Interview with Wing To of Little Wing's Corner

This month features the first interview with a non Architect. My dear friend Wing To is a trained Biochemist who works as a Clinical Researcher. In her spare time she enjoys making art work and beautiful objects. As well as creating intricate designs for her hand painted glasses, she produces unique artistic cards and banners with reused scraps of paper.
Read on to find out how this multitalented lady uses her scientific approach to perfect her artwork!

Artist- scientist Wing and a heart shaped pizza

When did you start painting glasses?

I started back at Uni and was actually inspired by someone else’s creation.  She had used glass pens to write the name of her friends onto wine glasses and then given them as gifts.  As I was a student, I thought this was an excellent way of creating gifts for people!  So I wandered into the local Oxford art shop and the rest, as they say, is history! 

How did you learn the technique? What are the main stages?

Experimentation!  I have never been that interested in taking classes – I prefer just trying stuff out and seeing if it works!  Sometimes it doesn’t but then you learn from that!  

Usually, I draw an outline of my design, place the paper behind the glass and use that as a guide. It is actually quite simple!!

Which is your favourite set so far?

My favourite set is probably the Doctor Who one I did for my sister.  Mainly because I got to draw No 11 with a Fez on his head!  (Geek Doctor Who reference – I am sorry!)

'Doctor Who' set of glasses, hand painted and designed by Wing

I also really like the henna sets – I was inspired by pictures of beautiful henna tattoos - such a simple concept but they always seem to turn out so beautiful! 

My favourite pair is the pair I gave to my friend Ladybird Lou!  I remember I loved painting the little ladybirds but had a bit of trouble trying to think what to fill it out with!  So I went a little abstract! ;)  It seemed to work!!

'Ladybird' pair of glasses, handpainted by Wing

I did also like the set I was recently commissioned for - they were for a couple who were both artists with very different painting styles - I liked trying to recreate those styles onto glass...not sure how successful it was, but it was fun to try!  :P

What other things do you like to make?

Generally things with paper!  And glue!  I’m pretty sure I’ve sniffed enough UHU to kill off a few brain cells...explains quite a bit actually!!  :P

I’m currently going through a banner phase - made using recycled card and recycled paper (if you give me pretty paper, I will keep it...!!!)

Wing makes unique banners made with recycled card and paper

What inspires your artwork?

Mmm...for the glass paintings, it depends!  At the moment, I mainly do gifts for friends so sometimes I just try to paint things I think they’ll like!  For one of my friends, her and her husband have a curious collection of inflatable things and they like dressing up parties so for their wedding glasses, I painted a collection of masks and some of their inflatable items!!  For another friend, her wedding invites featured an elephant and paisley decor so I used that as the basis for their glasses.  

Sometimes I just like painting pretty things so I’ll look at different patterns.  Or, I just do caricatures (although I do find it strange to stare at pictures of your friends!!!).  

I used to paint more abstract things, so I may go back into exploring that more.  But I will also stick to things I think are pretty!!  ;)  

So far, I’ve not yet repeated any design – I like trying out new things!

This pair of glasses was a wedding gift (Designed by Wing To)

You work full time as a Clinical Researcher. How do you find time to do artwork?

Erm, it has become a little difficult admittedly!  Trying to fit in work, rock climbing, painting and other distractions does mean that things sometimes get a little pushed on the priorities list!!!  Essentially, I paint things by “attrition”...unless I have an important commission on – in which case I make time!!

You’re trained as a biochemist.  Is there any relation between Biochemistry and your craftwork?

Oooh  I don’t really know!  I used to use painting as a way to escape science!  :P

I guess one of the main things is I like to plan my designs - I spend ages on a design before I even get anywhere near a glass!  It’s my main bottleneck factor – figuring out the design!  I’ve also got a bit of a perfectionist streak - if something does not look right, I will wash it off and try again and again until I get it how I think it should be!  And maybe I have a steady hand from all the years of pipetting!  :P  (Tip – don’t drink coffee before trying to do detailed painting!!)

Do you collect anything?

I collect...all sorts.  I have a hoarding issue that i’m slowly working on!  ;)

I have collections of pretty paper (if you have ever given me a gift in nice, thick giftwrap, I will probably have that somewhere in my collection!!!), ribbons (major weakness...but so useful!  You can never have enough ribbon IMHO!) and pretty boxes (gift style ones...).   I also keep cards and (old school) correspondence from those I love – they’re now in a big box under the bed. 

What do you do in your spare time, apart from artwork?

Rock climbing – this takes up more of my life than I care to admit!!!  And hanging out with friends.  I like baking too – I think that also stems from following protocols in the lab but with more instantaneous and satisfying (edible) outcomes!  :P   

Where can people find you and your creations?

The safest bet is at a climbing gym, but failing that, you can contact me via my Facebook page!  I do not have much in terms of stock, but I am considering taking commissions once my life has settled down a bit...!!

What are you working on at the moment?

