Interview #5: She's a Pam of all trades!

Pam cracks me up. The first time we ever had a conversation, we decided we were long lost sisters. Wickedly funny with a sharp wit and an eye for the bizarre, Pam's blog, One Gal's Trash is a funny composition of her adventures in junking, her treasure finds, and the snarky comments she makes about both.

She's not only a whiz at junking and finding cool trinkets, she also happens to be a gardening fool. Where many of us fall flat in developing green spaces, Pam not only cultivates, she thrives. Fantastic spreads of color and texture follow her time in the garden. Her gardening blog, Garden Gal, is the account of her adventures in the flora & fauna variety.

Here, Pam reveals some of her thoughts about creativity in gardening and crafting. But don't let those two topics fool you. Pam is a multidimensional lady, and an all around hoot. (When Pam and I laugh together, it's literally cackling.)

1. Have you lived and/or traveled to many places? What is your favorite place to be?

Lived in Paris 2 years, London 2+ years, New York 8 years.  Born and raised in California.  My favorite place depends on the day...today, it's New York.  Really missing it.  Do not now, nor ever have, missed California...well, except for my family.

2. How long have you been in your current location? What do you love most about being there?

Moved to Portland when Emma was 1...been here 16 years.  Love the people and the progressive sensibility the most.

3. What is your design/craft aesthetic & philosophy?

Vintage, kitschy, lots of color...Happy Crap.

4. What tools & products in your studio could you not live without? Do you have a favorite?

Vintage wrapping paper and greeting cards.  Color saturation rules my world.  I don't do beige. 

5. What trends/experiences do you see in your life as it relates to your craft?

I'm always amazed at how little my taste has changed over the years.  The stuff I loved at 14, I still love.  Think cotton floral tablecloths, and the like. 

6. Complete this sentence: "When I'm in my studio/workspace/creative space, I feel (or think) _______________________."

 I try not to think.  Just DO.  This is a challenge for me.  Often I over think...or won't use something because "I might need it someday."  (This is the thing I admire most about you.  You seem so at ease with the process and just DO it, USE it and MAKE it.  I long for that.)

7. When you're stuck or facing a tough decision, what creative inspiration do you look to? How do you combat "creative block?"

I find inspiration from other artists/crafters, magazines, kids' art, Matisse, Calder, pre-Pop Andy Warhol, Outsider Art.

8. If there was a soundtrack to the movie "A Day in the Life of YOU" what would it include?


Amy Winehouse, Adele, Bobby Short, The Clash, Al Green, Carolyn Sampson's version of Mozart's Exultate Jubilate and Nancy Sinatra's These Boots are Made for Walkin'.

9. If you could visit the studio of any craftsperson/artist/designer (present day or historical) who would it be and why?

Hands down: Alexander Calder. Whimsy on steroids.

10. If you could have been born in any other time period, what period would you choose, and why (or how do you think it most suits your sensibilities and personality)?

I have often thought it would have been great to live in New York in the 40's or 50's.  Post WWII, there was a sense of renewal and optimism that must have been exhilarating.

all photos courtesy of Pam

You can follow Pam's bloggy adventures at One Gal's Trash and Garden Gal. 

Interview #4........ ooooooooo it's one of my favorites!

Paragraph Cove. Whenever I ponder this name, I think of Beatles-esque comma submarines floating with parentheses seaweed, ampersand sea lions, and graphic background water. Paragraph Cove... It evokes thoughts of peaceful patterns and nostalgic papers. The name is clever & the girl behind the work is a crackerjack with paper. Minuscule notebooks, envelopes and stationery sets from recycled materials, and cunning mini-zines... Her blog is impeccable. Her Etsy shop is ultra cute.

 Meet Esther. I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Esther this June when I created the PDX Progressive Shop Hop and she is an absolute delight. Hardworking, sweet, and funny, Esther has inimitable style and an eye for design. I'm constantly floored at the stationery she creates, and the vision she shares on her blog. Here, she gives us the low-down on what goes on in her world.

1. Have you lived and/or traveled to many places? What is your favorite place to be? 

 

I grew up in Salem, OR.  When I was 23 I moved to Oakland to attend California College of the Arts.  Two and a half years later I decided to move back to Oregon.  I missed my family and wide-open spaces.  My mom found me a job on the coast and I moved into her little house in Wheeler.

2. How long have you been in your current location? What do you love most about being there? 

 

The move to Wheeler was supposed to be temporary, but I fell in love with the quiet coastal community. I’ve lived here for two years.  Every day I’m blown away by the gorgeous landscape – mountains, river, ocean, elk, killdeer, great blue herons…

3. What is your design/craft aesthetic & philosophy? 

 

My stationery line is a mix of past and present.  The materials evoke a sense of nostalgia while the designs are clean and modern.  

 

 

4. What tools & products in your studio could you not live without? Do you have a favorite? 

 

My tools and materials include: discarded books, found paper, scissors, templates, pencils, ruler, and a paper cutter.  One of my favorite tools is my pair of scissors with non-stick blades.

