Life as Art with Rhiannon Griego
Click here to read the interview.
Woman with Pampa
An interview with the marvelous brand Pampa based out of Byron Bay, Australia. I absolutely love, love love everything about this company. Designed in Australia, woven in Argentina, this company aligns with my ethics across the board for producing high quality textile goods with the indigenous Mapuche weavers.
Featured Interview with Bed Threads
What an amazing day this was shooting with Jenna Peffley & the team to showcase BedThreads beautiful linens in my sanctuary. Click below to read the interview! You can also shop their products here
Warp & Weft Artist Interview
Here is my interview with the Warp & Weft Publication. I was delighted to partake in this incredible series focused on textile artists & weavers.
Vogue Knitting SS2022
As the issue has been out for a month +, I feel it’s appropriate to share with all who wander here now. What a sweet opportunity this was to mode, and style knitwear designed by Vogue and their adjacent designers. Shot by my dear friend Ashley Hafstead here in New Mexico.
Rhiannon Griego designs textiles for 20 Ace Hotel Brooklyn Rooms
Publication promoting the opening of Ace Hotel Brooklyn.
This feature on TL Magazine includes a few of the textile artists who designed artworks for the rooms. If you happen to be in Brooklyn, NY, do stop by and inquire about peeking into the rooms. I designed 20 works.
Rhiannon Griego in Spring Issue American Craft Council Magazine
Celebrating this wonderful feature in the Spring Issue of American Craft Magazine 2022.
Included in the article are two images of my Rainbow Cape & the Tobacco Drape Cape in merino featured on my handsome boyfriend.
You may read about my work in the issue here.
Rhiannon Griego Woven Wearables on Made for Love HBO
I love it when clients send me snapshots of my work on tv shows as I don’t own a tv myself. Here are a few rough screenshots of the Adobe Kimono on a character in the latest HBO SHOW “ Made for Love “ 2021.
Free Thinkers Edition 2021 with Caravana →
Several years back when visiting Tulum, I walked into one of my favorite bouqiues I’ve yet to experience and it was the portal to the brand Caravana from Mexico. I have been following their exquisite work, all handwoven by artisans in Mexico in the Yucutan. It was with joy I participated in their Free Thinkers Interview Series. Please have a read below.
Shot by Matthew Gamelan.
Rhiannon Griego joins CARAVANA Freethinkers 2021 Edition as a creative medium whose hands have found inspiration in weaving and jewelry designing. A native to the connection felt between humans and nature, the natural world is what she’s tapped into through her exploration of fiber, art, and expression of the soul.
Rhiannon has utilized the Wabi-Sabi techniques of Saori weaving, and her own innate creative force to make sense of the universe through art and textiles. She weaves a world that echoes the times of indigenous artistry, spirituality, and worship of our planet; this is felt and seen through her creations and speaks to the soul of CARAVANA. For this, we welcome her as a beloved sister to the Freethinkers Program.
What elements of Saori weaving first inspired you to explore this textile art form?
What coaxed me into Saori so easily is one of its principles: There are no mistakes and everything that happens on the loom is intended to be. It’s in alignment with the perspective I hold in my life and for the vision of my artwork.
How do you incorporate the art of Saori freeform weaving or elements of Japanese traditions into your personal spiritual practice? Or, what other spiritual cultures are you drawn to?
Touching back in on the philosophies of Saori, they are quite relatable to the way I walk in the world. “There are no mistakes, everything is intended to be.” “Consider the difference between machine-made and hand-made.” There is a significant difference between objects that are mass-produced and objects of art that are made with the hand; there is a transference of energy, of spirit that is woven into each one of my textiles. Like everything in my life, I hold an intention, an arrow if you will towards that intention and move with grace towards it. The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi is rooted in my being and I abide by it as a spiritual principle. I find beauty in the perfectly imperfect this life offers and that in essence is what allows me to be fluid, flexible, and open to the magic of this life. My spiritual and art practice are one and the same; they are not separate from one another so the process of creating beauty in this lifetime is hand in hand with walking in a beautiful way on this Earth, aware, mindful, respectful, and acknowledging each and every thread that connects to the web from a different direction is sacred.
What has been a part of your journey of bringing awareness of Saori weaving, and the other mediums of your artistic expression, to our Western society, that you’d like to share? Challenges, or inspirations that have come to you.
I work in different mediums every few years and the main focus of what is to encourage my audience is to remember how we used to do things, what our relationship to the natural world used to be in accordance with harmony and reciprocity. Through the process of handmade, handwoven, I am articulating the story of origin, myth, and respect for the Earth in the way that I understand it. If we could all slow down, breathe, respect time instead of feeling as if we are always running out of it, the more enhancement and pleasure we can experience. I want my clients and collectors to take an interest in the regenerative hemp movement, I want them to hold curiosity when they are outside and admire the natural sources of fiber in a new way.
“There are no mistakes, everything is intended to be.”
What we wear is an expression of our soul, of its vibrancy and I treat clothing like everyday art.
In a culture where fast fashion is so predominant, what are some of the most beautiful things to you about creating wearable art that has roots in culture and in spirituality?
Saori arose from a broken thread in an obi (Japanese belt) and a new legacy of free-form weaving was born. Consumers have the opportunity to reconsider how they want to shop, which objects of art they would like to invest in, and reconsider the power in handmade artwork. Saori has gifted me the skill, moving meditation and philosophies to fundamentally create something out of nothing with an empowered direction. Weaving is one of the oldest art forms and I have the opportunity to reinvigorate the collective memory on what it is like to wear something handmade by someone’s hands, in countless hours, imbued with good energy. The fashion industry has spawned decades of fantastical design and spectacles of fabulous visual art that I will always find meaningful and instrumental in the expression of the self through clothing; to that, I am grateful. Saori teaches me to slow, to weave with mindfulness, to find curiosity within the Japanese culture and its precision of design that carries much elegance. What we wear is an expression of our soul, of its vibrancy and I treat clothing like everyday art.
What was your most fulfilling or memorable collaboration with other creatives, and why?
There have been many but the most recent one is with a photographer friend of mine who visited from New York. After spending some uncomfortable moments transitioning to my new home in New Mexico, a warm, familiar heart was quite welcomed. We spent days adventuring into the diverse landscapes to shoot a film together, to climb sand dunes with a pink sunset setting above us, and relish in good company in majestic lands. New Mexico has always been home for my soul and to have made the transition to be here permanently emanates sunshine from the heart of my being; to share this with kindred spirits is a good life. As an artist, I love the opportunity to be amongst creatives at all turns, allowing the fluidity and joy of connection to unfold into something that reflects the play.
Imagine you’re speaking to an individual who knows little about mindful, conscious art and fashion: how would you express to them why supporting creatives and honest brands like yours is a step in the right direction?
