Category Archives: Interviews

Julie Smith-Belton – INSPIRING CREATIVE

Posted in Art, Interviews, Photography, Sewing by

♥ Oh my goodness! I’m so excited to share with you about this amazing women!!!

A few weeks back I was delighted to catch up with local creative Julie Smith-Belton. She is lovely. Filled with such calm and peace. You would think, being a mother of 3 and home schooling her children that she would perhaps hold some sort of frantic atmosphere with her, though with much respect I can say Julie is the opposite.

A few years back I saw her sewing work at a market at one of our local churches. I then wanted to interview her but have just not managed it until now! (naughty me) If you read the Ideas Magazine (September issue) you would have seen that Julie won the Celebrating Creativity Competition. Her Riaan Cruywagen doll (see below) was one of many wonderful and creative  contributing ideas from all around South Africa. When I was interviewing her a few weeks back, Ideas where about to come and see her at home and interview her for the October issue. Have any of you seen or read the October issue yet? I recommend it!! Or check out her BLOG for the ins and outs! I’ve added some pics of other sewing projects she has done as well as her photography – her list of creativity is endless and I just love it!

So I spent an afternoon speaking to Julie, getting to know this photographer, graphic designer, creative, mother and wife. Julie is a sister of a good friend, we have not really connected on a personal level before but after that day with her and finding a common ground which is simplicity, i can honestly say she has become a mate. I can totally relate to the desire of living a simple life. Julie shared her heart to follow Gods will in their lives, to let go of all the hindrances that strap you down. Rory and Julie’s passion to travel the world with their family has taken wings as they sold the unnecessary possession around their home and downsizing from a 3 bedroom unit to a modest and cosy home with a lot less ‘stuff”.

She is a stay at home mom to 3 adorable children. It’s not common these days to have a south african mom stay at home looking after the family but that is an important factor for both Julie and Rory. Their humble and calm approach to raising children is quite refreshing. I found that Julie taught her kids to live life instead of just going through the process of life and she teaches them that in such a creative way. Being practical and letting them learn things through doing it themselves and learning consequences for mistakes. I think it takes a lot of the pressure off the parent to allow your children to learn from their mistakes instead of trying to fix it for them all the time. I recently got advice that said “Children don’t do what you say, they do what you do“. 

Julie’s background is in graphic design, she is self-taught in photography and has become quite phenomenal at it. She shoots the odd wedding or occasion should she feel the passion for it and never forces herself to be creative for the work but to rather be creative when the mood takes her. I think if one is able do that then it feels like you never ‘work’ a day in your life!  Her graphic design and creative nature sure is inspiring in such an honest and real way.

One of the reasons why Julie and her husband Rory decided on home school their children is to make the most of the years and to teach a natural way. They felt this year was a year of grace. You may feel otherwise or you may agree, whatever you feel its your choice. I admire Julie for taking it head on and trusting her own choices. The best thing about parenting in Julie’s eyes is having a love inside her that she has never experienced before. 

On the creative side, her creative outlet is blogging, sewing, graphic design, photography and decorating. I bought one of her Humpback whales for my little baby’s room-Too stunning for words. (see pic)

Other sewing projects…

Saturday’s for the Smith-Belton’s include being out and about going to the beach, riding bikes,playing Lego and just being a family unit. For moms seeking a great place to eat with kids, Julie recommends 88 Degrees Cafe at gateway, Mercedes coffee shop  in Umhlanga, Botanical gardens and Kids world in Ushaka.

Another idea and a super one at that, was creative workshops held at The Rock church. Thanks to Julie, Jil and Monique it has flourished a few times and included women/men  from all walks of life, getting together and being creative. Ideas Magazine even featured the 1st creative evening in their June issue! You will be advised by me if any more happen, unless you follow her blog yourself.

I’m telling you this women is amazing and she has a wonderful and sincere heart that travels with her all day, its easy to enjoy her company and its even more inspiring just knowing her. That is why I just had to share humble creative with you guys. You heard about her on Creative Stream 1st! haha

All photos area from Julie’s Blog Ludo Police.

THE SMITH-BELTON FAMILY!!

Artful, INSPIRING & Blogging

Posted in Art, Interviews, On line Mags by

Welcome to thursday everyone. Can you believe it’s nearly mid September???

I’ve said this before and I will say it again … what I love about blogging is the inspiring and talented people I meet daily. I wish there was more blogging time for me to show you more and more – the dream is to introduce you to many inspiring subjects.

I’m not sure if you remembered THIS interview done quite a while back here on Creative Stream? Ishtar blew me away by her love for creativity, washi tape, illustrations and workshops and I had to find out more about this Spanish UK living creative. Which you can read about here.

Today, I wanted to share her news that she had recently been featured in the Artful Blogging magazine. I  love it when people get recognised for what they are.

FLORIBUNDA & LA COCINA

Posted in Interviews, Lifestyle, Stationary by

Oh my! It thrills me no end when creatives get acknowledged and soar through the sky of potential and dreams. Daniella Germain (who was previously interviewed by CS) has now launched her stoneware range produced by Ashdene. If you remember that interview, we shared on Daniella’s cookbook. Well I am so happy to share more news for Daniella. Recently, she launched her stationary range AND now she has let us all know that she has launched her stoneware range! Both very much carrying that style and flavour as My Abuela’s Table cookbook. What an achievement!

“Each piece was lovingly designed and meticulously hand painted with water colour and ink…very much in a similar style as Floribunda and My Abuela’s Table” -Daniella Germain

Floribunda by the way is Daniella’s stationary range and is beautiful to say the least. You can order it here.

{Below: La Cocina range}

{Below: Floribunda stationary range}

All photos from Daniella’s blog- i bought a pair of Camper boots and now i am broke

MEET KATHY

Posted in Interviews, Photography by

So most of you Durbanites might have seen her roaming the markets and beach front. Camera in hand, carrying a funky style and a sharp, humorous tongue. She can capture portraits in such a charming way, lighting always right and never shy of atmosphere. BOW Design (Birds On a Wire) owner and blog writer Kathy shared with Creative Stream about her passion – photography & design.

{Below: Wedding photographed by Kathy}

I believe Kathy not only holds an eye for graphic and web design but she explores photography, specifically people, in such a beautiful way with her trusted Canon. I am excited to share with you about this down to earth and honest women. I like her portraits and her style, I like her frank personality and her eagerness for honesty. She gives great advice if you venturing into photography or already hold a passion for it, read on … 

1- Tell us about BOW? What do you offer?

BOW Design is something I started in late 2009 when the company I worked for liquidated during the recession. We offer both graphic and web design, but the majority of our work is print based advertising.

2- When did you know graphic design was for you? Did you have a natural knack for design?

I guess it was when my mom dragged me to Durban and told me I was going to start studying it. I had great plans of living on an island as a divemaster, but alas it wasn’t to be. Good thing too as the island I was on in Thailand was hit pretty hard by the Tsunami.

