Author: CIEDA
PERITO PRIZE 2022: AN INTERVIEW WITH 2022’s JOINT THIRD PLACE – Iona Wyn Chisholm
by | Nov 02, 2022 |
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As part of our celebrations for Perito Prize 2022 we invited our top 4 placed writers to share a little about themselves and their amazing work. In this interview we talk to Iona Wyn Chisholm who was the joint 3rd place in the 2022 competition with the story ‘The All Inclusive Club’.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Iona: I am married to James and the proud mum of four sons. I enjoy dancing, singing in a gospel choir, gardening, art and writing.
I worked as a Solicitor, specialising in personal injury litigation. After the pandemic, I pursued my dream of working as a writer. This year, I wrote, illustrated and published my first rhyming children’s book, ‘Jubilee Bee.’ As Jubilee Bee is red, white and blue, a primary theme of this book is being different and finding where you fit in.
I write regularly in Garden News Magazine and have also featured in Amateur Gardening, Garden Answers and Birdwatching Magazines.
I am currently illustrating my second book, ‘Jubilee Bee and the King’s Christmas Present,’ which I hope to publish on Amazon later this month.
Q2: What matters most in the creative world - ambition, luck or talent?
Iona: I think that a successful creative world is built upon a diverse group of open-minded people absorbing every detail of their surroundings and life experiences, to interpret and then express them in an ingenious and meaningful way for others to share. This expression can take many forms such as movement, paint, words, plants or music, but it should connect with other people, provoking a change, inviting empathy or sparking a significant and important response within them. Ambition, luck and talent are all ingredients for individual success, but I feel that a creative world needs a collective sense of inspiration, gives the freedom to follow your own path and provides the support that comes from a powerful feeling of community.
Q3: What made you enter the prize and how did you find out about it?
Iona: My friend Lisa Dean told me about the prize, having searched ‘writing competitions’ on Google. This followed a conversation that we had about how we would motivate, support and inspire each other in our writing by starting to attempt writing competitions on a regular basis.
I thought that the competition brief was an interesting challenge and immediately felt motivated to write about the important issues of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility.
Q4: Some people may not have read your story yet. Tell us what ‘The All-Inclusive Club’ is all about?
Iona: Grandpa John is telling his blind Granddaughter, Annie, her favourite bedtime story, which is about his life as a wheelchair user. He describes himself, but the world just sees a wheelchair. Grandpa John shares the struggles of his story in a way that allows Annie to experience it through all of her senses – listening to the rustling leaves, drawing her name on a damp and squeaky bus window or smelling flowers. As the bedtime story progresses, more people with needs call, listen and join John in what he calls The All-Inclusive Club. Numbers increase and the local park isn’t big enough for meetings, so a child asks might the world be big enough? The message is that from the struggles of one person, the club to build aids for accessibility, destroy discrimination, instil inclusivity and embrace diversity becomes worldwide. I hope that every reader that finishes the story wants to be a member, if they aren’t already!
Q5: Tell us a little about who your creative inspiration or mentor is and why? This might be a favourite author or place to work.
Iona: I go to a local weekly writing group with friend my Lisa, led by Joss Musgrove Knibb. Joss’ tuition and every person there are creative inspirations for me. The exercises that we are challenged to do help us to find new abilities and ideas within ourselves and the variety and depth of writing that members create from the same brief amazes me.
Our collective belief in the value and fulfilment of writing is very important to me, as I struggle sometimes to feel justified in spending my time writing whilst I am at the beginning of my journey, hoping that the steps I am taking now will earn me a credible reputation as a regularly published writer.
I like books that teach me something or reflect my interests. I have just read ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank and ‘Anne Frank Remembered’ by Miep Gies. You cannot read these books without being truly moved. Before that I read ‘Earthly Joys’ by Philippa Gregory and enjoyed the historical accounts of gardening very much.
Q6) Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Iona: I live in Staffordshire, England. Anything I hear, see or experience at home or away seems to soak into my mind and be filed away to be recalled one day and feature in my writing.