Supporting creatives who are actively outpouring meaningful and mindful artwork is a positive step in caring for our Earth. It’s a small step but it’s comparable to the shift in nurturing the body with organic food in comparison to GMO. What we chose to put into our bodies, cloak them with, and visually stimulate our minds helps amplify a higher vibration for our world. As a small designer, artist and businesswoman, I recognize the power I have to inspire this shift in consumer habits. There is a difference in value between excessively consuming garments made by unhappy people in poor work conditions that are mass-produced and working with brands that are empowering communities with high living wages, natural dyes, and recycled materials. The cost may be higher but it elevates the spirit of the artisans, their own livelihoods, and through sustainable practices, the environment around them. We are in a time where everyone needs to do their part so finding voices that keep a larger ripple effect in mind is an empowering one.
An afternoon dyeing wool
I was invited to spend an afternoon with Joe of Taos Wools, formerly of Southwest Weaving. Back in 2013, when I was meandering all around Nothern New Mexico, I came across Weaving Southwest in Arroyo Hondo and damn near lost my mind with all their amazing yarns. Since then, the company transformed into a singular branch now known as Taos Wools and Joe is the dyer behind it.
I ventured up to his home in the quiet valley and was immediately taken aback by his outdoor dye space, directly planted on exposed land and open to the air. He had about 15lbs of grey and white churro wool in different textures and weights. Watching the skeins take the color is my favorite moment as that is where the creativity behind designing takes place; for me anyhow. He educated me on the use of the sulphuric acid, water reuse, dipping techniques and the solar drying process. I was always under the impression natural dyeing conserved more water than artificial coloring but I was wrong; is the way other around and in a land where water is priceless, I appreciated that tip.
I came home with a bundle of yarns I am now weaving pillows with. Have a look online to peruse his selection. It feels great to connect with and make another friend in this community of fiber folk and be able to support another gifted human in the web of life here.
www.taoswools.com
Rusted Orange Churro Wool
Gold Churro Wool
Peacock Churro Wool
Landscapes with Tony Farfalla of Madre Mezcal →
A visual artist interview with photographer and talented mezcal maker Tony Farfalla. We spent a winters day lost in White Sands, New Mexico filming this piece. The story behind this communion with Tony was quite special; He and I met 10 years ago and ventured to New Mexico together for our first time. A decade ago, I fell in love with this land and I could feel stories of past lifetimes pulling me here, murmuring a sense of home into my ears as my eyes were so overwhelmed by the magnificent beauty. Whenever I’ve imagined myself living here and welcoming in the kindred spirits that have been meaningful to my life, I have always envisioned myself welcoming Tony in my adobe walled home. As a dear friend, fellow creative and soulful human, the exchange of creative seeds has been continous for the last decade. Now that I am home, it was so heart warming to me, especially after not having any close friends upon landing here during a pandemic.
White Sands itself holds a very personal story to me. When I was 13, my grandfather passed and I was heart-broken as my grandfather held such a prominent place in my life. He was a story-teller, adventurer, lively and passionate spirit so rooted in family. I used to wander amongst his books in his library and it was my initial intro to the American Southwest; his library was full top to bottom with books on the settling of New Mexican Territory, it’s catalogues of histories of Indigenous peoples, it’s navy hardback books dusty with legacies of wars made by men all across the globe and I would time travel while my little fingers ran across the titles. Upon his passing, I found a brochure for White Sands tucked between the books and the my curiosity was piqued. For 25 years, I waited to greet this place my grandfather has visited and felt some impact from by scribbling words on the brochure in response to it’s breath-taking beauty. I had every intention of sitting down around sunset, smoking a tobacco and honoring my grandfather’s impression on me upon arriving. Alas, sometimes, the creative rush takes a hold and with a sunset beginning to settle over the cool sands of winter and a rose filled sky dappled with baby pink clouds, I couldn’t resist the urge to go with the flow in front of the camera. Here is what we captured in a place, in a time I will always cherish. I’m grateful to Madre Mezcal for this Woven Landscapes portrait.
You may find Madre Mezcal here and read about it’s fascinating collection of artist interviews.
Minimal peek into 2021.
Hopped a fence for a quiet place to be for a moment. The chill bit me solid and yet, I couldn’t help but forget the circulating sensations in my body as the sun began to set and the spectacle of colors debuted. I plan to shoot here sometime soon and this is the unadulterated beauty, free from human form, I call home.
Somewhere off the highway
Here is the fall lookbook I shot a few weeks back with fellow artist Aaron Westerberg. Shot in the images are: The Jolie Jumper, The Drape Cape in Camel Wool, The Cognac Poncho, Woven Cocoon Dress, Modern Scarf 1& The Gold Dust Stevie Cape.
Part of what I love the most about being an artist is drawing in and collaborating with other artists of like mind. After galavanting around Spain and Mexico this summer, I began to crave the wild yonder and glamping of California. There were fires around Ojai so it felt like a necessity to get out of the general vicinity. With a Jeep overflowing with paint supplies, yarn balls, camping cuisine and woven artwork, the team ventured out towards the Sierra’s. My word, shooting at sunset here was unreal. I could have easily woven all day staring at these mounds of deep red volcanic Earth with that light dancing the way it did. We had plans to shoot around dawn as well but the 50+ mph winds had something else in mind. A giant dust storm rolled through before dawn and literally blew us out of the tent. Stakes, bedding, even my own weight couldn’t keep half of the tent down so we packed it up in the haze and departed. I inhaled so much dust and dirt it left me very ill for about a week + but… “All for the sake of art “ is what I like to say and live for.
Mallorca
July in Mallorca. Hot, exceedingly so. The islanders take comfort in those deeply entrancing Mediterranean waters daily and the beaches are littered in song with every European dialect. The trip started out in Palma, the capitol rich with it’s thick stone walls textured like aged stucco, buzzing restaurants, well styled citizens. My partner and I ( ex now ) headed to Majorca for a Rama Kundalini event which was lovely to enjoy together. After staying in what seemed like a hostel without any ac, we bailed after the first night and then, with comforts established, the trip began.
We stayed in Old Town, Santa Catalina District of Palma. Hotel Summum was splendid and on par in every way. This beautiful boutique hotel was located on a quiet street across from an old monastery, fit with 5 star everything and the perfect icebox room for the 100+ weather. Our room had a giant bathtub that sadly we did not get to enjoy as we were soaking in the turquoise waters of the coast each day. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone desiring pristine accommodations with the ease of an in house restaurant and perfect breakfast every morning. I could have sipped those cappuccino’s all day. If I lived closer than a two airplane trek away from Mallorca, I’d spend some quiet time at Hotel Summum a few times a year to just enjoy the design and revamp of the boutique. The space itself used to be a 15th century estate and they showcase the renovation process by video in the elevator, it made the trip that much most interesting! There’s a quaint pool atop the hotel too to retreat too for quiet time with a book before heading out for the warm evenings. It felt incredible to walk everywhere once again, breathe in the city’s scent and spy all of the stimulating architecture around. What I found most mesmerizing about Palma are the walls that surround the magnificent homes. Everything is hidden in the city so it feels like a treasure when you are able to get a sense of the refined, privacy of homes there. If you happen to look down an alley at the right moment or peer past an open thick dark wood door, one could peer into the central patio and begin to dream up rest of the high ceiling homes look like. IT was so refreshing again to aimlessly wander down city streets, let alone old streets with a historical 16th century wash to them. Two of the restaurants are below that I distinctly recall dining at and will pop by the next time I’m in town.