I wouldn’t say I have a natural talent with regards to graphic design, I was one of those jack of all trades, master of none kind of children, so I never stuck with anything long enough to get really good at it. I’d say that 80% of the time you’re creating work to a specific brief on an extremely tight deadline and the other 20% is where you can give your creativity free reign.

3- What is the graphic design market like at the moment and do you do anything else that runs long side your design career?

For us, I’d say it’s pretty good. We have some really great clients that have been with us from the beginning. Cultivating new clients is pretty tricky and there are a ton of small agencies and freelancers in Durban to compete with. For us service really is key.

4- I know you take photographs and are very good at it! Tell us where that passion started and how?

I’ve always loved photography. I used to take my point and shoot film camera everywhere with me when I was younger but printing photos became so expensive that I gave it up. I really only took it up again a couple of years ago.

5- Do you have any photographic tips for us?

Practice, practice, practice and practice some more. Get an SLR and forget that the green auto setting exists. Build a rock-solid foundation, start with the basics and get them right before you go any further. Learn all the rules before you start to break them. Don’t try to turn your hobby into a business until you really are good enough to charge a competitive rate.

6-  Can you tell us about your favorite photograph and why?

Wow this is hard. I reckon it’s the pic I took of my grandfather’s brother in Joburg. It’s not perfect, but it embodies exactly who he is.

{Kathy: My grandfathers brother. He’s 78 and still plays tennis once a week}

7- Can you share with us your most fun or accomplished design project thus far?

BuDDys Designated Drivers. We created their logo, website and promotional material. They’re a fun company to work with and pretty much gave us free reign to do as we saw fit. Their emphasis is on the DD’s in their logo so we had some fun with that as well.

8- What kind of photography do you enjoy doing? Stills, Landscapes, people, fashion, creative….?

People, people and more people. I love candids, for me it’s about capturing a person interacting with others or their environment, I’m really drawn to happy people. I’ve got this thing about capturing people’s faces and I tend to zoom right in for the head and shoulders shot so I really have to force myself to zoom out so people can get a bit of context as well.

9- What camera are you using?

Canon EOS 5D MKII. I waited months for the MKIII to come out so that the price would drop enough for me to afford it. I’m just stoked to finally have a full-frame camera.

10- If someone wants to go into the graphic design field, what qualification or steps do you recommend them looking into, should they be just out of school etc.

I’d recommend getting at least a diploma if not a degree. You really need to learn as much as possible before you start working and companies are more likely to hire you with some qualifications behind you. People wanting to get into the field also need to be aware that 75% of their career is going to be spent deep-etching and only a tiny margin of your work will be completely your own baby.

{Kathy: Muth Suter – I love this pic, it was taken at one of the Gunslinger Pushes on the beachfront. It makes me think of California.}

{Kathy: Moses Mabhida – I like the symmetry.}

11- Why does photography blow your hair back?

Photography is a way for me to give my creativity an outlet. I’ve never been the best at translating things in my head onto paper but knowing your camera backwards can allow you to take a moment in time and preserve it any way you want to.

12- Tell us about your blog?

Ah my blog, I have been a bit neglectful. It’s going to call childline one of these days. Cherish is a way for me to share all the people and places that inspire me with anyone who cares to read it. I also use it as a kind of library so I can go back and revisit things without having to write it all down on a piece of paper I’m only going to lose anyway.

13- What do you love about blogging?

It’s all me. I can decide what I want to write about, when I want to write it and it gives me a good excuse to trawl the internet late at night.

14- Who is your favorite artist/photographer etc.?

I have a few but if you’ve read my blog you will have noticed that I’ve done a couple of posts on Kalle Gustafsson. He’s a Swedish fashion and lifestyle photographer and I’m completely in love with his style. Jose Villa  is one of my favourite wedding photographers. He shoots on film so he really manages to get the light to wrap around his subjects and the colours are nicely muted. Locally I like Andrew Brauteseth‘s work a lot. He does a lot of commercial work but still manages to find the time to get creative and get out there and just take pictures.

15- If you could have coffee with anyone- who would it be?

It might sound cliché but Annie Leibovitz . She has such a massive body of work behind her, specifically in portraiture. She’s pretty controversial at times as well so I find that quite intriguing.

16- And lastly, what do you rate most about where you live?!

The wildlife on a Friday and Saturday night and the drunken mating calls of said wildlife. No I’m just kidding although things can get pretty rowdy. I like that we’re so central, everything is really only a 5 minute drive away. Loads of great restaurants, the beach, parks, shops and friends all within the same small part of the world.

{Kathy:bf-tree , Just a pic I took on Florida Road}

{Kathy: Ché – She was laughing at something Rick said and you know how hard it is to get her to relax in front of the camera}

{Kathy: Dee Collard – My grans best friend throughout her entire life}

Pretty creative women don’t you think??

Thanks Kathy for sharing your photographs and your time with us. You’re awesome! 

Please be sure to check out more of Kathy’s work on Facebook and blog and website.

… AND ART FILLED HER WORLD

Posted in Art, Interviews by

If you have blogged for a while or even just started looking into design and art blogs, I’m sure you have seen the work of Jen Ramos. I remember one of my 1st posts that displayed her prints and that was the day I started following Jen’s blog. Since then I have enjoyed her style and her attitude towards life, fashion, design and God. Do you know what I like about Jen? She is not afraid to say it like it is. I enjoy people with that attribute. It’s refreshing in this sometimes worldly world.

Now as Creative Stream is about creativity, it would not be a good enough blog if it did not display to you those who I believe to be truly creative. Cocoa & Hearts began its flourishing business when Jen started to showcase her love for art and colours. It truly has taken the world by storm with many paintings sold out within the week of being released. That just goes to show how fabulous her style and creative hand is.

Jen has written about how people relate to her art, some negatively and some positively. I guess that is art! People like it or they don’t and I feel that artists who can still work their heart into their art knowing the various tastes of consumers out there and not being hindered is indeed an artist!

Frankly, I love her work. I admire the simplicity of the linear paintings and how it catches your eyes. I love the emotion seen in the strokes she uses and of course adore the colours she so cleverly combines. Even Though this post is about Cocoa & Hearts I recommend you take a look at Jen’s prints. They are gorgeous as well. I have had my eye on them for years now … click here for her shop to see prints and more fabulous creations.

Let’s find out a little more about Jen as she answers some questions Creative Stream sent her about Cocoa & Hearts.

1- Can you remember the 1st time you picked up a paint brush to canvas? When was it and what did you paint, how did you feel?
When I was about 7 yrs old, but it wasn’t onto a canvas necessarily – it was on a piece of paper. I painted a scenery – like with an ocean & a sun, felt great!  I’ve always enjoyed drawing & painting, in fact it’s what I wanted to be when I grew up, an artist.

2- I know you are a graphic designer. You paint now as well. Does the one creativity work with the other? Do you find yourself often being motivated by one to progress in the other? Oddly enough, I don’t really mix the two at all. My inspiration when I paint is totally separate then when I’m creating graphics.