My children are a constant source of inspiration. Children can see the world simply and with a clarity that adults miss and so I always endeavour to hear their voices.
My sister-in-law, Maggie, is blind. When I think of her and all that she has been through, I am inspired by her bravery, strength of character and quick-witted humour.
As a Primary School Chair of Governors, I remember meetings to make our school inclusive and accessible for Ollie and his wheelchair.
Maggie and Ollie both inspired my writing of ‘The All-Inclusive Club’.
Q7) As you know the Perito Prize is dedicated to inclusion, access and inclusive environments. Did you find the topic difficult to write about?
Iona: I celebrate the inclusion, accessibility and diversity featured in daily primary school life and I really enjoy programmes such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ which features increasing diversity - and so I did not find this topic difficult to write about because it is widely accommodated and discussed within our family and local community. However, I did feel a responsibility to be sensitive and write something of value to anyone who feels excluded or denied access and show that there is still work to do to improve matters that we can all be a part of. I wanted my story to inspire every reader to join ‘The All-Inclusive Club’ and believe that they can and should continue to make the world a better place.
Q8) What was most valuable about going through this writing process for you?
Iona: I think it gave me an opportunity to reflect upon the issues that the Perito Prize promotes; think about how times have changed since I was a teenager; to think about my family and friends and the people around me and remember their needs and to make sure that going forwards, these issues are at the forefront of my mind because improvements can still be made.
Q9) Has this prize made you think differently about how inclusive and accessible the world we live in is?
Iona: Yes, definitely. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy friendships with people with differing needs and those facing accessibility, inclusivity and diversity issues. But as an able-bodied person, I realise that I should think about these matters more. This prize has reminded me to find the best of myself to be the best friend and neighbour that I can whenever and wherever I come across anyone with these needs.
Q10) Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Iona: Yes, I think that there are more stories to tell, perhaps the stories of those with different needs to John and Annie who were joining ‘The All-Inclusive Club’ in this first story - and maybe writing a futuristic story of where the club is in, say, 1,000 or even 10,00 years from now would be an interesting exercise?
The topics promoted by the prize are worthy of inclusion in any stories written at any time around the world. Let’s hope that as time passes, more worldwide efforts in the areas of inclusivity, diversity and accessibility become successful and permanent, so that writing about this area gives an opportunity for many writers to record many happy endings.
HULUKU 2022: AN INTERVIEW WITH 2022’s 3rd Place Eloi John Marron
by | Oct 25, 2022 |
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As part of our celebrations for the 2022 Huluku Competition we invited our top 3 placed digital artists to share a little about themselves and their amazing work. In this interview we talk to Eloi John Marron who came 3rd in the 2022 competition with his digital artwork ‘Fragmented Kingdom’.
Huluku has, once again, been blessed by having inspirational artists and designers enter the competition and we are delighted to introduce Eloi as the 3rd placed artist of the 2022 competition.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Eloi:
At the moment, I am focused on my studies as I am a 4th year Chemical Engineering student. Although I am on vacation, my thesis and internship still keeps me busy.
Q2: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Eloi:
It certainly does. I live in a small town but is fortunate enough to have beautiful beaches where I can surf or relax with friends. I also have my supportive family who keeps me motivated and inspired every day.
Q3: What was your earliest ambition?
Eloi:
Growing up, I wanted everybody in my area to have access to clean water. Thus, I wanted to be a chemical engineer who can create systems that can clean our local bodies of water.
Q4: Have you fulfilled it?
Eloi:
Not yet, but I am still working on it.
Q5: Ambition, Luck or Talent? What matters most in the creative world?
Eloi:
In my case, I would say luck because I am certain that there are more ambitious and talented people than me. I also think that I am a more logical type of person rather than creative. So, I think luck matters most.
Q6: What would you like to achieve that you haven’t been able to yet?
Eloi:
I would like to graduate and receive a degree of chemical engineering so that I could make my mother proud and financially help my siblings.
Q7: Who is your creative inspiration or mentor?
