I came across the work of Sandra Krumins on The Nest - an online community created by Dumbofeather founder Kate Bezar. I'm glad I went snooping because Sandra is not only a great illustrator but she has some interesting things to say. I particularly love this comment: "It's much better to learn as you go along and make mistakes than be paralysed by all the what ifs." Hope you get some pearly wisdoms from the interview too.
Which five words best describe you? Resourceful, Sensitive, Driven, Introspective, Strong.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My very first job was at Crazy Prices when I was about 15. It taught me all about what I don't want to do with the rest of my life! When I finished high school I went straight into a Fine Arts degree. Studying art at uni never really suited me though - I wanted to get my hands dirty and make art but it was all theory and art history. When it came time to choose a major I elected to do painting and drawing but I was late putting my forms in and missed out, so printmaking was actually my second choice. I'm very grateful that it turned out that way because ever since then I've just been in love with printmaking, particularly linocut. It's really become part of my identity and integral to my art and illustration practice. After uni I studied graphic design and so I've been juggling the design, illustration and also creating and selling artworks for children through my little business Lino Creative, ever since.
What’s your proudest achievement? Last year I decided to stop doing graphic design so much despite the financial rewards, and follow what makes me happy: illustration and making art for children. I recently started selling at markets all over Sydney and even opened up my own little online shop www.linocreative.com.au, and I've never felt better.
What’s been your best decision? To go to the Hollywood hotel one night in 2007 to meet the love of my life!
Who inspires you? Strong, independent, unconventional, creative women who make up their own rules. Margaret Olley, Mirka Mora and Keri Smith [ed - you can read an interview with Keri Smith on Daily Imprint here] are just a few examples. Other artists and illustrators like Nate Williams, Esther Pearl Watson, Olaf Hajek, Rob Ryan, Donna Ingemanson and so many more!
What are you passionate about? My family, community, art, good food and wine, animal rights.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? The more you work, the more inspiration will come. Don't over think everything too much: it's much better to learn as you go along and make mistakes than be paralysed by all the what ifs.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My mother's mother. I'd love to have tea with my mum and my grandma. That'd be nice.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? Own my own home in the mountains with a veggie patch, a big art studio and a wood fire. Three kids and a jack russell called Fudge. And I want to learn how to knit.
What are you reading? One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
Images courtesy of Sandra Krumins
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? My very first job was at Crazy Prices when I was about 15. It taught me all about what I don't want to do with the rest of my life! When I finished high school I went straight into a Fine Arts degree. Studying art at uni never really suited me though - I wanted to get my hands dirty and make art but it was all theory and art history. When it came time to choose a major I elected to do painting and drawing but I was late putting my forms in and missed out, so printmaking was actually my second choice. I'm very grateful that it turned out that way because ever since then I've just been in love with printmaking, particularly linocut. It's really become part of my identity and integral to my art and illustration practice. After uni I studied graphic design and so I've been juggling the design, illustration and also creating and selling artworks for children through my little business Lino Creative, ever since.
What’s your proudest achievement? Last year I decided to stop doing graphic design so much despite the financial rewards, and follow what makes me happy: illustration and making art for children. I recently started selling at markets all over Sydney and even opened up my own little online shop www.linocreative.com.au, and I've never felt better.
What’s been your best decision? To go to the Hollywood hotel one night in 2007 to meet the love of my life!
Who inspires you? Strong, independent, unconventional, creative women who make up their own rules. Margaret Olley, Mirka Mora and Keri Smith [ed - you can read an interview with Keri Smith on Daily Imprint here] are just a few examples. Other artists and illustrators like Nate Williams, Esther Pearl Watson, Olaf Hajek, Rob Ryan, Donna Ingemanson and so many more!
What are you passionate about? My family, community, art, good food and wine, animal rights.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? The more you work, the more inspiration will come. Don't over think everything too much: it's much better to learn as you go along and make mistakes than be paralysed by all the what ifs.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My mother's mother. I'd love to have tea with my mum and my grandma. That'd be nice.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? Own my own home in the mountains with a veggie patch, a big art studio and a wood fire. Three kids and a jack russell called Fudge. And I want to learn how to knit.
What are you reading? One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
Images courtesy of Sandra Krumins
10 comments:
Great interview, and I loved that comment too, its perfect for me! Thanks! I love your blog. Its the perfect mix of everything Im interested in. Great work! Im off to check out your other artist/illustration inspiration interviews.
Loved the illustrations :)
Found your blog via Blogs of Note and have really enjoyed going through with a morning cup of coffee on a rainy day. Very inspiring interview, succinct and eloquent, and loved Sandra's prints - will be doing some further investigation for sure.
Also, how are you getting along with The Shipping News? One of my favourite books but very rarely find anyone who's read it. Annie Proulx strangely under-appreciated for someone so famous.
Thanks for the morning inspiration!
Tom
Kaili - glad you enjoyed the interview. Some days I wonder if I'm too time starved to keep up the blog but when I got responses from interviewees that inspire me, I think, "don't be silly, I'm inspired!"
Thanks, Monica. Be sure to check out her website too. It was hard to decide which ones to feature!
Tom, I have to confess that I didn't get past the first couple of pages. Not that I didn't like it but I got distracted with a hundred other books. But I will return to it. I did enjoy what I read. I've also changed the book review section so stay tuned.
Lovely interview, and beautiful artwork!
What a great talent! I love the variety of artwork and a very interesting interview!
A fabulous interview and a true talent. Beautiful illustrations, impressive.
This is very inspiring:) I love reading about those who follow their dreams no matter what!
I have a question for you Natalie, and I was wondering how I could contact you:) If you follow me on twitter I can send you a direct message with my question.
http://twitter.com/annvandelft
Thanks!
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