A Crafy Questionnaire: Jenny Topolski



Brooklyn-based designer & artist, Jennifer Topolski is multi-disciplined, with an eye for the unusual. Taking natural forms -- octopi, bees, bones, brains, germs -- she transforms the macabre into beautifully strange objects. From bee rings, to cephalopod sconces, to vintage and nature-inspired jewelry, her work feels introspective and compelling. Jennifer's website has full portfolios of all of her varied mediums -- jewelry, ceramics, paintings, textiles -- and you can also find her at Governor's Island this summer as part of the {NewNew} Treasure Chest of Handmade Gifts.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Not having a day job, not having to worry about rent and bills, and getting to take an international vacation every year. And all of this would take place somewhere that is 85 degrees and sunny year-round.

What is your greatest fear?
Well, this isn't starting off well -- dying in a violent manner.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I don't know about identifying with, but admiring, respecting, being interested in: I'll say Buckminster Fuller. My friend and I even say 'What would Buckminster do?' when we're trying to solve a problem. We're both dorks, obviously.

Which living person do you most admire?
I really have a thing for Bjork.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Depends what I need the theme to be: Whisper by Chaz Jankel and Laura Weymouth; Earth Intruders by Bjork; Chop 'n Quench by Fela Kuti; Girlfriend is Better by Talking Heads

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
I'm usually good in a real emergency. Also I am very self-sufficient and resourceful.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Wit.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Good food and art supplies.

When and where were you happiest?
I lived in Paris for a while, and I remember the first day I arrived with my gigantic bags at my tiny little hotel room, having no idea what was going to become of me, and having just met someone in the stairwell who was to become one of my best friends. I threw open those big French windows and leaned into the street with a feeling that I just might burst with excitement.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could manage stress a lot better.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Supporting myself since college, keeping good credit, and all without ever having a full-time job.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I would like to be an owl or another raptor, but I feel like I'd more likely end up as some sort of shivering chihuahua.

What is your most treasured possession?
My Dremel tool, although it is replaceable I guess.… Maybe my lucky green floral vintage dress? It's amazing, and I wear it to every job interview I've ever had. However, my most treasured possession is probably actually my laptop.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish I had better attention to detail. I'd also like to be an optimist. Is that a talent or a skill?

Who are your heroes in real life?
Doctors without Borders workers, protestors in Iran, jailed journalists and artists everywhere, civil rights leaders….people who do the things that I fear I might not be able to do in their shoes,
even though I like to believe I would.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Winter.

What is your motto?
I heard an interview a few weeks ago where someone said "Everyone dies, but not everyone lives." I'm into that right now.

Who are your favorite artists?
I don't even know how to answer this. There are so many, and I see amazing art practically every day. It fluctuates depending on my mood, and what I've seen recently. Since her recent death, I'm really revisiting Louise Bourgeois. She was just brilliant and I'm so glad I saw her retrospective at the Guggenheim a couple of years ago. And I'm a giant fan of Tim Hawkinson -- his work always blows me away. Also, I have loved Martha Graham since I was a kid- she was a real visionary, and her autobiography made quite an impression on me when I was 13.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The telescope comes to mind...

What's the first thing you remember making?
I was a 'junior ranger' at a state park when I was little and I remember we had a contest to make a poster against water pollution. I made this awesome drawing of all these fish using snorkels to breathe because the water was so dirty. To this day, I cannot believe I didn't win. I was robbed.

Check out Jennifer's designs online at www.etsy.com/shop/jtopolski.



Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

A Crafty Questionnaire: Karin Persan


Karin Persan is a fabric and clothing designer who recently fulfilled a long-held dream to open a co-op boutique that features her own work, as well as the work of many talented, local artisans. Flying under the banner "Better Than Jam," Karin's handprinted fabrics add a rich dimension to her collection of unique designs that comfortably flatter the body and inspire the wearer with their artistry.

Her Etsy shop of the same name is filled with colorfully structured wrap dresses and skirts, bags, scarves, and other accessories. If you can't make it to her boutique, but want to experience Karin's inventively printed fabrics in person (and you should, the pictures don't do them justice), then head on out to Governor's Island. Karin's designs are part of The {NewNew} Treasure Chest of handmade gifts, currently on display (and available for sale) through September 5.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I see myself retiring and moving to a hut on a beach somewhere, making coconut monkeys.