Eloi:
My creative inspiration is my professor at Mapua, Flordeliza De Vera, because she taught us how to strive for excellence, not just professionally, but individually as well.
Q8: Do you have a favourite design or artistic movement? Why?
Eloi:
My favourite artistic movement would be the Spoliarium by Juan Luna because it showcased the creativity of Filipinos even during the Spanish colonization.
Q9: What style or technique in art and design makes you feel the happiest/or feel good?
Eloi:
I am always amazed in impressionist paintings or art. For me, it is the most aesthetically pleasing style of art.
Q10: How did you hear about the Huluku Competition?
Eloi:
I heard about the Huluku Competition from my professor in Mapua. It was set as a requirement to pass the course.
Q11: How did you get inspired to create your artwork for the competition?
Eloi:
Growing up, I always enjoyed going to the zoo and learning about animals. Thus, I wanted to portray the endangered animals in the Philippines in a way that the viewers would try to look for and identify because they might be extinct soon.
Q12: Were the themes of inclusion, diversity and authentic representation something you were familiar working with prior to the competition?
Eloi:
Unfortunately no, but now I am aware and thankful that CIEDA gave me an opportunity to take part in sharing the importance of inclusion, diversity, and authentic representation.
Q13: Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Eloi:
I surely do. In chemical engineering, we innovate systems that benefit the public and the. After the competition, I learned the importance of things like inclusion and now I would always consider them into my work.
HULUKU 2022: AN INTERVIEW WITH 2022’s 2nd Place Ebony Syron-Wetzler
by | Oct 25, 2022 |
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As part of our celebrations for the 2022 Huluku Competition we invited our top 3 placed digital artists to share a little about themselves and their amazing work.
In this interview we talk to Ebony Syron-Wetzler who came 2nd in our 2022 competition with her digital artwork ‘Under The Same Sun’.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Ebony:
I’m currently studying a Diploma of Graphic Design focused in Illustration at the Design Centre in Enmore.
Q2: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Ebony:
Somewhat, I am inspired by the nature and architecture of the country I live in, specifically its historical towns and neighborhoods. Most of my inspiration comes from the landscape and cities of Europe and the United Kingdom.
Q3: What was your earliest ambition?
Ebony:
I’ve always loved drawing, but I remember my earliest ambition was to be a Historian or Archaeologist because I used to love reading about History, I also enjoyed writing stories so at one point I wanted to be an author.
Q4: Have you fulfilled it?
Ebony:
Although History is still a significant source of inspiration in my art and overall enjoyment, by the time I was in my early teens I decided to pursue Art and Illustration and I hope to continue to learn and study in order whilst I work on my own personal projects.
Q5: Ambition, Luck or Talent? What matters most in the creative world?
Ebony:
I think all three are important to success at varying levels though I would say Talent is the least important and ambition is the most, but without hard work and persistence it's practically useless. Talent is sort of like a headstart but unless you continue to push yourself creatively you can eventually be surpassed by others, hard work and ambition provide the fuel to continue to persevere in the face of failure and adversity.
Q6: What would you like to achieve that you haven’t been able to yet?
Ebony:
I’d like to work as an illustrator full time and eventually publish a graphic novel, though there are many different opportunities I want to always be open to.
Q7: Who is your creative inspiration or mentor?
Ebony:
I am both inspired by my classmates and teachers whose own ideas continue to provide new insight into my creative process. Additionally I am also inspired by comic artists like Juanjo Guarnido and Takehiko Inoue alongside artists within my own country.
Q8: Do you have a favourite design or artistic movement? Why?
Ebony:
I enjoy a lot of art and design movements, though I would say Realism, Art Nouveau and The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood are my favourites at this point in time. I like how they depict the world and their subjects, especially through their composition and linework that make the scenes they depict feel lived in.
Q9: What style or technique in art and design makes you feel the happiest/or feel good?
Ebony:
Line art and inking is my favourite part of drawing. I don’t have to think very hard about what I'm doing since all the planning is done and can just enjoy putting lines on the page and watching a sketch transition into something more refined.
Q10: How did you hear about the Huluku Competition?