La Vermuteria: Classic Majorcan tapas. It feels like a little deli in here with quick service.
Sadrassana. This fabulous restaurant is joined to an art gallery which made it even better. One of my favorite date spots I will be back to dine at.
We ventured out for perhaps my favorite excursion, the trip to the Caves of Drach. I’ve been fascinated with caves since I can recall, the dim and mysterious underworld with all of it’s trickled down water transforming itself into phenomenal structures. We hung out at the back of a 200+ line just so I could walk as slow as possible and appreciate everything this hidden world had to offer. Thankfully, most people didn’t seem as intrigued as I was so I had lots of space to breathe, photograph as much as I could and enjoy the stillness before the tour guide poked me in the back to keep walking. Inspiration ran rampant and I contemplated proposing a second visit to the caves the following day. Gladly, we didn’t as the weather kept picking up and all we both wanted to do was run for the beach and tear our clothes off while making a splash.
After staying in the city and tiring of the traffic circles that start to mimic the repetition of the movie Groundhog’s Day, we departed for Port Du Soller. My traveling partner and I were both elated to hit the open air and expansiveness of the country. The country in its quaint perfection was full of rose toned homes and hillsides overflowing olive trees. The palette of the landscape will be moving my next spring collection for certain. We spent a warm day in Valledemossa acquiring a large bevy of charcuterie, grass fed burrata, coconut waters, dates and other items from an artisanal grocery in town. She had tons of herbs drying out the window, bags of almonds, exquisitely colored olives and other fare fit for a day’s road trip. One thing I will comment on about the food on the island is the tending to local cheeses, goat and sheep specifically, and the local butcher meats. I gorged myself on sausages all around the island with meat in one hand, a chocolate bar in the other. When traveling, I aspire to taste not only the local cuisine but to find the ranchers and farmers tending to heirloom varieties and non-gmo meats. Mallorca seemed to be winning with it’s offerings. I didn’t imbibe too much during the trip but I caught some Mallorcan whites here and there to accompany olives and fish at dinner.
Luke and I hit were focused to hit a spectacular beach on the North Western shore so we sped up the winding Sa Calobra road towards sunset, also as an attempt to find the beach a bit bare. The long road was one of my favorite pieces to the trip as it enabled us to feel the island and all of it’s alternating landscapes. Many of the rocks looked like Rock Biters ( Never ending story reference ) to me. As for the beach, it wasn’t as desolate as I had hoped but nonetheless, breath-taking and the water, well, floating in that water will be a memory I will aim to hold on to till I’m 90. Catching the sunset with Catamarans and sailboats, playing in the water with a lover and watching the sun set into the far off horizon made the arduous drive worth it.
Dining in Port Du Soller proved to be a bit challenging, even with the Spanish’s late dining habits. As for the beaches, well, some of my favorites shall remain a secret. That’s part of the fun in researching and getting lost. Luke and I happened across a lonesome beach just before sunset one day where we snapped some images and I, had to snap some nudes. The current at this particular spot was rough and I tend to get quite nervous in rougher waters so I waded. There are many a popular spots on Mallorca so one only needs to follow the tourist trails to them or grab the hand of someone they love in the off season and venture out.
Overall, I’d say the next time I return, I will be renting a house somewhere in the country and will disappear for a few weeks to work on a project. The textures, the tones, the earthiness of this bohemian spot is right in alignment with my vacation style but next time, I’ll make sure to avoid visiting when the bulk of tourists are there. Large crowds and too much heat make for one cranky gal here.
Mallorca is romantic and a destination for lovers, a visual feast for artists and an inspiring landscape to just let go and be in. xo
Woven Woman Wednesday with Sonya & Steph from Aula Artesana
Introducing the ladies of Aula Artesana, a company with the mission to establish more of a connection between consumers and artisans of Peru as well as creating workshops to teach natural dye techniques and weaving with travelers. The artisans they work with are both from the highlands and the jungles of Peru, indigenous and carrying traditions that have been passed down through multiple generations. As masters of their craft, they teach people of all different backgrounds to weave, work with natural dyes from the local plants and infuse a deeper knowledge of the Peruvian textile tradition through their handmade goods sold in the Aula Artesana store. Sonya and I had the pleasure of connecting by phone and I was delighted to come to learn more about this wonderful organization. All the way around me, Peruvian textiles have ensconced my life with their beauty, their story-telling and notable precision in design. I’ve being wanting to travel to Peru for years, not only to explore the legendary Machu-Picchu, but to sit and weave with the weavers there. Whenever I peruse images of Peru, it’s vast Andean range speaks to me as do the fluffy alpaca’s, the rainbow colored garments, the smiles I’ve noted in the eyes of the people there. Many in my community have traveled there so it’s been wonderful to learn more about an organization that is aligning itself with strong moral and intention to work with the community, to share their talented traditions and provide the curious with an opportunity to learn the backstrap loom. In a world with business ethnics of all sorts, I am much more inclined to not only purchase from a company that directly supports its artisans in fair trade practice, but one that also provides an opportunity to learn it right there, on site. As a weaving facilitator myself and artist, the ethos resonate deeply. I’m thrilled to share I will be joining in and participating for their December workshop so I’d say, if you feel the call, that’s a fantastic time to join me! Have a read below.
What are your names and your astrological signs?
Stephanie (Steph) Guthridge, Sagittarius
Sonya Radetsky, stubborn Capricorn :)
Please tell me what makes your organization special and was there any significant moment
between both of you, and individually, that inspired you to start the organization?
Steph: Aula has been a collaborative project from the very beginning by deciding that we would co-found the business. It is important to us that we work as a partnership and combine our different experience and skill sets to achieve our goals. Collaboration, then, is at the core of all of our artisan partnerships and also how we work with employees and clients.
Our artisan partners. We partner with communities and individuals who are looking for opportunities to sell their artisan goods and teach people about the process, and Aula offers one avenue for our partners to do that.
Aula is a values-based business, so when making decisions, we will always check in with those values to ensure that they align. The business element is key for sustainability. If everyone involved is benefitting and able to sustain themselves, Aula can continue to thrive and grow.
Sonya: I could talk your ear off about what makes Aula special, but there’s one that comes to mind above the others. One of my biggest challenges as a traveler and as a foreigner living in such a culturally rich country is how many layers and obstacles there are between visitors to a place and the place itself. Time, language, cultural divides, history - the list is endless. And on the other side, I think it’s really tough for locals to show who they are and share their culture and their art, for many of the same reason - language, time constraints, access. So as basic as it sounds, Aula’s role as the go-between is one of the things that makes it the most special because all of a sudden both sides of the interaction can actually have an experience that feels open and authentic and intimate.
