Overgrowth

Last October in Portland, I was lucky enough to experience a behind the scenes moment watching florist, Riley Messina of Erba Floral and photographer, Parker Fitzgerald of Ransom Ltd, work some magic on their much anticipated joint project - Overgrowth. Created as a simple outlet for the two to combine their talents, Overgrowth has turned into a sincere search for beauty expressed through humans and nature. After two years in the making, Overgrowth (filled to the brim with Riley's floral design and Parker's Kodak film photographs) is being turned into a book. A most beautiful book. It has recently launched as a Kickstarter campaign - a place to support this earnest project and to pre-order your own copy. If you'd like. I did. More here. 

Creative Humans - The Fitzgerald's

There are certain people in this wide world that you just happen to stumble upon. You think that one day, it would be so lovely to meet them. But you don't plan it. And then, they just happen to be there. And then you happen to be in their home photographing their beautiful little family. The Fitzgerald's just happened to be these people. 

It was a fun story. I had been dragged to Portland a day early to be with two silly, very talented humans. We had only just met, but it seemed that we HAD to spend the week together. I had a hotel booked, but cancelled it to stay with my new friends. One night, we had a little tortilla soup party. Before I could turn around and drink my Mexican coke, James Fitzgerald walked through the door. I knew him. Of course I knew him. Any film photographer worth their Hasselblad knows who he is. So you can imagine my reaction when he walked through the door for dinner. Shortly after a quick trip to the grocery for wine, Jame's beautiful wife Joy - the very talented calligrapher/illustrator of MADE BY SOHN - walked through the door with their brand new little baby, James Fitzgerald (the IV). To be surrounded by such company, such talent, made me a little giddy. One week earlier I had been staring at their faces in the Kinfolk Table cookbook and thinking of attempting Joy's Hwe Dup Bap recipe. These people were magic. And now, here we all were, sharing soup in the same living room.

When it came time to visit the Fitzgerald's in their lovely little apartment just off Division, I knew that I would have trouble taking their photos. Not because they didn't make me feel welcome or that they weren't the worlds most beautiful looking family to photograph - but because I was so ridiculously excitable to be in their company, yet again. I had to breathe. Remember to keep checking my images. Not to get too worked up worrying about Jay checking in on my photography skills...  The trouble I felt earlier quite quickly disappeared. Instead I was humbled by feelings of utter admiration towards their remarkable kindness, their love for each other and their entire life situation. Here they were, two exceptionally talented and creative freelancers and their one month old baby, living a sweet little life in Portland as a happy little family. I left feeling so very inspired, so very happy to have been in their company, and so very grateful to have stumbled upon them. 

What projects are you currently working on?
JAMES - This is a slower time of year for client work, which means I'm taking advantage of the down time to focus on refining myself personally.  This includes improving my photography skill/eye, tuning up the vision for my work and of course always drumming up new ideas for Ransom Ltd., the business my brother Parker and I run together.
JOY - In all honesty, my illustration and calligraphy work has temporarily paused as my biggest "project" is being a mother to my dear 2 month old son.  But most recently, I've been tying up illustration work I did with San Francisco based children's clothing company, Leitmotif.

Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
JAMES - I draw inspiration from a mix of classic photographers including Bresson and Capa, as well as newer platforms such as Instagram and Tumblr.  

JOY - I love studying old handwritten letters, back when letters were the only form of communication.  I also get inspiration from other art forms - ceramics, florals, fashion.  

Why a photographer (James) and a calligrapher/illustrator (Joy)?
JAMES - I've always enjoyed creating, but never thought I'd found my 'outlet.' A few years ago, after dabbling a bit in photography, my brother bought me an old Canon F-1 with the specific instruction that I actually use it. Something about the rhythm using film camera fascinated me and I've felt called to the craft ever since.

JOY - In my early 20s, I had the realization there wasn't much I could offer that someone else couldn't offer better.  But there is something very specific and special about what each person produces with their hands.  I spent my whole life unintentionally studying the handwriting of everyone around me and found it astounding that everyone had a different mark.  This realization combined with my natural enjoyment of both drawing and penmanship led to MADE BY SOHN ("Sohn" in Korean means "hand.")