Ebony:
Through my course, one of my assessments was to submit something to the competition.
Q11: How did you get inspired to create your artwork for the competition?
Ebony:
I was inspired by my own personal experiences with Neurodiversity, it’s not something I see often represented in stock photos or in general when it comes to representation. I was interested in using a botanical motif because I felt plants and flowers are something that translate well to people in that they can be very different from each other and require their own care and needs in order to thrive but are still beautiful in their own way.
Q12: Were the themes of inclusion, diversity and authentic representation something you were familiar working with prior to the competition?
Ebony:
Somewhat, I've always tried to create art and stories that felt authentic. I think being informed about different peoples experiences is important to understanding the world as it is now, and with information so accessible due to the internet and social media, doing research into these topics is much easier.
Q13: Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Ebony:
Absolutely! In the future I would like to create work that authentically reflects the diversity of the world around me. I believe that most successful forms of communication are able to impact people because they depict something that is real enough to resonate with different groups of people. In the future i’d like to do more research into authentic representation in order to incorporate it into my art.
HULUKU 2022: AN INTERVIEW WITH 2022’s WINNER Eric Takukam
by | Oct 25, 2022 |
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Eric Takukam By Talla Artistik
As part of our celebrations for the 2022 Huluku Competition we invited our top 3 placed digital artists to share a little about themselves and their amazing work. In this interview we talk to Eric Takukam who won the 2022 competition with his digital artwork ‘Autour De Feu’.
Huluku has, once again, been blessed by having inspirational artists and designers enter the competition and we are delighted to introduce Eric as the winner of the 2022 competition.
If you’d like to find out more about Eric’s work then please visit his instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/eric_takukam/
And finally, Vagus Creative – a fun magazine dedicated to artists have a great post about Eric available here https://www.vaguscreatives.net/post/eric-takukam. Remember to check out their other stuff whilst you’re there.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Eric:
I am Eric Takukam. Digital artist based in Cameroon. I would begin by expressing my gratitude to the CIEDA team who gave me this great opportunity to show my artwork and win this competition.
Q2: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Eric:
Yes indeed. My work is to bring my village's culture and values to the town. Born in the rural area and educated in the city, i call myself “THE VILLADIN” (That's a word i create in French language to describe a villager like me living in the civilized world). My village as others, in the Grassfields in Cameroon, has a very powerful and incredible culture, spirituality and lifestyle. The Bamileke's elephant mask which is one of our cultural symbol, is what i use to create my characters with. My backgrounds are often surrounded with my rural elements.
Q3: What was your earliest ambition?
Eric: I have always wanted to be an artist!
Q4: Have you fulfilled it?
Eric: Since 2020 i'am just doing that.
Q5: Ambition, Luck or Talent? What matters most in the creative world?
Eric: I think every one of them has an important place, but I would say that a clear ambition added to talent attract luck when the opposite is very rare.
Q6: What would you like to achieve that you haven’t been able to yet?
Eric: Launch my NFTs collections, have exhibitions of international class, create a school of digital art in my country to train young people.
Q7: Who is your creative inspiration or mentor?
Eric: Keith Haring and the South African Esther Mahlangu really inspired me. As a self-made artist, I don't yet have a chance to have a mentor.
Q8: Do you have a favourite design or artistic movement? Why?
Eric: I have interest in Contemporary art in general. Here the freedom to express oneself is limitless.
Q9: What style or technique in art and design makes you feel the happiest/or feel good?
Eric: I like using lines in my works. I have great times when putting strokes on paper or my graphic tablet. Sometimes, my works would be just in black and white with only lines. Hand drawing and digital art is definitely my best way to go. With digital works, i have fun, i can add, remove, and change elements and colors, modify sizes at my will without wasting any material.
Q10: How did you hear about the Huluku Competition?
Eric: I was on Zealous to participate to another contest when I see the Huluku competition.
Q11: How did you get inspired to create your artwork for the competition?
