Soooo excited about this weeks interview! heartmade lovelies let me introduce you to: Hagar, the brilliant maker behind Happy Red Fish. I was attracted to Hagar for so many reasons. First of all her creativity is addicting + sense of humor so refreshing. But on top of everything else, I loved her designs because they make me smile with joy + feel like a little girl again. I'm so happy she agreed to come over to heartmade + show us the inside scoop to her wonderful world of creations. Take it away Hagar!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
First; thank you Mayi Carles for inviting me to your lovely blog, it’s a beautiful place you created and I’m very excited to take this interview. I'm Hagar, an artist and designer, crafter and photographer living in Amsterdam with my husband and our two lovely kids, Romi almost six years, Liam a four month young baby and Cristofer our brave hearted cat.
2. How long have I been an artist/crafter/designer?
Mmm, let me think... as long as I can remember I’m painting, drawing, writing and experimenting with all different kinds of material and media. I studied at the art and design academy in Jerusalem. During my study I fell in love with animation art -where I made short movies with frame by frame animation, in other words; hundreds of hand drawings :-) Later on I combined my hand animation and graphic design skills into web design, an area where I kept working until recently. A few years ago I started to experiment with textile and thread; it was love at first try!! I sketch and draw my designs by hand on an empty canvas and then embroider the final work. For about a year I created every week a new work, this was very challenging and inspiring. The best part was the reactions that I received. It gave me so much encouragement to continue.
3. When did you decide to turn your talent into a business?
It has always been my dream to make a living from my own creations. After making the embroideries and the dolls- the "Bag boys" and the "Luna’s" it became clear to me that the time was right to start selling my work. I’m still figuring out which channel suits my needs best. A web shop was the most obvious first choice (soon to be reopened). At this moment I sell my work in person or by mail, through my own atelier, which is opened on request.
4. Where do you make/create?
Well, that’s a good one....I have studio- a very nice, full of light room at home, looking over our beautiful garden- so there I work most of the time. But in time of need I find myself taking over the kitchen table, living room, and more…
5. Describe your creative process.
In most cases an idea pops up, it can be an image or a word, text or phrase. I'm not extremely patience so when a new idea comes I have to start as soon as possible. Usually starting with sketching my idea and then translate it into the right form, embroidery, textile or other material (recycled bags was one of them). It always involved a small research, for instance digging into historical outfits and looking at old pictures. A recent example of my creative process; I just started with a new project called "Tiny life" -it’s a diary of tiny train- model figurine. Once the idea popped up, I found myself digging into a completely new area. Photographing tiny figures on a totally different scale - so exciting!
6. What is your favorite thing about being an artist/crafter/designer + having your online shop?
My favorite thing is most definitely the contact I have with new inspiring people in my life, people with whom I can share the same interest and ideas, and when I get a good reaction and comment it naturally makes me happy :-)
7. What advice would you give to other artist/crafter/designers?
Be true to your own inspirations and passion, enjoy and the rest will come..
8. Who/What inspires you?
So many things inspire me! Like 50’s & 60’s books, children's books, tiny things, old photos, patterns and prints. I’m always inspired by vintage pieces, long walks along the canals, sunny days and my kids, an endless inspiration source.
9. What's your favorite handmade possession?
The first embroidery I made together with my mother when I was a child. It is blue jute fabric divided into nine squares and on each of them a different drawing pattern. I cherish it.
10. What is the thing you can’t resist?
I'm a devoted collector of vintage pieces, and it seems like it’s never enough, sorry my dear husband.
There is quit a collection of vintage tin boxes, vintage toys of all kinds, vintage wall papers and a lot of "tiny things" that are to adorable to leave behind.
11. In 10 years, where do you want to be?
In ten years I will like to continue what I’m doing now. Grow as an artist and designer and mainly keep living creative life.
12. Any important links we should know about?
From the botton of my heart, I want to thank you Hagar for coming here + showing us your heart. It was a true pleasure having you on board heartmade.
xo,
Mayi Carles
