A Crafty Questionnaire: Kim Piotrowski



Looking for affordable, original art to spice up your space? Make sure to check our Kim Piotrowski's Etsy shop kipi. A Brooklyn-based artist with a background in biology and fractal geometry and an obsession for taking photographs, Kim translates her scientific interest into works of art. She's had several exhibitions of her large-scale paintings, viewable online at www.kipiski.com, but her Etsy store is devoted to her smaller paintings presented on old book pages as upcycled, artistic color studies.

Though she's been painting since she was 5, Kim never thought she'd have a career as an artist until a pivotal trip in her second year of college to see an exhibition by Terry Winters at the Whitney Museum. It was everything she was studying as a pre-med biology major, except it wasn't clinical. She was struck that the artwork on view was scientific, yet simultaneously creative and free. Winters' work was saying everything Kim wanted, reflecting the perfect blend of her two interests: art and biology. She changed her major to art immediately following that trip.

Given unlimited time and resources, Kim would love to continue to push her creative boundaries by making enormous paintings, experimenting with color and form, and just making a big mess with the paint. It would be, she says, "wild and free." In the meantime, you may see her art in Barney's midtown department store in NYC, as well as at Hayden-Harnett in Brooklyn.

Barney's display, featuring original Kim Piotrowski art work


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A real art studio, a weekend place in the woods, a dog for a companion, plenty of time to read and blog more, and a walk-in closet.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing everything.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Probably Andy Warhol. We come from similar backgrounds, and I was in love with Interview Magazine as a teenager. He’s the reason I came to New York, although the “art scene” is entirely different now.

Which living person do you most admire?
Entrepreneurs

What is the trait you most like in yourself?
That I have a lot of interests, and generally pursue them.

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

What is your greatest extravagance?
Clothes shopping.

When and where were you happiest?
I’m happiest when I’m traveling and taking photographs.

A market in Berlin, near Humboldt University. Photo by Kim Piotrowski

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To be more patient.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Finishing college, getting two masters degrees, and supporting myself.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I don’t believe in reincarnation. But if I weren't painting, I would probably be working with animals in some way. I’ve always thought the canine assistance programs were a really wonderful concept. Someday, I hope to have a dog or two in my life, it’s just difficult in the city.

What is your most treasured possession?
Family photographs.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
The ability to sew like my mom. After several attempts, I just don’t have the patience for it. I’d like to learn how to knit someday though. It seems to be quite popular, and would just be an extension of being creative.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Having too much to do and being stressed about time and money.

What is your motto?
No schlepping into Manhattan on weekends – the trains are horrible!

Who are your favorite artists?
Judy Pfaff, Willem de Kooning, Keith Haring, and Basquiat.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The Harry Potter Series.



What's the first thing you remember making?
I made holiday decorations for the front door out of construction paper, markers, pipe cleaners, glitter, and glue. I felt a rivalry with the ones my mom bought at the local five and dime for any given occasion -- Halloween, Christmas, you name it!







Sue De
persuede.etsy.com
made for you


A Crafty Questionnaire: Giving Thanks

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


Typically, the Crafty Questionnaire devotes a post to just one {NewNew}er at a time. But 'tis the season of generosity and giving, so in that spirit I asked some of the artisans participating in the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade to share a column and tell us what they're giving thanks for this year.


Kelly Titus: Aperture Agog

I am so thankful to have a job with health insurance. In tough times like these, it's feels like a luxury to be able to see a doctor when I need to.










Leslie F: Elle F. Bijoux

I am thankful for a year full of new endeavors, creative freedom, my hubbie, my family, and rhinestones!











Lauren Falkowski: Lola Falk

This year, I am thankful for all of the outrageously awesome ways that my life has changed in 2010: moving to NYC, ending a relationship that wasn't working, and best of all? Making the career change to work full-time on my handbag business. Life is soooo good...



Louise Lasson: Lu Crafts

I am thankful this year to have fulfilled a 20 year dream to go on a safari in Africa. It was truly amazing. The animals were wonderful, but I knew they would be. The landscapes, especially, were a revelation: Baobab trees; all the different kinds of Acacia trees; the Serengeti that goes on forever.