Eric: At the time i discovered the competition, I was creating a series of artworks for my next exhibition and many of them were just what the contest was looking for. “Autour du feu”, the piece send is inspired by the sharing spirit from my village. When we were kids, all women cooking in the village would share their food with every person around. Even when the food was still on the fire, they would beg the stranger to wait and eat before moving. Usually the fire would be crowded by people of all ages waiting to the food, when listing to the news from the national radio or a story of the WWII by an elder man.
Q12: Were the themes of inclusion, diversity and authentic representation something you were familiar working with prior to the competition?
Eric: Yes. As I say above, since I decided to be a full-time artist, my goal is to show the world the authenticity of Bamileke's culture with its values (the spirit of helping others, sharing, living together, caring about the environment...). With the final goal to maintain the grassfield's cultural heritage alive and contributing to bring change for a better world.
Q13: Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Eric: Yeah, this is just a continuation. Globalisation and modernism have good and bad sides. To be in balance, every person of any color, beliefs, education, etc. has to keep some level of authenticity.
I often quote “ We can open up to others, fully experience modernity and enjoy progress of our time without forgetting our authentic roots “ This is what is seen in my works. A mix of authentic African culture and modern lifestyle. My 2023 exhibitions, with Augmented Reality, will focus on African heritage in a modern world.
Eric's website can be found at https://www.erictakukam-art.com/
HULUKU 2022: Announcing Our Winner For 2022 – Eric Takukam and his artwork ‘Autour De Feu’
by | Oct 25, 2022 |
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Eric Takukam Has Won Huluku 2022 With His Excellence Digital Artwork Called Autour De Feu.
HULUKU 2022: Huluku Is Now In Its Final Month Before The 2022 Submission Deadline Of 30th September 2022!
by | Aug 30, 2022 |
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Enter Today Via Our Zealous.co Competition Page Here https://zealous.co/ciedacic/opportunity/Huluku-2022/
Catch Up With James As He Discusses ‘Representation And Inclusive Design In Digital Art’ With Carmela Hodgson From Zealous.co
by | Aug 10, 2022 |
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Click the Eventbrite link here to find out more or contact the CIEDA team on info@cieda.org for more information and other methods of engaging with the event and participating with the further discussion.
HULUKU 2022: The Premier Authentic Representation In Digital Art Competition Is Now Open For Submissions And Closes On The 30th September 2022.
by | Aug 10, 2022 |
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HULUKU 2021: AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR WINNER TANAYA NADKARNI
by | Mar 22, 2022 |
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As part of our celebrations for the 2021 Huluku Competition we invited our top 3 placed digital illustrations to share a little about themselves and their amazing work. In this interview we talk to Tanaya Nadkarni who won the 2021 competition with her artwork ‘I am’.
Huluku has been blessed by having inspirational artists and designers enter the competition and we are delighted to introduce Tanaya as the winner of the 2021 competition.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Tanaya: I am a final year architecture student, studying in Mumbai. I freelance as an illustrator in my spare time. Currently, I am working on my Architectural Design Dissertation for my final year project.
Q2: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Tanaya: Very much! My work tends to show heavy influences of my surroundings and the stories I collect from my everyday experiences. I am inspired by my close group of friends, teachers and other mentors and the thoughts they share with me. One of my favourite things to do is to just observe people in their own element and then translate them into semi-fictional characters and create exotic narratives out of it!
Q3: What was your earliest ambition?
Tanaya: Believe it or not, I aspired to become a fashion designer, simply because I love the smell of new clothes and I think it requires an amazing sense of intelligence and creative genius to make a canvas out of a human body. However, over time I realised I love thinking about spaces and spatial qualities, that impact our being, more so than anything and that’s how I ended up in Architecture school.
Q4: Have you fulfilled it?
Tanaya: I haven’t! I believe that my creative journey has always taken new routes in between and this is just the beginning! I am a designer at heart which encompasses everything from architecture to graphics to illustrations. I am not yet ‘fulfilled’ with either of these design fields and I am always looking to explore more!
Q5: Ambition, Luck or Talent? What matters most in the creative world?