3- How did Cocoa and Hearts begin? When and why did you decide to make it into something? It’s a long story & a personal one. Perhaps I will tell it on my blog one day, but for now it is something that I had always wanted to do since I was a little girl and something im truly passionate about. I decided to make it into something in May of 2011 and im so glad I did.

 

4- Where did you live before you moved to New York and has your environment contributed to your painting style? I lived in las vegas for a few years, but my environment didn’t contribute to my painting style. I lived in a very suburban area, very unoriginal with very little culture. So, perhaps my desire for something colorful and different from what I was noticing around me is what I needed at the time. NYC is definitely a motivator, because everyone here is so creative and that alone is instrumental to my painting style.

5- When painting or choosing to start a painting, what factors do you consider to create what you create. (do you think about each painting or do you let your hand do the talking?) :) I usually pray prior to beginning a piece. I ask God to guide my hands to create something people will love. Normally, that is all I do..I don’t think too much about what I want it to look like. I just trust that my hands will know which direction to move at that point.

6- In your opinion, what is the best advise you can give someone wanting to ‘go further’ in their art? Well, I would say building a large following helped me. So, building an audience to sell your work to, can help.  When I was blogging for the first 3 yrs – I had no idea that I would be introducing my readers to my artwork. I always thought of my art as being just in my home…odd. But I’m glad I brought it to my readers, as they’ve been quite welcoming & supportive. 

7- What do you love most about what you do (blog, design and painting) I love that I can see my work and say – I did that. Whether it’s in a magazine or being written about on design blogs, or just pinned on Pinterest, it’s cool to see other people getting into it. Thank God that I can say I love 99% of what I do.

8- And lastly – name your paintings by one word?  Colorful

Jen- thank you for sharing with me and Creative Stream readers. You and your work are inspiring and beautiful.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE FROM JEN’S WEBSITES.

Please refer to Made By Girl and Cocoa & Hearts for prices and artwork.

EMILY ZIZ Style Studio

Posted in Interviews, Lifestyle by

I love meeting inspiring people! That is why I love blogging so much. I have been extremely blessed being able to meet so many people from around the world and interview them. There is many more lined up for 2012! This woman is no exception. Emma Levitt (who is originally from South Africa I might add) has rallied up a team of unique and inspiring textile designers. You might remember her from this post. It was about the launch of one of their new designers Sixhands.

Emily Ziz holds many more beautiful imported fabrics and accessories. She is a platform for interior designers and textile designers to connect as well as for plane-Jane-interior-lovers to adore the designs. This is much more than just an agency. It feels like a community of all things beautiful from lighting to  fabrics. As previously mentioned Emily Ziz, offer’s styling and interior advice to businesses and individuals as well.

I asked Emma a few questions…

#1 Tell us about how it all began? (I love the story behind things) I’ve always had a passion for “beautiful things to decorate the home” and am the daughter of 2 creative parents so design has had an ongoing presence in my life.  When we launched the business our collection initially originated exclusively from South Africa (where I am from), and fabrics and products from this region still form the predominant part of our range.  Though we have now taken on 2 wonderful Australian design houses, Sixhands and Grace Garrett, as well as a British wallpaper product from the talented John Burgerman.  In terms of how it all started…I would frequently go back to SA to visit family and friends and come across amazing textiles and beautiful design, but realised that many of them had no real presence in Australia.  3 days before the end of a holiday I approached some of the designers to see if they would be interested in working with me out here – by the end of the trip I had secured 3 designers and now we represent close to 40 design houses!

ShineShine

SkinnyLaMinx

Jesse Breytenbach

Congo Rose

#2 Are you able to share with us a little about each designer? What they hold and who they are? Since there are almost 40 of them it probably makes sense to give you a general overview!  The best way to explain the collection of designs and products that we offer is: boutique, statement fabric, wallpaper and product to be used by designers and decorators who want to make an impact in the spaces they are designing.  Our collection spans from delicate hand painted fabrics through to screen prints and block prints as well as high-end woven and digitally printed commercial applications and outdoor fabrics.  We’ve recently expanded into wallpaper and rugs and we also have a beautiful hand-made lighting range called Willowlamp.  We have a broad collection of textile accessories and also original and limited edition artworks.

Evolution

#3 Share with us about Sixhands launch event on the 2nd Feb.  We were very excited to be approached by the designers at Sixhands to become their Sydney based agents.  I have always loved their bold design and their style of work fits our story perfectly.  We launched our collection with them at Decoration and Design Sydney earlier this month and that same week we had a launch party in their design studio.  It was a great way for Sixhands to meet some of our design clients and for us to meet some of their customers that we haven’t worked with before.  Most importantly this was our entry into working with Australian design, along with Grace Garrett (who approached us the same week that Sixhands did!),  which is very exciting for us.

SIXHANDS

#4What does the word creative mean for you? Or the designers. To be bold and unconventional in your approach!

#5 Looking forward, what does 2012 hold for you all? Most importantly we need to get all the amazing product that we have to offer in front of all those designers, architects, high-end retailers that aren’t familiar with the product. As we are Sydney based we will also be very focused on expanding our presence in the key areas interstate.

Ronel Jordaan

Emma you are inspiring and I am very pleased to meet you!

Thank you for creating a place where we can connect with some talented designers. I look forward to sharing more about everyone at Emily Ziz Style Studio.

FOLLOW the Emily Ziz blog here for updates.

24 YEARS & FOLLOWING HER DREAM- Belinda Chen

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Brothers, Bound, Fallen Chance and Flamingo Sands

Bold color. Beautifully sketched. Emotion enhancing. Are all factors when looking at this artist’s work. Belinda Chen is 24 years old and has just settled in Shangai after having lived in Berlin and Melbourne.

Belinda’s background is in Communication design. Her heart held interest in illustration and while in Berlin, her pursuit and exploration in illustration took off. Her work has been used by Nylon magazine, Gloss Creative, SOKO magazine and Madison to name a few. Exhibitions have been at the Penthouse Mouse, L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Melbourne, 2011& 2009 as well as State of design festival and in other Melbourne and Berlin galleries. Publications have reached Desktop, Marie Claire, Fault … and that is naming 3 of many.

What I love about her work is that it’s unique. She has held her own style and her own emotion in each piece. I love her imagination and creativity. It is very hard  not to get inspired by Belinda. When asking Belinda what the best thing is about what she does, her answer was “Being free to create and experiment, to have an idea and make it. I also like creating illustrations which represent a message or tells a story.”

 QUESTIONS:
You told me a bit about how it all started, can you tell us of the day your passion moved toward illustration from graphic design or did it just fold that way?

After working a few years in various design studios, my partner and I decided to move to Berlin. It is a wonderful city with many inspirations and endless possibilities. Each person makes their own way and you just have to make things happen for yourself. I began to draw one day and have continued ever since.

Do you still have your first illustration? How have you progressed?
These are one of the first illustrations I did (1st above). I’m really interested in fashion and at the time, there was this huge influx of men’s fashion magazines, editorials and blogs solely dedicated to menswear and fashion.

