Dreamy Watercolours with Bee

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

Hello! Today we have Bee who makes some pretty amazing watercolour work. I really like her consistency in creating different pictures, but all with the same colourful and slightly ethereal quality. Her work was so captivating that I had to ask her a few questions about her creative process and how she works on her dreamy art! Her pastel themed and sparkly landscapes are just a watercolour dream. She also posts videos of her art process on Youtube.

Read on to hear what she has to say.


Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Bee, and I am 19 years old from South Australia. Currently I am a full time uni student and I work two part time jobs. I have always been creative since I can remember. I remember when I was little I was always creating things with paper and glue, trying to sew, knitting and crocheting. My mother always sewed my dance costumes so I can say I was highly inspired by her to make art a big part of my life.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

What sparked your interest in art in general? How long have you been practicing?

Hmm, I find art very emotional. The mixing and blending of colours, and how mistakes can creatively be turned into blessings. The way of art is symbolic for me, in a way of living a happy life. I have been painting with watercolours for about 3 years now; I have fallen in love with the way that the colours spread and blend into each other in a calm and peaceful way.
Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

How do you interpret the presence and significance of art in your lifestyle?

My lifestyle is very busy, but at the same time a little lazy (because I get so tired!). I have to try and juggle two jobs and a full time course, plus time with my other half, family, friends, and other lifestyle choices like working out at the gym. As a natural and intense introvert, these activities can be insanely overwhelming and I will need to spend a lot of time on my own – and this is where painting comes in! Painting allows me to spend time with myself and relax easily. It gives a great balance to my life because its something I really love doing and I can just chill out.
Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

What is your general process while creating an art piece?

I start by making sure I have enough paper to paint a lot of pictures at once. I also love getting my pet cockatiel out so he can sit on my shoulder while I paint. I start by painting the ideas I have with masking fluid, setting them aside to dry, and then I start on my more colourful pieces. I tape the borders of about 4 pieces of paper at once. I find working on more than one painting at a time allows the others to dry, and at the end I have lots of paintings.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

For watercolour I like to work in layers, I start by setting a background colour and making sure that I use lots of water! I let that dry and I add more paints, layering them up. I will use black watercolour with less water for trees or other details. Then I use a toothbrush and white acrylic paint to spray a ‘starry’ layer.

What keeps you motivated to draw and paint?

Probably the satisfaction and self worth that my finish products make me feel. Looking at my art allows me to appreciate myself and appreciate my talent. My other half also motivates me a lot, especially when I am feeling lazy! Haha. I also get a lot of positive feedback from my valued followers on Instagram, which makes me want to paint more.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

How much time on average does it take you to create a piece?

Well I work on many at a time, but separately I would guess around half hour to an hour for each piece.

 

What was the first (or your favourite) piece of art you remember creating?

Okay so, very first, when I was in pre-school we had those tripod painting stands (obviously very short because we were so small!). We were given spray bottles which had different colours of translucent ink that had been watered down. The colours were so vibrant and so beautiful when sprayed and I remember I was the first to create the ‘butterfly’ pictures by folding them in half. I was so proud because everyone wanted to do the same!

 

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

Do you plan to pursue a career in art? Or is art just a hobby you love?

I love sewing and fashion was going to be a huge career decision for me. However, to get the most and highest possibility of a successful career out of it, I would have had to move away from family and start in a completely new city. Art is just a hobby I really love, like I mentioned before, it gives my life balance from all the other things.

Can you share a glimpse of a typical day in your life?

Sure, go to sleep at 2am, have some funky dreams, wake up at 10am. Skip breakfast in a desperate rush to get to uni, get in my car and endure a stressful 35 minute drive. Buy some lunch, sit through lectures, rush home to get ready for work. Work a stressful waitress job, come home by midnight, spend time with my bird Charlie, go to sleep at 2am.

It sounds so boring! I do get a couple of days away from uni though, but when I have a whole day free of uni and my jobs, I will spend the entire day painting.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

Whats your outfit staple? And your favourite flower and colour?