5. What experiences do you see in your life as it relates to your craft? 

When I moved back to Oregon I left behind some really good friends.  I sent them handmade cards and envelopes to keep in touch.  They encouraged me to market my designs.  

 

6. Complete this sentence: "When I'm in my studio/workspace/creative space, I feel (or think) _______________________." 

 

I feel inspired and motivated.  I’m usually wondering how long my cat, Ramsey, will let me work until he climbs onto my table to get some attention.

7. When you're stuck or facing a tough decision, what creative inspiration do you look to? How do you combat "creative block?"

 

When I need a creative boost I visit thrift stores in search of materials, go to concerts in Portland, visit my favorite blogs, and/or go for a walk in the woods.

8. If there were a soundtrack to the movie "A Day in the Life of YOU" what would it include? 

 

The Byrds, Drew Grow & the Pastors’ Wives, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Kelli Schaefer, and Donovan

9. If you could visit the studio of any craftsperson/artist/designer (present day or historical) who would it be and why? 

 

I’d like to hang out with artist and author, Sabrina Ward Harrison.  I’ve been a fan of her for years.  Her work is so raw and honest.  When in search of inspiration I crack open one of her books.  

 

10. If you could have been born in any other time period, what period would you choose, and why (or how do you think it most suits your sensibilities and personality)? 

 

I would’ve loved to be around during the late sixties.  I’m really drawn to the music, fashion, interior design, and art made during that time period.  My favorite books to convert to stationery are printed in the late sixties. 

 

 

Don't hesitate to visit Esther's blog & Etsy shop. All things Paragraph Cove can be found here:

 

Paragraph Cove Blog

 

Paragraph Cove Etsy

psst. Paragraph Cove is on facebook & twitter, too... 

@ParagraphCove

Interview #3: Thomas Malcom Cook: Artist

Tom Cook has been in the periphery of my life for many, many years. In fact, I cannot remember a time when Tom, one of my older brother's best friends, has not been around! Tom has a classic spirit; timeless and energetic, he creates a rich and warm life with those whom he surrounds himself. When not painting, Tom builds, enjoys his friends, and generally finds adventure wherever he goes.

His paintings, showcased in many exhibitions and solo shows, are raw expressions of his visions of life. Tom says about his art: "My ultimate goal with my work is to create paintings which prompt the viewer to personally decipher whether the images depicted are simple abstractions, or whether they tell a story. Layering, outlining, overlapping, and transparency are all elements I use as the vocabulary of a painting." 

You can see more of Mr. Cook's art on his website, at selected exhibitions, or keep an eye out and about for his paintings, as featured in Converse and Nintendo commercials filmed in Portland.

1. Have you lived and/or traveled to many places? What is your favorite place to be?



-I am not well traveled, but the memories of the places I have visited are some of my fondest memories. I don't have a favorite place. It changes all the time. One of my favorite places is my aunt Shirley's house in San Jose, CA.

2. How long have you been in your current location? What do you love most about being there?

-I've lived in my house off and on for the last 38 years. It is my family home, inherited from my father. I love that there are lots of cozy places throughout the house to read, nap, or entertain.

3. What is your design/craft aesthetic & philosophy?
 
-Good question. I've never really thought about this. I was trained by instructors from the Abstract Expressionist school, and that influenced my work for sure. I think most of my paintings are, at their base, about energy, rhythms and relationships between elements I use as subject matter.

4. What tools & products in your studio could you not live without? Do you have a favorite?

-That is a toss up between my squirt bottle, and compressed charcoal. Both have gotten me out of many jams in the studio, one softens a painting and the other hardens it. Current favorite item is clear gel medium. It changes all the time though.

5. What trends/experiences do you see in your life as it relates to your craft?

-Every work is in a way a self portrait of some aspect of my personally or what is currently going on in my world. I wouldn't say that I do this on purpose, but it is definitely a factor.

6. Complete this sentence: "When I'm in my studio/workspace/creative space, I feel (or think) ___aware____________________."

7. When you're stuck or facing a tough decision, what creative inspiration do you look to? How do you combat "creative block?"
 
-I often look to other artists for inspiration. It always seems like someone else is creating some really amazing things and that inspires my work. I battle the block by painting. It doesn't matter what it is or even if it looks good. If I keep working I know I'll get there. The only time I feel blocked is when I don't paint.

8. If there was a soundtrack to the movie "A Day in the Life of YOU" what would it include?

-Equal parts sappy R&B and energetic Hip Hop.

9. If you could visit the studio of any craftsperson/artist/designer (present day or historical) who would it be and why?

-My instructor from University of Washington, Michael Dailey. He passed away last year and I never got to see him paint in person. His works are so obsessive and beautiful. I would love to have been a fly on the wall and watch one take shape. His daughter, Susanne Kelly is one of my favorite artists in the world and I hope I can watch her work some time.