I saw that there were countless illustrations portraying women and fashion, yet not really for the men, so I did a series of illustrations that were inspired by a fashion editorial by WATARU for Huge Magazine and it started from there.

What are you currently working on?
I have recently finished a few personal commissions and editorial illustrations for magazines.

You say that you inspired by fashion, cultures, stories, nature. Tell us a bit more or do you have work that relates to these points that you would like to share with us? I love all those things you mentioned above and they are my constant inspirations. They influence the work I do, give me new ideas and make me happy.

Name one word to explain ART? 
Meaning

If you could encourage a person to go with their dream, what would you say?
You are the one who can make it for yourself, go for it!

If you could have coffee with-who would it be? David Foster Wallace

Do you have a favourite artist?
I have many! But some of my favourites are Rei Kawakubo, Olafur Eliasson and Jonathan Zawada.

Above: Street style portraits, Food illustrations which I really like.

Above: Summer and then her Piccolo Degree apartments Lift lobby graphics.

I really smiled at her profile photograph. Sending me one of her in the midst of African animals!

A BIT ABOUT BELINDA:
Hanging out with my best friend, having a relaxing coffee, afternoon picnic with family & friends… is the best way to spend a Sunday.

Being an artist makes me…happy.

The diversity, the city, the people, sights, observations, sounds, adventures—they’re all my favourite parts of Berlin.

When I create I like to… listen to music and podcasts.

Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami…is one of the best books I’ve read so far.

I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer when I was small.

One word to explain my home is…happy.

  

INTERVIEW- Nicola Ashe

Posted in Interviews by

I spent days trying to find a way to introduce this woman to you. I found she needed an entrance. For the life of me, nothing seemed to fit well enough. I know most of you know her. She was the first person to ever communicate with me via blogging. She always held such truth. She made me cry with laughter many times, I’m sure my office thought I was barking mad. Her personality lit up any situation and her fetish for white decor and stationary got my attention. Open and honest, real and informative fits this wonder women quite nicely. Stylish and unique, hardcore and sweet are sure oxymoron’s for her. If you are part of any South African social, entertainment or retail industry or simply a night owl in and around Durban you have crossed paths with her no doubt.  Known by her knowledge of what’s hot and what’s not in Durban and surrounds, you can be sure to receive genuine updates on monthly hot spots, trendy stores, market notices and restaurant reviews. She brightens your day with on-line magazines and includes you in her fetish finds. You can also count your lucky stars that she is who she is because without her I doubt Durban would have such a kick-butt market attendance. Lets face it – you heard first on Ask Ashe!

I wanted to get to know the women behind the blog, the creative she is and the love she has for our city. Nicola is such an open and welcoming person in this blogging world. The blogging sphere can get quite intimidating at times and I have always admired her for her matter of frankness. I know she appreciates good grammar & spelling and even when mine needed some attention, she still liked my posts and shared the love.  I have learnt to be open to correction.

Behind every good blog is a wise, warm and unique character. Be it with a brutal sense of humour or a cool zest for life. CS has interviewed Nicola asking her about the bits and bobs of life, her passions and Durban.

Tell us about when you were younger-where did you go to school? What was your fave subject? Did you always have a creative side?
I went to an all girls school in Durban. My memories of school are not fond though, I don’t yearn for them at all ;) – they were a pretty long time ago too!
I loved history (still do) and I took art which I suppose is where my creative side first blossomed, but I was pretty crap at the traditional painting and drawing. I studied interior design after school at Natal Tech and then a few year’s after that studied web design. I’ve never worked as an interior designer, it’s become more of a hobby, but I worked in web design for a few years and this is where I learned how to ‘design’ and edit graphics for the web.

Is there a time where you realized Graphic design was your career or did it just happen that way? How did this career path start?
I soon realised that I was far better at organising (read bossing) than I was at designing and I moved into project management and client services. I’ve worked at some of Durban’s top design and production companies and now work at an ad agency in client services.
I love graphic design and am in awe of the amazing things graphic designers can produce, be it by hand or computer and I go weak at the knees for beautiful or clever typography. But I leave the design to the professionals and love my career to bits.

What’s the best thing about what you do(work)? What’s the best thing about blogging?
No two days are the same in my job. One day I’m taking a brief on a new packaging range, the next I’m sourcing 1500 biscuits for a tea party! The people I work with are extremely creative and inspiring and the company I work for is just awesome – sometimes it doesn’t even feel like work… I love it.
Blogging however, is a complete outlet for the mess in my head. My blog is called Ask Ashe because I’ve always been asked questions about everything – “where do I get this?, what’s the best restaurant for that?, when is this on?, how do I do this”, so I was nicknamed ‘askashe’. The blog is now an extension of those recommendations and referrals, mixed in with a bit of tongue-in-cheek and of course my love of interiors (especially white ones!)

What would you NEVER leave the house without?
I’m pretty easy going, I can fly out of the house with no make up or cellphone, but it’s best that I don’t ;) – at least a lash of mascara so I don’t scare the children!

Who would you want to have coffee with?  And why?
My future husband, I want to know what took him so long ;)
That might take a while though, so I’d choose Richard Branson, half an hour with him would be so inspiring.

Can you give 3 words-of-advice to anyone interested in graphic design, advertising or blogging?
Don’t compromise integrity.

What has been your most memorable moment in your life so far? (Or is that an unfair question?) :)
Not getting married at 25, best decision I ever made. I can only say this with hindsight though.

 

Would you ever want to write a book? And if so what about?

One day I will write my memoirs, but then I’d have to burn them… I’d get far too many people into trouble ;)

I love that you are who you are and say what you say, what key points can you give someone who is wanting to pursue a dream, yet does not have the courage?
I came about attaining my dreams the hard way, learning many a lesson along the way. And I haven’t yet got them all. I believe networking is the key to opening myriad opportunities. It’s amazing what you can find out just by talking to someone or reading about something and then tying those 2 entities together. So get out there, or get online and start networking with people you admire or can relate to, you’ll be amazed at how similar most of us are and how willing people are to help you out or give advice. However, don’t believe everything you’re told and never be afraid to have your own opinion on anything. There’s nothing more spineless and uninspiring that someone who agrees with everything you say!

As you recently bought your own place, have you found the decorating and renovating easy? The decorating part will be the fun, easy part once the renovating is done. It’s the renovation part that’s proving to be a ball ache! Unreliable suppliers who work at their own pace, having to get plans passed, boring body corporate’s, silly rules and having to wait for walls to be knocked down before I can do anything else means I’m completely uninspired and brain addled with ideas at the same time. It’s quite frustrating having to wait – the longer you wait, the more times you change your mind! I’ll be documenting the renovations on my blog, so as soon as my plans are approved you can expect many a post and picture.

Click on Ask Ashe Abode logo to follow her Reno progress, if you don’t already follow her blog.