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, would you be so kind to share some of your favourite artists?
With so many things demanding out attention these days, we both, oddly enough, prefer to work in silence.  

Do you have a morning ritual?
Our morning starts when our son decides it's time to wake up, which can range anywhere from 5am to 9am. We spend a bit of time just enjoying each other's company in our warm sheets.  We try to have a simple breakfast together at home with coffee or tea before we officially get ready for the day.  If we're lucky, we'll get some reading in (these days it's C.S Lewis). 

What's your idea of a perfect Friday night?
Dinner either at home or at our favorite Portland date spot (Navarre), some wine, good conversation and relaxation.  It doesn't take much for us to have a good time.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Currently, South Korea is on our list for the next place we really want to go.  We would love to spend time in the countryside and also very much want to visit Joy's grandmother. Also, Middle Earth.

Best piece of advice you've ever given or been given?
JAMES - My Dad always used to say, "Better to let everyone think you're an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." It sounds rather harsh but it instilled in me the importance of intentionality with words. Intentionality is something I strive for in everything, including my relationships with others as well as my art. I suppose I would say to my son - be intentional in everything you do. 

What's for dinner?
Rice bowl with roasted & pickled vegetables, a fried egg, arugula, topped with avocado slices.

The best part about being a creative?
We would be lying if we didn't mention the fact that we love not living most of our days under fluorescent lights in a cubicle (the environment we were both in prior to becoming freelancers).  
The best and worst part of being creative is being stretched and challenged to think beyond what's in front of us. There isn't an instruction manual on what it means to be creative and produce something worthy. 

The worst part?
See above.

Day or night? Day
Old or new? Old and New
City or Country? City, but country for vacation and respite
Coffee or Tea? Coffee

What do you enjoy most about living in Portland, OR?
The city has so much of what we're looking for. There's breathtaking nature in all directions, amazing food, and great people. The city can be as small or large as you want it to be.

Thoughts for the future:
We're intimidated and excited to experience being freelancers as well as parents. We're not sure what the future holds, but it's definitely not going to be boring!

Creative Humans - Hannah Ferrara | Another Feather

I was never much of a jewelry wearer. I got my ears pierced late and promptly let them grow out a short while after. The only time you could find me in a necklace and a ring was during my late teen hippy stage - and even then they were most probably made from hemp and some sort of chunky mood stone. When we moved to the states I came across Another Feather. I'd seen Hannah's work floating around the web and had the chance to try some of her designs on at a pop up event in Nashville. I put a gold arc ring on my middle right finger and, despite the times where I find myself baking or climbing, haven't taken it off since. I think it was the simplicity and originality of the designs that struck me most. I became obsessed. They are just so lovely and so damn wearable. 

Meeting Hannah in Portland, back in October, was quite the exciting moment for me. It turns out that we had found ourselves in the very same spot exactly a year earlier at a dinner event over on the East Coast. However, neither of us knew of each other then so we didn't formally meet. This time we did indeed meet and it was oh so lovely. We spent the morning working our way down Division street starting at Stumptown for coffee + tea, Roman Candle for Lunch and ending up at Salt + Straw for some after lunch treats. Hannah seems to always find the best eats (I quite often find myself stalking her instagram looking for the best restaurants in unfamiliar cities). She graciously greeted us with fresh figs from the tree in her garden and happily reshaped my accidentally squished arc ring during our chat over coffee. Of course our time together flew by way too fast. Not at all surprising considering that it felt like I had been waiting a year for this one - to meet the maker who turned me into a jewelery wearer, who's ring I'd been wearing around daily and who has got me adding her bracelets to my Christmas list. Serious obsession. Not only with the jewelry but dear Hannah too. What a lady.

What projects are you currently working on? 

Some exciting collaborations that I can't quite share yet, a few events & pop-ups, my next collection, and a new look book.

Where do you draw your creative inspiration from? 

