Wednesday interview: Jennifer Davis

Today we present you an excellent artist Jennifer Davis. She was kind enough to answer a few questions for our blog:

Have you always wanted to become an artist? can you tell us about your first experience with art?

I took on mandatory art class in high school. I enjoyed it but I never dreamed art was something I could “do” and it didn't really spark any interest anyway. In college I took a drawing class to fill a creative credit requirement and feel deeply in love with art school. I changed my major to art and took every kind of art class offered- painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, all sorts of print making, etc. I loved all of it. I found my calling over halfway through my six years at the University of Minnesota.

Which project has given you the most satisfaction?

My show at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts- a beautiful museum in Minneapolis- in 2010 was definitely a highlight. I am most excited about a couple of upcoming projects though- a show at the Devos Museum in Michigan in Sept and a solo show at Public Functionary in Minneapolis later this year.

What types of books are on your bedside table?

I am an insomniac and I read a lot during the middle of the night- mostly contemporary fiction. Just finished “The Round House” by Louise Erdrich, Now reading “The Burgess Boys” by Elizabeth Strout, next up, “The Dinner” by Herman Koch.

 What is the best moment of the day?

I am an “early bird” and love early mornings. I usually try to leave a painting well underway but unfinished on my desk at the end of each day so that I am excited to get back to work n the morning.

 Who is your illustration hero at the moment?

I am always swooning over the paintings of Jennifer Sanchez: http://jennifersanchez.info/2013-panelcanvas/ . I have a lot of “favorites”- it is hard to chose. I keep two running lists - http://pinterest.com/jennniferdavis/art/ and http://pinterest.com/jennniferdavis/fellow-minnesota-artists/

Cat or dog?

Cat. I love both but I am a definitely a crazy cat lady for life. This is my 18 year old cat, Nudge.

What would be your dream project?

I have recently received grant funding (from the McKnight Foundation/Metropolitan Regional Arts Council) for aproject that I dreamed up earlier this year. I am am taking a road trip to research the dozens of vintage carousels along the US East Coast and then I am going to make paintings about the animals.

 Where could we find you on Friday nights?

Last night (Friday) I was in my studio painting. Most Fridays I prefer to go out and see some art and/or go to a bar and drink beer with friends.

If you could do any other job what would you choose and why?

I have a lot of day-dream jobs. My friends call me Detective Davis because I like to investigate. I also think it would be fun to be a Mail Carrier. (It probably isn’t fun but I love walking and I love the Post Office.) Something on film sets would be fun for me too…

Pepsi or Coke?

Beer. ;0)

What type of music do you play while creating?

I prefer Minnesota Public Radio or National Public Radio.

If you were a character from cartoons, which one would you be?

I am not a big cartoon person but how about this guy- “Toughy”: http://www.milkyelephant.com/karl/toughy/episode1/

Favorite blogs/sites etc.?

I have a lot of favorites but this one has recently sucked me in for extended viewing: http://www.nellarmadio.com/

How would you define your personal work-life balance in terms of ratio (50/50 70/30 etc)?

I do not have very good work/life balance. I work at home which means I never really “shut it off.” I think about “work” almost all the time. I think that is why I read during insomnia and watch a lot of films- to help shut off my brain. I’m pretty obsessive. Work=life for the most part…

What brings you joy?

Films (most horror, documentary and weird/arty stuff), cats, friends/family, art, painting, bike riding, spring/summer, travel, food/drinks, adventure, adrenaline…

Thank you very much Jennifer :) For more info, please visit Jennifer's blog and site

Wednesday interview: Anna Emilia Laitinen

Today we have an interview with lovely painter and illustrator Anna Emilia Laitinen. She does beautiful paintings, all very carefully designed with such a lovely atmosphere. 

Have you always wanted to become an artist?
What I always wanted to do is something by hands and connected to the nature around me, so probably yes, even I did not know it.

Which project has given you the most satisfaction?

Usually all projects bring happiness and satisfaction in some ways. Learning and communicating with new people always brings satisfaction.

What types of books are on your bedside table?
There are some travel books and diaries. I seem to enjoy books that were written by men that lived a hermit life in some remote place in the nature. One Man's Wilderness by Richard Proenneke is one of this kind that I hugely enjoyed.

 

What is the best moment of the day?
Early mornings when everything is still silent and just about to begin. 

Who is your art/illustration hero at the moment?

There are not really specific artists or illustrators. There are so talented people everywhere. People that are around me and enjoy what they do give me inspiration and they also teach me a lot.

Cat or dog?

Both please.

What would be your dream project?

Something that would combine different themes and ways of doing together. It is always lovely to work with projects that include music.

Through your blog we saw that you live on a wonderful place that certainly inspire you very much. Do you ever think about some different inspirations, different media etc.?

