Every piece I create represents my feelings, my dreams, my ideas and the experiences I gather from my trips around the world. But pretty much anything might inspire me. A bright day, a funny quote, a sweet memory, a pretty flower, a strong emotion. I see everyday objects or vintage goodies and I immediately think of how I could incorporate them into a new design. I embrace experimentation and constantly teach myself through trial and error. Sometimes my hands seem to have their own mind and take me to different creative paths. I manage to surprise myself quite often but I enjoy every minute of the creative process.
Gina Soulele
- I absolutely love traveling! I adore the feeling of belonging nowhere and everywhere, the sense of arriving and returning somewhere and the anticipation of all the above. I've been lots of times to China (Beijing, Hong Kong), Russia, have visited lots of countries within Europe (UK, Latvia, France, Cyprus, Germany etc), have cruised the Carribean and now dream about putting my pin on Africa. Sometimes I think of myself as a citizen of the world. Life after all is a trip isn't it?
- If you see a young woman in the airport desperately searching for a plug to charge her iPod Touch, that's probably me. I am completely hooked with it and I mostly use it as an e-reader. I've uploaded more than 200 e-books so I can take them with me everywhere.
- I adore geometry, especially trigonometry, although my educational and professional background is in Media Psychology.
- I recently decided to give up my corporate career in order to pursue an artistic path. Not sure if that will work out, but I simply had to give it a go to be able to say later on "I had the guts to try".
What got you started crafting?
As far as I remember myself I have been a crafter. I always had a weird way of looking into things and imagining of how I could transform them into something totally different. Even as a child I would spend most of my day creating stuff, using apricots' cores, fabric threads and wood chunks to make tiny dolls, playing with clay, experimenting in painting, learning how to sew. The last thing unfortunately would always turn into a disaster. Now at least I can sew on a button.
What is your source of inspiration?
Every piece I create represents my feelings, my dreams, my ideas and the experiences I gather from my trips around the world. But pretty much anything might inspire me. A bright day, a funny quote, a sweet memory, a pretty flower, a strong emotion. I see everyday objects or vintage goodies and I immediately think of how I could incorporate them into a new design. I embrace experimentation and constantly teach myself through trial and error. Sometimes my hands seem to have their own mind and take me to different creative paths. I manage to surprise myself quite often but I enjoy every minute of the creative process.
What have you made recently?
What I really love making is one of a kind statement necklaces with beautiful semi-precious stones and high quality yarns and fabrics. My latest creation is my "Summer Breeze" necklace. I created it on a bright and warm day in the heart of winter while daydreaming about exotic locales, sandy beaches and deep blue waters. It is vivid, vibrant and bold, in coral red and blue hues. I used pure silk fabric, two stunning blue agate gemstone focals, round faceted agate gemstones and freshwater pearls that I wire wrapped with sterling silver. When I finished it I just couldn't stop myself from smiling. Summer did seem to be just a little bit closer.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I have recently started selling my jewelry internationally via Etsy, because it allows me to "reach out", to surpass geographical constraints and communicate my art to a wide and diverse audience. My creations can also be found at Angelos Gift Store (Kodiak, Alaska) as well as in various selected shops in Athens Greece. I am hoping to expand pretty soon.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
The creation process of handmade items is very different in comparison to the mass-produced. When you buy handmade, you know that the artist, besides the quality materials used, had put lots of love, care and inspiration and aren't these three things what most of us wish to give and receive?
Find Me
LocationAthens Greece, Kodiak & Miami USA
Email Address
Gina Soulele
Personal Website
http://www.pieceofart.etsy.com
Store Website
http://www.pieceofart.etsy.com
@pieceofARTgs
http://www.facebook.com/pieceofart.gs