What is your greatest fear?
Sharks in swimming pools, and not being able to travel to every country in my life time.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Don Quixote

Which living person do you most admire?
Amy Sedaris

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Hmm, no, but in high school it was Pharcyde's "Officer" but I don't even have a car now, so I'm safe from traffic cops.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
My strong work ethic. I'm not an idle person.

What is the trait you most like in others?
I really need the people in my life to be reliable. I am there for them, I like to think they will be there for me too.

What is your greatest extravagance?
I save every little bit of money so I can travel at least once a year. I haven't been able to in the last couple of years, and it's killing me!

When and where were you happiest?
Don't remember really, but I'm sure it will happen again.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I have lots of imperfections; would rather not hone in on one.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
So far, my store. I hope I have more achievements though....

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
Maybe a horse, but I would hope not to be a carriage horse.

What is your most treasured possession?
My bike. It's an old Italian racer, super fast, my dad gave it to me.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
All of them! I wish I could build a house or a car.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My closest friends.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Laziness.

What is your motto?
It's not mine, but I like it..."Life is short, Art is Forever"

Who are your favorite artists?
Egon Schiele, Kiki Smith, Yinka Shonibare, Toulouse Lautrec, Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon. Just discovered Julie Mehretu. I like art.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
No, but I want to create a punctuation mark for sarcasm.

What's the first thing you remember making?
Mud pies? Houses for frogs I caught. Wreaths out of beach grass. A diorama with clay birds living in a log, which my teacher didn't believe I made. Purses out of my pants in high school.

Learn more about who and what inspires Karin creations on her blog, or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.




Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

A Crafty Questionnaire: Luise Stromberg




Luise Stromberg, the hole-poking creative mind behind warpeDesign has always loved making "stuff." She doodled her way through high school, took every art course she could, and eventually ended up at the Rhode Island School of Design where she became fascinated with textile design. It was a moment, Luise says, where her creative soul found its home making beauty with a function.

And yet there was the continual frustration of being one step away from the process of creating. She was working with textile mills and distributors to create fabrics -- from image to weave construction to color -- but she was no longer elbow-deep, working with raw materials. So Luise started hand-making, cutting, weaving, gluing and poking holes in cards.

Utilizing plain white cardstock as her fabric, she applies her interest in form and function to a line of cards that is traditionally tactile and modern at the same time. Broadening her vision, Luis' has begun designing lampshades and tealight covers. The results -- intricate plays with light and dimension -- are riveting. To see her one-of-a-kind designs in person, check out warpeDesign at the {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island every weekend this summer.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Walking around some little Tuscan city in the spring sunshine with a gelato in hand, seeing ancient ruins, knowing there will be fabulous pasta for dinner.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing my hands or my eyesight

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Urk.... none. They're famous. I'm not.

Which living person do you most admire?
I've been a big fan of Hella Jongerius ever since I saw her Repeat Collection for Maharam in 2002. She has a wonderful way of getting to the essence of an idea... and then turning it upside down or inside out. She does great designs that are both relevant AND fun.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Not usually. But this winter I had Pandora set to Gwen Stefani radio and I just fell in love with Wind It Up and would chuckle maniacally whenever the Sound of Music yodeling came on.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
My honor system. It's old fashioned. I treat people well because that's how it should be done. I don't do things with apron strings. I just hope that by being nice to someone -- holding a door, lending a hand, etc -- I've made them feel good/better. Maybe they'll pass that on to someone else. When I fail (and I have bad days), it sticks with me for a while.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Intelligence, and the joy of using it. I love people who like to think, learn, and discuss it all -- without their egos being attached.

What is your greatest extravagance?
It used to be shoes, boots especially. But with "budget cuts," I'd say it's now food. I love good food, be it an excellent burger or homemade pasta or fancy cheese or wine....

When and where were you happiest?
I think I am now. Life is never perfect, but I love who I am now, the people in my life, what I'm doing. I am enjoying the flow without worrying about tomorrow.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
It would be nice if I was a few inches taller.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Getting my finances in order so I could by my apartment 10 years ago at the age of 28. I will never forget the looks from all the realtors. They kept looking behind me for "the man" -- boyfriend or daddy -- who was going to back me up.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
A house cat. After seeing the sweet life I've given my pet.