So many places. Almost always from traveling, unknown and familiar landscapes, the internet, architecture, and the simplest moments or patterns found while going about my day.

Why a Jeweler?

I love the sculptural aspects of working in metal, and I love creating pieces in that medium which interact with the body. From that interest I began making the simplistic and everyday pieces I always wanted to exist but couldn't seem to find.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, would you be so kind to share some of your favourite artists? 

I'm a little bit crazy when it comes to that, and actually really enjoy working in silence for most of the morning. By the end of the day music is usually turned on at some point to help get through the late afternoon.

Do you have a morning ritual? 

Coffee, yoga, emails. I wish I didn't have to get on my computer so early in the day, but now that I'm on the west coast I constantly feel behind all day due to the time difference if not. Then to work in the studio for the remainder of the morning, or meetings/ errands depending on the day. If it's the weekend then I like to linger over the coffee, make a proper breakfast, and go for a walk. 

What's your idea of a perfect Friday night? 

Friday's always somehow end up being one of my busiest days, so by the end of it I am pretty spent and want to stay in. Fridays around here typically end in a run at the park, thai take out and a movie at home. Saturday and sunday evenings are for going out or for cooking a big dinner and having our friends over.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Right now I've really been wanting to visit Morocco, Greece, Berlin and Copenhagen. Japan is also high on my list. 

Best piece of advice you've ever given or been given? 

It's better to get paid less and do work that inspires yourself and those around you than to spend your life doing something that makes you miserable all for the sake of a paycheck. I was given that advice early on and I still stand by it and give it often.

What's for dinner? 

Cauliflower & lemongrass soup

The best part about being a creative? 

Being able to have my hands in so many inspiring things, being my own boss, working with my hands everyday.

The worst part? 

Learning to reign it in, having my mind in a million places/ projects at once. Never having an off-switch. Getting little sleep.

Day or night? Day

Old or new? Both, I can't decide. I like the aesthetics of new but the history and visual story of old. Or new inspired by old. Or a juxtaposition of both.

City or Country? Also both. Living in the city, and frequently spending time in the country is ideal for me.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee first thing in the morning then tea the remainder of the day, herbal tea in the evening before bed.

What do you enjoy most about living in Portland, OR? 

The community of creatives, the lush plant life, incredible food and being relatively close to so many beautiful parts of Oregon (i.e. the coast, the Columbia gorge, the woods, Mt. Hood)

Thoughts for the future: 

They always involve travel plans. Serious wanderlust over here. 

Creative Humans - Blake Suarez

The first time I met illustrator, Blake Suarez, I was sitting at a wine bar in Charleston SC, with his lovely girlfriend, Olivia. Blake walked in, introduced himself and joined us for a wine. It wasn't long before Blake began drawing. We were talking of his and Olivia's love for the pacific north west, and seeing as I was about to head there for my very first time, they began sharing their knowledge of places to visit, things to do and the very best of eats. Blake promptly began making a list, jotting down Seattle must do's and drawing little pictures next to them to better describe each suggestion. I smiled. Ahh, attention to fun creative detail, I thought. I'm going to like this guy. Moments later, a couple of Olivia and Blake's friends walked into the bar. One of the guys was wearing a t-shirt with Blake's illustrations on it. A design he had created for the branding of this new friends business. It wasn't long before I started noticing Blake's illustrations all over Charleston town - on salt tins, on cocktail syrup bottles, on favourite local websites. A quick look at some of his work over at Fuzzco, will show that his illistrations go well beyond his current home town. Quite impressive indeed.

The thing is, Blake is much more than an illustrator. He is a really nice guy. Reminds me of my family, really. He has that type of attitude - generous amounts of time and energy, ever eager to be happy and to please and a willingness to go completely out of his way to do kind things for you. He is also dead keen for foraging. An interest that we quickly realized we have in common. So, when Blake offered to give up part of his weekend to take Jakob, Taj the dog and I out foraging for mushrooms, of course we said yes please.  Although the season was at its end and very few (edible) mushrooms were found, we still had a swell time. It helps when you lend your trust to such talent. None of us were poisoned  - just thankful to be in Blake's fun, willing and ever generous company. 

