a belt and suspenders and looks both ways before crossing the road, the child in you goes barefoot and plays in the street. I always want to approach my design and photography with the eyes and energy of a child. Do you have any advice for emerging artists who aspire to make a living from their passion? Only create the work you love, and always be true to it. When working commercially you’ll have to give up parts of yourself, but that’s OK because this is how you make your living. But when you are working naturally and honestly for yourself, only do what you love. For example, when you take on an editorial commission, do it because you absolutely believe in it and love the idea behind it. This way you will never get lost. Neglecting passion blocks creative flow; when you’re passionate, you’re energized. Likewise, when you lack passion, your energy is low and unproductive. Energy is everything when it comes to being successful. Also, always remember your roots and where you came from; clients appreciate it very much. Be one of a kind in your work, personality, and specialize in the work that you love. Your true passion and persistence will bring you success. Never get full of yourself when big things actually happen to you, simply because it can all go away within a minute. Instead, appreciate your success, see how you can grow more, and enter another chapter.
by D dagmaraphotography.com www.facebook.com/dressesbyd