Toronto Craft Alert » Questions for Crafters

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS CHEONGJU: Aaron Oussoren

tara — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:24:23 +0000

Aaron Oussoren, Manhole Cover (Grey). Photo courtesy of the artist.

For our second Cheongju Craft Biennale artist profile, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the work of emerging Toronto-based glass artist, Aaron Oussoren. For more on him and his fantastic work, spend some time poking around his website.

How did you come to be one of the eight Canadians taking part in this year’s Craft Biennale in Cheongju?
I’m fortunate to be an Artist-In-Residence at Harbourfront Centre, and quite a [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS CHEONGJU: Robyn Love

tara — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:52:32 +0000

Robyn lays down The Knitted Mile in Dallas, Texas (2008)

Greetings, readers! Welcome to the first installment of a short series of interviews with a few of the talented craftspeople taking part in this year’s International Craft Biennale in Cheongju, Korea, which opened just a few days ago. There are 8 Canadians taking part in the festivities this year– one of them being Robyn Love, who was invited to the Biennale to create an ambitious site-specific installation. Robyn is an [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS BLOORCOURT: Jack Dylan (Market: August 13, 2011)

jen — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:40:42 +0000

Behold our final vendor spotlight for the Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair Market with illustrator Jack Dylan. Find Jack and dozens of other super talented makers’ stuff at the Market on Saturday – it’s gonna be a goooood one.

1. What processes and materials are involved in creating your work? Normally I’ll start a sketch with pen, not a good pen, but a cheap little Bic pen (I like black best). Then I’ll scan that and start making some magic in the photoshop [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS BLOORCOURT: Ting Ding of Acid Zip (Market: August 13, 2011)

jen — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:14:51 +0000

I’m happy to introduce you to Ting Ding of Acid Zip who makes super fun and stylish jewellery. This is the third profile in our spotlight on Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair Market vendors (see the first and second here).

1. What processes and materials are involved in creating your work?
I like to work with vintage brass findings that are interesting to me as well as organic material such as porcupine quills. As for my creative process…it usually involves [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS BLOORCOURT: Krystal Speck Ceramics (Market: August 13, 2011)

jen — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:11:34 +0000

We continue our spotlight on Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Street Fair Market vendors with ceramicist Krystal Speck.

1. What processes and materials are involved in creating your work?
I make functional pottery using porcelain clay & slip (liquid clay). I am mainly into small scale casting & mouldmaking, but will sometimes hand-build or throw on the potters wheel if the piece I am making demands it. The surface of each pot is decorated by completely by hand using graphic lines and colourful [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS BLOORCOURT: Alison Gledhill of Grace (Market: August 13, 2011)

jen — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:22:04 +0000

As I’ve mentioned I am currently organizing the market for the upcoming Bloorcourt Arts and Crafts Streetfair and it is shaping up to be one stellar little show! Amongst the live music, games, extended patios, and amateur wresting that will stud Bloor Street between Shaw and Dovercourt you will find some incredible art and craft works by dozens of indie makers . Over the next week or so I’ll be featuring some interviews with these guys and give you a sneak peak at some [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Leah Buckareff, curator of the Reading Raum (Berlin)

jen — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:09:13 +0000

I recently mentioned that I have a few crafty zines lining the shelves of Toronto ex-pat Leah Buckareff‘s Reading Raum in Berlin. A fair number of Torontonians and Toronto-based publishers contributed original works to this project, and I wanted to connect with Leah before the exhibition is over to explore what motivated her to take the Wunderkabinet project in this direction and some of the discoveries she has made as a result.

What is your background in zinemaking and indie-publishing?

I was never a serious zine-maker. [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Amrit Kumar and Mriga Kapadiya of Norblack Norwhite

jen — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:55:17 +0000

When I first came across Norblack Norwhite on Facebook (a friend had posted their profile in Vogue India) I was totally charmed by their bold, playful patterning and comfy yet super modern shapes. I immediately googled them and fell even harder for this partnership between Amrit Kumar and Mriga Kapadiya, two Toronto ladies who collaborate with small communities in India to produce textiles using traditional techniques such as Bandhani – a tie and dye process – and Rabari weaving and applique. The results are stunning and the process fascinating.