Outfit staple would have to be anything black with a pop of colour/sparkles. I don’t know why but I really love wearing black in all styles, whether it’s formal, party, or one of my favourites: sports luxe. I swear I’m not goth! Haha.

I love all flowers, but I especially love peonies and carnations. My favourite colours are all shades of pink, and mint green.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

I spy a cockatiel! 

His name is Charlie, born November 2014. He enjoys head scratches and inspecting jewellery and other shiny things 😂. I hand reared him from a very young age and weaned him myself, which in turn gives us a stronger bond because he sees me as his true ‘mother’. Birds are very adaptable to their owners so Charlie knows that he spends most time with me late at night (since I work a night job). Oppositely, my friends cockatiel goes to sleep as soon as it gets dark because he has adapted to his owners life. Charlie is happy to just sit on my shoulder while I paint 😊

 

What are some fun themes/topics that are inspiring you nowadays?

I love painting scenes. I remember I used to binge watch anime, and Toradora was one of my favourites. The scenes (especially snow ones) gave me a special feeling, warm but calm. I try to go for this feel in my paintings.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

What is your favourite art tool you use?

Hands down masking fluid.

 

Could you share any tips on how to be good at watercolour?

Be generous with how much water you use. A lot of people don’t use enough water! Make sure to let things completely dry before you add layers of depth. I always remember that with watercolour, you can paint dark on lighter colours, but you can’t paint light on dark (however you can paint light on dark effectively with gouache!)

 

What do you think makes a good, satisfactory piece?

Being able to feel the emotions that the painting exhibits is a good sign. I also think a good border really puts someone at ease when looking at a piece of art.

Dreamy Watercolours with Bee - an artist's interview via Opinion9.com

 

Thanks Bee for sharing! Wishing you all the best ahead in your dreamy, ethereal world of watercolour! -Aaria

..

You can find Bee on her instagram here.

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Coastal Ceramics with Katie

ceramic

Hello! Today we have the very lovely and talented Katie Robbins on this edition of the Opinion9 Inspiration series. Her work is just so mesmerizing, and peaceful. Katie makes ceramics inspired by the sea and its beauty. There are shades of azure blues, quiet indigos and serene whites, if you can imagine the colours in your mind. I love the simplicity with which her work really captures the essence of the coast – with just the form, texture and colour speaking volumes. Katie’s photography and her vision with which she creates her designs are also very impeccable and distinctive.

Read on to hear what she has to say.unnamed-3

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Katie from KT Robbins Ceramics. I make a variety of porcelain vessels and accessories for the home as well as individually designed pieces of jewellery, inspired by the coast natural world. I love working with clay to produce mainly functional as well as decorative forms and shapes.

 

I love your minimal and naturally cool style! Do you have a particular theme for each batch  of ceramics you create? Is it planned or more spontaneous?

A lot of my work is influenced by patterns in nature, often relating to the coast and sea, such as the crest of a wave, sea-foam and even the raised circles on a sea urchin. I have done collections relating to the coast, which is a theme that I am still exploring.earthy ceramics with katie robbins

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What was the hardest (and easiest) part while starting your business?

The hardest part of starting a business was having the courage to start and give it a go. But I had (and have) lots of creative ladies in my circle, as well as a supportive partner, who encouraged me to give it a go. I used to work in PR and marketing, and had some interior design clients, but felt that I didn’t want to continue with that after having children. The easiest part of starting this business was having that knowledge and the inside track of knowing the importance of having a strong brand, as well as some of the styling tips I gained on-the-job to create good photography and support material. But ironically I haven’t written a single press release about my ceramics since I have set up on my own.
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What makes you the happiest in your creative process?

I love it when a new idea works. I slip-cast most of my work which means that I build an original shape and then create a mould of it. I can spend several days creating a new shape and it is not until it has come out of the final firing that you can be sure how things are going to turn out.  I also love the chemistry of glazes – which in combination can produce exciting and unexpected results. There is always an element of chance during the final firing, and there is nothing more exciting then unloading the kiln to see if what you had hoped for has happened.