Tanaya: A little bit of everything! From the experience of my creative journey, I have come to believe that talent is something which shouldn’t be a prerequisite. Hard Work and consistency is the key to everything, even if you lack a bit of talent. It will not hinder your success, if you put your mind to it. My ambition towards the work that I do has helped me deal with a lot of challenges, academically and otherwise too! My work is what keeps me sane, I think! As far as luck goes, sometimes, you have to make your own luck and sometimes, it just works out!
Q6: What would you like to achieve that you haven’t been able to yet?
Tanaya: I am still a student and there are many many things to learn and achieve! Although, I am keen on achieving a little more self confidence and trust for my personal growth. It’s always a good idea to have that in reserve!
Q7: Who is your creative inspiration or mentor?
Tanaya: I am lucky to have many positive influential people around me! My peers, close friends are my constant motivators and at every step of the way, I have found amazing professors; it would be unfair to list just a few of them! I realise this, at certain occasions in life and I am utterly grateful for it. I also am influenced by many beautiful filmmakers like Wes Anderson, Tarkovsky and the stories they make.
Q8: Do you have a favourite design or artistic movement? Why?
Tanaya: For me, the moment while I am still in the process of completing an artwork or a project that is turning out to be the way I wanted it to be, is when I feel the most satisfied. The artwork may not be complete just yet, but the feeling of going in the right direction, knowing that the output will be surprisingly wonderful and then followed by the urge to reach completion to see it all finished, gives me a huge serotonin boost!
Q9: What style or technique in art and design makes you feel the happiest/or feel good?
Tanaya: I am in love with digital art and the immense possibilities digital tools have to offer, however, a micron and a pen is the best medium for me to really experience the connection among the brain, hand and paper.
Q10: How did you hear about the Huluku Competition?
Tanaya: I am always on the search for competitions with exciting briefs. I came across Huluku, by simply googling! It was the first competition that popped up and when I read the brief, it seemed so thoughtful and challenging, that I couldn’t resist trying.
Q11: How did you get inspired to create your artwork for the competition?
Tanaya: I had chosen the theme of sexual orientation under the umbrella theme of Inclusivity and the inspiration came to me from a slinky! It is a spiralled spring toy and it creates these beautiful flexible patterns of blending colours when it is played with. I thought this is how sexual orientation could be looked at- not always permanent, its ever changing patterns, which are beautifully blending.
Q12: Were the themes of inclusion, diversity and authentic representation something you were familiar working with prior to the competition?
Tanaya: I was aware of these terms prior to entering the competition, however, research helped me gain a newer perspective and a better understanding of it. I understood that these terms need to be more spoken out loud and their meanings should be very clearly defined for everyone.
Q13: Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Tanaya: Definitely! I will be sensitive towards including the elements that show a bit more of inclusiveness and authentic representation. I wish that my artwork is impactful for anyone who wants to enjoy it.
If you’d like to find out more about Tanaya’s work then please visit her instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/blue_from_neptune/
HULUKU 2021: AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR 3RD PLACE RUNNER UP CRISTINA ALVAREZ
by | Mar 22, 2022 |
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As part of our celebrations for the 2021 Huluku Competition we invited our top 3 placed digital illustrations to share a little about themselves and their amazing work. In this interview we chat to Cristina Alvarez who was the 3rd place runner up in the 2021 competition with her jazz age artwork ‘Everyone’s Invited’
Huluku has been blessed by having inspirational artists and designers enter the competition and we are delighted to introduce Cristina as the 3rd place runner up for the 2021 competition.
Q1: Tell us a little about yourself, what are you up to at the moment?
Cristina: I am a fashion designer in love with illustration. I decided textiles would become my canvas and thus created my own brand mixing textile design and Colombian leather goods craftsmanship (www.tabibito.com.co).
I am currently exploring a different version of my work by building my personal brand as an illustrator and freelancer (www.cristinadraws.com). I really look forward to selling my art and telling stories in as many formats as possible.
Q2: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life and if so how?