Amrit (who was [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Laura St. Pierre

jen — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:13:44 +0000

I first encountered Laura St. Pierre‘s work on the wall of her apartment in Montreal (where we both lived in the early 2000s). The sculpture, painted an electric shade of chartreuse, oozed off the wall in the most pleasing way. I fell in love, and over the years I’ve watched Laura’s multidisciplinary practice evolve in more and more intriguing directions. Eager to better understand her work (and share it with you guys!), I asked Laura a series of questions from her current home base in Grand Prairie, Alberta, where she teaches visual arts.

CRAFTY NEIGHBOURS: Printshop Forever (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

becky — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:42:57 +0000

Sequined antlers by Cassandra Smith for Printshop Forever. Photo by Mike Goelzer.

I recently caught wind of Printshop Forever (thank you, Faythe), a Milwaukee-based web project that aims to connect work from the art/craft world with budding young collectors. Under the curation and administration of maker, writer, curator and thinker, Cortney Heimerl, this website and shop work together to fill a void she felt in the art/craft divide. At this point in [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Hollie and Jane @ White Elephant

jen — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:52:33 +0000

Hollie and Jane on White Elephant’s 1st Birthday

Interview by Jen Anisef

When I mentioned a plan to visit friends in Hamilton, everyone crafty that I spoke to told me “you have to go to White Elephant!” (including said friends). So I went, and I strongly suggest that you believe the hype! The boutique (located at 152 James Street North) is a perfect fusion of sweet vintage housewares and stylish crafty goods from indie artists near and far (lots of TO talent represented as well as [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Andrei Gravelle on Psanky

jen — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:21:59 +0000

Interview by Jen Anisef
Photos of student work by Andrei Gravelle

This past weekend, when attending Quilt Sunday at the workroom, I was lucky enough to spy on the tail end of the Ukrainian Easter Egg (Psanky (or Pysanky or Pysanka)) workshop. Having always had a hankering to learn more about Psanky, I caught up with the instructor Andrei after the class and asked him for the lowdown on the craft and how he got in to it.

(p.s. I found this great Flickr group if anyone is interested in exploring the world of Psanky further…)

Questions for Crafters: Genevieve Jodouin

nightjar books — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:04:19 +0000

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Genevieve Jodouin

Interview and photos by Sara Titanic

Describe the process of creating your work. What is involved for you to make one of your pieces?
Once I’ve come up with my initial idea for the piece, I take many photos that will act as reference for my drawings. I’ll then draw all the figures in the piece, as well as the decorative and background elements. I draw everything on tracing paper so that all the layers fit together. Once the drawings are done I’ll move [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Miki Sato

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:34:19 +0000

Miki Sato is a Toronto-based illustrator who uses a mixed media approach to creating her designs. You may have recently seen her work in our inaugural craftoon feature (or take a look here). In this interview with Amy Borkwood, Miki discusses a bit about her process and creative inspirations.

Can you tell me a bit about the process of your work? How does your work come together, from initial idea to finished piece?

The ideas usually come to me when I let my [...]

QUESTONS FOR CRAFTERS: Beside Herself

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:12:30 +0000

Interview with Beside Herself: Carolyn Self and Alda Escareño
By Amy Borkwood

Can you tell me first about your backgrounds as individual artists, and what brought you together to work as Beside Herself?

Carolyn: I have three brothers and come from a small town, which means I had to entertain myself while growing up. I spent a lot of time on my own filling sketchbooks and sewing. In high school I taught myself to screen-print so that I could make my own fabrics, and [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Worn Fashion Journal (Comment to be entered to win FREE TICKETS to their Hallowe’en Slowdance on Oct. 31!)

jen — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:43:28 +0000

***GIVEAWAY EXTENDED TO OCT 27 – COMMENT AWAY!***

Worn Fashion Journal is throwing another Slowdance, and this one is gonna be deadly!! Read on for an interview with Wornette Alexandra and comment on the post by October 26th with your favourite Hallowe’en costume of all time (could be one you’ve worn or one you’ve seen) to be entered to win a pair of tickets to the dance.