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(Katie’s workspace is just beautiful. Love the wood, white walls and all the little elements that work so well here – the potted plants, the pictures, the storage too!)

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Could you give us a glimpse in a typical day at work?

I must admit that I don’t have a typical day as it really depends on what needs doing. I am normally juggling working around family life. This means that as soon as I get up I am checking emails, and am actively promoting new or existing products on social media. After school drop-off and finishing any household chores then I have around five hours of studio time, which is located next to my house. My priority is to work on shapes that I have cast on a previous day as the clay dries out and there is an optimum time to shape and decorate it. I will also cast up new shapes, sand down my work ready, and glaze work ready for a final firing.

I also have some afternoons where I work in a collective studio as I find it really helps to be able to have a peer group, which you can ask for advice or just be a little sociable with.

I leave the house at 3 to pick up the children from school and in between making them tea and helping with homework I am finishing off any projects from the day, packing up goods, or taking photography for my shop or blog pages.

And after the kids are in bed later in the evening I will quite often spend time writing features, catch up with more admin or join in Twitter chats as a way of self-development. As a sole trader there is always so much to learn about how we can market ourselves and improve our business.

By the way I always make time for lunch in my working day. I can’t concentrate on an empty stomach.

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What qualities are needed to keep up and also enjoy running a creative business?

I think you have to always want to learn and self-improve. I quite often take part in courses, on-line and in person to always be taking myself to the next level. Running your own artisan craft business it’s essential to take good photographs and I’m just about to go on a course to improve this. This term I’m also doing a course in wheel work, as I love the simple shapes of hand-thrown forms.

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Where do you see yourself in a few years?

I would like to see my brand grow in recognition and I would like to be stocked by more art galleries and independent shops. Up until now, I haven’t had a chance to concentrate on building a range specifically for these markets.

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What motivates and inspires you the most?

I find feedback immensely motivating. Also, talking with my friends who are passionate about ceramics – about their projects as well as my own.

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How long has making ceramics been your hobby? How did you think you could convert your hobby into a business?

I have been interested in ceramics since my school days; and often did courses at night school whilst I was working. I thought I could convert my hobby into a business after entering and selling a vase in an open exhibition at the MAC, a local arts centre. I realized then that people would pay money to buy what I could make.

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Just for fun: What is your favourite: colour, food and flower?

My favourite colour is a tricky one. I think it has to be blue – the colour of the sea, the sky and agapanthus which covers off my favourite flower too. And my favourite food has to be crab.

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What are some themes are particularly inspiring you at the moment?

I love the revival that we are seeing in houseplants and macramé. It is so beneficial and beautiful for us to have greenery in our lives and I’m really championing this in my creative work at the moment.

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Thanks, Katie, for this glimpse in your creative process! Wishing you all the best ahead! -Aaria

You can find Katie and her beautiful work over on her website, etsy and on instagram.

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Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

Hello! For this edition of the Inspiration series, we have Susan Purnell and her wonderful art. They say artists are multi talented, and Susan is no exception. She paints, draws, plays guitar, writes songs, and is just an all-round inspiration. Her work evokes nature and has a mysterious vibe to it- which makes it all the more intriguing. The best part that I liked most about her work is that – it’s strong yet intricate and it’s armed with hidden compassion at the same time – echoing Susan herself. I’m excited to feature Susan and her work today- read on to hear her take on life, creativity and more!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Susan Purnell and I’m an artist from the Gold Coast Australia. My first love has always been drawing, and in particular – portraits. I have always been obsessed with trying to weave the natural world into my drawings, in an attempt to reconnect nature and humanity in some way.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

What sparked your interest in art in general? How long have you been practicing?