What would a weekend in Durban be like if you could take someone on a tour of our finest places and events? It would have to be a long weekend jam-packed with food, crafts and sights including breakfast at Corner Cafe, a whirl around the I Heart Market, shopping at iKhaya, The Space, Karrin Hatfield, lunch at Craft, a dinner at Livingston’s, cocktails at Billy’s, a quick steak at Butcher Boys, sushi & tapas nibbles at Czar, more shopping at Fat Tuesday and then walk or ride it all off along Durban’s promenade at sunset with a mango daiquiri on Moyo Pier.

Regarding being creative, What’s your outlet?
I’m around creatives and creativity all day, so when I get home and need to unwind, it’s usually with a game of sudoku, a book or lately I play myself at Scrabble! It’s addictive! (there’s an iPad app where you can play yourself so I don’t set up a board and look like a complete retard ;) )
I’ve also been known to watch a marathon of tv series’ in one sitting – no one saw me for days when I discovered Spartacus, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy!
If I’m feeling creative, I blog or read through over 900 blogs I follow via bloglovin (amazing site – highly recommended)

Name your top 5 creative’s? Alberto Vargas, Rob Ryan, anyone who designs for Ikea, anyone who designs for Fred & friends, Yoshitomo Nara

What would be in your handbag right now? Ipad, blackberry (oh the irony), keys, notebooks, wet wipes (can’t live without these critters!), pens and pencils, makeup bag, numerous hair elastics, business cards, wallet filled with every loyalty card imaginable, gum.

What’s the best thing about your home? It’s all mine :)

What would be your dream holiday destination? Anywhere cool where cozzies are not required. Hate the sun, don’t do sand or sea and should have been born in Iceland. A skiing trip with mates would be awesome.

What’s the most mouth-watering dish you have ever tasted and where was it?
I eat out a LOT and have had many amazing meals, but there are only 2 I always fall back on when I think about my favourites. The first is the lentil & feta and calamari combo from Mo’s Noodles and the 2nd is a rib eye steak from either Livingston’s or Butcher Boys served with creamed spinach.

What is the coolest home interior item to get right now?
Everyone is on the green, eco wagon, so sustainable energy, appliances and materials are all the rage. My one contribution to this movement will be installing a gas hob – cannot wait to get that baby fired up!

Who cracks the nod as the most desired artist/art work in Durban at the moment?
Difficult question! I think anyone creative is an artist, so it doesn’t have to be an artist in the true sense of the word. I know Durban has a wealth of creative talent and the desired items I most covet are from small businesses like Cupcake Couture, iKhaya and I Love Bokkie, or KOOP, the Shaw Sisters and Clinton Friedman.

What’s the most valuable lesson learnt while being overseas?
I had my first ‘corporate’ job overseas. I worked for a team of traders at a large multi-national company. Make yourself indispensable to people like this and you’re set! I was nicknamed ‘komodo’ because I kept them all on their toes at the grand old age of 21 ;)

NICOLA’S WORDS…

Personality…..makes a home, a home
Relaxation and me time …..are what weekends are about
My favorite book at the moment is…… any new James Patterson, haven’t read one in a few months though (*makes mental note…)
Blogging is……an escape into the mind of my alter ego.
My next purchase for my home is…..bathroom sanitary ware and kitchen appliances
If I was a super hero, I would….make all lemon meringue pies fat free
The close proximity to everything…..Is the best thing about living in Durban
 
 

You just got to love her! Follow Nicola on Twitter here or her blog here. 

Photo credits: Nicola Ashe, SafariNow, RoomsForAfrica, The Space, Fat Tuesday, Travel Start, Karrin Hatfield, Elle Decor.
 

Mary-An Hampton – INTERVIEW

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Picture-Sloth. Event posters – Us Kids, John Ellis, Thomas Krane. Event Poster for Desmond and the Tutus.

Local creative Mary-An Hampton shares with CS about her illustrations, Hruki and much more.
Mary-An’s work dances all over Durban and surrounds in forms of posters, clothing, music, novels, branding and much more. She owns the clothing label Hruki and that ventures into many other streams as well as being involved with the marketing of Unit 11 here in Durban. Mary-An’s work is distinct, it’s got humour and it’s got character. I’m hoping to pop into the “Buy Art Not Drugs” Art Group Show that will be up and running in December above Spiga D’ora on Florida Road, which Mary-Anne is involved in and hopefully meet her face to face then.
Questions:
Please tell us a little about your creative background. When did illustration start becoming your passion? I’ve been scribbling things for as long as I can remember, so I guess I took to it naturally, which always helps with a passion.
You play the tambourine? Please do tell? It is a joke. No one takes a tambourinist seriously. Except maybe that guy from Spoon. But he’s more of a percussionist per say, although I do think tambourining is his true gift. But I’m in a band called Thomas Krane, where I almost picked up a tambourine once. (I got sold a lemon)

How old are you and do you think ist too late to get into illustration as means of making a living, if you never started earlier? I’m 26, and no? There’s that quote about Julia Child only starting cooking when she was 37, which seems to comfort people. We mostly all live for ages now. There’s plenty of time for things.

What is a normal day like for you? I answer emails, and then work on whatever project is most pressing. In between doodling small animals, day-dreaming and squandering time on the internet. But each day is a little unpredictable, which is one of the joys of being freelance and not having a strict 9-5er.

If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? Um. er. not sure. (crap that’s four.)
If you could describe illustrating or creativity in 3 words, what would they be? Repeat above answer.
Please tell us a bit more about Hruki? Hruki is a music based street wear label. We work with different bands, they provide us with a little music, we make a design for them, and sell a shirt and album as  a sweet package deal.
Where can people get their paws on Hruki clothing? From Look & Listen, Idols in Durban and our site.
 
 
Wedding Invitation. Dear Reader illustration. Illustration for kids book The Beard that swallowed the World.
I love your work and think you are extremely talented. What advise can you give an illustrator trying to get into the market. And to someone who has talent but not sure where to start? Thanks! I’m afraid I don’t think I have it all down at this point. I’m not sure I ever will. But having a site up is a number one priority, as you need somewhere to point people when they want to see what you’ve done and whether they can find a use for you.
Where can we buy your  work or get in touch? My site and you can order posters and whatnot personally from me at maryan@maryan.co.za. I’m also involved in a budget art group show, ‘Buy Art not Drugs,’  which is going to happen in the space above Spiga D’ora in Florida Road sometime in December (for some christmas shopping.)
What are you working on? I’m working on a cover for a teenage romance novel, some branding for a coffee operation in Burundi, and a whole bunch of posters for various gigs. So some variety! Which is always nice.
Hruki shirt design.

Do you have a few of your favourite illustration that have been your most memorable creating it or history behind it? I like the winter trees design I did for a Hruki shirt. It’s simple and striking, and came easily. I find designs I have to fight with don’t age gracefully.  There isn’t much of a story behind it, besides a fascination with snow and bears. Being from Durban I haven’t seen all that  much of either.
I really like the Dear Reader illustration, tell us a bit about that one? It was made for Dear Reader, a great band from Joburg now based in Berlin. They write really beautiful songs. This illustration was loosely based on art they had for their 2nd album, Replace why with funny, which was quite a dreamlike landscape with various monsters. It’s a girl with a large, protective imaginary friend. 
Who is your favourite artist? I love the art of Gaugain, such intense colour. He was a bit of a __  though.

