— Other jobs before living of art?

I have worked in a gallery-bookstore, in a center for medieval studies, in a graphic design studio that also sold popcorn machines, served food in restaurants wearing white gloves, etc. Lately, I’m spending time at Espai Brut, an illustration and engraving workshop. We do courses, we have a gallery and a store of graphic artwork.

— The story of your first paid art commission

It was the graphic campaign of a youth theater in Vienna, where my sister worked, it was huge for me. I learned a lot from those commissions since my sister guided me, doing the artistic direction. I learned that I have to be fast, resolute, not to get attached to the images I drew because corrections can come at any moment. When I finally visited the theater and watched the play, I was amazed. From a distance, you don’t realize exactly what you participated in.

— The best professional lesson you have learned

Patience.

— Other artistic disciplines that influence you

I feel influenced by literature, I grew up surrounded by my mother’s poesy in a world of writers and artists. I also learn a lot from the emotions of the music, but I believe nowadays cinema and animation are the ones that influence me the most.

— About the creative process: chaos or order?

First chaos, then order.

— Paper or Pixel?

I enjoy the whole process of graphic printing on paper. I like to know different traditional printing techniques, that’s why I explore engraving. It allows me to get dirty and experiment.

The digital tools give another result and I also enjoy how fast I draw with the tablet, one has definitely more control over the whole process.

— Describe yourself in three words

Being and becoming.

— Any book on your bedside table?

Panchatantra Fables.

— Who would you like to receive a letter from?

From José Saramago.

— A movie

Thin Red Line

— A song

Northern Sky by Nick Drake.

— A place in the world

The sea. The underwater world that we don’t know fascinates me.

— A hobby

Play ukulele, less and less.

— A memory of childhood

Sleeping outdoors for the first time. My grandfather telling us stories, there were fireflies and crickets, the stars didn’t fit in the sky and felt.

— 3 wishes to the genie of the lamp.

Diving. To travel more. No fears.

** Subscribe by August 31 to get an exclusive letterpress print by Ina Hristova.**

We have talked about having amazing walls here. After our two first editions, we’ve been thinking a lot about frames. Many of our subscribers have written us asking for tips on this subject, so here we go!

We love the old-school frame stores where you can choose everything from zero, but let’s be honest: modern life has brought easier and cheaper ways to frame. And if you want to have dynamic and creative walls, you’ll have to be practical.

Many stores offer a vast catalog of frames with a wide range of prices, styles, and materials. Quality is one of the most important aspects to focus, so try to always choose the best ones that can fit your budget.

We started our hunt for Soldier’s Tale and Siamese Collage frames putting all these concepts together and most of all, thinking about what each image need:

-> The Soldier’s Tale is a mix of a classic illustration from the 30’s with a modern intervention. We thought that the modern part should stand out, so we needed a frame that highlighted this part of the artwork.

-> The Siame Collage is actually a visual game that offers almost 100 possible combinations. As it can (and should) change from time to time, we wanted a very-easy-to-assemble frame.

This was our shopping list and where the fun started. After some search, we ended up with the PERFECT solution for both of them at the same place.

We’re big fans of Habitat, they have beautifully designed products, a wide frame collection with great quality at a fair price (many ticks on our wish list at once!!!), and that’s where we found our perfect frames. The best part is that it was sales season and we’ve got them with 50% off.

For the Soldier’s Tale, we chose the Bacall collection, made of black and clean metal, very elegant and discreet.

And for Siamese Collage we chose the magnetic, that will allow us to change the combinations whenever we wish to, in just a few minutes.

P.S.: What if you leave the frame on the coffee table

to be easily handed and renewed?

Voilà, mission accomplished!

 

 

 

— Other jobs before living of art?

I’ve always been a graphic designer.

— The story of your first paid art commission?

It’s very difficult for me to separate my work as a designer and illustrator of the artistic part. Things get mixed up and projects come in some non-standard ways. So I really don’t know what my first commissioned project could be.

— The best professional lesson you have learned?

To say no.

— Other artistic disciplines that influence you?

All of them.

— About the creative process: chaos or order?

Order.

— Paper or Pixel?

Paper.

— Describe yourself in three words?

Over and out.

— Any book on your bedside table?

Right now, Whatever (originally Extension du Domaine de la Lutte) by Michel Houellebecq

— Who would you like to receive a letter from?

I’d love to get a Valentine’s postcard from Marian Bantjes.

— A movie?

The Lobster by Yorgos Lanthimos.

— A song?

Ziggy Stardust by Bowie.

— A place in the world?

In my mother’s lap.

— A hobby?

To accumulate photos, papers and old objects.

— A memory of childhood?

Hiding under the table cloth to listen to the conversations of the adults.

— 3 wishes to the genie of the lamp.

Intelligent alien life. Space-time teleportation. 3 extra lives.

 

 

— Other jobs before living of art?

Waiter, textile, graphic designer.

— The story of your first paid art commission?

1988, through the newspaper job ads. << Illustrator needed. Send samples of “common lady” and “smiling mailbox”.>> Followed by two years of constant work.

— The best professional lesson you have learned?

It’s all worth it if the intention is right.

— Other artistic disciplines that influence you?

Painting, music, dance, cinema, literature.

— About the creative process: chaos or order?

Both of them.

— Paper or Pixel?

Both of them.

— Describe yourself in three words?

In Permanent Construction.

— Any book on your bedside table?

At this very moment, one by Ian McEwan.

— Who would you like to receive a letter from?

One from Ian McEwan.

— A movie?

Only one?!? 2001: a Space Odyssey.

— A song?

Virou Areia, by Lenine.

— A place in the world?

Under a hot shower, after coming back home walking on a rainy day.

— A hobby?

Walking the dog in the woods.

— A memory of childhood?

The exact space between the trampoline and the water.

— 3 requests to the genie of the lamp.

More time. More clarity. More lightness.

 

** PEP MONTSERRAT IS JULY’S FEATURED ARTIST. **

Decorating is a way to tell stories and transform our living and working places into amazing mood boards. The walls around us should be filled with joy. We can use them to tell stories, to bring memories back, to make us laugh or simply to bring some beauty to the world.

#1 | Go for diversity

On walls, only frames. WRONG! Try to mix the traditional framing with other ways to hang your prints. And why not mix them with some other objects? Be a rule breaker: more diversity, more fun.

#2 | Dive deeply into flea markets and second-hand stores

Flea markets are great places to find unique decoration treasures at very reasonable prices. It may take patience, but nothing equals the pleasure of giving old objects a new life. Give it a chance and become a treasure hunter

>> Friendly advice: if you suffer from allergies, take a mask with you and be brave! ? <<

#3 | Collect family treasures

The value of objects should be on the meaning they have. Bring back your childhood memories, put together your favorite black and white pictures, make your gramma a tribute and give your old memories another use.

Don’t be afraid to get too sentimental and use your walls to tell the story of your life.

#4 | Group by meaning

Define a concept and create a group of images and objects to define it. For example, you can communicate freedom by filling a wall up with birds. Be guided by literacy or create another code, such as color or form groups.

Let your walls communicate your feelings.

#5 | Be democratic & spontaneous. Make it dynamic!

Decoration can (and should) change from time to time. Make it seasonable, or let it follow your moods. Have some extra sets ready and give them the chance to see the light. Buy frames that are easy to assemble, allowing an easy renovation of content.

<< HEY! Let us help you make your walls blossom! Become a subscriber and get an exclusive & limited edition print every month >>

Hi! Bel Lepikson speaking, founder, and curator of Le Timbre. Here my team and I will be talking about creation & creators, but first, let me explain how everything started.

Continue reading Meaning & value