Steph: No single, significant moment, rather a build up of small ones: when I was doing a lot of visioning for Aula in the beginning stages and getting so inspired that I forgot to eat, realizing that it was a way to bring together my experience, skills, and some ideas that I had been mulling around for a while in a way that benefits everyone involved: working alongside Indigenous communities, bringing people of different backgrounds together, providing creative learning spaces, alternative business models. The more we delved into it, the more I realized that I wanted to be a part of it. Even the first time Sonya mentioned working together to me, it was casually dropped into conversation… a conversation that we picked up again a few days later. The decision to work with Sonya was easy - I knew that we could do it together; share the celebratory moments as well as have those tricky conversations. We had great timing, too.
Sonya: Before starting Aula, I had been rolling ideas around and around in my head, losing sleep because I couldn’t quite land on the idea that felt right. But when the opportunity arose to take over our store space, all of a sudden it all clicked into place, I quit my job the next day. I’ve always loved handmade goods and the symbolism and importance they hold in so many cultures (you should see my house - embarrassing!). But as a consumer, you can only go so far when it comes to learning about what you’re buying. So why not take people to the source, where they can learn first-hand about the incredible artisan traditions here in Peru, and where the artisans can fully explore what it means to share their culture and teach what they know. In the end, Aula’s retreats are actually my dream trips, and I know I’m not the only one. When it came to working with Steph, that was as easy a decision as deciding to start the business itself. Our passions and values are in line, and our strengths complement one another. She’s one of the most honorable people I’ve ever known. And when we first talked about it, she whipped out a pen and a napkin and we started brainstorming right there. So if that’s not a great sign, I don’t know what is.
Where are you both from, your background and what inspired you to relocate to Peru to
start to work with indigenous communities?
Steph: I am from the UK - a town in Sussex, in the South-East of the country. An amalgamation of different things drew me towards working with Indigenous communities: learning more about the details and effects of colonization (something that is not taught or discussed widely in the UK) when studying at university, studying with people from all over the world and experiencing how much it enhanced my education - I thrived off of listening to different viewpoints, whilst also finding university to be too far removed from reality at times, as well as a whole load of idealism and eagerness to learn. I had become interested in social movements in Latin America through my studies and had always wanted to learn Spanish, so it all came together and I decided to move here. Since then, I’ve lived in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru and worked with several nonprofits and businesses in a range of areas - it hasn’t been the most linear of paths!
Sonya: I’m from the US and grew up in New Mexico, another haven for Indigenous art and handmade goods. Although I’m not an artist myself, growing up around those traditions and knowing how deep that knowledge runs, it’s always been part of my worldview. I went to college and grad school at NYU in New York City and lived there for several years after, where I worked in market research. But I had always wanted to live abroad, always saw myself that way, and I happened to have a dear friend from high school who had been living and working in Cusco for a few years. When she jokingly offered me a short-term position in her NGO working with a fair trade textiles program, I laughed it off at first and then quit my job the following week (seems to be a theme for me). That experience in the textile program was my first time working with Indigenous communities, and it was very clear that after my six months with the organization, I hadn’t even scratched the surface when it came to living and working here in Cusco. So six months turned into a year, turned into two years, and now here we are. After a couple of years working in sustainable tourism, I was really happy to have a way to combine that passion for travel with the artisan partnerships that I was missing.
What is one of the more valuable lessons you’ve learned from living outside of your home country? UK and US?
What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned from working with indigenous
communities?
Steph: This was one of the hardest questions for me to answer; trying to remember some of the most valuable lessons that I’ve learnt over the last few years because once you learn them and adapt, they don’t stand out to you as much - another reminder that I should keep a journal! One that’s been important for everyday life is the difference in rules around time-keeping between here and the UK; British culture having a strict set of time-keeping rules, in contrast to Peruvian culture, where time is much more fluid. Whilst it’s something that I have grown to love, I still struggle with it when I want to have an overly efficient day. Then, from working with Indigenous communities: there’s so much to be learnt in the process. For example, in a community meeting where everyone has the right to speak for as long as they want, there’s a lot to learn, not just about the specific issue that is being discussed, but how that relates to other issues within the community and the person who is talking, giving you a more well-rounded understanding. Taking time over the process, therefore, is so important for building trust, getting to know each other, as well as discussing specific topics.
Sonya: For me, living outside of my home country is an ever-unfolding tightrope walk. On the one hand, it’s so important to set aside my biases about how things should be and open myself up to other ways of living and thinking. In a way, being a good guest in my host country. But on the other hand, I live here full time, and I can’t set aside who I am and what my values are because they sometimes clash with the place that I’m in. So it’s a constant back and forth, when to voice what I think, when am I justified in feeling offended or frustrated, and when do I need to set aside my ego. It’s a total grey area, and most times there’s not an obvious right answer. I can really only speak to working with Indigenous communities here in Peru. For me, the word “communities” says it all in terms of what I’ve learned. The US is a notoriously individualistic society, and I’m a notoriously individualistic person. But many of the communities we work with organize themselves based on what’s best for the group or the association or the community as a whole. Weavers work in cooperatives and associations, and when we meet with our partners, we’re often meeting with a group of 10 or 20 or more. And group consensus and agreement is so important to the well-being of the community. That’s something I’ve never experienced before, and there’s so much that I’ve been able to take from that model and apply to my own life and the business as a whole.
What is an observation you make as an American and Brit that could better help those traveling
learn to respect the local culture, traditions, and way of life?
Steph: As a Brit, I would advocate for educating yourself on the UK’s impact on the world both historically and today, colonization, as well as researching the country you are visiting. It will provide very useful context for when you are adapting to a new place.
Sonya: As travel becomes more accessible to more people, I’ve found that there’s a lot of openness from travelers to ask questions and be respectful in the places they’re visiting. But there’s always the risk of slipping into the “tourist mentality,” where you think of everyone and everything as being there for your experience. Going to the market, for example, you see the gorgeous fruits piled high and it’s incredibly photogenic. But those fruit stands are actually peoples livelihood - they sell that fruit to make a living. So before you take a photo of a person or something that belongs to someone, make sure to ask. Find out their name. Humanize the experience so that it can be satisfying for both sides. I’m the first to say that I’ve been guilty of this, but it’s something I’m always trying to be more aware of.
Is there a particular food you absolutely love that travelers must try when visiting Peru?
Anything specific to Cusco?
Steph: I am a vegetarian which limits how many dishes I can try as Peruvian cuisine is heavy on the meat. A couple that I love are locro de zapallo - a pumpkin-based stew usually served with rice, and quinoto - quinoa-based risotto. There are so many delicious vegetarian dishes you can make with the produce grown in Peru: 100s of varieties of potatoes, quinoa, grains, sweet potato or camote, corn, yuca, beans, large variety of vegetables and fruit… the list goes on. I would also recommend trying chicha morada - a sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented purple corn - maiz morado.
Sonya: Ceviche ceviche ceviche! When it’s good, it’s reeeally good. While Lima and coastal cities generally have better access to fresh fish, there are a couple of places in Cusco where you can get seriously delicious ceviche. Besides ceviche, one of my favorite traditions that’s specific to Cusco and other parts of the Andean highlands is the Pachamanca, which translated from Quechua literally means “earth oven.” In a subterranean oven dug out of the ground, you heat up stones until they’re really, really hot and then place all your food inside. Cover it with herbs, cloth, and earth on top to keep in the heat, and in 20-ish minutes your food is fully cooked and so tasty. Obviously we had to work that into our Tintes; Textiles itinerary with our weaving partners - it really is not to be missed.