What is your most treasured possession?
I'm not a sentimental person. I could walk away from all of it easily. But if there was a fire in my apartment I'd grab my cat first.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
Public speaking. I think the ability to present yourself to a large crowd, and the enjoyment of it, is a very powerful tool.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Anyone I meet who is an entrepreneur. After going freelance myself a few years ago, I've seen how hard it is and where I'm lacking. I really, really admire anyone who's making a living on their own.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Petty politics. Getting ahead by stepping on others is pathetic. I'm amazed people don't realize how it'll come back to haunt them. You treat the janitor well, he'll give you a hand when you need it. You don't, and you may find your trash never gets emptied.

What is your motto?
What will be, will be....if you make it happen.

Who are your favorite artists?
Oh man! Sooo many. Velasquez, Dale Chihuly, John Maeda, Junichi Arai, Annie Albers... hmmm. I'll stop there.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The jacquard loom. How incredible to go from weaving paisleys to the computer!

What's the first thing you remember making?
2nd grade. Our assignment was to make a flower out of construction paper. Everyone was making flat images. I made a daffodil. In 3D! It was 3' wide with a 1' trumpet depth. No one told me how to make the 'trumpet' or how to attach it. I just did it. Now, I'm always hoping to get back to that kind of outside-the-box thinking.


Can't make it Governor's Island anytime soon? Purchase warpeDesign on Etsy and keep up with all that inspires Luis on her blog, Inside A warpeDesign.




Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

A Crafty Questionnaire: Virginia Kraljevic



Virginia Kraljevic is an illustrator, artist, and self-proclaimed "handicrafter" who shares her Manhattan studio with a dog named Watson, a cat who sometimes answers to Madame Bugglesworth, and the myriad fancies of her creative heart.

Although she opened her Etsy shop in 2007, Virginia has been drawing and doodling French pigeons, mustaches, swirls, curls, trees, vines, teapots, clouds, and magical bunny rabbits since the age of 6. Naturally, other interests snagged her attention along the way, but her commitment to exploring life, nature, and art have never waned. As charming in person as they appear online, you can view (and buy!) a few Virginia Kraljevic originals for your heart and home at the The Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn on June 5 & 6, 2010, and at the one-of-a-kind {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island, every weekend this summer.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The moment. It's pretty amazing.

What is your greatest fear?
Aside from the really morbid fears (like death, injury, darkness, heights, and paranoia in general), finding a cockroach in my coffee cup is high on the list.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Martha Stewart. This lady has completely reinvented home economics for the masses and has helped pave the way for individuals like me to do what I love most: cut, sew, paste, bake, cook, plan, organize, entertain, garden, paint, trim, decorate, design, create, and be a do-it-yourself, independent kinda gal.

Which living person do you most admire?
Definitely my parents. An unconventional pair, these two have shown me firsthand that having a fire in your belly gets you places (and keeps you young!).

Virginia's parents

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Yes, the opening song to Murder, She Wrote. It's also my ringtone. But if I could have a custom theme song made for me, I would love to have Mark Mothersbaugh create it.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
My ability to interject silliness whenever possible.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Genuineness.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Traveling. Local or abroad, it is very important to get out there!

When and where were you happiest?
Last Tuesday at 12:04 pm when I was bicycling through Central Park on a magnificently sunny day and the flowers smelled oh-so sweet. Or perhaps it was yesterday when I got away from my computer for two split seconds to walk my pup. Basically any moment I'm not worrying about something heavy, it's every instant I reminisce about living in Paris (outdoor cafes, sipping yummy beverages with friends, but I digress), it's falling in love with a song at first listen, and it's any time I laugh so hard I cry.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would grow a second pair of arms (for purposes of multitasking).

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Working for myself = three universities in two countries, three unpaid internships, five different professional fields, many job titles, two quarter-life crises, innumerable interactions with people from all over the world, some incredible experiences, a bunch of crummy experiences, all so I could one day figure out that what I loved to do more than anything was right in front of me the whole time: doodling and making things.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
With my luck, a narwhal.

What is your most treasured possession?
Health(!) and my hard drive.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
Being fluent in every language/dialect, including speaking to animals = awesome.

Who are your heroes in real life?
You, you, him, and her. People who inspire, encourage, and embrace the ones around them.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Flirting with disaster. I also have a love/hate relationship with office jargon.

What is your motto?
You Know It! Not a true motto, but I toss it into most conversations. yki.

Who are your favorite artists?
Friendly ones. Crazy ones. And Mr. Jim Henson.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The sandwich. With a side of chips and a pickle.

