issue fifteen
issue fifteen Editor / Founder: Melanie Doncas Editorial Assistant: Cecile Blackmore
Contributors: LARA QUINT, Tamara Graffen, ROCCAPINA, Julia Godoy, Gail Job, Lindsay Gardner, Sarah England
Cover: Photographer: Gail Job Model: Grace at Marilyn NY Stylist: Tricia Warren MUA: Andrea Saavedra Hair: Virginia Gamez'
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Editor’s Letter Hello and welcome to a very special Issue 15! I know I say this about many of Whim’s issues when they’re released, but this one truly has been special to work on. You see, it’s the only digital magazine issue we’ve released in 2017, after taking a much-needed break to focus solely on our website, WhimMagazine.com. We promise we won’t leave it this long again, as taking a step back from issue production has actually allowed us to realise just how much we love creating them - even if they are a lot of hard work! I want to thank all of the amazing creatives who have made this issue possible by choosing to share their work with us and taking the time to answer our interview questions. I also really want to thank our generous readers (that’s you!) for being intrigued enough by Whim to offer us your time and energy. Hopefully the following pages fill you with awe and wonder! Last but not least, I want to wish all of you the very best wishes for the New Year. Here’s to a healthy, happy, and safe 2018.
Love, Melanie
Contents 6 8 32 36 58 60 70 90 92 98 118 120 128 150 154
Whim Loves LARA QUINT’s ‘The Amish’ FW 17/18 Interview: MasterChef Australia contestant …Tamara Graffen .Knitz Fall ‘17 by For Love & Lemons Playlist Interview: ROCCAPINA Founder Melie ‘Surreal’ by Julia Godoy Interview: Photographer Julia Godoy The Fashion Edit: Next ‘Last Holiday’ by Gail Job Interview: Photographer Gail Job Artist feature: Lindsay Gardner ‘Lycanthropy’ by Sarah England Interview: Photographer Sarah England Thank you
Whim Loves
Oliver Bonas
DreamLab
From kitten-shaped mugs, to llama trinket trays (pictured), pom pomadorned throws, and everything else inbetween - we’re pretty smitten with this independent British lifestyle brand. More than just good looks (and a healthy dose of all things pink), the brand also embraces ethical trading, supports various charities, and does its bit to protect the environment too. Find out more at OliverBonas.com
Imagine if helping the world get several steps closer towards a cure for cancer was as simple as charging your phone and catching some Zzz’s. Thanks to DreamLab, an app by the Vodafone Foundation in partnership with Garvan, this is now a reality. It utilises the computing power of your mobile to help process cancer research data, and we think it’s genius. Download DreamLab for iOS or Android today.
How to Curate Your Life This super inspiring podcast is from Lizzie Evans, a Creative Entrepreneur and the founder and owner of SMUG lifestyle store. This podcast aims to celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial endeavours of inspiring individuals and get down into the nitty gritty of how people 'Curate Their Lives’, covering topics such as productivity, creativity, health, and more. She even recorded an episode with our favourite blogger of all time, Liv Purvis (Ep. 9), and it’s certainly worth a listen!
Redbubble If you want affordable prints from talented, independent artists, look no further than Redbubble. This site has quickly become our go-to for purchasing unique gifts for loved ones, not to mention ourselves (we couldn’t resist buying this adorable koala print for our home office). The site also sells products such as homewares, clothing, accessories, and more, all containing your chosen design.
If you fancy having a scroll through the millions of artworks, photos, and designs on offer, check out the Redbubble website.
ban.do
Suite One Studio
We’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with ban.do and their colourful, quirky, and fun range of products. From pom pom-adorned clutches (pictured above), to awesome pool inflatables, cool clothing, and planners we’re obsessed with - it just doesn’t get any better!
We’re not going to lie; handmade, pink and gold-splattered ceramics get our hearts into a flutter. That’s why we’re huge fans of Suite One Studio and their stunning collection of plates, bowls, ring dishes, and more. Can you imagine throwing a huge dinner party and entertaining with these pretties? We think it’d be a dream come true…
Lara Quint
either stay in the great world, or come back to us, to the community
find us online
Tamara Graffen
We chat to our all-time favourite MasterChef contestant about her culinary talents, love of craft, and life after the ‘top four’.