Can you tell us what inspires you? Most of the natural world. I find a lot of what I do is just a childish copy of something God did a whole lot better.

What does it mean to be creative, in your eyes? Creativity is such a strange thing, it’s hard to know exactly what the point of it is or why I feel like I have to scribble things. So that’s not really an answer. 

Where do you get your ideas from? Have you always had such amazing imagination? I wasn’t allowed to watch TV till I was 12, so I was forced to develop an imagination. Bit cruel of my parents. Talking to other kids at school was such hard work! No common ground. No Ninja Turtles.

               

Hruki Shirt designs.

ABOUT MARY-ANNE …

What is your favourite things to do on a sunday? Sunday is one of my most predictable days! In a nice way. I go to my church, Oasis, in Amanzimtoti, which is such a wonderful mix of all sorts of unlikely people. Then I have big fat family lunch at my folks house. And then a recovery nap. Every Sunday. Pretty much.
If you were an animal, you would be…Something small that could hide underground. I would like it to be a fox, but it would probably be more of a rodent.
…..Is the best book to read. Tough! I think it would have to be Winnie the Pooh. Now that stuff is profound. And timeless.

Today is…Friday.

The best thing about where I live is….My bay window! It’s amazing. I quite like my digs mates too. I’d like them even more if they washed the dishes sometimes.

If you want to see more , check out her website here.

Thanks Mary-An for sharing a bit about yourself and your work! I am looking forward to seeing your illustrations throughout the world!

TAYB DESIGN – Kareema Jamie

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One of the best gifts to receive (or give) is a gift that keeps on giving. This special and unique gift really is something I have never thought of doing for someone because it seems so difficult to do myself. Alas, I have found a very talented person to do it for me and do it with love and sincerity. These unique quilts and heirlooms are made by hands that hold passion, drive and their own motivational story. Beautifully designed and sometimes hand sewed, they tailor to your needs and desires. Tayb Design is in Mowbray-Cape Town. Read more about the maker… Kareema Jamie.

Tell us about you?
My name is Kareema Jamie.  I’m 38 years old, from Cape Town and the owner of Tayb Design.  I’m also a media strategist in advertising.
How did Tayb Design start?
I’ve always wanted to quilt and I made my first quilt in 2008, a wedding gift for a friend.  I made one more soon after and started to get enquiries from people who were willing to pay for it.  That was a great feeling because you sort of know you’re on the right track with what you’re doing.  This year I decided to formalise my work and create a brand name for it.  Choosing the name was not easy!  But my work is about heirlooms and heritage passed down from one generation to the next.  My father was a big influence in my love of and appreciation for craft.  He was a tailor and brilliant at all kinds of handwork.  His name was M. Tayb Jamie and that was where the name came from.  It is a tribute to him and what I learnt from him. (me:I Love that)
What has been your most recent work?
My most recent work was a cot quilt.  My client was a new aunt to a little boy named Alek and wanted to give him a very special gift.  Alek was born in Belgium to a South African mum and Belgian dad.  Together with Alek’s aunt, we decided that the quilt would have 12 squares, each depicting a month of the year.  And so that Alek would remember his family in Cape Town, it would be based on the South African seasons or months.  The finished quilt measures 90cm x 130cm.  It is entirely hand-appliqued in white, turquoise and yellow with touches of grey.  I absolutely love it and it is one of my favourite pieces.
Do you have a favourite piece?
“A” favourite piece? No, I have several! (me: thought so!) The cot quilts are my favourites because they are made for such special little people.  On a personal note, I quite enjoyed making baby Jesse’s quilt because it was the first one that I hand-quilted.  I was very happy with the result.
How do you get inspired?
I get inspired by whomever I’m making the quilt for.  The quilt always has a story – a love that has blossomed into marriage or a new baby that a family had waited for years and years to arrive.  And that story always inspires me.
Is there other creative forms you enjoy?
Yes, I’m a dressmaker too.  I blog about my dressmaking at The Sewing Room . I enjoy baking and my day job can be very creative too, but in a more cerebral kind of way.
Tell us what a normal day is like for you designing and crafting?
When I’m about to start working on a new project, I sit for a while with the all the fabrics I’m going to use and see how they can work together.  Sometimes I will sketch the design, or sometimes I have no idea how the result is going to look and I just start sewing.  I’ll spend much of the day in front of the sewing machine and if there’s hand-sewing to do, I will park off in front of the TV and sew.
Where about do you stock your work? Where can people see your work and order?
I do mostly bespoke work at the moment.  People can contact me via email on sewingroom32(at) gmail.com for orders.
How long does it take you to finish a quilt? How long must people give you to make a birthday or occasion?
It varies.  A larger quilt would need about a month’s lead time, smaller ones, maybe 2 weeks or so.
Family and friends are so important and memories are always there. How do you make sure you get all the information from your clients to create the special item?
That’s a very interesting question!  People always speak with so much love about the person they’re having the piece made for, or about their families or their hopes and dreams.  There’s always an overflow of information and lots of enthusiasm so I listen very carefully and absorb it all.  And when I start working, it just all seems to come together, quite effortlessly.
Do you find your work rewarding? And why?
Yes absolutely.  I’m always amazed that little bits of fabric that others may throw away can all come together to make something as beautiful as a quilt.  I’m creating work that has meaning for people, they keep it and will hopefully also pass on to others.  That’s very rewarding to me.
 
A little about Kareema Jamie…
Today is perfect.
My bedroom is a place I go to relax.
Sewing hahahaha is my how I spend my Sundays.
To create is to be at one with God.
Listen to music is what I do when I need to get inspired.
If I can have coffee with one person, it would be 2 people? Bono & Edge. Not to talk about saving the world but to talk about the music of U2. It’s had a huge influence on my life.
Quilts are interesting. They take you on a journey, the destination of which you’re never of when you start out. 
 

If you would like to know more about what Kareema can do, please contact her via Twitter. You can also check out her blog for some inspiring crafting and sewing. To view her website, click here and Facebook here.

Kareema was also featured in Lelanie’s blog Of Beauty and Love here if you want to read more about her and what she loves doing.

Next year is an exciting time for Tayb Design as they will be launching two brands. Tayb Handmade and TabyBaby. So I will update you as soon as its up and running, don’t you worry!

Kareema, you are talented and lovely! Thank you for your passion, it touches many people because you care about their lives and their memories.

Daniella Germain – INTERVIEW

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Australian Illustrator and creative Daniella Germain holds a talent that will reach the world and make people smile, it holds such beauty and such sincerity. Because Daniella lives in Australia, I have not yet met her in person but I stumbled upon her delightful blog i bought a pair of Camper boots and now i am broke, which Daniella started when she wanted to illustrate all her purchases and keep track of her spending … love that concept!

