Interview about my work on HJM Art blog.

My first virtual interview
Feel free to read, visit, share and buy!

http://hjmart.blogspot.com/

Stop by this interview, it is something more about myself and about my relationship with silk painting:

I would like to heartily thank Helen Janow Miqueo fot interviewing me and featuring my shop into her Blog.

Q. How did you hear about Etsy?
A. It was a coincidence. While I was browsing the Internet I found very interesting pictures from a seller, who has a shop on Etsy (unfortunately, I don't remember the shop's name), and it opened to me the world of handmade possibilities :-) (It was about a half a year ago since I have known about Etsy). I was absolutely surprised like a child who discoveres something new and interesting. And it was great to know how many clever people live around the world. I think that the Internet is a huge global medium that works really fast.

Q. What made you decide to sell on Etsy?
A. Because I couldn't succeed in shops and markets in Prague. Only a few people visit these markets and prices of scarves are way too expensive plus you are paying to the owners of boutiques etc.
I like the possibility to tell everyone who is online, that I am here. Spread the word :-) I was trying my fortune in Threadless competitions (making designs for T-shirts), and it was one important thread in this vast websites mechanism that the Internet offers.
I understood that I needed more visitors to my shop, and the whole world market seemed like a fantastic way to go!

So I started with preparations: taking photographs, using English dictionary and searching for experienced people specializing in online marketing. And so I founded my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/dagamara.

Q. How did you originally get into hand-painted silks and art?
A. It was a long time ago when I was a student at the secondary school. I had my first commission to paint silk ties for some beginning Czech Pipe Club. Painting on silk with Pebeo or Javana colors was in Czech something absolutely new in those days. I must confess that I liked it from the first time. My technique is based on drawing. I draw a lot. I like blending colors of outlines and I like bringing out the intensity and size of my outlines. I like the glittering effect of some outline colors like gold, silver or white. I love illustration, drawing and painting.
I paint my scarves and curtains in many different sizes: small and large. (I am planning to photograph some of my newest creations using good lighting and interesting interior settings). I also have a flickr account where you can see more of my work (silk items as well as many other interesting things :-)http://www.flickr.com/photos/40707178@N06/

Q. What motivates and inspires you to create?
A. Nature and stories. But nature inspires me the most. It is so interesting to take a closer look at some ordinary things. For example, I try to look at grass through the magnifying glass. Or just observe the ordinary things around me. I think that nature provides a universe of themes and motives for our study and inspiration.

My motivation also comes from my love of creativity from my childhood.