Artists Feature: Betsy Otter Thompson- Walking Through Illusion

 

First off I must apologize! I should have read this book a LONG time ago....and I did sort of. I started it, then stopped, then started, then stopped, then last week I started, and completed. From beginning, to end. It was amazing to read. Now that I have read it through I now understand why it took me so long. I wasn't spiritually prepared to read it before. 

This uniquely formed self- help book was inspirational for me to say the least. Ms. Thompson's base was a conversation with Jesus, taking stories of the people He knew throughout His life, or came into contact with and used them as a platform to give direction and enlightenment from their life experiences. For me it personally gave a new perspective to the art of the self help book by showing that in order for your life to change you can not constantly be worried about others action in your life. You can only control your part in it, and how you react. Beautiful.

I was also blessed enough to be able to interview Ms. Thompson, this is what she had to say =).

J: Where are you from?

B: I returned home to Philadelphia four years ago after being in California for 23 years.

J: How do your surroundings affect your creative process?

B: Other than making sure I’m comfortable in them, my surroundings, per se, have little to do with it. For me, it’s about focus: sitting down, and putting my attention to the task.

J: How long have you been writing?

B: I’ve been writing for 23 years.

J: What is your favorite piece and why?

B: I always think the article or the book I’m working on is the best one because it’s the one that’s answering my momentary questions.

J: Where do you draw inspiration from?

B: For me, it comes from within. Without my communication with spirit, there wouldn’t be any product. I’m a vessel. The information comes through me, I write it down, and I share what I am given. Not to say there isn’t an editing process, there is, just as there is, and needs to be, in any kind of writing.

J: What do you think makes you different from the next writer?

B: I’m only different in that I write what comes through my creative expression. Many spiritual self-help authors are doing the same: expressing ideas through their creativity. Many themes are similar, but the results are never the same because each of us writes form our own individual perspective and personal growth.

J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?

B: I’d take my peace of mind, my joy to be alive, and my gratitude for having a beautiful island on which to live.

Artists Feature- Myka Shoes

 

J: Where are you from?

M: I'm from Israel born and raised. Although I did spend a few years in the Netherlands where I studied at the Rietveld Academy of Art and Design in Amsterdam.

 

J: How do your surrounding affect your creative process?

M: My creative process is less affected by my surroundings, but rather from my interests. My current collection, Winter 2010/2011, is actually inspired by the movies of Pedro Almodovar, specifically the women from his movies. While my Summer 2010 collection was inspired by strong women in history. Basically I guess you can say I am inspired by strong women everywhere.

J: How long have you been designing?

M: I started sketching and designing things for myself since the day I learned to hold a pencil. My love of design really blossomed during my studies at the Rietveld Academy, and that’s when I really got more deeply involved in graphic design and the like. It wasn’t until two years ago that I decided to focus on shoe design. This is currently my second year in the business and I’m enjoying every minute of it! 

J: What is your favorite piece and why?

 M: My favorite piece is the Rebecca Snake-Embosses Heel because on one side it has a very simplistic design, yet it is an intriguing piece because it’s made from leather that is far from standard. I went for something less mainstream and more on the wild side. This is a twist that I try to put into all of my designs.

J: Where do you draw inspiration from?

 M: My inspiration is generally drawn from things that affect me deeply. Basically this goes back to question number two – strong women are always an inspiration to me, especially when they manage to break boundaries or change the course history.

J: What do you feel makes you different from the designer?

M: I truly believe that when you look good you feel good, which is why I design shoes that will make a women look good, and of course feel good, all the way down to her toes. I think one of my major differentiators is the “twist” that I add to my designs that keep the design classic, but with a pop of originality. My shoes go with your life, regardless of where you are or where you are going. Lastly, comfort is very important for me, especially when it comes to shoes. This is one of the things I focus on when designing – I want the women who wear them to be as comfortable as possible, all while feeling sexy and feminine.

J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you what would they be?

M:It would be difficult to take my three kids without my husband, as they would be too much for me to handle. So I guess my best answer would have be sunglasses, a bathing suit and suntan lotion. If I’m going to be stranded on a deserted island I may as well get comfortable and die with a good tan.

Artists Feature- Miss Brache

Yay, my first artist feature! I had the opportunity to interview the lovely Diane of Miss Brache from etsy. Who, might I add is both fab and gorgeous! I was so excited because I have admired her work for so long. 

J: Where are you from?
D: I'm was born and raised in Miami, FL. My parents are Cuban and Puerto Rican.

J: How long have you been designing?
D: Since I was a little girl. I have as long as I remember been making clothing for myself or my dolls. At 11 I made outfits out of paper grocery bags for my 3 cousins, my sister and myself. We then had a fashion show for the family. I can't find those photos anywhere:(

J: What is your favorite piece and why?
D: Right now, my wedding dress. Why, well it my wedding dress:) I've been working on it all Summer. It has been the biggest project I've ever done and most difficult. The main problem was the fact that I do this for a living, so I had waaaaay to many ideas. I never was the kind of girl that dreamed of my wedding dress so that made it even harder.

J: Where do you draw inspiration from?
D: From going out and doing stuff. Movies, dancing, dog park, family parties, anything where there are people. I'm always watching people and looking at their seam lines, shape and color of garment. I think I could make her look better if it where more like this or I think that dress is very flattering because of the waistline placement and so on. I hope I don't freak people out when I'm out on the streets, I'm just being inspired by them:)

J:What do you feel makes you different from the designer?
D: I like to design to make people feel happy with who they are and bring out what they like about their shape. Women are always thinking negatively about how they look. When they are in something that makes them feel pretty they shine. I feel like any woman can shine, no matter her shape. I design to make women feel beautiful just the way they are.

J: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things with you what would they be?

D: Machete or Saber of sorts
Musical Instrument (can't play any, but it would be a good time to learn)
Very Large Towel

Jay =)