Cristina: I am from Colombia and since I was very young I’ve always been in contact with animals and nature. I would say this is definitely reflected in my art. I absolutely adore animals. They ooze freedom, authenticity, mysticism and colourful expression in whatever they do. I love reflecting that kind of magic in my work as an artist.
Q3: What was your earliest ambition?
Cristina: My earliest ambition was to be a horse alternative therapist. But that was decades ago! As a professional designer I think it was to reach as many people as I could with my bags, which are the ones that have been carrying my most authentic art for several years now.
Q4: Have you fulfilled it?
Cristina: Yes and no. I have reached a lot of people and seeing them walk by, on the street, with my bags, brings me a level joy no one could ever imagine! But, no, I haven’t reached even close to half of what I wanted to achieve in my initial vision. It was (is) a pretty big vision and it keeps evolving.
Q5: Ambition, Luck or Talent? What matters most in the creative world?
Cristina: All. Though instead of luck I would call it timing. And instead of talent, consistency. Ambition gives you vision of how far you want to go, and keeps you dreaming and aiming high. Consistency is the best friend of “practice makes perfect” and I believe not much will happen without it. And timing comes from the momentum of feeling good about what you’re working on, and it makes things happen easily.
Q6: What would you like to achieve that you haven’t been able to yet?
Cristina: I would like to incorporate my art and creativity into the leather goods industry in more ways, with my current and future brands. I would also love to get involved in the editorial industry by creating wonderful book covers and illustrations for content I appreciate.
Q7: Who is your creative inspiration or mentor?
Cristina: I was influenced by designers and design houses like Alexander McQueen, Mary Katrantzou and Balmain. They all inspired me to see fashion as a limitless form of artistic expression, rather than just a way of creating commercial clothing that, yes, we all need and use daily, but anyone can easily design, copy and replace them too (artistically speaking). I wanted to be able to express all the colour and creativity within me, and they lighted the way for me to see I could do it in a functional way within fashion.
Q8: Do you have a favourite design or artistic movement? Why?
Cristina: I am moved by Impressionism and Surrealism. I find mesmerizing the use of apparently random brush strokes to create a bigger picture. The combination of colour that doesn’t even belong there, but that ties up the painting is very satisfying for me to experience. I am also fascinated by the reinterpretation and transformation of what we “agree is reality”, and thus Surrealism like that of Ray Caesar’s is very appealing to me.
Q9: What style or technique in art and design makes you feel the happiest/or feel good?
Cristina: I’ve always felt at ease with the fluidity of watercolours mixed with the detail of fine point line art. I love lines that give some order to an otherwise absolutely soft and free flowing medium. I also like working on Procreate and Photoshop. I really enjoy the freedom and flexibility digital mediums grant, by allowing the exploration of art with anything from colour to texture to weird effects, all in one.
Q10: How did you hear about the Huluku Competition?
Cristina: I was looking for illustration competitions I would feel drawn to. When I read the brief I knew it was a competition I’d feel very comfortable and proud being a part of.
Q11: How did you get inspired to create your art work for the competition?
Cristina: I started thinking about where in everyday life I could find groups of people working together, and musicians came to mind. I came upon a Jazz band flyer and it felt absolutely iconic. I’d seen this same representation before and, as always, I was drawn to the passion and energy it carried. I wondered how a modern reinterpretation of it would look like and I knew that was it. I would create my own version of what a diverse and inclusive modern Jazz band could look like. After all, music is a universal language, ever inclusive and limitless.
Q12: Were the themes of inclusion, diversity and authentic representation something you were familiar working with prior to the competition?
Cristina: Not really. But I do love authenticity and people being free to express themselves, as much as I love learning from the various cultures around the world. Anything that is a representation of open minded values as well as respect and appreciation for others, is something I can easily support and have fun being a part of.
Q13: Are you planning on building the concepts you incorporated into your entry into more of your work? If so, how?
Cristina: I hadn’t thought about it but I would love to, now that you mention it! You leave me wondering what else I could do to express inclusion, freedom of expression, diversity and joy through my art.
If you’d like to find out more about Cristina and her work please check out her social and websites for both her own work and her design brand TABIBITO