MY SPACE. MY HEART.

My Meet the Maker - Interview has now been published and has gone out into the world! 

I must say that at first I found the idea of talking about myself a little overwhelming, however, while I was examing each question carefully and trying to think about the most honest answer, I realised that this whole process was what I needed to help me see more clearly where I am standing at this very moment of my creative career. 

My practice is currently split into two different ways of making, this enables me to channel in a more organised and flexible manner my ideas and skills, while reaching out to different audiences. One is based on the very core of my studies and research; it is characterised by my abstract 'paint drop' stitching technique, which I refer to as 'proper art'. The other way of making brings out a more commercial, fun and accessible - in terms of image - side of my practice.

I find that what the two have in common, not in equal measures of course, is craft. This reflects my own approach to making, which aims to create unique original pieces, no matter how small or big these are on the art charts.

Since moving to Bristol, I felt a different energy around various art practices. Everyone is an artist here, everybody makes things, everybody communicates in their own made-up language. I was lost in this for a while, I was questioning myself and what I had achieved. I felt like I had to reinvent myself and I was afraid of disappointing or disconnecting from all the people who understood or, rather, 'got' my work and where I was trying to go with it, but I had to step back from that and take these responsibilities and all their weight off my shoulders. For the first time since my academic years, I set out to learn again with an open (and much lighter) mind via what I considered another unknown long and winding route, which initially took me away from my real goals and ambitions. If , for the time being, I could make money from selling greeting cards and small versions of what slightly resembled my bigger works and ideas, at least, I thought, I would keep my creativity alive and so my dreams, that's how True Icon Designs was born.

I was told that no one should compromise their art for the sake of accomodating it more comfortably and safely within the city they live in, but that's what I have done, because I feel that our art is shaped by our experiences and perception of the immediate surroundings. By embracing and accepting this, I have become more engaged with the place I live in and I have come to fully appreciate my abilities to work in different ways. Also, I have identified the key elements that may be crucial to take my 'proper art' up a few notches. 
I have found new inspiration, freedom and determination...and, not to mention, I have sold!

Talking about the different parts that make up my art world has helped me see it in a different light, a more calm and diffused one.  

Here are a few more shots, not included in the interview, which show my small studio and myself working away...

The heart in this picture is now sold, but I am working on similar designs :-)

TRUE ICONS IN BATH

Here are a few pictures of Bath Guildhall before the premises were open to the public for the Art fair on 14 July. It was lovely to chat to the other stall holders and learn about their creative journey. Also, it was great to receive such a positive feedback from the visitors and sell something...

TWO-DIMENSIONAL COMBINATIONS

'Favolando', 20x20cm, digital print and thread on linen cotton canvas

'TRUE ICON DESIGNS' IT IS!

Here are some tags, which will accompany the finished products; they may not be the definite ones, but, at least, this is a start!

This (below) is one of my drawings printed on linen-cotton canvas, which I then stretched onto a 20x20cm frame. For the first time I have combined my stitching (thread 'droplets') with a drawing. 

I will apply the same method to create some very unique cushions...the paintings on the wall then will match the cushions to make a lovely and lively interior décor.

digital print and thread on linen cotton canvas, work in progress, 20x20cm

THE LION, THE ARTIST AND THE NEW WARDROBE...

Instead of 'Lazy & Cosy', I thought I would use the name 'True Icon Designs' (by Veronica Mulas) for my fabric collection and future range of soft furnishings. It sounds more appropriate and it is meaningful to me, as it is the translation of my name: Veronica, which comes from the Latin words vera icon (true image or true icon).

I am opening my online shop soon at Etsy where my cushions will be on sale.                                                                  
Also, on 14 July, I will have a market stall in Bath Guildhall where I will introduce my designs and artworks to the public.

Safari, Lion print on yellow background, 16x24"

Safari, Lion detail - black faux fur

Safari, Tiger print, 16x16"

Safari, Elephant print, 16x16"

Countryside, Valentine Butterfly print, 16x16"

'LAZY & COSY'

Here are my first cushion designs:

Safari Collection

Safari, Tiger - red chalk drawing, digital print on organic cotton sateen

Safari, Elephant - pencil drawing, digital print on organic cotton sateen

Having studied a short course in Interior Design, I realised that my own drawings could be put into a context that would create decorative and useful soft furnishings, for example, cushions. 

By developing my own patterns, I want to create an attractive collection of fabrics; these will eventually display my stitching work as well, which will make each cushion a unique piece.

Cushions are a wonderful way to showcase ideas and give a taste of how an environment can be changed into something more sophisticated and personalised.

A label called 'LAZY & COSY' (by Veronica Mulas) will give the collection a sense of fun, warmth, informality and accessibility; this name, however, will be a synonym of quality of materials and artistic input.

As well as a Safari Collection illustrating animals in the wild, there will be a Countryside Collection, which will illustrates butterflies, birds and animals from the countryside. In the future I will also use my drawings of cup cakes and other delicious and good looking things, to make a kitchen space or an open plan area more fun. 

Countryside Collection

    

Countryside, Butterflies, colour pencil drawings, digital print repeat

on organic cotton sateen