Artist Interview: Charmaine Olivia

If you haven't yet come across her work, then let this be your introduction to one of my favorite artists, Charmaine Olivia. She is able to use many medias: oil paint, drawings with watercolor, photography - not only is her work charming, seductive, and chimerical - some of it is just plain funny. The "A Deer Wearing Gym Socks" was my introduction to Charmaine Olivia quite some time again; and I absolutely adored the color, the style - and the gym socks! I had no idea of the versatility behind the artist of that funny little painting until recently...

You can see all of Charmaine's work at her deviantArt page; or purchase at her Etsy shop.

1. I can not believe that you have had no formal training (your work is exceptional)?! Please tell us more about your transition from soy sauce and napkins to oil paint and canvas?

I feel like the soy sauce "paintings" that I used to make when I was little were an important part of my development as an artist. I think that some parents may have considered this inappropriate behavior, but I am so grateful that my parents never told me to "stop that nonsense", even when in a public restaurant. They've always been supportive of me as an artist, which I am super grateful for. Then when I was a little older, around 8 or so, my aunt taught me how to use oil paints. We used to go down to the beach and paint  the waves and sky. Since then, I have definitely branched away from the traditional way of painting that my aunt taught me, but she gave me the confidence to do it on my own. However, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really started taking myself seriously as an artist. I ultimately decided against going to art school and took some time to really figure out if pursuing art was what I wanted. It was.

The artist, at 8, painting Plein Air on the Beach.

2. You came on the scene only a little over a year ago - at least at Etsy. You have gained massive exposure elsewhere - Envelop, Pingg, etcetera. Do you spend a lot of time marketing yourself?

I don't spend a ton of time marketing myself. I first started posting my work online through deviantArt and eventually I was able to gain a little following and some momentum. Since then I've started a blog, twitter and facebook fanpage. All these tools are extremely helpful for anyone trying to get their word out. Then I had my first big break last year when I started a contract with the Scandinavian design company Bolia and had my first solo show in San Francisco last October. It's all about getting noticed by the right people, and every little mention helps. I am so thankful for all you bloggers and art-lovers :) And now I'm proud to say Urban Outfitters is selling one of my prints as of last week! (Which has been my dream for a while now).

3. You use elements of the natural world in your artwork - aspects of your art have an aboriginal or tribal quality to it. Can you talk about the natural world as influence on your art?

I think my fascination for tribal and natural elements stems from my mother. She's always been interested in archaeology and history and we love watching documentaries together. We used to love flipping through National Geographic and looking at vibrant people and animals from other parts of the world. Now that I live in San Francisco, there isn't a ton of nature around me (at least where I live) so I sort of make up for that by including it in my work.

4. Honestly, you're just so intriguing - there's more I'd love to know...but I can't think which question to ask. If you want to tell us something else - feel free: (or, if like me you're equally intrigued about the multi-talented Charmaine Olivia, just follow her blog to learn more)

I really, really love tea. I'm kind of a tea fiend. Drinking peppermint tea with honey and doing crossword puzzles with my boyfriend Joe is probably one of my favorite things ever!

Ms. Charmaine Olivia, currently

I hope you all have enjoyed learning more about the strikingly talented artist and all-around nice gal, Charmaine Olivia. I will see you all next week!

Best,

Tara

Interview with Flight Path Designs

The other day, while trying to demonstrate to Jeff, my partner, how limited the selection at Etsy is for men (I think he is envious of the great handmade finds I've been getting for myself) - I stumbled across an amazing shop that has products that are sure to appeal to both women and men.

I found Flight Path Designs, home to gorgeous leather goods created by artist, Naomi Joy Yamamoto. As I perused her Etsy shop, I found myself completely enamored with not only the unique "tattoo process", but every illustration that graced her collection of stunning belt buckles, pendants, and handbags. When I fall this hard for anything, being the curious cat that I am - I need to know more.

Naomi was kind enough to answer my questions about her art, her process, and business secrets. She has inspired and educated me with her answers, and if you find inspiration here, too - I hope you'll thank her:

I'd like to know what your greatest source of inspiration for your work is? My wanderlust is kicked up ten notches looking at your art - I wonder if I'm onto something here?

I find inspiration in all sorts of places, people and objects. I love to travel, and did quite a bit of wandering before beginning Flight Path as a full time venture. The aspect of traveling that informs my work is being out of my day to day context and immersing myself in the various textures, sounds and views of different cultures. I also love heading out for adventures in thrift stores, looking at the discarded objects of our past. The most mundane objects were produced with so much thought into function and design and that's something that I try and incorporate into my work as much as possible.

Surely all artists struggle with creative blocks. I found a very inspirational quote on your web site:

"Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.” - Lao Tzu

How do you nurture your dreams? Any sources for creativity you would like to share?

I love quotes-and that one in particular, as words offer me a lot of support and inspiration. Otherwise, I find that having a good support network around you is important, because more than often when you are acting out of passion you will be encountered with road blocks along the way. I do believe that anything a person wants to do with enough determination and conviction is possible; but in order to achieve that there has to be a great deal of positivity and optimism surrounding you, being 'careful what you water your dreams with'. As much as possible, I try and surround myself with creative, like-minded people, and I am fortunate to have a partner who provides me with a great deal of care and emotional support.

I have also recently discovered the act of goal making and how the act of writing these down can actualize your present and future - magic, really!

Perusing your business web site, I was very impressed with your level of professionalism: you have a brilliant media kit, a knock-out booth for shows, and have successfully had your product sold in numerous brick & mortars. What would you say was the most important component of reaching this level of professionalism and branding?

Thank you! But at the same time, I feel like there is much to improve upon and perhaps this is something that keeps me striving to be more professional, more organized, and create a more cohesive identity for my work. Every show I try and work upon one element, whether that be adding a new design to my line, modifying my display, or streamlining the product line. Its never-ending! And that is partly why I enjoy this work so much: its always challenging and there is no time to get bored. I also think its super important to find your resources, which may vary from person to person; I've found it in some amazing books, peers and mentors.

Who are your three biggest influences, artists or otherwise?

• My parents who raised me surrounded with handmade objects and designs of their own making.
• My friend, Kari Woo, who has been my roomate, employee, studio mate, collaborator and motivational speaker all rolled in one!
• Countless designers and artists who fill our world with thoughtfully designed work.

What are your other interests or unique talents?

Prior to beginning this venture I was really into installation based art with a emphasis upon human rights. Part art and part activism - I'd like to be able to get back to that in the near future and possibly complete a masters in fine art/activism - if such a program exists! I also love to cook when I can, and would like to have more time and energy to create more elaborate meals and expand my culinary vocabulary.