I really can’t remember a time that I wasn’t making art. My first memory of making art would be at the age of 5. I was equally freaked out and in love with the illustrations in The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Books. I would sit for hours on end drawing the characters from the books. It wasn’t until late in high school that I started to take my art practice more seriously. I then went on to study a Bachelor of Visual Arts, but to my surprise I focused mostly on photography and performance art and abandoned my drawing and painting practice for many years after. It wasn’t until 2008 when I experienced a life changing cancer diagnosis, that I turned to my drawing again as a way of healing.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

How do you interpret the presence and significance of art (drawing and music) in your lifestyle?

My art and music are such an important part of my life. It sounds so cliche’ but it is honestly just like breathing to me. If I can’t make art everyday I feel like something is missing in my life.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

What are your musical interests and what instruments do you play?

I love playing acoustic guitar and writing my own songs. I often bounce between making art and writing music, but to me they are really the same creative expression. My dream is to one day soon have an exhibition where I can perform my music alongside my artwork, kind of like performing the soundtrack to my art. I am really inspired by many people, but particularly my husband Luke. He is a guitarist in Byron Bay band Dawn Patrol. Each and every day his music and talent takes my breath away.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

What is your general process while creating an art piece?

Creative inspiration often arrises during my daily meditation practice. Meditation allows for me to clear my mind and lets imagery and inspiration come through more easily. Once I have an idea I want to explore, I then ritualistically make a pot of green tea, and have some good music playing. I then search through books, photographs or magazines to find a model for my artwork. I tend to then jump straight in and start sketching the eyes, I have always found that if the eyes feel right then the rest of the artwork usually comes together by itself. Once I have completed the portrait, I will then use watercolours or even tea to stain certain areas and then I will start weaving elements of nature throughout the portrait.

 

What keeps you motivated to draw?

I think researching other artists is a fantastic way to keep motivated. I am constantly blown away and inspired by the endless pool of talented artists out there.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

How much time on an average does it take to create a piece?

My earlier pieces would take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months to complete. But lately my pieces take around 5 days to finish.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

Just out of interest, what was the first (or your favourite ) piece of art you remember creating?

My favourite artwork would have to be one of the pieces I created during my cancer journey called ‘what’s new is old’ I spent many days at home and in hospital working on this piece so it is very close to my heart.

 

What do you do in your free time (when not drawing)?

I am usually at the beach, or searching through vintage shops.Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

Is art just a hobby you love or your profession in particular?

I have been lucky enough to work professionally as an artist for a large company. After a long break, I am now building my own practice professionally.

 

Inspiring Art with Susan PurnellCan you share a glimpse of a typical day in your life?

Almost everyday I wake up at sunrise, and start my day with yoga and meditation. This practice really helps ground and centre me for the day ahead. I then hang out in my studio for a couple of hours and work on my art. Most afternoons and evenings I usually spend time walking my 2 dogs, playing guitar, and spending time with my husband.

 

Just for fun: what’s your outfit staple and flower and why?

I would say my outfit staple is chunky turquoise and lapis jewellery, and comfy sandals. I am in love with Daisies, but I am really loving all things Australian lately, particularly the beautiful Banksia.

What are some themes/topics that are inspiring you nowadays?

I am really inspired these days to try and live my life more honestly, compassionately and creatively. I am inspired by people like Eckhart Tolle, Ram Dass and George Harrison. I am also a huge animal lover and am very passionate about living a healthy vegetarian lifestyle.Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

What are some of your favourite art supplies and art media you use?

I love so many different art supplies! Because I work traditionally, my go to favourites are Arches Watercolour Paper, Faber-Castell and Prismacolor pencils. I also love having a few Posca Pens around for fine line work.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

I love your take on art! Could you share any tips for aspiring artists who want to make original and distinctive drawings?

Thank you! I would say find that one thing you love creating the most and get obsessive about it. Create it over and over, and somewhere amongst the creative obsession your original style emerges naturally. Don’t be afraid to try new things and fail too. It’s all part of the journey and for me personally, the things I thought I failed at have become part of my original style.