Q: We loved watching you on this year’s series of Masterchef – from your infectiously positive attitude to your incredibly cool earring collection (and not to mention your amazing culinary talent, of course!). If you could pick out just a few highlights from your whirlwind experience, what would they be? A: Cooking for culinary heavyweights for the ultimate chefs table was incredible! We cooked for Allah Wolf-Tasker, Peter Gilmore, Ross Lusted, Shannon Bennet and the judges and they loved my chocolate, orange and fennel dish. I really went for it in that challenge and was glad to pull it off! Q: We’ve been seeing just some of your wonderful.post-Masterchef achievements via your Instagram. Please shed some more light on what life has been like since the series finished? What have been your biggest ‘pinch-me’ moments so far? A: Definitely working in some top food institutions, including Peter Gilmore’s Quay restaurant, Lune Croissanterie with Kate and Om Nom Dessert Bar with Jo Ward. It’s been incredible to have the opportunity to do some events as well where I get to share my food with people who have followed my journey on the show. I’m incredibly grateful for all of the support! Q: We also understand you have an online store selling some of the most magical statement earrings we’ve ever seen. Please tell us a little more about this endeavour? Being a huge fan of handmade products, I love supporting local makers. I wore a lot of handmade earrings on the show, and
when I got hundreds of messages asking me where my earrings are from, I decided to start stocking some and supporting those handmade businesses! It’s also not the worst thing to have a whole bunch of ear candy on hand at all times for myself too…! Q: What’s on the horizon for the upcoming year? Do you have any exciting or upcoming projects you would like to share with us?
A: I’m running a couple of events at different places around Australia next year which will be fun, as well as hosting a food tour to Japan in May 2018 which I am extremely excited about! I have a few other food and travel adventures in the works as well. I’m also hoping to expand a bit more
on my crafty pursuits, and start doing a lot more recipe writing and recipe videos to share with all of you!
Q: Lastly, where can our readers follow your wonderful work and daily happenings online? A: Check out my website www.tamaragraffen.com.au, and Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with @tamaragraffen.
Knitz Fall ‘17
playlist Chateau - Angus and Julia Stone Late Night Store - Husky Lucky Girl - Fazerdaze Say My Name - ODESZA Fading - Vallis Alps Don’t Delete the Kisses - Wolf Alice Go to Hell - Empress Of Bellyache - Billie Eilish Coming Down - Ball Park Music Snow - Angus and Julia Stone
you belong among the wildflowers, you belong in a boat out at sea
you belong with your lover on your arm, you belong somewhere you feel free
Roccapina It’s the stunning new sandals company that’s sure to add some sparkle to your life. We chat to the hardworking Founder, Melie.
Q: Hi Melie and congratulations on your beautiful new sandals label! For those of our readers who may not be familiar with ROCCAPINA, how would you describe it to them? A: Thank you so much, it’s been a very exciting journey so far! ROCCAPINA makes handcrafted luxury sandals with a touch of sparkle. We produce in Italy. The collection is aimed at women like me, who value simplicity, timelessness and beautiful craftsmanship. All sandals are handembellished in Italy with Swarovski crystals and high-quality rhinestones. Q: When did you begin ROCCAPINA and what initially inspired you to do so?
A: I was always fascinated by great craftsmanship combined with reduced design and ‘a little special something’. It was always so difficult for me to find the right kind of sandals, especially in Australia. I felt my feet often looked unflattering in sandals because the shape of the sole was too round or the quality so poor they would fall apart after one summer. I prefer to buy things that last. I love to wear simple, easy clothes but still want to feel chic and stylish, so I needed a flat sandal that has that ‘little something’ to top up my outfit. So my only alternative were luxury sandals at A$700+ and I just couldn’t justify paying that much for sandals. So I decided to create them myself. That was 3 summers ago. I set out to create sandals that are timeless and simple but also celebrate a touch of sparkle in our everyday lives.