Interview by Amy Borkwood

For those who don’t know too much about WORN, can you tell me a bit about the concept of the magazine, and [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Anneke van Bommel

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:03:53 +0000

Image copyright Anneke van Bommel. Used with permission.

Interview and photos by Sara Titanic

Anneke van Bommel is an an artist and active member of the Toronto craft community who creates works out of sterling silver, acrylic, nickel silver, wood, and resin. She works out of studio space in a 100+year old building in Downtown Toronto, and also works as an instructor. She spoke with TCA about her [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Crystal Bretschger

jen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:31:10 +0000

Interview by Amy Borkwood

Crystal Bretschger is an illustrator and graphic designer by trade, and a recent Torontonian by way of New York City. She makes some of the most compelling illustrations—a lovely combination of childlike aesthetic and stark linework. I asked her some questions recently about her work, her new life in the city, and the banner she just created for the Toronto Craft Alert’s newsletter.

Can you tell me a bit about the process of your work—where do you work, what materials do you use?

Well, I have a 500 square foot apartment [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS VAN: The Regional Assembly of Text

jen — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:11:38 +0000

by Tara Bursey

The Regional Assembly of Text is a shop in Vancouver, British Columbia run by artists Rebecca Doren and Brandy Fedoriuk. An homage to all things text-y, the Assembly sells handmade wares such as t-shirts, artist books, notebooks and journals, stationary and buttons, all off which combine a vintage aesthetic with a pointedly DIY approach. The space also features awesome programming such as a monthly Letter Writing Club, as well as an in-house zine library and gallery. I was lucky enough visit the shop last month, and spoke with [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Jen Ham

jen — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:17:53 +0000

Interview by Naomi Hocura

Meet Crotchy. She is 12” of posable long fancy legs, all attitute (she sports a “Mom” tattoo), and high class with a pink button anus. Her and her twin sister (only two Crotchies exist!) are taking over the world, one high-heeled step at a time. I met Crotchy through Jen Ham, Montreal-based creator of amazing fabric artifacts.

When did you first start creating art with fabric and thread?
I’ve always loved fabric! I learned to sew a bit when I was little from my mom, making my own purses. [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Sarah Titanic (Studio Visit)

jen — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:18 +0000

Interview by Jen Anisef

Studios Visit artists featured above: Sarah Mcneil, Ginette Lapalme, Melinda Josie, Marta Chudolinska, Shannon Gerard, Morgan Mavis

Recently when doing some idle crafty googling I came upon a column on NOW’s daily website called Studio Visit. Writer Sarah Titanic profiles different local artists, many emerging makers with a crafty bent to their work; a different Toronto artist is featured every Friday. It was a nice surprise to find that a number of artists that are active in the [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Hilary Cosgrove

jen — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:51:21 +0000

Interview by Kim Hume

Hilary Cosgrove – Crafting with character

Hilary Cosgrove is a crafter and emerging entrepreneur based in Kingston. She makes felt figure people, sweet stuffed owl pillows, origami mobiles and more. Her fabric cuffs make it possible to wear fun quilting fabric. On a recent trip to Toronto, she successfully placed some of her work in two stores.

How did you get started in craft? How long have you been making things to sell, and what prompted you to take it beyond a hobby?
I started as a [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS SOL[e]D!: Damned Dollies

jen — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:29:33 +0000

by Nicole Morell

Dana De Kuyper is a doll maker and screen-printer whose arresting body of work, Damned Dollies, has graced the pages of British Vogue, Marmalade, Strut, Elle Quebec, Bust magazine and Zink. The former Montrealer, now based in TO, is among the 24 featured artists in this month’s Art and Sole exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum.Dana De Kuyper dreaming of lace

How did you come to be involved with the Art and Sole exhibition?
I was invited by Serah-Marie MacMahon [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Barb Hunt

jen — Fri, 29 May 2009 11:30:24 +0000

by Tara Bursey

antipersonnel, knitted yarns, detail landscape.