Within your organization, you both work closely with the weavers. What part of the
mythology of weaving has changed your life or how do you feel the process of
weaving/offering weaving workshops has changed your life/shifted your perception in the
tradition of textile making?
Steph: There’s so much meaning and purpose behind weaving and textiles that has evolved over time. As Sonya mentions, traditionally they have been a form of communication, but they are also made to be worn and sold at markets. Through workshops, textiles provide another way for communities to share elements of their culture and knowledge with people who are keen to learn.
Sonya: There’s so, so much to say about the tradition of weaving in Peru that I won’t really be able to do it justice here. But one of the things that I’ve always been fascinated by is how textiles here were traditionally used as communication devices. Quechua, the local Indigenous language, was never a written language. So the symbology of the textiles functioned as a “written” form of communication, representing the community and its history, or the weaver and her experience. It’s a totally different conception of non-verbal communication, one that’s also so beautiful and intricate.
In relation to Peru, what is the one aspect of the culture you’d like for people to understand
a bit more, and, or which area of Peru has taken your breath away from the most?
Steph: Generally, the Andes themselves - the mountains will always fill me with awe. Wakra Pukara, a rocky ruin site in the shape of horns in the Acomayo Province of the Cusco region, is a breath-taking site that stands in the middle of some very dramatic mountains.
Sonya: I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but the thing I would most like for visitors to have a really quality interaction with here in Peru are Peruvians themselves. It’s so easy to move through Peru as a tourist without having the chance to really talk to and get to know locals, because of all the reasons I mentioned before - time, language, culture divide. So if Aula can be helpful in facilitating that, for me that would be one of best things we can give to visitors and Peruvians alike, as it’s one of the biggest and most inaccessible parts of visiting Peru. As for an area of Peru that has taken my breath away, there are sooo many awe-inspiring places that it’s hard to choose! I agree with Steph, the Andes mountains are just mind-bogglingly huge and majestic. In Andean spirituality, the biggest mountains are the “Apus,” their sacred gods. And when you look at these peaks, it makes perfect sense that the people who live here would look to them for guidance.
As the world begins to shift with more of a focus on sustainable textiles, what is your hope
for the local communities producing many of these? Is there something specific you’d feel
comfortable directly sharing with global consumers to be more mindful of when
consuming/purchasing during travels?
Steph: Mainly, I hope that through this shift, local communities are able to achieve some of their specific goals and wishes. I also hope that the sustainable textile movement recognizes the need for communities to have agency over if and how they participate, and take steps to ensure that there is true consultation and collaboration. Global consumers: as there still isn’t much information readily available, if you do want to buy sustainably-made goods and are looking to support local initiatives and/or communities, you will most likely have to do your own research beforehand about where to buy them.
Sonya: There’s so much focus and conversation around handmaid and sustainable art on “our” side, the consumer side, which is awesome. I hope that conversation and those values continue to grow and spread, so that the artisans and communities who make those goods realize how valuable their work and art is. As more people become genuinely interested in looking for handmade, sustainably created goods that tell the story of the place and the person who made them, I hope more artisans feel proud to create their art and preserve their culture and heritage and knowledge.
How can we, the readers, be of support to your mission and organization?
Steph:
Spread the word about Aula, our artisan partners and how we work
Shop our store and/or join us on a workshop in Peru
Reach out to us if you have any ideas to share, or for collaboration
Sonya: Come join us for a workshop! :) We do our very best to tell the stories and show the people behind the products, but truly the most rewarding part of our whole mission is when we get to bring people together for a true exchange of knowledge and culture. If you can’t come to Peru just yet, we would still love to have you as part of our community - drop us a note, leave us a comment, ask questions, tell us what you think. The more conversation, the better for us and our partners.
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming workshops in Peru with Aula Artesana, please have a visit https://www.aulaartesana.com/. You may also find them on IG: aulaartesana
Woven Woman Wednesday featuring Daren Hope of : Earth Tonic
As summer is here, I believe it’s always time to introduce a new skincare regime for the warmer weather and daily sun exposure. The earth provides season food changes, in Ayurvedic practice, we are encouraged to eat seasonally so why would we not introduce new luxuries to our skin as well?!
I am absolutely smitten with the skincare line by holistic esthetician Daren Hope. Her last name is Hope and that sings sound sweetly as the perfect vocal harmony to her line, Earth Tonic. I had the pleasure of saturating myself in a tantalizing facial with her last fall at her spa, located here in Ojai. A year later, I’m still entranced and able to recall the extreme relaxation and pleasure. “The works” her facial which includes includes her famous Kansa massage alongside the micro-current frequencies, douses the skin in the nectar-like products and the glow from the two hour procedure. Click here for her spa and here for her delicious products.
This woman truly has a knack for presence with her clients, charisma when she talks about the products and is a complete magician with skin. There are few things in this world I’d recommend everyone must experience and it’s her products and her services. My sweetheart yet has to make it in the Spa but he knows I’ve been raving about Daren’s products and her spa’s offerings since my facial. As our skin is the largest organ, it’s imperative to saturate it from the top to the bottom with products that are loaded with the most beneficial ingredients, highest quality and made with love as energy transfers. Read below for her interview and my recommendations on my favorite products( you need them all!) I’m a client for life! You can follow Daren on IG here
Zodiac Sign:
My birthday is September 22nd. Technically a Virgo but verrrry cusp-y. I’m also a 2:4 Projector with Splenic Authority for anyone who knows what that means.
What is the most common skincare problem you've been able to alleviate for your clients/community with your products?
I think what I’ve been able to help people with most is the underlying cause of most “skin problems” which is inflammation. Inflammation happens for any number of reasons. Usually the perfect storm of stress, aggravating (often chemically-laden) skincare, hormones, poor diet, dehydration, or neglect. And it can manifest in all kinds of different ways that I call “imbalances”— redness, breakouts, discoloration, loss of elasticity. Our bodies spend time repairing rather than building. My products and rituals revolve around this idea of bringing balance to body, mind and spirit, through the healing magic of plants, to calm inflammation, provide deep nourishment and create an environment for the skin to fully express it’s health in the form of radiant beauty.
What is the most inspiring part of your job?
Honestly, it’s seeing what I just described over and over and over again. Folks beginning to recognize to the ebb and flow of life that requires them to surrender/receive with the same intention that they create/express. It fosters incredible health and beauty to oscillate between those opposing energetics. (I’m a Taoist, can you tell?)
What was the ah-ha moment that compelled you to start your own business?
It was over 10 years ago now! Two things happened at the same time— I had major success balancing my own skin with handmade herbal remedies I’d concocted (I had suffered chronic breakouts and very irritated skin for years) AND I had just moved home to Ojai after living in NYC for the better part of a year. I was yearning to commune with Nature, and I was also wanting to empower myself with a meaningful, love-filled career that I could grow to support what I value most— freedom, kindness, compassion and health. Skin was always how my body spoke to me, for better or worse, so that was the portal I worked through.
