open for business

On Monday, inkfibre (a.k.a. yours truly!!!) concluded its 5-day participation at the One Of A Kind Show, Christmas Edition 2012. The show runs for a few more days, until Sunday (December 2), so you can still visit it if you happen to be in the Toronto area. Not much can be articulated at this point regarding this remarkable experience (it seems the brain has gone on a mini vacation), nonetheless,  the words of the Master will express the sentiments that accompany the fulfillment of this particular endeavour:

"It didn't matter whether I was called an artist, or designer, or illustrator, or whatever else it was. The core value was always the act of making things and the transformation of an idea that you hold in your mind that becomes real or material. That to me still is the glory of any creative activity."

                                                                                                                             --Milton Glaser--

GRATITUDE 

Though this was a one-woman show, not such thing would have been possible without the unconditional help and support of F and E as well as friends directly or indirectly involved in this venture (AD and MD I'm looking at you). From counsel and feedback, to sharing your own sources, from helping set up the booth. For coming by and saying hello, or calling and writing to give your support. To the incredible ladies at the Contemporary Textile Co-op and all at Rotman’s Business Edge program. For being amazing show neighbours (nun of a kind--zigzagstitches, fiberalley and Lois Lane).

To you all, thank you.

The "maestrísima", Natalie Merchant, Kind and Generous, from her album Ophelia, released in 1998 by Elektra.
Performed at the VH1 Live, 2005.

seeing red

A deluge of red, that is what happened on Sunday at the studio. After pondering a lot on the matter, (red has not been part of my palette in quite a while), I decided to print some tea towels in this colour, given that a lot of the feedback reflected on the absence of red, which obviously raised a [red-ha!] flag.
When receiving feedback, it is our absolute responsibility as designers/artists/makers to edit the information that is coming our way, after all, even though we are not taking dictation, we should always be genuinely interested in what our audience has to say. So, if one person mentions this colour is necessary, you take note of that, but when at different times numerous people tell you to seriously consider it, you pay close attention. After all, the "market is speaking", and you want the product to do well (this would be a completely different conversation if we were referring to a fine art piece). In my experience this is not an easy colour to work with, mainly because it has to be the "right" one. Fortunately, the "right" hue had already been mixed, as I had originally planned to include it in the pillows colour ways for Talavera.

In preparation for last Sunday, and considering I had no umbrella to help me through the wet weather we've been getting, I treated myself to a beautiful red marimekko umbrella, and allowed myself a few contemplative moments under the cover of such fabulous redness.

Detail: marimekko red kivet umbrella.

The first two images (for Antigua) are for Roohi. She very articulately delivered a solid discourse as to why red needed to be included.

From left to right: 1-Antigua collection, main design to the right. 2-Antigua second coordinate. 3-Talavera in red.

REGISTRATION--PART DEUX
The matter of registration was brought up not too long ago (see post for Monday, 15 October 2012). The second system was put to the test on Sunday, rendering excellent results. By drawing a straight line (on tape) on the drop cloth, the registration marks were easy to follow, with no gaps or overlaps in sight. Four yards of gorgeousness.

The song "ojalá que llueva café", perfectly captures the sounds of "Talavera in red" in the form of an incomparable "son huasteco". An excellent cover by Café Tacuba from their album Avalancha De Éxitos, 1997 (the original song is by Juan Luis Guerra). Enjoy!

 

the sense of a beginning

Yesterday I finished this week's "subway" book, The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes. Profoundly puzzling. Before I move on to elaborate about its riddling content, let me explain about these traveling companions. My "subway" books have two main characteristics: One, they are the perfect size to fit in a bag. Two, their story lines are, without fail, enthralling (to the point of sometimes missing stops), therefore, since they are only read during short commutes, I am able to enjoy their gripping content for a prolonged period of time.
Back to Mr. Barnes' writing. It took me about 16 hours to fully process and decipher what it all meant (I won't spoil it for you). Fitting though, is to mention the fact that I woke up this morning at around 5, rather suddenly and completely bewildered, with full understanding of the diegesis. Fascinatingly terrible, brilliantly written, including numerous "no they couldn't have" moments.

The front and back covers, by the way, are beautifully designed (one word: dandelion).

This little introduction is pertinent merely because I'm borrowing most of the title and placing it under a much brighter light, the common thread being another epiphany while working on my own puzzle (project).
Last night, the last little details that will comprise the branding and marketing of the products started to finally come together. I had a very good idea of how they should be resolved, yet, for one reason or another, nothing had not come to fruition. A few breaks, and seven hours later (I didn't realise how late it was) these loose ends were taken care of, ready for a final critique this morning with J, business guru (muchas, muchas gracias).

Preliminary mock-ups and lots of amazing ribbons to consider. Mokuba on 575 Queen Street West has an incredible selection of gorgeous ribbons (here is a blog entry from Canadian House And Home). Thank you so much R, for sharing the whereabouts of this exceptional place.

There is still a lot of ground to cover, and only a few weeks to go. However, the general feeling around this venture is not one of an ending, but the beginning of something good and promising, most definitely worth all the hard work and dedication.
To commemorate the occasion, here is walk, invigoratingly auspicious.

 

Foo Fighters, from the album Wasting Light, 2011--itunes festival 2011.