inspiration week Day 9: Geninne Zlatkis

I first fell in love with the watercolor paintings of Geninne well over a year ago when I was browsing the art for sale on etsy. I immediately sensed that she loved the natural world as much as I did and that she had a particular fondness for the feathered inhabitants of the earth. I purchased a few prints of hers but it was really the stones that brought us together. For some reason Geninne became one of my strongest supporters and motivators in the crochet covered stone journey I embarked on last year. I don't think it is possible to tell her or you just how important that support has been in getting me where I am. She even gave me the ultimate complement by pulling out her crochet hook and covering some stones of her own using my little tutorial. Here is a picture of one of my stones I made for her and the one she made for herself. Notice how lovely everything in Geninne's home is and her fantastic photographs. And if that isn't enough she is married to the best home and furniture builder in the world . What inspires you in your creativity? My inspiration comes from all sorts of places, primarily from nature. I live in a beautiful wooded area so I'm surrounded by all sorts of cute little birds, flowers, and trees. I am also inspired by many of the wonderful and talented artists that share their work and a glimpse of their daily lives on the internet. If you tried to trace back the series of events that lead to you making things and opening an etsy shop where would it begin? I opened up my etsy shop encouraged by the lovely people that visit my blog in September 2007 with a couple of prints. It was such a great experience to see my artwork flying off to far and exciting places. I had always dreamed of selling my work. Visiting etsy for the first time was so inspiring, I loved the fact that it was sort of like an online art fair. I immediately signed up and began to research costs and the works. I couldn't believe how easy it was to set up shop. I'm absolutely smitten by etsy, it's like a great big family of crafters. How did you learn your crafting skills? My love for arts & crafts began at a very early age. I've always been interested in learning how things are made. I learned most of my crafting skills at school. When I was a little girl I attended a British school for girls in Chile that had a great emphasis in teaching all kinds of crafts like sewing, knitting, weaving, etc... I had a great teacher and two very loving and very creative grandmas as well. I studied Architecture in Chile for a couple of years before I moved to Mexico and decided to go into graphic design. I learned a few things in college but I think most of my skills come from being extremely curious about all types of crafts and wanting to experiment and explore different techniques and playing with my hands. Can you describe an environment : time, place and company ( people or pets) where you feel most creative? I feel most creative at home, specifically in my studio, surrounded by lots of art materials that I can play with. My most creative time is at night, when the house is nice and quiet and I can dive uninterrupted into my little world :) What do you have planned 2009? I really don't have a specific plan, just to continue doing what I love and having fun with it. To be creative everyday and share it with all of you in my blog. I purchased a little gift for myself for christmas from Geninne's etsy shop. Can you guess what it is? I am trying very hard to convince Geninne that we should go beachcombing together this summer. Does anyone want to join us? We can at least dream , can't we? I am really excited about tomorrow's interview ( yes this is the longest week in the history of the world). Tomorrow's interview is with another very lovely person from Brooklyn and we became friends because of a question she asked me in the fall of 2007 about a small tinsel tree. Here is a perfect example of why it is so important to delurk, leave comments on the flickr photos, blogs or shops of people you admire or artists you feel connected to and on the other end artists and shop owners why it is so important to answer questions, read comments and connect with your fans. It could lead to something magical.

Comments

[mayaluna]

Geninne's work is so beautiful I barely have words... me, the long winded commenter! Well, maybe a few. Thank you Geninne for sharing your gift with the world... you've touched so many.

Margie, please don't let this end! I do miss YOU and seeing what your week is about, so thank you for keeping us up to date on flickr. I'm so intrigued by your clues for tomorrow...

[mary]

I am going to leave you to immerse myself in Gennine's blog but thank you Margie for what you are doing for us all here!

[Sonia]

Hi Marggie, I'm one of the many readers of Maya, so I thought I'd leave a comment here too, you are so right about delurking, that's the one thing to do ! :) So here I am.
Thank you so very much for interviewing so many & such talented ladies these past days, you have shared a lot of love doing this, there are so many talented people on the net & we can not be aware of the existence of all of them. Of course I knew some of them already but knowing more about what they do, how they get inspired, and even more about themselves, is really priceless !! Maya & Geninne are both highly inspirational to me. They are so gifted & make the world be a better & sweeter place.
Have an awesome day today ! :) Best wishes !

[julochka]

i popped over from tiny happy and i'm so glad i did. these inspiration posts are really, really inspiring!

[therese]

i'm guessing a tiny book of birds :) which have been on my wishlist for some time, by the way. i'm the happy owner of two of geninnes beautiful bird prints.

[Mathyld]

This is one touching interview ...
x x x
___mathyld___

[saganaga]

Amazing talent!

[Patricia]

I've fallen even more in love with Geninne's work after this interview, if that were possible. You've included some images of hers that I hadn't seen before, and they just fill me with joy. I wasn't quick enough to snag one of her tiny books, so I hope that's one more thing that Geninne will continue to make in 2009!

[Geninne]

Thank you Margie, you are so sweet and generous. I am so blessed to have you as a friend :)

[Rachel]

I completely agree with the comments you added at the bottom! In fact, YOU introduced me to Geninne's blog, which has definitely become a favourite :)

Now, since I think you are also very talented, I have given you the One Lovely Blog award :)
You can get the information from my post here:
http://jacobiterose.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html

[Paige]

Oh, this is just--stunning. I want to dive into Geninne's world--now must run off to her etsy shop to drool...

[Krys]

She is one of my favorite artists right now! I just go to her site and etsy store and just look at the pictures :) I love the birds!
I keep dropping (heavy) hints to my husband that these would be great gifts for me ;) Thanks for interview and thank you for your wonderful site!

[Vickie]

Thanks for the interview with Geninne. She is one of my favorite blogging artists. She is so inspiring. Also thanks for reminding us to leave comments when we visit a blog. I've been really lazy about that the last few weeks. I love reading new comments. I should return the favor.
Vickie

[Elsa Mora]

Please Geninne,
Count me as one of your fans! I absolutely adore your work and your personality, you are a very special person and artist. Looking at your creations is such a gift. I remember running to purchasing one of your tiny books but I was too late :( I was sad because I dreamed with having one of them in my studio but I am so happy that I can see pictures of it on the internet :) I would consider myself lucky if I can see your studio in person one day.
Big hug to you and thank you so much Margie for the interview!!!!
elsita :)

[RaShell]

OMG, I would soooo go beach-combing with two of you... mmm Geninne is great, I'm a big fan of hers :)

[Vivienne Strauss]

incredible, beautiful work! thank you Margie for introducing Geninne to those of us who didn't know her work!

[cialis online]

My grandmother is an expert making similar Crafts, I think that the images that you share are really beautiful!! I feel so happy with the information!22dd