What projects are you currently working on?

We’re working on quite a few projects at Fuzzco, but most of the time I’m jumping back into files for Bittermilk and Bulls Bay Saltworks; two amazing clients that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and two companies that everyone should check out. They’re making some wonderful products and they are incredibly genuine people! I wish I had more of a drive for personal projects these days, but to be honest, coming home and removing myself from design is such a breath of air. So instead I’ve been taking up other projects, like growing kombucha mamas, learning to forage, and fermenting mustard.

Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?

Walking and road trips are a good start. Getting away from the computer and driving towards nature is the perfect way to recharge. I’m fortunate to live so close to some decent trails and the sea. The mountains are only three-ish hours away as well, and nothing is more stimulating than waking up in the Appalachians.

Why an illustrator?

I’ve always drawn. I used to fill up the blank pages at the end of my parents’ textbooks when I was little and as I got older I realized I was decent enough to sell some work. After realizing biotechnology was not my thing, I finished up with a BA in graphic design. My first year out of college I was fortunate enough to work with Patagonia and Warner Music, but most of the work they hired me for was illustration-based, rather than design, so I started focusing my efforts on illustration.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, would you be so kind to share some of your favourite artists?

Yes! My friend got me into Shakey Graves a couple years ago and his new album has been on repeat for the past few weeks. For a while I was listening to This American Life, but I can’t remember which ones I’ve heard because I was jumping around.

Do you have a morning ritual?

Olivia and I try to get a walk in before work. This is most always a walk to our first cup of coffee.

What's your idea of a perfect Friday night?

Tucking into the Belmont on my walk home for an Aldo Raine for starters and meeting the lady for dinner. This'll either be Chez Nous for some of the best Bon appétiting around, or Two Boroughs Larder for some damn good noodles. I love it when Olivia cooks, but she deserves Friday off. Afterward meeting Frankie (the pup) back at home and letting us scratch her belly while we zone out on the couch with some Underberg to settle down.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Venezuela. My papa is from Venezuela and left when he was about 25. I still haven’t been, and haven’t met about half of my relatives, which is sad. 

Best piece of advice you've ever given or been given?

Don’t take yourself too seriously. My parents always told me that. It’s too easy to forget, but honestly, cuss it, what’s the point of being serious?

What's for dinner?

As in, what did I have for dinner before jumping into the interview? Because it was an embarrassing amount of tuna on toast... If you mean, ideally... I would have rather had a glass of wine with some sunburst trout stuffed with chanterelles or a beer and a pile of brisket. 

The best part about being a creative?

Getting to meet some amazing people that are excited to invest in their brands. I don’t mean that monetarily, but just giving us the chance to prove what we can do for them. Also, this might sound a little braggy, but it is pretty awesome to see the work you’ve done around town. I remember the first time I saw one of my designs in Whole Foods and I was pretty proud to say the least. Definitely sent a couple photos to my folks.

The worst part?

Having to be on at all times. It is impossible and doesn't get in the way too often, but nothing is worse than having a block when you’ve got two more hours to finish a presentation. 

Day or night?

Early morning.

Old or new?

Most times old. Everyone tells me I have a hard time with change, and that may be true. I never update my computer…

City or Country?

The country is a pretty romantic place, and I definitely prefer it. I love exploring a new city, though.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee, every morning. 

What do you enjoy most about living in Charleston, SC?

This town is full of a lot of energy and independent spirit. People are pretty driven to follow their dreams and I love that and I love the pride and support this city has for its locals. There is a strong sense of community here, a lot stronger than I expected moving three years ago, and I can only see it getting tighter and more collaborative. 

Thoughts for the future:

I’d like to finish this dang children’s book I’ve been sitting on for two years. I have the structure of the story down and most of the characters; I just need to start illustrating it all! I’d like to start making beer next year, just to see if I can make anything half decent. I also want to get a little deeper into the foraging world. I can identify some edibles here and there, but I’m not impressed with myself, yet.