Tell me about your favorite botanical? ( describe some scientific details on the plant, your energetic relationship to it and it's healing power) How has working with this plant changed your life? How do this plant enhance the overall product?
Oh my goodness, where to begin?? Each product has a whole complex of ingredients that I could go off about…. Right now I’m having a love affair with medicinal mushrooms. For me, and for so many of my clients, they’ve worked complete magic both topically and internally. They’re an incredible source of antioxidants, and hard-to-find nutrients like Kojic Acid and Beta Glucans. Topically they’re amazing at honing in on damaged areas and healing that inflammation I was talking about earlier that’s so detrimental to skin health (they’re in products like our Mushroom Mylk, Botanical Toning Mist and Honey & Bamboo Facial Scrub). Internally they’re incredible brain and immunity boosters... Reishi is like nature’s Xanax, and psilocybin mushrooms can be used consciously for incredible inner-transformation in both macro- and micro-doses.
What are 3 pieces of wisdom that have been either taught to you or learnt through your life that you'd like to share.
1) Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of rest. For a long time I thought that if I wasn’t “doing something” that I wasn’t being a productive or effective human. Now I realize that some things happen under the radar. In those relaxed, easy moments we’re actually processing our past experiences, returning to our bodies, and on a micro-level repairing and growing (and also hopefully in times experiencing joy, peace, and contentedness which is what being a human is all about, IMO!)
2) I’ve also learned the importance of identifying my values, and aligning myself to them. Through my daily actions, my speech, my life choices. As a friend. As a human on planet Earth. As a business owner. What is my vision for a happy life? What is my highest vision for planet Earth? I try to be accountable to myself.
3) Lastly just learning to go with the flow. Acknowledging what I’m being met with in life and assuming there is something to be learned in it. Because why not, right?
What has the biggest challenge been in running a business?
Certainly it was figuring out how create more help for myself before I could afford it or even knew how to do it. I did a lot by myself for a long time mostly out of this false belief that the right help didn’t exist or I didn’t have my shit together enough. On a certain level it was important to the foundation of my business to grapple with those feelings and lay a foundation. But two hands can only do so much, and I want to make these tonics and experiences available to as many people who want them. It’s been so fulfilling to have the support of a small, growing team of alchemists and healers.
What are the common misconceptions about skin as an esthetician you'd kindly like to de-bunk..
The idea of “No pain, no gain” needs to just go away. In my experience, things like chemical peels create a wound-response in the body, and while in the short term they may increase things like collagen production (in the form of scar tissue), they ultimately degrade the integrity of the skin for the long-term, and make the skin extremely sensitive to the sun. Harsh products and treatments like that seem so antiquated when with the advent of technology like micro-current and light therapy— which are non-invasive ways to illicit a healing response without causing harm— in essence bio-hacking the skin. Combined with the infinite wisdom of plants, it becomes a holistic healing experience for the entire body.
If someone dropped you on an island with an unlimited stash of your favorite product, which one would it be?
That is like asking me to choose a child… probably the Honey and Bamboo Facial Scrub— it’s basically a facial in a jar, and would taste great if you got hungry.
Who has been a mentor for you in your creative career?
Last year I worked on a major redesign of my packaging, and with the help of my friend Rachel Garahan, was able to create a beautiful, meaningful asthetic that mirrored the pure plant magic in these products. Rachel really helped me get clear on the heart and soul of EarthTonics. Her eye for great design, combined with her love of magic and earthly wisdom was inspiring to be around. She’s busy now being a mama, but I hear speak that she may be creating a course or ebook or something that distills her magic into a program— and I would advise any creative entrepreneur to keep an eye out for it. @onepartgypsy
If there was one wish that could be granted to you for your personal life, what would it be? And, one for your business life…
Honestly I am so grateful for my life right now, I’m having trouble thinking of any thing I wish I had. I guess I just wish to keep living this beautiful life, and keep falling deeper and deeper in love with it. When it comes to my business, I suppose I am calling in a new expanded Botanical Kitchen in Ojai. A beautiful, private workspace where my team and I can formulate and keep blending our handmade tonics. Our current workspace at the EarthTonics Spa is getting a wee bit small. :-)
I hope you all have enjoyed the interview with Daren. Click here for all her botanical offerings and… as stated up above, the products I’d swear by are:Repair Creme Concentrate: I haven’t quite found a product like this prior. It nourishes my skin ( I run on the dry side and I’m a pitta pitta in Ayurveda so I’ve got a FIREY constitution which requires me to lather and stay moist ) and leaves a nice balanced glow. I know products sometimes can also get a little too greasy but this one is perfect, a little goes a long ways. Your skin will drink it up.
Frankincense Blossom Butter: This is perfect for all seasons but especially after you’re swimming in rivers and the ocean. Lavish yourself up in this divinely smelling butter!
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Calm & Replenish Face Oil. I use this daily, in both the mornings and evenings. A little drop goes a long ways but why skimp on this as it’s so delicious. Click below.
Healthy Breast Tonic: I’ve steadily introduced the breast massage regime into my life to help with swollen lymph nodes on the sides and to keep the circulation moving so my chest feels nice and happy.
Hey ladies.. Ever get up too quickly in the morning without enough rest and your eyes are puffy? This one is a staple as sometimes, when work demands my full all day attention, I use this morning and night. It de-puffs those eyes and is cooling to the skin, another staple for summer!
805 Living Magazine Article: Artists passing down traditions including Rhiannon Griego
Article by Joan Tapper, Photographers by Gary Moss. Issue May 2018
Jewelry Inspiration
As the countdown till the jewelry launch begins, I have been enjoying the slow share of inspiration that has moved this collection. Nebulae, meteor showers, emanating light from cosmic debris as it enters the atmosphere, wind blown yardangs and desert rock formations, the structured shape of Art Deco architecture and beveled Art Deco mirrors have all made their subtle contributions. This collection is both sculptural and fashion oriented, as well as designed for the fine jewelry collector who appreciates the power of stones. Tourmaline is the first semi-precious stone I’ve designed with as it’s colors are fascinatingly all over the board, mysterious in varying lights and it’s rod shape has always held a comfortable aesthetic for me. Tourmaline is mined in Brazil, Mozambique, Tanzania, Pakistan, Afghanistan, California, Namibia, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. I found it’s natural shaped and augmented shape after cut paired most complimentary with settings inspired by well known Art Deco buildings around the US. Stay tuned.