Q: What has the experience been like so far when it comes to creating your products, from the design stage right through to production? A: Interesting question. It’s been challenging. I actually come from a luxury marketing background and I have experience in product development too so I know things are never as easy as they look. Production is very difficult and if you ask any brand, they usually say this is the biggest challenge. Working in Italy is not easy. Definitely not as easy as working with Chinese factories from my experience. The difference is that in Asia, factories often look after the whole development of your shoe, including developing the last, patternmaking, design stage, prototyping, sample production, embellishment etc.
In Italy however, depending on the factories or partners you work with, these can all be different companies. So it’s much harder to coordinate all stages. But it’s possible. I learned a lot! I worked with different factories, some were not right for me. Some tell you they can create your product and then the result is a different one. I also have to admit, this is probably easier when you produce a simple product. ROCCAPINA sandals are all embellished so they are not simple. It’s delicate and requires special craftsmen that have experience with embellishment. And I have high expectations of the quality but I want to achieve an affordable price point. It’s a never ending challenge.
I have high expectations of the quality but I want to achieve an affordable price point. It’s a never ending challenge. - Melie
Designing on the other hand is definitely fun. I get inspired by many different things so it’s a very natural process. Q: What advice would you offer to those wanting to follow in your footsteps and start their own label? A: I think it’s important to have a point of difference these days. Because everything is so global, we’re all connected and everything is available everywhere. I think it’s important to find a little niche that you feel comfortable in, that feels natural and authentic to you. You have to wear many different hats every day. Accountant (not so glamorous and fun!), designer, digital marketeer, sales person.. you
just have to be aware of that and enjoy this process. So I would recommend to really tune into yourself and see if that’s for you and if you would be happy with that. Then go for it! Q: Lastly, where can our readers follow or find out more about your stunning sandals online?
A: We’d love to see you! Please come and check us out at roccapina.com or of course on Instagram.com/roccapina_
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.
Anaïs Nin
Truly unique art, stationery, and home dĂŠcor you won't find elsewhere SHOP MINTED
Surreal
An interview with photographer
Julia Godoy
Q: How would you describe your photography style in just three words? A: I think I'm still playing with photography. I’m constantly challenging myself with new palettes and trying to recreate different moods, but if I have to describe my style in just three worlds, I'm gonna say that it’s dreamy, storytelling, and colorful. Q: What's it like being a creative in an exciting place such as Buenos Aires? How does the location inspire or shape your work? A: Buenos Aires is a really big city with a great cultural diversity, so it’s easy to be inspired because there are lots of things to see. The city is full of museums, cultural spaces, and also there are many artists, and that’s pretty cool because it’s really easy to approach them and find out how these people do things. The location always shapes my work because I don't really find myself in a studio, I prefer outdoor locations. Nature always inspired my photography. One of my favourite
places in Buenos Aires where I usually go for inspiration is "El parque de la memoria" (I took this series there). It's a really magical park near the river where the light is just perfect.
Q: Please tell us more about the experience you had planning and capturing this stunning series? A: One day on last winter I was hanging out with my friend Penelope who is a fashion design student, and she showed me photos of the last collection she was working on with two others designers. The first time I saw them I completely fall in love with the concept, so I immediately started to work on developing the idea. I started searching for inspirations in movies (in this particular case, I wanted to recreate the surreal atmosphere of Big Fish by Tim Burton), and then I started to look for the best location, choose the model and organize the shooting with Penelope and Ariana, the makeup artist.