Inspiring Art with Susan Purnell

What do you think makes a good, satisfactory piece of art (which the artist feels happy about the end result)?

Ooh! That’s a tough one. I think it really depends on the artist and the goal of the artwork. But for me personally, I think a great artwork is simply all about the emotion it evokes.

Thanks, Susan, for giving us a glimpse in your creative process! Wishing you all the best ahead! -Aaria : )

Find Susan and her beautiful artwork on her website and follow her on Instagram to stay updated on what she draws/paints/sings/strums next!

 

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Life and Art with Li Ching

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

There’s something so lovely about a hobby! It gives you direction, it gives you a better perspective of life- and it helps you enjoy yourself even more! That’s what we’re discussing on the Inspiration feature today.

Li Ching makes some beautiful artwork- and what I especially love about it is, she makes art for herself. It’s rare to find people who do things not to please others, but to make themselves happy. You can see this reflected in all her work- be it her intricate pen work, or her free watercolour style! She incorporates so much art in her life- and that’s uncommon these days. Both her work and her inspiration are priceless.

Read on to hear what she has to say!

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Li Ching (Lich or Leach for short) I’m 43. In my last job, I was a Gemologist based in Bangkok, Thailand. I specialised in grading and appraising coloured gems. When my family relocated back to Singapore, I became a SAHM. I’ve always loved art, but it was only this year, with more time on my hands, that I started to draw more productively again.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9(Love the koi fish!)

I love both your pen work as well as your watercolours! Do you usually practice one type of art for a long period of time, or do you alternate between different art forms regularly?

I am self taught. I’ve had no formal instruction, but because I sat for Art exams at GSCE O and A levels – I’ve had experience in everything from collage to pastels to charcoal…In the end, I keep going back to pen work. What’s new is my newfound love for watercolours!Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

What makes you happiest in your creative process?

This question is so hard! I like when a piece just grows as I work on it. I’m not the best with planning…sometimes the art develops on its own. When it works out, I’m always amazed (that I didn’t screw up). I also feel glad when people identify with what I draw. Or if they feel something when they look at it. Someone just told me my work made her feel happy. I mean, wow..that was a revelation to me. I was flattered and I was moved.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

You seem to be inspired by books and nature, from looking at your work! Can you describe in detail what inspires you as potential drawing topics?

I love books! When I was younger, I would read the classics and poetry. Now, I prefer fantasy and fairytales. I particularly enjoy A.S.Byatt and C.S.Lewis.  I don’t have very much time to read these days. You could say I’m painting from memory…

As an English-speaking Chinese in multiracial Singapore, I think I subconsciously try to compensate for my lack of “Chinese-ness” through art.  I studied under a famous Chinese artist for half a year, but my work still looked too graphic and western. I don’t fight it now! Instead, I incorporate oriental elements, symbols and rebus, into some of my pieces.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

(Some of Li’s amazing pen work- inspired by books! Bet you can guess which ones..)

What is your usual process for illustrating a piece?

I don’t have a fixed process when I draw. It’s all rather arbitrary. I decide what size of drawing I’m going to do then simply start. Even if I do a preliminary sketch, I may change my mind mid way. Sometimes I make a plan in my head. But if my gut says something, I tend to listen. I really believe that the key to painting a good piece of art, is knowing when to stop.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

How do you balance your creative pursuits as well as your regular life duties?

I’m a full time mom and a part time artist. A lot of articles talk about balance..But I feel it’s a zero sum game. You cannot have more of one without having less of the other. My kids will (usually lol) come first. I set aside my mornings and selected afternoons for myself. It’s an indulgence for me, not a career. Maybe when the kids leave for college…T-T

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

(I love how Li encourages her children too! Can you guess which one of these three is made by her daughter?)

What are some of your favourite art supplies you use?