Man Makers Mondays with Joel Shearer
Today’s Man Maker’s art is the kind one experiences with eyes closed on a backroad as the sun wanes and the flickering light between the branches times perfectly with the crescendo. Composer, producer, artist and musician Joel Shearer came onto my radar about 2.5 years ago during a sound bath in Los Angeles and the elevation I received from the journey has kept his creations close since. His soundscapes are spiritual hymns of the ambient kind. If Nasa captures images of the universe with it’s Hubble Space telescope, Joel’s guitars are writing the soundtrack for space travel. Music has always been my medicine and that’s the most profound wave woven into Joel’s music, it’s healing breath facilitates meditation while reinvigorating the union of mind, body & soul. The language of his stratospheric sound is one that can connect all walks of life to find a commonplace of peace, relaxation and expansion. Not only have I found it elevating but it’s been an invitation to let go of the binding human form and drift into the etheric realms of consciousness. The links to his projects Morning Loops, Brights & Libella are below. Enough with the words, get lost in the sound of Joel Shearer.
What is your brand/name/music project:
Joel Shearer. Musician\Composer\Producer
What is your heritage:
German, Welch, French
What are 3 reference points of inspiration for your work:
Nature, Universe, Culture (Society). Basically, I’m inspired by nature, pushed or agitated by culture and dictated or moved by the universe.
The human condition doesn’t necessarily inspire me but it pushes me to create. It’s a mix of ego and of social ambition but mostly my wanting to create something that moves me and might help others feel something too, and maybe something they are not used to feeling. I am in awe of Nature, of this planet, of the animals and plants and the sun and the moon and of life force and of decay. I am big listener. I hear melody and rhythms in most environments. Like as I write this, the dog is walking in the kitchen and his paws are clicking against the wood flooring and it sounds like a snare drum flam pitched up. I could sample it, slow it down and create an original sound I could implement into a pop song, sourced from a living and breathing creature. That inspires me. I am learning to trust the Universe and allow it to move me in the direction it sees fit, whenever I fight this, I end up floundering and stuck.
What are 3 skills you've learned in representing yourself as an artist:
Communication, authenticity and generosity.
What are 3 skills you believe are a necessity to be an independent artist/designer/musician?
Discipline.
Self confidence (yes, this is a skill, at least for me, that takes discipline to learn),
Finding your OWN voice
What moved you to make with your hands and how did you come to understand the language of making sound with your hands?
I grew up around music and in a very cultured environment where my sister and I were exposed to art, music, culture and chaos. I think I ingested the art and the culture and escaped into the music to avoid the chaos. I didn’t know at the time that the guitar would become my voice; that I could communicate with my hands and my instrument better than I could with words. As this relationship grew, I became more and more aware of the power of my hands, how I touched people, how I would wave my hands around while I spoke, enhancing words with gestures, the importance of that connection between the soul and the hands. I think the hands are a physical manifestation of the voice of the soul, not just tools for the body.
If you could travel anywhere today, where would you travel and why:
Africa. I’ve only been to South Africa and was immensely moved by the landscape there. I have wanted to explore more that continent and have yet to do so. I believe Africa is the heart of the world
3 Favorite songs at the moment:
Oh Jesus, really? um, ok…..
Tim Hardin “Reason To Believe"
Moby Grape “I Am Not Willing”
Brigitte Bardot, Serge Gainsbourg “Bonnie and Clyde"
What advice would you offer your fellow female makers? What business advice?
This is an interesting question because I think women are really making their mark at the moment and at the forefront of utilizing Social Media to build their “brand" or whatever you want to call it. I would ask for the reverse question: Would some of the bad ass women out there give ME some advice!? lol. The only advice I would give anyone is find your voice and be authentic. That applies to anyone.
What advice would your 65 year old self to you today?
Slow down and take it in a little deeper.
What change would you most like to see in the world?
I would like humanity to rediscover that it IS nature and there is no separation of us (humans) and nature. If we could learn that all the species and plant life and oceans and soil and biodiversity have a way better plan than ANYTHING humans could come up, everything on this planet would benefit. I would also like to see the war mongering, greedy old white bloated and puffy male archetype evolve or die off. We need to expand our social conversation.
Any additional thoughts on the importance of artisanal/handmade goods in a fast pace Western World? Why do you believe it's necessary to create with your hands?
I love the underground (can it be called that anymore?) movement of artisan craft and the rekindling of old knowledge and the preservation of culture though craft. This is a bonfire I am excited to be around and contribute to. I can’t wait for humanity to get over its “Shock and Awe” phase and realize that if we all slow down long enough to really feel, we’d be able to feel one another on a deeper plain, not just the ego centric plain. Not just the surface of the human emotion, but the infinite depth that exists in ALL of us. I think creating hand made goods, preserving old artisan techniques or even creating new ones is vital in this rediscovery of ourselves. The meditation of molding, shaping, cutting, playing, sewing, weaving, writing, touching, hitting, pounding is our way of communicating with not only each other but the soil and the wood and the rock and the sand. We should all put our hands into the ground and feel the instant communication that happens. When we create with our hands, we’re communicating with the planet in a very intimate way.
Please do yourselves a favor and take a ride with his music. The links for his music projects are below.
IG:
https://www.instagram.com/joelshearer/
Morning Loops-
https://open.spotify.com/album/518ACaHelXkskhf4AtBEvA?si=mdk8Rx3FT92H16iWN4Ap-g
Libella-
https://open.spotify.com/album/1mffv96h0ztPRNj5qPF8gY?si=5aiJ6IccSOug0m8KoK7TlQ
Brights-
https://open.spotify.com/album/5ivoY88NNDfE1IgUf9FRBQ?si=PdWuRoN1QAi1hCZfy5rsvw
Man Makers Mondays with Ben Renschen
Man Makers Mondays is back with my pal Ben Renschen. Ben’s name circled around through a group of friends before we finally met in 2016 and what a gem he is. We’ve worked together on a few projects and each time, I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to work with people like him. His personality is similar to the way he exhibits the beauty in front of the lens…There is a thoughtful articulation of his subjects, a mindfulness as he clicks away and departs gently as to not alter the natural beauty. One can easily sense the reverence he carries for the environment as he explores it all behind the camera. When I look at his photography, I find streams of philosophical thought embedded within them in the way he captures sun streaks, fog, mist and the totality of nature’s stillness. I bet Henry David Thoreau and Ben would have been able to sit side by side on a mountain top somewhere, one with a pen, the other with a camera and just be. He’s traveled around the world as a photojournalist and one would be very lucky to caravan with him on assignment, he is easy, accommodating and walks with a warmth that makes human connection memorable. This maker has been a great ally in helping me recognize the merits of the marketing and strategy. His educational work at Society 6 boosts moral in developing creative content but also strives to uplift artists so we may all achieve the success we hope for. I am honored to share his work, recommend him for any and all assignments and call him a friend. Enjoy.
What is your brand/name:
Ben Renschen
What is your heritage:
Human? In spirit, I wish I was more aligned with aboriginal or early human communities – it's the purist way I know to scrub myself of modern, judge-able stereotypes. Ignoring ancient DNA though, I always assumed I was a European mut. My mom said she had Swedish/French blood and my dad is Greek/Italian. I did the 23andMe thing and found out that’s true (among other bloodlines). We never really had traditions associated with being Swedish or Italian or any region for that matter, so my heritage, in the traditional sense, is pretty middle America.