Luis Fernando: Luis Fernando

I am thankful for all the wonderful new bike lanes that are popping up on major streets in the City. I've lived in New York City for over 30 years and have wrestled with traffic while riding for most of those years. It's nice now to be able to have a virtually car-free and care-free ride from my neighborhood into Manhattan.





Michelle Cavigliano: My Zoetrope

I'm thankful for kitty cuddles and happy/healthy friends and family. Also, pumpkin pie!






Ruby Nachom: Nemesis Jewelry

This year I am thankful for a bunch of things: having a job when so many are unemployed, even though it barely pays my bills. I am thankful for the free time to really transform my jewelry making into a business. I am super thankful for all of the positive feedback I have gotten this past year, especially from my Dad whose opinion I really value. I am thankful to the {NewNew} for the friends that I have made and sharing their resources because I don't know how to do this on my own. Most of all I am thankful for a husband who not only tolerates this craziness but encourages it. He's my biggest cheerleader. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!


Andria Alefhi: New York Clocks

This year I am thankful for continued creativity!






Jenny Kim: Overall Baby

This year I’m thankful for street fairs! Not only have I been able to meet so many wonderful people, but I’ve had the opportunity to stuff my face with so many tasty foods and treats: Papusas at the Flea in Fort Greene, fresh succulent lobster rolls at the Seventh Avenue Fair in Park Slope, beer galore at the Atlantic Avenue Market, and so many other wonderfully tasty treats. In LA you have to pay to get into many of the street fairs, so I’m just so glad to have this free outlet in NY where you can walk around on sunny days and shop and eat and enjoy.


Elizabeth Hiney: Rose McKay Designs

I am thankful for these awesome blue chalcedony beads that make me so very happy!!!






Rosalie Zingales: Rosi Rouge

I am thankful, that in these trying times, I have garnered the strength to keep going against all odds, knowing so many others have it much worse than I. Especially thankful to find the {NewNew} Etsy team!












Sue De
persuede.etsy.com
made for you


A Crafty Questionnaire: Andria Alefhi


One day Andria Alefhi looked at a PopTart box and thought "that would make a cool clock." And it did. Nowadays Andria makes clocks from postcards, book covers, coasters, and photos, as well as from the occasional canned meat container. But more on that later. She sells her everyday-object-into-functional-art clocks from the Etsy shop NewYorkClocks.


What interests Andria about clocks is not so much the mechanics, but the possibilities. Ordinary objects are transformed into something not only essential and functional, but pleasing. There's a resonance that happens from both the function of her clocks -- to mark time, to keep track of how a day passes -- and in the objects themselves and the memories they evoke through pop-culture references and familiarity.

Which makes sense, given that Andria was originally inspired by a clock that belonged to her mother and has become a treasured keepsake. It too marks time and memory in one object, an interest that is reflected in other aspects of her creative life. Andria writes at the blog Donuts at Home and produces a nonfiction and poetry zine We'll Never Have Paris, also available on Etsy.

You'll find Andria and her ordinary-yet-extraodinary clocks at The Holiday Handmade Cavalcade on Sunday, December 5 in New York City.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Its my birthday everyday and friends come with gifts and karaoke songs.

What is your greatest fear?
Getting old.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
I Dream of Jeannie.



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

What is the trait you most like in others?
Easy going.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Facial lotions.

When and where were you happiest?
I try for everyday. That being said, I just came back from a vacation, so I am in a pretty good mood right now.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Less emotional.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I still have a boyfriend. Ha!


If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
I would love to come back as a flapper from the 1920s.



What is your most treasured possession?
My apartment keys. I'm happy every time I need them to get inside and I haven’t lost them yet.


Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
Dance.


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

What is your motto?
It’s a free country.

Who are your favorite artists?
Ah, so many! I don’t know!
 Okay, I can say David Sedaris. He branded a new kind of writing that paved the way for a lot of people, including me. As for peers, my friend Lou Lasson is constantly improving her craft and designing new items. She puts me to shame.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Suitcase on wheels.