Barb Hunt is a Newfoundland-based artist and educator, whose work I was lucky enough to be introduced to by a beloved teacher in art school a few years ago. Her political and often poignant work employs craft processes to explore rituals of mourning and address the devastation of war.

You refer to your work as influenced by the history and customs of Newfoundland. Can you talk a bit about the role of craft in both Newfoundland’s [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS ASHM: Stitchface

jen — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:58:34 +0000

This is our final vendor profile celebrating A Spring Handmade Market, a craft show featuring Etsy sellers which takes place TOMORROW (May 16) from 11am-4pm at the Gladstone Hotel. Please check out the show blog for more details on the event and a whole bunch of other vendor profiles.

Danielle Wright – Stitchface
www.stitchface.etsy.com

1.) What do you enjoy most about having an Etsy shop?
There are sooo many things I love about having an Etsy shop that it’s painful to just choose one!!! If I have to choose, [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS SOL(e)D!: Tyler K. Rauman

nightjar books — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:00:26 +0000

Worn Fashion Journal, your favourite local mag on fashion and independent design, recently commissioned some amazing artists to refashion some plain white Keds. Tyler K. Rauman was one of the multi-talented artists asked to transform a pair of canvas shoes into a work of art. I recently asked Tyler some questions about his illustration work and his contribution to the Worn – Keds project. Check it out!

I’ve seen your incredible concert posters all over, but your skills aren’t limited to illustration [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS ASHM: Make it Awesome

jen — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:48:04 +0000

Here is the second interview with makers featured in the upcoming and Etsy-centric A Spring Handmade Market (May 16). A more extensive selection of these interviews can be found on the show blog.

We are excited to feature maker of adorably awesome angora bunnies (among other things), Sonja Ahlers.

Sonja Ahlers – Make it Awesome
www.makeitawesome.etsy.com

1.) What do you enjoy most about having an Etsy shop?
That I can send my work all over the world. I’ve sent my wares [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS ASHM: Apfelstrudel

jen — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:59:17 +0000

With the Etsy-riffic A Spring Handmade Market coming up mid-month, we will be featuring interviews with a few of the participating designers here on TCA. A more extensive selection of these interviews can be found on the show blog.

First-up: collage artist and antique ephemera merchant Apfelstrudel.

Apfelstrudel
apfelstrudel.etsy.com

1.) What do you enjoy most about having an Etsy shop?
It’s always a thrill having my artwork appreciated and bought by people from faraway places like Australia and Scotland.

2.) How did you come up [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Interview with nesting.emily (plus amazing giveaway!)

nightjar books — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:56:20 +0000

Emily Jull is an exceptionally gifted potter who lives and crafts in Waterloo. She is also the manager of the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery shop, and is a founding member (and the mastermind behind) Stitch n Kitsch, a long-running craft collective in Kitchener-Waterloo. I asked her some questions this past week, looking at her life and work, her crafty loves, and the evolution of her gorgeous work.

GIVEAWAY! Emily also donated a beautiful piece for us to giveaway – her new, and quite stunning, hugging [...]

QUESTIONS FOR CRAFTERS: Shannon Gerard

nightjar books — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:55:50 +0000

Shannon Gerard is a multidisciplinary artist and a powerhouse in the Toronto craft community. Her Boobs and Dinks project, featuring hand-crocheted body parts and informational booklets, is showing at the Ontario Crafts Council Gallery as part of the DIWhy? show until March 1st. Check her out this Sunday as well at the Love and Rummage craft show, where she’ll be serving up some fine crocheted goods.

You have your Boobs and Dinks project at the DIWhy? show right now. Can you tell [...]