What's the first thing you remember making?
A shadowbox based on the short story, The Crabapple. Mine was pretty advanced at age five, and I knew it at the time, too. ;)

If you can't make it to The Renegade Fair in Brooklyn next week, make sure you stop by the {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island. And you can always check out Virginia online at her Etsy shop, virginiakraljevic.etsy.com.




Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you

A Crafy Questionnaire: Alicia Goodwin



Alicia Goodwin opened her etsy shop, LinguaNigra, in 2003. The name means "black tongue" in Latin. It's a little known medical condition Alicia read about in a book of rare medical mysteries. An unusual name for a jewelry line, but one that makes sense to a designer who has an appreciation for the beauty to be found in esoteric oddities. It seems to fit the striking pieces with unusual organic origins that are her trademark.

Inspired by an inherent tendency to collect everything, and a boundless curiosity about the world around her, Alicia's jewelry incorporates aspects of anthropology, medicine, etymology, modern design and tribal lore. The F.I.T. graduate with a duel degree in fashion and jewelry design painstakingly hand crafts each of her pieces in her studio in Brooklyn, committed to making something truly unique for each customer. The best way to keep up with Alicia's intrepid interests and schedule? Sign up for the LinguaNigra newsletter and become a fan on Facebook.

Better yet, check out Lingue Nigra at the {NewNew} Treasure Chest on Governor's Island all this summer!


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I'm not sure. Having great friends is a pretty happy place to be. A nice house with a workroom wouldn't hurt either. It really doesn't take much for me. I think as long as good food is involved, you can get to a happy place.

What is your greatest fear?
My biggest fear right now is not getting what I want. I'm worried that the things I do will be in vain. It's hard to trust yourself sometimes and I sometimes find myself doubting decisions I make (though I do give myself and others good advice). Also, as crazy as this sounds, I'm afraid to be homeless. I would definitely be the lady with 15 shopping carts of stuff. I have a lot of things and can't seem to part with any of them!

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I don't really identify with any historical figure but if I have to it would be Art Smith. Art Smith designed beautiful jewelry that was at once simple and complex. I've been striving to create things that have an organic beginning and a simple kind of complexity to them, if that makes any kind of sense.

Which living person do you most admire?
I really admire Stevie Wonder. He has done so much socially and musically. His songwriting is amazingly poetic. And besides that, he can play so many instruments! He was one of the main people pushing for an MLK Jr. holiday, along with everything else civil rights related. So many other artists have worked with him, it is hard to imagine a world without him. He is also a Taurus and I love my Taureans!

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Don't You Worry About A Thing by, you guessed it, Stevie! This song is so great and it's kind of like a personal message. It's gotten me through very stressful times

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
My memory. Does that count? I have a pretty amazing memory and can remember details of conversations that most people wouldn't. This helps in so many ways. It's also good to impress people who wouldn't remember you otherwise.

What is the trait you most like in others?
You have to be able to make fun of yourself...and others. I love people with a great sense of humor and instantly gravitate towards those that understand sarcasm.

What is your greatest extravagance?
BELTS!!! I have so many, but most recently I purchased a Moroccan sterling silver belt with hand cut and stamped panels. It cost a lot, but I'm sure the amount of silver in it evens out the price. The funny thing is that I would have bought the belt no matter what it was made of. It's that great. It has these removable pieces that I could use for a bracelet if I wanted. Pretty fancy.

When and where were you happiest?
I'm happiest when I'm home, just relaxing. I like to talk to my plants and draw while the sun lights up the room.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I kind of like myself as I am. I guess I could be more proactive and procrastinate less. Procrastinating really gets me in trouble. The funny thing is, when I get around to it, I'm like, I should have done this days ago!

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Not getting into trouble is a great achievement. Not having to worry my parents for money is pretty great. I suppose being an adult is a pretty fantastic achievement in itself.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I love giraffes, so I would say that. I was going to say a plant, but they really don't get to move around that much and have to put up with whatever is going on around them (a dog peeing, kids, cats, bad TV). Giraffes have no competition for food way up there and they are so sweet!

What is your most treasured possession?
Trust me, I have a lot of things, I love them all, and can't really tell you what I treasure most these days. Sadly, I have no treasures that my grandmother passed on to me.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I really would like to draw better than I do. It would be nice to be able to put on paper what is actually in my head.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mother is pretty amazing. She's so sweet and did so much for me and my sister that there isn't enough room to list it all.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
When people repeat what you say right after you said it....um, and also fake smiles. That really bothers me.