What's the oddest thing you've ever made into a clock?
A halal spam container. Instead of saying spam, it had Arabic writing and a drawing of a black cow.

What's the first thing you remember making?
Figurines from plasticine clay.

Why clocks?
I like that I can eyeball a tea tin, or a cigar box, or a soap box, and know it will make a good clock. It kind of just happened, and now I am the clock lady. There aren't many of us.






SueDe
persuede.etsy.com
made for you


A Crafty Questionnaire: Veena Burry


Veena Burry has been knitting and crocheting since the age of four, when her mother taught her how to make magic from two sticks and some yarn. Since she couldn't yet read, she made up all of her own designs. Not content to stop there, Veena went on to learn how to weave, embroider, quilt, sew, braid, and bead. A virtual craft whirlwind, Venna is constantly working on all kinds of projects to tickle her creative fancy. Not a day goes by where she isn't knitting or crocheting at least one project, if not more.

But where does she find the time? When asked, Venna laughs and says "Time? Who has time? There's never enough! However, it's important to make time for what matters to you. I'd much rather knit than vacuum!" Her trade secret? Doubling up on activities, like knitting and crochet while watching movies, or riding in cars or trains.

One of Veena's passions is using natural fibers. Not only because they feel and look good, but they are earth friendly. She takes seriously educating her peers and customers alike about the dangers of using acrylics and other synthetics that are petroleum based and not biodegradable. From her point of view, with so many wonderful natural fibers, why use yarns that harm the planet?

It all fits with her philosophy of creating beautiful and flattering garments in wonderful, rich colors. Her greatest pleasure is knowing people wear and use her knitwear with enjoyment. Every design is one of a kind -- she rarely ever repeats a project -- which means the buyer has the only one. To Veena, it's akin to the difference between buying a print copy of a painting, and buying the original. Why not get the real thing?

Veena sells her original designs exclusively online at her shop, KnittingGuru.etsy.com, but you can find more about her designs and inspirations on her websites, KnittingGuru.com and BurryBabies.com.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of perfect happiness is having a loving family and doing the work I love, so my perfect happiness is right now.

What is your greatest fear?
I've had a lot of physical therapy on my hands over the years. I've had to go for long stretches without knitting, crochet or even writing. I worry about that happening again since I use my hands repetitively every day. However, I do know what exercises and stretches to do when I have any pain and I work ergonomically too. The articles on my KnittingGuru website on exercises and ergonomics for knitters have been popular pages for years so this seems to be a common fear among fiber artists.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I've always identified with Odysseus' wife, Penelope. While he was on his 20-year-long odyssey she was harassed by suitors. She promised to marry when the tapestry she was making was finished. Every day she wove and every night she unwove to put them off until her true love returned. And they say he was wily!

Which living person do you most admire?
It's just impossible for me to single out one person, but I will say that I admire the musicians of the New York Philharmonic for their talent, hard work, and for keeping Classical music alive and well in NYC. They're the greatest.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
I don't have a theme song, but I do love vocal music. My favorites include: Puccini's La Boheme, Wagner's Ring Cycle, Schumann and Schubert lieder, Bach's B Minor Mass and Mozart's Requiem. There is a sadness in each of these works, but they are also uplifting, inspiring and incredibly beautiful music.



What is the trait you most like in yourself?
I like that I'm creative, intelligent and empathetic.

What is the trait you most like in others?
People who are creative, intelligent and empathetic.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Endless yarn purchases! I have enough yarn for three lifetimes, but I always find reasons to buy more.

When and where were you happiest?
I'm a generally happy person so it's hard to pick just one time and place. I was extremely happy when each of my three children were born. I'm supremely happy now working from my studio in New York City -- my hometown and a place I've always dearly loved. I'm also always deeply happy when I'm in Paris -- the most beautiful city of all.



If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had left the NYC Board of Education much sooner to do the work I truly love full time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Only one thing again? I'm proud of having my own business where my work is my pleasure, of having raised three wonderful children and of having some of my work published.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
A fiber artist! I'm at Nirvana right now!