Q: What is the message or messages that you wanted to convey through this shoot? A: “Is in the dreams where everything is possible.” This series is about finding magic in everything, like a dream, where something absolutely normal became a thing with a completely different form. Q: Lastly, what exciting projects or plans are on the horizon for you? A: Apart from being a photographer, I'm studying filmmaking. Sometimes I feel it’s easier for me to transmit a message in pictures than in a movie, but I would still like to make feature films someday. I’m even working in the pre-production of a fashion film currently, so that’s one of my upcoming plans. View more of Julia’s work at the links below: Website: flickr.com/photos/144350655@N08/ Facebook: facebook.com/juliagodoy.photography
Instagram: @juliagodoy.photography
Navy Lace Shift Dress $115
the fashion edit featuring next
Black Jewel Detail Block Heel Boots $75 Print Midi Dress $59
Black Textured Jacket $43 Mini Embroidered Purse $20
Multi Embroidered Flute Sleeve Dress $132
Ring Detail Clutch Bag $37
Circle Across-The-Body Bag $33
Blue Embroidered Zip Around Purse $24
Sparkle Bag $39
Blue Embroidered Mesh Dress $121
Last Holiday
An interview with photographer
Gail Job
Q: How would you describe your photography style in just three words? A: Whimsical, colorful, textured Q: What's it like being a creative in an exciting place such as New York City? A: Being in a creative place such as NYC is quite inspiring when you get to meet different people from different walks of life. Everyone has their own vision and style and I love bringing that together within a team on a shoot. Q: Please tell us more about the experience you had planning and capturing this stunning series? A: I traveled to Long Branch, NJ, about an hour outside of NYC with my full team. I always like to take my team outside the city for a day to get out and disconnect from the crazy city life and really get in touch with our vision. Q: Lastly, what exciting projects or plans are on the horizon for you? A: I currently work for Net a Porter as
a full-time photographer. I will be continuing on the journey of high end luxury fashion commerce photography and hope to bring that experience to my every day work for future stories and campaigns.
View more of Gail’s work at the following links: Website: www.gailjobphotography.com Facebook: facebook.com/gailjobphotography Instagram: @gailjobphotography
Art © Lindsay Gardner
Lindsay Gardner She’s the California-based artist whose gorgeous watercolours we just can’t get enough of.
Q: When did your love of art and illustration first blossom? A: My love of art and illustration has been part of me as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always into art and crafty projects painting, drawing, and photography, etc. I was fortunate to have a supportive family, and with my parents help I had the opportunity to take art classes that exposed me to all kinds of different mediums throughout my childhood. I grew up in a small city in West Michigan, and while we didn’t have large art museums in our backyard, my family visited The Art Institute of Chicago on holidays when I was young. I have very lucid, goldencast memories of going with my mom and grandmother to see the gorgeously detailed Thorne Miniature rooms there, as well as the work of painters in that I had only read about - Hopper, Monet, Degas, Matisse, Cezanne. When I was fourteen I visited Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, France, and visited all the famous art museums in Paris with my mom. I had an almost visceral feeling of awe when I saw these masterpieces in real life. I think these moments really instilled in me the value that making art is important and profound. This thread has tied together many times in my life and continues be a driving force in my interests.
Art Š Lindsay Gardner
Art © Lindsay Gardner
All that being said, it has taken me a long time to have the confidence and self-knowledge to make my art the main focus of my career. I studied American literature in college and circled around other occupations PR, arts-education non profit work, teaching, art museum work. After college, I took evening adult painting classes when I was working full-time, and then decided to do my MFA in painting. I was pretty burned out after graduate school and honestly wasn’t sure if I would paint again. But, after the birth of our first daughter in 2012, I was home more and started drawing in my sketchbook while she slept. That was really the beginning of the most current phase of my art and illustration. Of everything I’ve done, I feel the most at home and inspired in what I’m currently doing. It feels right because there is so much more that I want to try and so much more that I want to do. Q: What inspires your creativity the most and why? A: Ah! So many things. Childhood experiences. Memories. History. Literature. Color. Shapes. Patterns. Things I see in nature. Architecture. Food. Interiors. I could go on! Honestly, so many things inspire my creativity. But I think above all (pardon me if this sounds cliché!), my children inspire my creativity the very most. Being in this phase of life with two kids who are under age five, gives me a direct window into
that magical, unadulterated, pure, fanciful vision of the world, and is such an important reminder to tap into that place in my work. Seeing the world through their eyes is incredibly hopeful and in some weird way actually helps simplify the complex thoughts that go through my brain, and that is all part of the feeling I try to focus on when I’m painting. Q: You have a very impressive portfolio filled with some amazing collaborations! Is there just one achievement or project in particular that really stands out to you? Thank you! I have loved the projects I’ve been asked to work on. One project that I absolutely loved working on was the illustrated house plant guide for Flow Magazine. www.lindsaygardnerart.com/#/flowmagazine-plant-guide I love Flow’s vision and mission, so it was an honor to work with them. Also, their plant guide was a collaboration with Wildernis (wildernisamsterdam.nl), a plant shop in Amsterdam that I dream of visiting some day. The editors gave me a lot of creative freedom on the project, and I enjoyed researching all the different plants. The project gave me an opportunity to work with engaging subject matter (plants, planters, books, pattern, gardening objects) that I adore, for a publication that I love, so it was a win-win.