I prefer Copic Multiliners for my pen work. I also use Copic color markers, Derwent Coloursoft and Artist color pencils.  For watercolors, I use Daler Rowney Aquafine & Artists, Winsor and Newton Professional and Schmincke Horadam. Most of my paper is Daler Rowney and Arches. While I have several Raphael Kolinsky sable brushes, the majority of my other brushes are just regular brushes.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9(Li’s lovely creative space. I love the wallpaper there! And of course, the art materials and the art too!)

What inspires you to keep illustrating?

I worked many years in HR, Internal Audit and Gemology. As far as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to draw seriously and I’ve never gotten the chance, not even Art lessons.  That’s why “endorsement” is really important to me. I’m elated when people, especially artists, tell me they like my work. Fundamentally, it’s insecurity, rather than narcissism. I want to believe I can, and that’s why I keep drawing.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9You have a lovely Etsy shop! What motivated you to start a little creative business?

I just had extra time on my hands and wanted to give it a go. I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t been very serious about it…But I’m thinking of really getting down to listing more art.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9How long have you been drawing? Just out of interest, what was the first thing you remember drawing that made an impact to you?

Oh forever! Since I could remember… 🙂 I recall being so profoundly affected by criticism that I would deliberately leave my paintings unsigned so I could deny responsibility. Once, I brought one particular piece to an established framer to be framed. This was someone who had seen thousands of paintings. When she asked me, “did you paint this?” I wanted to say “NO!”

She said, “You must sign it. It’s important you own it”. She never said if it was good or not. But just like that, she helped me understand that just like everything else, you can’t please everyone. If your work appeals to some people, great. If not, own it anyway. Here’s the artwork in particular. Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Do you have any advice for artists out there?

Don’t stop learning!

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Just for fun: what’s your favourite food, colour and flower?

Malay satay! No, I don’t have a favorite colour! It’s like asking me which note I prefer. They need to go together right? I love orchids! We’ve always had them at home, planted in pots. I especially like the small varieties.

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9

Life and Art with Li Ching via Opinion9Thanks, Li, for sharing a little glimpse into your creativity! Wishing you all the best ahead! -Aaria 🙂

Find Li’s work on Etsy and keep up with her art journey on Instagram.

 

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Modern Style from Maple + Mauve

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

I am big fan of anyone who really adds something new to style in jewelry. Also, total respect for someone who actually dares to do something different. And that’s why I’m so happy to have on the Inspiration Series- Sera of Maple + Mauve.

I was so drawn by the bare simplicity of her work and the sheer minimalism that makes it so chic. The minimal trend has caught on, and I’m totally on board with it.

However, Sera’s work is not just the normal minimal- it stands out like pieces of art in a stream of manufactured ‘minimals’. She’s also got a sharp eye for aesthetics, and I love how that reflects in her work. My perspective on her beautiful jewelry would be : modern, unaffected, focused and rare. Read on to her what she has to say!

Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Sera Rogers and I am the owner of Maple + Mauve, a Seattle based jewelry studio specializing in concrete, wood, and ceramic wares. I started Maple + Mauve in 2012 when I decided to make minimal and architecturally inspired jewelry for myself. Then I started sharing it with the world. This little video highlights a closer and more intimate look at my making process.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

I love your minimal and cool style! Do you have a particular theme for each batch of jewelry you create? Is it planned or more spontaneous?

Thank you! Each piece is quite planned. I usually conceptualize my designs at night before I go to bed. I think my mind starts to quiet then and I can visualize my creative direction more clearly. Typically, I start with a sketch and then I will either 3D print, or cut the mold from wood, then start the casting process. Often I’ll make my designs out of paper first to get a sense of shape and scale.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

What was the hardest (and easiest) part while starting your business?

The hardest part of starting a business, in my opinion, is convincing yourself you can. I have gone through so many personal ups and downs throughout the process. Being part of such a talented, yet very saturated market, it can take some convincing that you belong. Whenever I feel stressed or start to second guess myself I look for personal support from friends and family. My dear friend Becky famously assures me, ‘you are lovable and capable.’ I try to repeat this to myself as much as possible. It helps me remember to be kind to myself. No one gets anywhere alone, and my friends and family are as much to credit for my success as I am.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9 What makes you the happiest in your creative process?