I have two sets of overdue wedding glasses I need to deliver.  I also have two sets of glasses I’m working on, which are not really “for” anyone at the moment.  I may consider selling these rather than gifting them.  I am also working on some wedding invites ^_^

Where do you see yourself and your passion for craft in five years time?

I’m terrible at picturing myself in five years time for anything!!

I hope I am happy, still painting and making things, still climbing and still have time to spend with wonderful friends!  

You can see more of Wing's work on her facebook page:

Little Wing's Corner

https://www.facebook.com/littlewingrandomness

Note for copyright: All photos in this post are property of Wing To. If you would like to use them you may contact her using her facebook page.

If you have missed any of my interviews click on the link below:

Link to all interviews

Lunch break with Elisa - English version

This month's interview is the first one I didn't use Skype for! I managed to book my friend Elisa Muterle for a Christmassy coffee and a chat. Elisa works as an Architect for a team of local Architects and occasionally designs houses and furniture with her husband, who is also an Architect (they sign their work ViVrA studio). Elisa is creative and full of original ideas. She loves making stuff out of recycled materials, dress making, knitting. Recently she has made some beautiful bags out of recycled newspapers and advertising posters. A wooden table produced and exhibited locally. And a seating sistem for the parish choir, where Elisa will be singing Christmas songs with her friends.

I asked Elisa for some tips on how to add a designer touch to the festive season! And a few ideas from her family Christmas!

Me|a table

Choir seating sistem

A trip for the festive season? New Year in Turin! There are the Luci d’Artista, ideal for all art lovers. The museo del Cinema, and many exhibitions... My dream destination. New year in a city in Northern Europe. 

Ideal Christmas Menu? My family tradition is to have tortellini in brodo or pasticcio di lasagne and cured meat. For dessert we have my mum's tiramisù and panettone!

How do you wrap your presets? I like to use brown wrapping paper, possibly in two tones, so I can fold the edge. To tie the present I use kitchen thread and make a nice bow. For something extra? Make a bow out of strips of paper and staple together. 

How do you decorate the table? A neutral tone for the table cloth and colourful decorations. For example I make water lilies with paper and then make a center piece by adding fruit and a candle. 

How do you add a touch of style to a room? My husband and I have recently bought a stencil online. We placed the silouette of a little girl holding balloons at the top of the step ladder we have in a bedroom. So it looks like she has climbed up the steps to catch the balloons. It's not Christmassy. You can use them all year round! 

Your nativity scene? A wooden musical box with all the figurines attatched.

Your Christmas tree? This year my husband and I made it out of paper. He made the tree out of cardboard and I made the baubles using they are origami patterns. Next year I'll work on a version with lights! 

Your Christmas outfit? Something comfortable and pretty. Thick tights or leggins and a wool or knitted dress. This year I'm using a brwon dress I made especially for Christmas day!

To find out more about Elisa visit:

ViVra Facebook page

Europaconcorsi ViVra Studio

For her creations we have to wait next year! (I will add photos when I get hold of them!)

I hope you are enjoying my series of interviews. The New Year will bring new interviews with more creative ladies and lots of inspiration and ideas for us all! Merry Christmas!

Copyright: All photos used in this post belong to Elisa Muterle.

Lunch break interview with Elisa

Questo mese ho fatto la prima intervista dal vivo, ovvero non su Skype! Ho avuto il piacere di prendere un caffè e cioccolatino Natalizio con la mia amica Elisa Muterle. Anche quando non è impegnata a collaborare come Architetto per uno studio di Vicenza o a qualche progetto insieme a suo marito (si firmano ViVrA studio), Elisa è una creativa piena di idee originali. Ama lavorare con materiali di riciclo, confezionare abiti, fare a maglia. In particolare ha creato delle bellissime borse con carta da giornale plastificata e vecchi cartelloni pubblicitari. Inoltre ha disegnato e prodotto un tavolino di legno, che si può trovare in mostra in un negozio del centro. E la pedana per il coro parrocchiale di cui fa parte, dove canterà insieme ai suoi amici questo Natale. 

Ho chiesto ad Elisa qualche consiglio per arricchire con un tocco di design le feste e anche qualche curiosità sulle sue tradizioni di Natale! 

Tavolo Me|a

Pedana del coro

La destinazione per un viaggio durante le feste? Capodanno a Torino! Ci sono le Luci d’Artista, l’ideale per gli appassionati di Arte. Il museo del Cinema, la Mole e molte mostre alternative. C’è anche una convenzione con la quale se ti fai la tessera puoi visitare tutti i musei...E un mio sogno sarebbe fare il capodanno in una città del Nord Europa.

Il Menù di Natale ideale? Per la mia famiglia il menù tradizionale è tortellini in brodo o pasticcio. Per antipasto adoro l’affettato di lingua. E per finire il tiramisù di mia mamma e un buon panettone artigianale!