What is your motto?
Hmm, I don't really have a motto. But for what it's worth I like to say, "Always complete what you start."

Who are your favorite artists?
My friend Gina Beavers is a pretty amazing artist. I also like any furniture designer from the 50's (Eames, Knoll, etc.), I'm a big fan of indigenous art and unknown artists who create amazing things.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
I have a few inventions I hope to patent in the near future. I think that the human mind is pretty amazing when it comes to simple inventions...and infomercials.

What's the first thing you remember making?
I've created so much, but when I was small I would make these wonderful (or so I thought) gowns and dresses from discarded fabric my father brought home from the pillow factory where he worked. I used an electric stapler to "sew" my seams and make my designs even more fashionable. I'm surprised I didn't get tetanus!


Select a unique item from the LinguaNigra jewelry line, available exclusively on Etsy.




Susan persuede

A Crafty Questionnaire: Marilyn Ng-A-Qui

"This is Ellen Vyphuis, my beloved grandmother.
She never met a flour sack or just about any article she couldn't recycle."

Marilyn Ng-A-Qui (pronounced neeg-a-key) is a crafter at heart. Forthright and outspoken, she derives great personal satisfaction from sewing -- it has remained a constant thread from her childhood to her adult life. Growing up in Guyana, to have clothes she liked, Marilyn had to either have a dressmaker or make her own. So as a little girl she learned from both her grandmother and her mother how to sew and how to cut and manipulate fabric without patterns. In fact her shop, Vyphuis Designs, is named for her maternal grandmother, Ellen Vyphuis, the quintessential DIYer.

Utilizing the bright and lively colors of her Caribbean background, Marilyn creates clothing and home furnishings that appeal to a broad spectrum of clients. Whether making sturdy yet whimsical children clothing, adult sportswear, or vibrantly colored items for the home, Marilyn says what sustains her day in and day out is the positive feedback she receives from friends and customers alike. One can see the vivid influence of her African, Indian and Chinese heritage, and the lushness of her home surroundings, in her designs. Intense color, heavy rainfall, incredible flowers and animals were all part of her world growing up and, though she now lives and works in Brooklyn, continue to be important elements in her creations.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness in the short term includes a Caribbean beach, azure water, sunshine and a glass of something cold. More long-term happiness is sewing and creating full-time, and having the time to market my creations

What is your greatest fear?
Serious illness, and the hostility this country has for young black men. I have two sons.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I don't identify with any one historical figure but with all the women of color who helped raise this country to what it is today.

Which living person do you most admire?
Those men and women who leave their countries of birth and all things familiar, to take their chances in this country even though it is not always so welcoming to people who are different in color or creed.

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
Creativity.

What is the trait you most like in others?
Acceptance.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Buying fabrics is my greatest extravagance. I'm seduced by color, texture, and content. I have more fabric than I could ever use, stored all over my house.

When and where were you happiest?
I'm happiest cutting fabric, sewing, and ending up with something unique.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had better time management.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Among the accomplishments for which I'm most proud is the raising of my oldest son and the adoption and raising of my two younger children.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I think I would like to be reincarnated as myself. Hopefully, I've learned a few things in this life that I can use in the next because while life has not been easy, I've been incredibly blessed. I know the circumstances from whence I come and where I am today, and its been challenging and amazing.

What is your most treasured possession?
My most prized possessions are my creativity and the gold jewelery that have come with me from my country of birth.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I would like to learn pottery and become proficient at online marketing.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Hanan Ashrawi is someone I've admired for many years, for her recognition of the common needs of all people, and for her work to bring peace to the Palestinian people and to Israel. She is bold in speaking out against the injustice of the occupation and the oppression of her people, but she is also pragmatic about the need for peaceful co-existence.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
I abhor waste. I remember sitting beside my grandfather while he removed nails from old structures and straightened them for use in new construction. I have many other memories of us creating, recycling and transforming to meet new needs.

What is your motto?
Do your best...that works for me and for my loved ones

Who are your favorite artists?
Frida Kahlo, the Quilters of Gee's Bend, Botero, Louise Bourgeois, and Georgia O'Keefe

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
I wish I'd invented the sewing machine and a few other life saving implements

What's the first thing you remember making?
Doll's clothes, of course!


See (and shop!) Marilyn's colorful clothing in her Etsy store at VyphuisDesigns.




Susan persuede