10. If you could have been born in any other time period, what period would you choose, and why (or how do you think it most suits your sensibilities and personality)?

- I think I am perfectly suited to live in this time. I never long for any other time period or location. I feel very lucky to be alive right now.

You can reach Tom through his website - THOMAS MALCOM COOK - or track him down at his next art show... "Like" his facebook page at Thomas Malcom Cook Studios on Facebook to stay in the loop!

Interview Series: #2

In his blog, sfo2sgn, Andrew Lieberman recounts his ever increasing (and ever challenging) days and nights in Saigon. Moving from San Francisco to Vietnam last May to jump in feet first in creating a furniture and interior design company from the ground up, Andrew's humorous (and sometimes scary-hilarious) tales of living abroad, learning the culture, not knowing the language, and creating functional and beautiful pieces of furniture while marveling at the traffic patterns in his host city's streets are a complimentary foil to his stark and simple photos.

Although I've known Andrew since I was 8 years old, the tale of our friendship has, in a way, always been through words. And while we have stayed in touch for over 25 years through handwritten letters (and eventually email), seen each other on occasion, and only last year had the chance to hang out as regular friends would (if regular friends hang out in stripper karaoke bars), there remains much about him that I do not know. I was mighty pleased that he is participating in our interview project!

As the design director of District Eight, Andrew has opportunity to draw on his life experience as a frequent traveler, his time at California College of the Arts and his natural talent for design. Herein, some of the things that make Mr. Lieberman tick.

1. Have you lived and/or traveled to many places? What is your favorite place to be?

Portland, Oregon.
San Diego, California
Santa Cruz, California
San Francisco, California
Glasgow, Scotland - twice
Malmo, Sweden
Valencia, Spain
Copenhagen, Denmark
Saigon, Vietnam

traveled all over europe.  asia is the new frontier, but japan, thailand, china, singapore, and vietnam are checked off the list...

Reykjavik, Iceland was by far the most fascinatingly bizarre country i've been to, totally unique.  my favorite place to 'be'... hmmm...  copenhagen, riding my bike through norrebro.  or the havelock in hammersmith, london.  or, royal coffee on college in oakland - reminds me of portland.

2. How long have you been in your current location? What do you love most about being there?

next week makes six months i've been living in Saigon.  My favorite activity of all time here is watching the total abstraction called traffic.

3. What is your design/craft aesthetic & philosophy?

i like honesty in materials and focus on details and connections.  most things i'll make are minimal or simple.  or industrial in some way.  i like incorporating natural light and warmth as much as possible.

4. What tools & products in your studio could you not live without? Do you have a favorite?

studio being my storage closet off the kitchen...  i'd say my cordless drill gets the most work.  i love my old polaroid transfer machine but almost never use it.  but i probably couldn't function without my computer.  right now my favorite tool is the 110-piece tap and die set i bought just before moving.  amazing the power you feel knowing you can thread on a whim.
 

5. What trends/experiences do you see in your life as it relates to your craft?

absolutely living abroad.  being in places that were similar but different made me hyper aware of the spaces i was in, what i liked about them and why, what i didn't like or missed when returning home.  i found myself wanting to go back to places i'd been, just to inhabit the space again, usually really specific street corners or rooms somewhere.  its hard not to make the leap into designing space.

6. Complete this sentence: "When I'm in my studio/workspace/creative space, I feel (or think) _______________________."

i usually think i should quit fucking around and get back to work.  or, i feel full of momentum and energy.  or, i don't really think much, i'm just plowing through a ton of work...

7. When you're stuck or facing a tough decision, what creative inspiration do you look to? How do you combat "creative block?"

i can always pick up a magazine or check a blog to get some competitive creativity going again... but usually spending some time interacting with another craft is best.  an afternoon looking at paintings, a morning in a glass studio...  sometimes working with raw materials i'm not usually exposed to is enough of a trigger to set off thousands of ideas for future projects.

8. If there was a soundtrack to the movie "A Day in the Life of YOU" what would it include?

right now it'd be all r & b and slow jams.  i have no idea why i like this music now.  but...

9. If you could visit the studio of any craftsperson/artist/designer (present day or historical) who would it be and why?

Poul Kjærholm - Danish mid-century designer.  His furniture is very modern, very logical and intentional, but while totally minimal and simple, his work has an outstandingly high level of craft, usually not seen in production furniture.  and its the high level of craft that gives it warmth and makes it timeless.

10. If you could have been born in any other time period, what period would you choose, and why (or how do you think it most suits your sensibilities and personality)?

probably some time in the 30's or 40's so my life could be like an edward hopper painting.  and, because bars and clubs were just way cooler back then.

you can see more of Andrew's work at District Eight Design, in Vietnam... or you can read his blog, sfo2sgn, and watch him turn his surroundings into cooler spaces. 

(all photos in this post courtesy of sfo2sgn)