Friday, April 20, 2012

Interview with Galina of Galafilc


Today we feature an interview from Galina, a talented felted wool artist in Poland.  Her creations are like none we have ever seen before and we are glad she took time out of her schedule to talk to us.  We would like to say a big thank you to Galina for doing the interview and to her son for translating.  We also wanted to note that while we did make some minor edits so that the flow of the interview would seem more natural, we did not change the heart of anything she said.

What is your biggest inspiration?
I observe the nature around me and get inspiration from the combination of
colors, textures, layouts and sizes. I’m constantly learning
how to use new types of wool, combinations of wool and different fibers and fabrics.
Felting allows me to dive into the magical world of
handmade goods--everything is possible here as if by
magic--almost any shape can appear in one’s hands from
formless pieces of wool.

Do you tinker with other forms of art?
Recently I started dyeing wool, silk and finished goods. [I never] stop trying, experimenting and seeking new forms. From time to time I grab water-colour [in an attempt to] display on paper some image from my memory--still life, [rather] than portraits. Moreover, I am life-connected to my camera, and I love making photos.

What is your favorite thing to create and why?
I love to transform a shapeless piece of wool into a delicate flower or poppy field on a bag, mittens, slippers, hats, brooches, or a flexible reptile. But what is most enjoyable for me is making big scarves or complicated seamless clothes. This takes me a lot of time, but the effect is fully worth the effort.

How did you decide to turn your creations into a business and do you feel that this process has changed your art at all?
Everything is business from the beginning to an end. First of all, when You think of some pattern or image You want to place in reality, You think of a possible user--Your daughter or maybe customer from far away Australia. Secondly, business is about Quality of material and it’s price, and [quality service delivery].
Is there anything you would go back and do differently if you could?
Of course! I would start my felting journey earlier.

What would you say to young aspiring artists out there?
They know everything they should know. All that I should say is written in my art.

Finally, Where can we find you and your art?
My Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/galafilc
www.facebook.com/GalaFilc
www.flickr.com/photos/galafilc/

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