Un'idea per impacchettare i regali? Mi piace usare la carta da pacco, magari bicolore, così faccio il risvolto che dà un bordo al pacchetto. Poi lego con spago da cucina e faccio un bel fiocco. Un idea in più? Fare un fiocco con delle strisce di carta e poi unire con una graffetta.

E per decorare la tavola? Tovaglia su toni neutri e delle decorazioni colorate. Ad esempio faccio delle ninfee di carta e poi creo un centro tavola aggiungendo frutta e candele.

Come dare un tocco originale ad una camera? Recentemente abbiamo usato uno stencil, ordinato online, per fare una composizione. Abbiamo attaccato la silhouette di una bambina con i palloncini sul muro sopra alla scaletta a pioli. Non è Natalizio, può andare bene tutto l'anno!

Il tuo presepe? Un carillon di legno con tutte le statuine già integrate.

Il tuo albero? Quest’anno l’ho fatto con mio marito. La struttura di carta l’ha fatta lui. Io ho preparato le palline. Sono degli origami. L’anno prossimo lavorerò alla versione con le luci!

L’outfit per il giorno di Natale? Qualcosa di comodo ed elegante. Leggins e un vestito di lana o di maglia. Quest’anno io uso questo vestito marrone che ho confezionato per l’occasione!

Per sapere di più se Elisa potete visitare il sito:

Studio ViVra, pagina Facebook

Europaconcorsi ViVra Studio

Per le sue creazioni bisognerà aspettare l'anno nuovo! (aggiungo le foto appena posso!)

Spero che vi stiate godendo queste interviste. Per l'anno nuovo ne sto preparando di nuove con altre donne creative che vi daranno la carica e vi riempiranno di inspirazione e idee! Buone Feste!

Interview with Clarice Lopez, founder of Roost in Green

This month's interview is all about a busy artistic mum who's just started her own business. I started off asking Clarice about her art work then found out there was a lot more going on... Read on to find out more about this lady's approach to making art and how she has gone from studying Architecture in Brazil and Visual Arts in Venice to launching her first web-based company, Roost in Green! All this while being a military spouse and being the mother of a happy little girl! 

Artist and founder of Roost in Green, Clarice Lopez

You studied Architecture in Brazil and Visual Arts in Venice, Italy. How did your course of studies help shape your approach to the arts. Architects are tailored to think in a structured, organized way. There is a consequence to every line you put on paper. It could be something as uninteresting as the position of a toilet, to the actual impact of a building in a community. The complete opposite of abstract art. Architecture, when thought beyond the scope of profitability, is an art in itself. One that goes beyond the individual. It is the portrait of a civilization - the built form of how a society thinks and interacts with its own environment. 
My observations when transformed into artistic work are undeniably structured. However, you will always see some sort of confined movement to it. It’s like I am trying to break away from the confinement of the 90 degree angle. It’s a real struggle. I think it says a lot about me, really!

'RestoreGreenAction'
inspired by an Architectural mindset

You have lived in many different countries and speak many languages fluently. How does this affect your craft. I remember how much my head hurt through the first month at the Accademia. I knew very little Italian. Close to none. All of a sudden I am immersed in college level Italian, deliberating on philosophy and other things. That was extremely hard! But the ability to speak different languages is really liberating to me. I like to play with words a lot, and that was actually part of my first piece at school. Capolavoro in Portuguese is translated to Opera Prima. So it made a lot of sense to play with those words in my very first piece of art. It developed into deconstruction of painting and the importance of labeling things. It was fun. I took a lot of heat for that but that was expected!

How has becoming a mother changed your approach to art? Oh, my. Becoming a mother has changed my approach to life. Funny thing is that I was still finishing up my Laurea at the Accademia when I got pregnant. So, clearly, my work Untitled, 2011 was influenced by it. While pregnant, I struggled so much to write cohesive paragraphs, but everything else was on an optimized level. 

Interviewing Lot Bakker of Lot of Architecture and Design

Lot, short for Charlotte, working on a painting

This month I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend Lot Bakker, Dutch Architect, Designer and Illustrator and owner of 'Lot of Architecture and Design'. Our Skype chat starts with a house tour of Lot’s apartment in Delft. Her quirky flat is arranged over two stories plus an attic. Every floor has a worktable where Lot keeps many different materials and tools to draw, sew, and make holes in things.

Monthly interview - intervista del mese

Now the Summer is coming to an end, LLD has got a project for the coming year.

There is going to be a monthly interview with designers, illustrators and photographers.

If you are a designer, illustrator, photographer, interior designer, and are interested in taking part, you can contact me at:

littleloudesign@gmail.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Laura


Con l'avvicinarsi della fine dell'estate LLD sta per imbarcarsi sul suo progetto per il nuovo anno. 

Ci sara' una intervista al mese con designer, illustratori, fotografi.

Se sei un designer, illustratore, fotografo o architetto e sei interessato a partecipare puoi scrivermi a:

littleloudesign@gmail.com

Ci sentiamo presto!

Laura