Friday, April 3, 2009

FEATURED ETSY SHOP - GOVANGO

5 x 7 embroidered OWL ART PRINT It's okay to be geeky


When you visit VAN, and her GOVANGO shop on Etsy, you will find a wide selection of "print your own" cards, collage, stationery and a lot more cute, fun items. If you want something customized....Van, will be very happy to work with you!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I think going to college and being immersed in the art/music/fashion scene was a big influence on me. That college atmosphere is where you see what's really fresh and for some reason, "kawaii" was a big deal. Kawaii is really... anything that's cute! And I loved that! And as a graphic design student with a solid background on design and illustration, it was only natural for me to fall into the handmade, DIY thing. I was making fun stuff like posters and cards when I wasn't slaving away on school projects. It all started in college for me really.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I work with primarily paper and ink or felt. As a designer, I've learned to appreciate paper and ink. It was the first and easiest medium to get my hands on and since most of my work starts out digital anyway, its only fitting. Over the summer though, I've also fallen in love with felt as well because its so easy to work with and the possibilities with it are endless! I love to sew by hand. I liked these two mediums because they are very different from one another. One is very crisp and straightforward, while the other is very textural. I can never stick to just one medium. I like contrast when I'm working on projects.

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

When I'm done! Hah. I love to admire my own handiwork at the end of the process. If its not that, I suppose its at the very beginning when I'm thinking of all the possibilities I have in creating something. I like sitting down, looking at all of my supplies and thinking of what I can do with it.

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Probably a strawberry because its small and sweet and alot of my things are small and sweet. Strawberries can be kind of funny looking too and I like to add a little humor to some of my work.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Fabric. I'd love to learn how to screenprint fabric for artwork or actually make bags or clothes or something out of it. I've been interested in surface design for awhile as well and would love to make print designs for fabric.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

If you're gonna be cute, be seriously cute.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Keep loving what you do and never forget about why you're doing it.

Thanks, Van, for sharing your thoughts, and fun creativity with everyone.
To learn more about Van and her art, visit the links below.



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1 comment:

Sparkle-Me! Designs said...

Oh wow! Great spring themed items being featured!!

Thanks so much for including my ring in your display :)