What is your most treasured possession?
I think we all need to treasure our health. Without that all possibilities are diminished. I also really treasure my large personal library and my enormous yarn collection.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I'd love to be able to tap dance like Fred Astaire!



Who are your heroes in real life?
I admire people who have broken ethnic, gender, religious and racial barriers to become successful. I'm excited that Elena Kagan, who graduated from my alma mater Hunter College High School, is now a Supreme Court Justice. In fact, I'm thrilled that there are three New York women on the Supreme Court now!

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
People who are biased, hate-filled and narrow-minded. I'm not too fond of philistines either.

What is your motto?
Good knitters are good rippers! Also, a mistake is an opportunity to learn and design something new.

Who are your favorite artists?
It's hard to narrow down to a manageable list, but I adore Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt, El Greco, Klimt, Mary Cassatt, Vermeer, Gaudi, Munch, Renoir, Gauguin, Cezanne, Ancient Greek art, and pre-historic art (in no particular order).

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
It would have been great to have been the first person to take two sticks and some fiber and knit something.

What's the first thing you remember making?
A Little Bo Peep costume for a small doll that I designed and crocheted with fine cotton thread -- including lacy pantaloons. At around the same time I used one of those potholder looms to weave so many potholders that everyone who knew me started to get a glazed look when they saw me coming.






Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you


A Crafty Questionnaire: Etsy Craft Night @ Blurb

Usually the {NewNew} Crafty Questionnaire focuses on just one talented artisan at a time, but this week we're featuring (count 'em!) four talented artisans. Each is leading a special program devoted to a different handmade gift for the booklover in your life. Get your craft on -- for free! -- with the {NewNew} this Saturday, October 23 at the Blurb Pop Up Shop at 30 Mercer Street in New York City.


Clockwise, from upper left:
Nordea McKoy of Nordea Soaperie,
Nguyen Le of KnitKnit,
Corey Dergazarian of Sans Map,
and Jen McGlashan of McFlashpants.



Blurb is a set of easy to use online tools that can help you make the photo book you've always wanted. With bookstore-quality printing and binding, and a range of choices from hardcover to softcover in an array of sizes, the Blurb website offers a ton of resources to make everything from your own personalized wedding album, to a cookbook, to a fundraising book for your business. Register for free online to use their bookmaking tools and see how easy it is to make the coffee table photo book of your dreams.





Nordea McKoy: Nordea Soaperie

What do you hope people will take away from crafting with you?
I hope that folks enjoy knitting their own bookmarks -- they're so easy and make great gifts -- and are inspired to continue crafting on their own.

What inspired the idea of knitted bookmarks?
A friend of mine gave me a bookmark that her grandmother made. Though she gave it to me waaaay back in the 8th grade, I still have it, all these years later. I don't read as much as I used to, but it's a nice keepsake that I will never throw away.

Who is your favorite author?
Stephen King.

What's the first thing you remember making?
I don't remember the first thing, but I still have the stuffed clown that I made in my 8th grade home economics class.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish i could dance. I secretly wish I could be on the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance."

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
The TV or the calculator -- two things that I cannot live without.

What is your motto?
Spreading the soapy love, one bar at a time!








Corey Dergazarian: Sans Map

Is this your first live demonstration/instruction?

Over the summer, I helped run a Yelp! summer camp series where I demonstrated making sailor knot bracelets, but this is the first time i'll be demonstrating my own craft of sewing.

Are you nervous?
My excitement definitely outweighs any nervousness that I may have...Let the sewing of tote bags begin!

What do you hope people will take away from crafting with you?
I am a stickler for details and think it's important to bring energy and fun to sewing projects. I hope I can show others that once you create a basic sewing pattern there are countless ways to customize and personalize.

Will you attend any of the other events happening at the Blurb Pop Up Shop?
There are so many great events planned it's hard to decide. The event on Oct 30th, Photo Book Tips and Tricks, sounds great!

If you were going to make a Blurb book, what would it be?
I would love to make a book using photos I took while living in the South of France; the standard landscape with an image wrap cover would be so perfect.

What are you reading now?
I'm reading Elegance Of The Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It's lovely!