Daniella started drawing when she was very young and her years of experience has most definitely made her the brilliant illustrator she is today. That and the fact that I belive she has a natural eye for drawing and creating. I am so happy to have met her and getting to know her is such a blessing. You might remember my post about the bird stamp I received from her a few weeks back? Well now is your chance to find out more behind the beautiful work that Daniella does.

Daniella’s work is featured in many places, including Frankie Issue 41,  The Design Files and you might have read about her in the South African Marie Claire magazine? There is no doubt that you have seen her work somewhere along the way or read about her new book.

My Abuela’s Table is a cookbook which Daniella wrote and illustrated. The content is magical with recipes inspired by her mexican grandmother and illustrations done by herself.  If you would like a copy (yes please!) you can buy it here.

Daniella has her shop, One Black Sheep  where you will find her hand-made stamps and illustration pieces. All items are simply gorgeous! I am honoured to interview Daniella  and find out how it all started and what inspires her. Read on …

How old are you? When did you start illustrating? I’m 34 years old, but a kid at heart! I started illustrating when I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hand. I used to write my own stories and illustrate them when I was 10 years old, but it took me another 20 years before I decided that I could do something serious with illustrating. 

Do you do this as a living? And if not, what do you do? Yes! But only just recently. I studied psychology straight out of school and spent a long time in behaviour research. I bit the bullet when I turned 30, heading back to uni to study communication design. And now I am doing what I love – drawing for a living! 

What is a normal day like for you? I work from home and for myself, so sometimes I have slow starts to the day! But I’m usually at my desk by 9am and spend time replying to emails and working out what’s on for the day. If the sun is shining, I will set up my lap top (or drawing stuff) out side to enjoy the day. It’s so wonderful being able to do that, after working in an office for over 8 years. So basically, I spend my days drawing or laying out and tweeking things on the computer. It’s great!

What inspires you? Every day, simple things inspire me. I like sitting in the back yard watching my dogs do crazy things, birds flitting in and out of trees and nature in general. Travelling inspires me too. Even if it’s just little day trips outside of Melbourne, I like to do at least one little drawing from my adventures.

Who inspires you? Do you have a favourite artist or person? Gosh, lots of different people inspire me. My sister, Carmen, inspires me as she is such a strong and loving person. Then I am obviously inspired by other illustrators and designers. I’ve just been to an illustration/design conference (Semi-Permanent) in Melbourne and every single one of the speakers inspired me. Even just hearing about how they became successful and how they got to where they are today.

Favourite artists…hmm…I love Australian illustrator Catherine Campbell’s work, Yelena Bryksenkova’s quirky illustrations and children’s book illustrator/authors Oliver Jeffers and Anna Walker. There are too many more to mention!

In the world of illustration, how hard is it to make your mark? I think it’s really difficult. I have had a lot of luck a long the way, but I am still trying to make my mark! There are so many talented people out there and it can be very over whelming to think about how your work needs to shout out over such talent. But I also think that talent is just a part of it. I’ve realized, looking at the success of others, that hard work and persistence is just as important and without it it’s impossible to make your mark.

Do you have a support network of fellow creative’s, illustrators or artists? Working from home it’s limiting in terms of having time to mix with other creatives. It’s one of the reasons I am looking to have my own studio space soon. But I keep in touch with friends from uni, and I’ve also built up a bit of a network via Twitter and through my blog.

What is your favourite piece…or is that an unfair question? Favourite piece of mine? Um, well I would have to say my cookbook My Abuela’s Table! Ok, so it’s a collection of illustrations and not necessarily a ‘piece’, but I also designed the whole thing so it would have to be my favourite. It’s also started this great journey I am now on and has created many new opportunities.

Can you mark a time where illustrating changed for you? Like when you realised this is what you love doing? Well I have been illustrating all my life and I’ve always loved it, but I never thought of it as a career option. I think it was while working on My Abuela’s Table that illustration changed for me. I started to develop a style and it was the first major illustration project I had undertaken and was completely immersed in it. I loved every moment of it. I think I had a ‘light bulb’ moment around that time and realized it could become my career.

What can you say to inspire fellow illustrator or artists? From my experience I would say to always throw everything you have into your work. This time last year I was still studying not knowing what the future would hold and now I have a published book and steady illustration work … you never know where one piece of work might take you!!

In the life of Daniella:

Today is Tuesday and unfortunately I have the flu.

My bag consists of my wallet, lip balm, my iPhone, tissues, a pencil, pen, Moleskine note book and eraser. Oh, and loose change right at the bottom!

If I were an animal, I would be a sparrow, but with the appetite of a vulture. 

Ruby, my Labradoodle, is my baby.

Melbourne is the best thing about Australia. (I love my city)

Sitting in the sun and drawing is what I love doing on weekends.

If I could have coffee with… the photographer, Platon. I just saw him speak at Semi-Permanent Melbourne. His stories were amazing!

Isn’t she just gorgeous! (Yes, Ruby too) You will be able to view her website  soon and please check out her shop and her blog, or see her on Twitter.  I’m wanting to get my hands on her cookbook because I love cooking and I love mexican food! If you would like to email her, you can to hello(at)daniellagermain.com.au.

If you would like to buy any of Daniella’s work, she does send internationally. Aren’t we lucky!

Thank you Daniella for sharing about your work, your passions and your venture thus far. You are extremely talented and I look forward to more of your work. We wish you the very best in all you do and in all you illustrate. With such natural talent and a beaming batch of passion, I have no doubt that it will take you to many places  and can see that it has already started.

PREVIOUSLY FEATURED

Posted in Interviews, Photography by

It’s time again to look back to creative’s I have interviewed. I loved interviewing them, they are all so different and yet the same level of passions for what they love.

Jared Dwyer, a carpenter based in Durban transformed his home into a stunning open plan living space. You just HAVE to look at his home here. He enjoyed every moment of transforming this flat into the home he desired and did most if not all the work himself … go check it out.

Tracie Heasman, New Zealand photographer holds a passion for capturing precious moments. Tracie’s eye is always in tune to creating a great photograph and her love for photography is evident in her work. Read more about her here.

Joanne Olivier, a brilliant creative based in Johannesburg. Her knowledge of media, music and photography captures anyone’s attention. She is super interesting and has been many places, so read more about this creative here.

