:: TEMPEST VAN SCHAIK ::ART.DESIGN.FANTASTIC-CREATURES
EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO, FOR HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN DOING IT, WHY AND HOW IT ALL STARTED...
I'm a creative wanderer, getting involved in any creative projects I stumble upon. I've been involved in the artsy world my whole life, but only recently decided to focus my experiences. In June 2007 I started my own label called Ellomennopee (pronounced LMNOP) to encompass and encourage creative ramblings, such as art exhibitions, logo designs, stylist work, commissions, illustrations, jewelery design and fantastic-creatures. It started when I realized I needed a distinct creative catharsis in my day-to-day life, which was otherwise a pretty left-brained affair.
DID YOU STUDY AT ALL? WHERE? HOW?
In 2006 I graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Wits University. I'm still a student there, and will graduate with my Electrical Engineering degree in 2009. I'm really lucky to be in the position where I'm not forced to make a living from Ellomennopee, which gives me the freedom to be discerning about projects, and not to be pre-occupied with the commercial success of my work.
WHAT PROGRAMS/MEDIUMS DO YOU MOSTLY PREFER TO WORK WITH?
I always conceptualize with a pencil and paper. Then, I enjoy getting to understand the restrictions and limitations of a material and using that as a framework on which to proceed. Since I enjoy making plush characters, a needle and thread are common materials. This often leads to minor casualties; so some of my works may contain a complimentary drop of blood.
WHAT GETS YOUR INSPIRATIONAL JUICES FLOWING?
If I need inspiration, I turn to my collection of graphic books for a creative slap in the face. I try not expose myself to work too similar to what I'm about to start, lest I become too influenced by it. Whenever I travel I try to absorb as much from my surroundings as possible; and, I always keep a creative notebook on me for inspirational ideas.
ONE OF YOUR CRAZIEST WORK EXPERIENCES?
It was really crazy having an artwork stolen. It's not like my art has much street value, or that it's an essential like a loaf of bread, which somebody needs to survive another day!
HOW DO YOU SEE LOCAL ART/MUSIC/FASHION/CULTURE? (relevant to your field)
I'm really happy to see that South African designers and consumers are starting to learn the universal language of character design. There's a growing number of "kidults" around, who are demanding more character culture.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE SOMETHING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'd love to see more cultural events taking place, like platforms, shows, and general creative exchanges. I'd love more mixed media events too, exposing people to contemporary art, craft, science and music all at once. In America they have these fabulous indie craft expos and alternative knitting forums- which would be marvelous in South Africa.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK TAKING YOU IN THE FUTURE?
I just hope that in the future I can get involved in enough challenges to satisfy my creative appetite. I'm looking forward to crazy collaborations and lots of diverse projects; in particular, vinyl toy design gets me rather excited. I'm also thinking of ways to combine creative projects with my engineering skills, to create a few fancy tricks...