Everything can be inspiring, so open mind and eyes is a good thing. Nature is very important for me and thinking about different places gives me many ideas. I wish I could travel more to see those places personally.

What music surrounds you while you create?

Lately I have been listening to different radios from all over the world. It is nice to have some different views of life and listen to different rhythm of languages and think those people who are talking on the radio.

 

Where could we find you on Friday night?

Last Friday night from my own little sauna, relaxing and breathing deeply afterwards the cold spring air afterwards outdoors.

If you could do any other job what would you choose and why?

It might be something to do with language or plants or then I might be a kindergarten teacher.

 

Pepsi or Coke?

Green tea, please.

If you were a character from Star Wars, which one would you be?

Oh, I never saw them!

What's your favorite sites/blogs?

Some nice cooking or radio channel sites.

How would you define your personal work-life balance in terms of ratio (50/50 70/30 etc)?

Most of the days are very long by my painting table, but that is what I enjoy. Ideas can come anywhere and anytime, so I don´t try to separate work and personal life too much. Probably 70/30.

What brings you joy?

Slow moments with friends, good food and music. Long walks and changes in the weather and seasons.

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Thank you for you time and lovely answers:)
For mor info and art, please visit Anna Emilia site http://www.annaemilia.com and her blog http://annaemilial.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Interview: Olaf Hajek

Olaf Hajek is Berlin based painter, illustrator, designer. Here's a lovely interview he gave for our blog..

Have you always wanted to became an artist? Can you tell us about your first contact with art?

Yes I guess I always wanted to become an artist..I was drawing a lot as a kid and visited drawing and painting courses next to school as a teenager. I think I learned more at that time while during my study.

Which project has given you the most satisfaction?

Every nice project is giving me satisfaction, but to be honest my personal series which I created for my gallery shows give me the most satisfaction. The artistic freedom and the way to experience new artistic directions are the nicest thing.

"Black Antoinette" book is accepted splendidly. Can you tell us a bit more about your work on that book?
 

Black Antoinette is the second monograph of my work, which documents commercial and gallery work from the last 3-4 years. The Book showcases my bigger gallery shows and work for commercial clients.It is a stunning volume of pleasing and disturbing images, colorful yet dark, happy yet morose. One of my favorite series are the different paintings of "Black Antoinettes". My idea was to create an image of luxury, opulence, and beauty which has nothing to do with wealth and prosperity. I adapted the idea of Marie Antoinette and created a "Black Antoinette" who is wearing the idea of the whole nature on her head—the beauty as well as the birth and death and the evanescence. Out of the first image I painted a whole series was born. 

What type of books are on your beside table?  

I love to read..on my bedside table you find a travel documentation about Africa, the new novel by Lily Brett and the latest issue of Monocle Magazine 

You said that you're inspired by folkloric elements and naive/primitive arts, among others, and there's sure a lot of elements to explore and develop. Where else do you search for your inspiration? Do you ever think to explore something completely new from your previous work?

I am inspired and driven by the contradiction of beauty. I always need something dark next to the light. I love the power of simplicity and combine it with elegant elements. My work of course is also very personal and I just paint what I saw and took on during the day or my travel 

 
Cat or dog?
A combination, for sure 


What would be your dream project?
My dream project I have right now, preparing my new gallery show in Cape Town for 3 months. I don´t take on any commercial assignment and just concentrate on my paintings and the series for the new show. I see that this focus is very important and takes you to another level. My paintings get much bigger in size and I can experiment much more. My dream would be to do more gallery shows and find the time to focus just on that work....but well they need to be commercially successful as well..

If you could do any other job what would you choose and why?
I might do something with food or interior, because I love the different ingredients and textiles and materials. 

Pepsi or Coke?
Never!!! 




If you were a character from Star Wars, which one would you be?
I really don´t like any thing of Science Fiction and was never a fan...I even can´t remember if I ever saw a whole episode of star wars 


How would you define your personal work-life balance in terms of ratio (50/50 70/30 etc)?
Maybe 70/30, but my work is my life...so its hard to say.... 



What brings you joy?
Good friends, the light, music and good food 


And for the end of our interview, can you tell us a bit more about your current work in Capetown? How's your preparation going? Do you enjoy locals and their energy and of course, how's the food :)? 
OH I love it here...like I said, first of all its wonderful to be in a different world and just concentrate on the paintings. I got offered a beautiful studio place in the BooKap and old colored Islamic quarter of town. Its exotic and takes you again away from the known world and routine. I am here for 3 months and met a lot of nice and friendly people and enjoy their support and hospitality. The light is so amazing and really makes me happy and you always see the mountains and the see. Food-wise Cape Town is my heaven and paradise. Sophisticated Soul Food....and the best wine!!!

Olaf, thank you for your time and we wish you all the best with your future projects and exhibitions. Cheers :) 
For more work, please visit Olaf's site www.olafhajek.de/