I am probably happiest at the very beginning of the creative process, or for me, the idea-generating part. Ideas usually flow when I am most relaxed and most often when I am traveling and exploring. When you can achieve a mindset that is completely open to new ideas, regardless of what barriers you think stand in the way, creative opportunities become completely endless. This mental place is where my best work comes from.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Could you give us a glimpse in a typical day at work?

No two days are exactly the same. I usually wake up and immediately make a cup of coffee. Then, weather permitting, I walk around Greenlake (a lake very close to my neighborhood) with a few of my whip-smart and inspiring girlfriends. It’s important for me to get out of the studio and into the fresh Seattle air, both for my creative mind and my social needs. If I don’t make a conscious effort to do that, I can very easily go the whole day with my head down working inside and then, come nightfall, I am very grumpy. After that, a typical day involves concrete casting and clay molding, often in the morning and then again in the early evening. My afternoons are usually consumed with emailing, shipping, photography and bookkeeping. I try to stick to a fairly structured schedule, especially because my husband keeps fairly 9-5 business hours and I want to be able to spend evenings with him. If I don’t consciously make that effort, I can easily work all night.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9 ConcreteTriangleEarringsBeckyBaseGreywithTanScarfWhat qualities are needed to keep up and also enjoy running a creative business?

Confidence, hard work and humility are needed to keep up with being a small business owner. Being able to admit that you don’t know everything, asking for help, and allowing yourself to be open to constructive criticism are certainly key to growing and improving. As far as enjoying running a business, being your own boss certainly has it’s advantages. A flexible work schedule is probably the best part. That, and creating work that I can call my own, and that I am proud of is incredibly gratifying. I work more than I did when I held more conventional jobs, but for me, it’s much more rewarding.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

(Love the peaceful vibes of Sera’s studio- all the greens, blues and whites!)

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

I would love to have a larger studio space, and an assistant!

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

What motivates and inspires you the most?

I love traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest and pull inspiration from the people I meet and the places I am fortunate enough to explore. I feel so grateful to live in a vibrant city that supports local artists. There is so much talent here! Alternatively, I find myself feeling inspired by old oddities. I love to go to vintage markets, consignment shops and estate sales. It’s a small thrill for me to imagine the relationship people had with certain objects before I interact with them.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

How long has jewellery making been your hobby? How did you think you could convert your hobby into a business?

I’ve been making this kind of jewelry since 2012, but I’ve been a maker my whole life. I thought I could make it a business when people started asking where they could purchase my designs, but I was creating and selling my work for almost 2 years before taking the leap and transitioning Maple + Mauve into to a full time career.

 Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9 GlobeConcreteNecklace11

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9 SquareCuffLinksJustin

 

What present would you like to receive? (For any occasion)

Probably a membership to audible.com, so I could listen to all the books on my ‘to read’ list while I work! I love to read but can’t always find the time; and there are so many mornings when I am very much in a book listening mood while I am creating. I don’t know why I haven’t just broken down and done this for myself already, I most likely will just go ahead and do so after this interview.

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9 WoodandConcreteNecklace1

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Modern Style from Maple + Mauve via Opinion9

Any insight on your name Maple + Mauve?

I once read a story in a children’s book about William Perkin’s accidental invention of the color mauve while mixing chemicals. I liked that a beautiful color was created by chance and then went on to inspire, and in a way revolutionize fashion. I found that optimism inspiring and wanted to have the same approach with my products. I thought “mauve” seemed lonely by itself. Since I knew one of my mediums would be wood, ‘maple’ followed quite organically.

Thanks, Sera, for a glimpse into Maple + Mauve! Wishing you all the best ahead! -Aaria

Find Sera on Instagram and on the Maple + Mauve  Website.

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