What are 3 reference points of inspiration for your work: (philosophy/culture)
1. The natural world is a master of solutions. If I want to learn anything, I'll just see how nature would handle a problem.
2. A rising tide lifts all boats. Support the growth of each other, and you support the growth of all. Join or create communities.
3. Find, practice and teach empathy. It seems so obvious, but it bears repeating over and over and over again.
What are 3 skills you've learned in representing yourself as an artist:
I feel like I’ve been slower to implement the self-representation skills I recognize as most valuable in other artists. I work at Society6 as our Artist Development Manager so myself, and our awesome Community Team, have over 300,000 artists educating US every single day. I’m always soooo impressed by how artists do what they do. So, please forgive the educator in me that’s coming out!! I get so excited about this stuff!
1. Authenticity is everything. In your work. When talking to clients. On social platforms. All of it. Be you. Pour yourself into the work. Without authenticity, we’re building a house of cards.
2. Create until you can say "this is why I create". Boil it down to one sentence. It’s hard, but worth it. The answer will almost always be a work in progress, but you should be able to answer that question when asked. If you can create a consistent body of work (or a series), you’ll have a marketable narrative. But if you’re just getting off the ground, simply create until a theme or motive is clear across your body of work. Then, put it into words. Get feedback on your bio from friends and/or customers to see if they can add anything. Have thick skin! Feedback is important, but can be challenging if you’re not used to it. Once you have your “why” down, take those words to #3...
3. Pitch yourself regularly and be precise in that pitch. Whether it’s for press/social coverage, collaborations or new commissions, this could easily be #1 on my list. It’s not enough to just reach out anymore. The thing you’re trying to accomplish should be very clear within the first sentence or two of outreach. People love bullets and high level facts. A 4-5 slide deck featuring your best work and most popular collaborations, partners or press is HUGE. Add logos! Create value for the recipient of your pitch. Your pitch should also be easy to email around without explanation. You want your pitch to impress people on it’s own merit. Don’t slink into the background or get super heady in there. That’s what makes follow up convos so great! Think of every cold call/email/DM as a cover letter for a job. Devote time to getting your pitch down and improve it with every rejection. Then ignore my advice, light one up or pour a few fingers of whiskey and experiment with new work until your hands fall off!
What are 3 skills you believe are a necessity to be an independent artist/designer?
1. Embrace the business side of art if you take it seriously. Business is not a competing philosophy. It's complimentary. Money does not rule all, but we do need to find ways to sustain our creative work if it’s truly important to us. Sometimes that's stressful. Sometimes you get to do a deep dive into the work. But unless your strategy is 24/7 pumping out work until you start landing big clients/gigs on the regular, you'll need to find a balance between business building/outreach and creative time.
2. Learn to say "no". I feel like I live by this. Don't waste your time–it’s a finite resource. Saying no gets a lot easier the more times you say yes when you wish you didn't–to clients, to friends, to events, to collabs, etc. Still say yes to things that challenge you and feel right, but as you identify why you create, only say yes to projects you see growth in–personal or business. Our gut is usually on point.
3. Get out of your own damn way. Show the world your work. Be diligently aware of pride and ego limiting your opportunities to get your work to a larger audience. Fear sucks. And everyone suffers from it. I do. It’s not an easy thing to shake, so check in with yourself every now and again and actually answer the question, “What am I afraid of?” Is it failure? Is it success? Is it time commitment? Knowing the answer to what’s preventing your growth is the first step to getting out of your own way.
What moved you to make with your hands:
I’m a firm believer that we exist to support the journey of others. From what I can surmise, one of the most challenging parts about being human is our ability, or lack thereof, to manage or resolve pain–whatever the source of it is. That said, my need is to inspire greater expressions of empathy in others. That means the medium doesn’t carry much weight. Whether that’s 35mm, drawing, imagery of people, plants, animals or landscape, I always try to remind people of their contribution to a greater purpose.
If you could travel anywhere today, where would you travel and why:
Ask me again in ten minutes and I’ll have a totally different answer! haha. Buuuuut I want to be shooting water-rich, biodiverse ecosystems these days. So, I’ve been seriously craving a jungle trip w/ epic waterfalls. Just got back from Hawaii in August. Amazing, duh. Haven’t been to South America yet! I went to Norway last year. EPIC for waterfalls!! But also, feeling like a return trip to SE Asia is at the top of the list. I've been to a handful of places over there (Indo, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc), but I've barely scratched the surface! I’m also on an alerts list for Serengeti trips because who doesn’t want to go back to Africa? Long story short, I did a crap job answering your question. Anyone feelin’ like an adventure? Email meeeee!
3 Favorite songs at the moment:
Cocaine Jesus by Rainbow Kitten Surprise
https://open.spotify.com/track/0ZAbupc7jAQpG9IxojQ3s3?si=ukqL0bmISw6bDAb80zW_WQ
Ancient Light by Allman Brown https://open.spotify.com/track/5yDxRgBdvZICap03ygT95y?si=tXFlfakqRWuXgtE0dxZIpQ
Breaker’s Roar by Sturgill Simpson https://open.spotify.com/track/7rR5X9RKz5VprclstYOLb5?si=fnFVzTD2SFOn96_2dj4twQ
What advice would you offer your fellow female makers? What business advice?
My advice is agnostic of gender. Use your internal, socio-emotional climate to inspire work that changes the world. As for business, be aggressive in having the world see it. To live self-sufficiently as artists, we need income to meet our financial needs (housing, food, travel, etc). Duh, but also make sure income is a part of your thought process when you're in business mode. We invest a lot of time and energy into our creations. It only makes sense to give them the best chance to be discovered so we can keep doing what we do best–making things!
What advice would your 65 year old self give to you today?
Grab the bull by the horns while everyone else wonders what it's like.
What change would you most like to see in the world?
This question was hard as fuck to answer. And I wasn't intending to self-promote a new project, but it feels very relevant bc I recently dug deep to answer this question for myself.
I’m in the process of launching Good & Gone, an online mag of sorts. It’s very much in it’s infancy right now, but the mission is to provoke greater expressions of empathy within storytelling, travel and daily life. It's the sum of my interests and will evolve as I do. To your question though, that mission is the change I want to see in the world and I want to build a community around that parent philosophy.
When I realized that my mission statement supersedes my interest in photography, I knew I’d be shifting focus (at least for now). For me, being a publisher in the world allows me to have a much greater impact, while still allowing me to shoot whatever I want (art, lifestyle, landscape, photojournalism, etc).
Any additional thoughts on the importance of artisanal/handmade goods in a fast pace Western World?
It's an incredible time to be an artist!! It feels like we’re accelerating into the age of information, but we also still have control of our creative processes. I can walk into the woods and spend 3 hours photographing less than a quarter mile. No one can rush me and I love my pace. I also love bringing it back and sharing that stuff. That's where I think the value is...the "why we create". The world will change and so will landscapes and mediums, but the "why" will always matter–even if only to encourage new work the world needs at that time.
56 Likes, 17 Comments - Ben Renschen (@benrenschen) on Instagram: "ever wondered how film photogs convert negatives to positives? Here's one way. This probably..."