Jen McGlashan: McFlashpants

Are you nervous about your potato stamp book plate demonstration?
Not really. Why? What have you heard?

What do you hope people will take away from crafting with you?
Crafting isn't a dirty word. Nor does it ever have to involve a trip to the scrapbooking section of Michaels.

Do you have a favorite Blurb book?
Miss Aniela: Abandoned

What's the first thing you remember making?
A mailbox costume for halloween -- it fit over my head and you had to open the flap and mail me my candy.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
I wish I could draw, and paint, and dance like a ballerina. But instead, I'm learning how to weld.

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Pads with wings.

What is your motto?
Life is too short to be embarrassed. So, say yes and show up on time.




Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you


A Crafty Questionnaire: Stephanie Maslow


Fourteen years ago Stephanie Maslow, the metalsmithing innovator behind Metalicious, was in a boring job and desperate for a creative challenge. She enrolled at a local art school intending to learn how to throw clay, but the pottery class was full. Her only other option was metal shop. So she hammered her heart out and never looked back, soldering her way to a new professional identity.

Funny, direct, and a stickler for grammar, Stephanie has spent the past three years building her Etsy shop from the ground up as she redefines the notion of modern jewelry. Known in particular for her unique take on stacked rings, Stephanie manages to walk that line of serious personal adornment with her tongue-firmly-in-cheek.

And despite her success as a hip and hot jewelry designer, Stephanie takes nothing for granted, remaining grateful for the opportunities that have come her way, and the new friends she's made as a result. Sitting on her jewelry bench is a tin can-looking thing she forged from copper during that life-altering metalsmithing class. It reminds her how close she came to missing out on her true calling.

View (and purchase!) Stephanie's softly hard-edged line of jewelry in person at the {NewNew} Crafts in Chelsea on Saturday, October 16.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A day where I can make jewelry, play with my kids and go out to dinner and a movie with my husband. Oh, and eat chocolate and have it not affect my weight in any way.

What is your greatest fear?
Falling into a pit of vipers.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Eleanor Roosevelt. She had big chompers, too.

Which living person do you most admire?
Lorrie Veasey.

Do you have a theme song, and what is it?
Fat Bottomed Girls. It’s the only thing that can turn my frown upside down. Nothing like a feel good song to make me feel good.




What is the trait you most like in yourself?
Ability to see the good in every situation.

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

What is your greatest extravagance?
Facials. Second runner up: pedicures.

When and where were you happiest?
I try to find something happy about most days, so I guess that means here and now.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
So many things to change, here is a random list for today: my bad back, my moodiness and dependency on chocolate or food to make me feel better, my addiction to donuts, my inability to say no, my use of the computer as a procrastination tool, AND I should go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. But I just can’t seem to do it.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I should probably say my kids but I’m going to say overcoming my demons. Sometimes my children are my demons but that’s when I remember #9 above.

If you were to be reincarnated as a person, animal, or thing, what do you think you would be?
A housecat. They can jump SO high and get to sit in the sunlight or chase a piece of yarn or misbehave horribly and people just say, ‘well that’s a cat for you.’

What is your most treasured possession?
My kids. See? I do have a heart.

Which talent or skill would you most like to have?
Edit Undo. For everything in life. Things I do. Things I say. Things I make. Edit Undo. *poof * It’s gone!

Who are your heroes in real life?
My best friends Susan and Madelynn. My Mom. My husband. And firemen.

What is it the one thing you dislike the most?
Doing one thing at a time.

What is your motto?
Some people want a Coke, some want a Pepsi, some want Fanta. You can't be everything to everyone so focus on what you’re good at, not what you aren’t, and you’ll succeed.

Who are your favorite artists?
Computer programmers. Where would we be without them?

Is there any invention you wish you had thought of?
Computers.

What's the first thing you remember making?
A spectacle of myself; I love making people laugh.


Learn more about what gets Stephanie jazzed on her blog. In addition to her Etsy shop and Crafts in Chelsea, you can also find Metalicious jewelry at several brick-and-mortar spaces and on her website, www.metalicious.com.





Susan
persuede.etsy.com
jewelry made for you