Ishtar Olivera – INTERVIEW

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In many ways I’m grateful for our individual gifts and passions, because it’s through these that you make friends and get connected. Ishtar Olivera Belart holds a beautiful gift. She is a brilliant illustrator, crafter, mother and photographer and is genuinely sweet. I was so pleased to have met her and to hear that she would be interested in sharing some of her work with us all. Ishtar, a Spanish 32-year-old artist living in the UK has a natural hand in making things beautiful. Read for yourself…

Some Questions…

I see you do illustrations as well as photography. How did it all begin? Did you always know that is what you wanted to do? I´ve always loved to paint, but it was actually something that evolved in a natural way with time. With photography for example, was because of the blog. I wanted to improve the photos I showed on the blog so I practiced a lot and eventually got my self a better camera. What is a normal day like for you? I´m an early riser. I love to wake up when everyone is still asleep and have that time for my self. Then I prepare my kids breakfast and get them ready for school. When I return I work with the computer on the projects I´m on at that moment. Cook lunch at 1, pick up my kids at school at 3 and then just work for a couple more of hours. After that we do some crafts together or go to the park. What inspires you? Color, music, nature, tenderness, compassion…Who inspires you? Do you have a favourite artist or person? Creative people. The beautiful, brilliant ideas and projects they come up with. I see how amazing human beings can be and the wonderful things we are capable of creating. In the world of illustration and photographs, do you find it hard to make your mark? Yes. And I used to be concerned about this in the beginning but not anymore. Because I´m happy who ever I reach. Even if it’s just one person.  And if it makes a difference in them, then I feel my work is done. But its funny, what starts to happen when you commit to your self, to your beliefs, to your art, and when you create from the heart.. things seem to fall into place and you start finding your own voice out there. (Ishtar, I love the way you said it) . Do you have a support network of fellow creative’s? I do have some friends who are crafters or artists and we support one another, but I don’t have what is properly called a network. What is your favourite piece…or is that an unfair question? My creations are like my children, I love them all. But it’s also true sometimes I can feel more identified with a certain piece. Right now I´m specially fond of My “compassion” watercolour bunny. I read on your blog that you have children, how do you manage to juggle kids, work, home and leisure AND find the time to unwind and re-group yourself to be more creative? I have to say it was more difficult when my kids where toddlers, but now that they have grown up, they play a lot together and with friends, so that gives me plenty of time to do my things. After 5 I´m done with work and I belong to them : ) What can you say to inspire someone interested in illustration or photography? Read, learn, practice, explore…all of these are great advices..but also, don’t forget to do what feels right for you. Allow your creativity to grow and expand without bounds. And just let things flow..make your process of creating enjoyable…Because thats when you allow your true self to unfold naturally and find your genuine voice. I once read a quote I loved, I don’t remember the author but it said something like this : “ When I wrote books for others, nobody wanted them. Then I wrote books for my self and everybody loved them”.

Ishtar has also written many Craft Tutorials so please go to her blog for more info on them.

You can also check out her website here, her blog here and her shop here.

In the Life of Ishtar…

Today is the only day we have. I try to live in the present……

My handbag consists of….. just my keys and wallet : ) sometimes my camera too : )

If I were an animal… I would be an eagle..who wouldn´t love to fly?

…is my baby. My two sons will always be my babies!

The forests and nature landscapes are the best thing about where I live.

Enjoying sun bathing when it’s not cloudy and crafting  is what I love doing on weekends.

If I could have coffee with ..So many people to choose from!!! Marc Boutavant would be nice for example!

May Ann Licudine is an inspiring artist.

My favourite books to read are craft books and spiritual books….

Being an artist is being able to explore and interpret the beautiful world out and within.

You will find some beautiful photographs, so sincerely taken and captured. Having started her blog and wanting to improve with photography you can see how it inspired her to venture more and more into creativity, arts and crafts and stunning photography. What I love about Ishtar is her unique sense of style. Her sweet chinese influenced illustrations and her truthful names of each art piece shows a real and transparent character that is who she is and loves it just the same. Passionate mother, inspired artist and craft enthusiast, it’s no wonder she has been featured on many other platforms including MiCasa a spanish magazine, vtwonen, decor8 and Kireei to name but a few…

And who wouldn’t get inspired working from this beautiful workspace below? Ishtar does ship internationally, so her work can reach your paws no matter where you are. (great news!) I love the Rain Drops illustration, and the Compassion Bunny is gorgeous as well as the postcards, stamps, her owls and oh, so much more. Ishtar, thank you for sharing about yourself, your work, your family and your passion. You have inspired me and I am sure many other readers. I fell in love with your illustrations and crafts. It’s been a real pleasure to meet you and your sincere look on life. Thank you!

Chantelle Muller

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They say all great things started in a garage…I would like to use that statement for this talented artist. Chantelle started her creativity at school where she was awarded the art prize. She became an Architect and in later years, when arriving back from her travels Chantelle wanted to further her Architectural studies but had difficulties getting enrolled because of the strict system protocols. Because the Architecture route had stopped for the time being she put her focus on art and started painting. She has not looked back as her first painting, Kissing Cows was sold immediately! It is a pleasure to get to know Chantelle and to be honest I am quite blown away by her natural talent…AND it got re-establish in her garage! (smile)

Below: Kissing Cows

What inspires you? Other artists, any hand-made art or hand crafted items from cakes to furniture! (she smiles and thinks…) Not everyone paints to sell their art, some paint because they just passionate about it. That’s why I would like to start an online shop as my dream is to give artists a voice.  How do you keep motivated? If I struggle I stop…if there is a deadline I just carry on. It’s not painful as I enjoy doing it! What motivates me is to realise what I am able to do and then to see the outcome. What kind of subjects do you enjoy painting the most? Faces and human expression. There are so many emotions that come through somebody’s face. My final matric piece were faces. I like working super big! Do you have a favourite artist or style? Yes, Scottish artist Jack Vettriano his work is sensual, French artist Francious Nielly and South Africa artist Phillip Barlow. Do you enjoy other forms? Yes, illustrations, charcoal sketches and memory lane drawings. They say all great things started in a garage…tell us about your studio space? Our garage is bigger than most. I share it with the laundry and washing machine. Luckily my booster reaches there! (we laugh and eat more yummy carrot cake) Advice for an artist? What I wish I had done more of – practised! Even if you think you not good at it, work with your style, your eye. They say if you do something for 10 000 hours, you become an expert…so start now. Also know that not everyone will love your art. What has been your most recent work? The Boats 1,2 &3 as well as the Pelicans and Flower&Aloe oil paintings for a house in Ballito. If you could choose art for your home (apart from your own) what would they be? Phillip Barlow for the lounge and a Jack Vettriano for the bedroom.

Below: Technique experimentation

Below: 2 of Chantelle’s Orchid charcoal sketches.

Below: Boats 1,2 and 3 created especially for a Ballito home. (Oils)

Below: 2 of the 3 Nelson Mandela drawings purchased by Morningside’s 5 star Boutique Hotel, Upton Hall on Innes Road.

Below: Faces. (Oils)

Below: Cupcake

A little bit of Chantelle…

Sundays are too short.
My pillow is my baby.
Richard Branson & Trevyn McGowen is who I would like to have coffee with.
To paint is to breath.
My favourite place to relax is at home or at the beach.
I never leave my house without my keys! (we laugh)
Art is very personal.
Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman is a brilliant book I recommend.


{Might I add that not only does she have a deep passion for creativity, wisdom and art but she plays the piano to relax and is a fantastic baker! Chantelle made the most delicious carrot cake especially for our interview. She has won my heart.}

If you would like to contact Chantelle please see her details above or to follow Chantelle on Facebook click here, South Africa Artists here and Twitter here. Her website will be up and running shortly which will be added to our Directory page on Creative Stream.

Thank you Chantelle for sharing your work and your passion. We look forward featuring more of your work! You are a breathe of fresh air!