Art © Lindsay Gardner
Another project that really stands out was the Cookie Advent Cookbook with Chronicle Books. www.lindsaygardnerart.com/#/coo kie-advent-cookbook. I was thrilled to work with Chronicle on this project, and again I was graciously given a lot of creative license to work on a really fun and whimsical subject. I enjoy cooking and, with two young kids I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This project was a big moment for me - both because I have the utmost admiration for Chronicle Books - they’re a total dream client of mine!!...and because I would love to illustrate more cookbooks in the future. Q: What advice would you offer to emerging artists wishing to follow in your footsteps? A: First off, I am not an expert on balancing life, work, career achievement! But, what I know is true is that hard work, patience, persistence and belief in yourself tend to pay off. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love for work, even when it’s frustrating and hard. Holding on to that feeling of gratitude helps me stay light and productive in my day-to-day practice. I would also say to stay openminded and try not to say no to different opportunities that may come your way, even if they’re not exactly what you want them to be.
Art © Lindsay Gardner
Even the projects that I’ve worked on that have been challenging, or not entirely fun, have been informative learning experiences that help inform my broader art practice. All experiences help you get to a clearer understanding of the kind of artist you are, and the kind of work you continually aspire to do. Lastly, I would say be kind! Fill your life with the art you love - in museums, books, music, literature, galleries etc, reach out to other artists you admire and try to expand your community. There are so many talented, imaginative and genius people in the world. Approaching life and work from a standpoint of learning can be really rewarding. Art © Lindsay Gardner
Q: Lastly, where can our readers keep up-to-date with your work online?
Follow along with me on Instagram @lindsaygardnerart or via my website www.lindsaygardnerart.com
at
You can find my prints and originals for sale at www.lindsaygardneart.etsy.com
If you want to say hi or if you’re interested in working together, you can contact me at info@lindsaygardnerart.com - I always love hearing from people!
CREATE A PHOTO BOOK WITH BLURB
Lycanthropy
Do you suppose
she’s a wildflower?
“Those are the voices of my brothers, darling;
I love the company of wolves.� - Angela Carter
An interview with photographer
Sarah England
Q: How would you describe your photography style in just three words?
permanently, and I wanted to photograph her once more before her departure.
A: Dreamy, ethereal, haunting.
We often go to thrift stores beforehand to find outfits and masks (or whatever else we can get our hands on) before the shoot, which is exactly what we did for this one. It was October, so this wolf mask was an obvious find - the dress was also in the Halloween section for $5. The planning/organizing was done on the same day of the shoot.
Q: What's it like being a creative in a beautiful place such as Vancouver? How does the location inspire or shape your work? A: I'm extremely fortunate to live in a city where creating photography fulltime is possible. Aside from Vancouver itself being stunning, I mostly find my inspiration and locations for shooting outside of the lower mainland. Pitt Meadows is one of my favorite places to shoot, same with Coquitlam and New Westminster. The options are limitless when you start traveling outside of the Vancouver core. Q: Please tell us more about the experience you had planning and capturing this ethereal series? A: This photo series was actually captured in Eugene, Oregon. I have a friend who lives in Eugene who was leaving for Alaska to move
Q: What is the message or messages that you wanted to convey through this shoot? A: Always listen to your inner WOLF. No, just kidding. I guess most of the time I don't really think about photoshoots like that... No specific message with this one, I just love the idea of a beautiful girl also having the ability to become a wolf, or at least imagine that she is.
Q: Lastly, what exciting projects or plans are on the horizon for you? A: Exciting plans: I booked a one-way ticket to the UK for January. From there, I'm going to be photographing some of my favorite models on that side of the world whom I have been following for quite some time now. In terms of photo projects, I need to fix my favorite tilt shift lens - that's my main goal, currently. View more of Sarah’s work at the following links: Website: www.sarahenglandphotography.com Facebook: facebook.com/Sarah-EnglandPhotography-142264889128195/ Instagram: @sarahenglandphotography
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
ROALD DAHL
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