It's giveaway time again! Meet Grace Hamilton, an incredible artist, illustrator, and lover of fashion from the UK. Let me tell you, she is fiercely talented!
How did you get started?
Well I started my etsy shop very recently, after many years of thinking how I'd love to get my work out there, but still being a little unsure. But I decided that now was the right time for a number of reasons. Mainly because for the last few months I was on an art course, which wasn't really supporting me and my style of work - and so after leaving it I just knew that I couldn't give up on my art, I just had to try and do it on my own.
What is your favorite creative thing to do?
Drawing serves as the basis of all my work, especially when its inspired by fashion photography. That plays a large role in all that I do as I find that it takes the clothes into something much more magical and has so much impact. For example Tim Walker's photography. He's my absolute favourite!! It's the fairytale sense you get from his work, and I suppose in my work I aim to try and create something like that. I really love mixing vintage pieces such as old fairytale book pages or prints of flowers with my drawings. I guess that personally it's all about trying to make something innocent and beautiful, but with a sadness to it. Much like fairy tales themselves.
How long have you been doing this?
I've only recently started my shop but for a few years now I've been collecting vintage books and clothes, and stacks of fashion magazines to inspire my drawings. But last summer I left school and because I was feeling a little lost and unsure of what to do with myself, I started drawing nearly every single day and started to see the progress in my work. As for art in general, it may sound corny.. but for most of my life I've been creating things and drawing pictures of people or clothes. There's the most embarrassing little fashion illustrations I did when I was twelve that my mum still has!!
Can you describe the process?
I always start with a pencil drawing, and then depending on what it turns out like I start to imagine the background and the clothes. Most of it strangely depends on the way the face looks, the expression or the way the hair falls. From then I decide if I should use watercolour or marker pens, or which vintage papers and materials to use. I have a large box of paper and I just rummage around it until I find what I need. Most of the time my original idea for the drawing finds a new path and it ends up surprising me.
What is something most people may not know about you?
I actually have around 5 or 6 vintage books that I've completely collaged inside using song lyrics, mainly from Iron and Wine, Death Cab for Cutie, or the Decemberists. Some of the pages I've created prints from, but the majority I never show anyone. I absolutely love music as much as I do art, and I physically can't draw without my ipod on, or a movie playing in the background. My favourites are probably Breakfast at Tiffanys, 500 Days of Summer or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
When did you realize that art was your calling?
To be honest finishing my last years at school and doing well at art made me think that maybe I had a chance at art. Before I had only drawn out of a personal need to, for myself or my family, but finding out others supported me too made it all the more real. Also starting this shop has made me believe even more that I can be an artist. For so long I felt it had only been a dream of mine, not a reality. I suppose that I've known for many years now because I've always sat and drawn pictures wherever I am.
What is your "day job?"
I'm currently a waitress in a small coffee shop that my friends mum owns. But as for deciding on what I want to do as a job in the long run, I'm still figuring that out. In a way it depends on how creative the job is or if it makes me happy.
Your work is obviously influenced by fashion. Who is your favorite designer?
Ohhh that's a tough one!! I'd have to say Rodarte. Everything they make is incredibly beautiful and delicate. I also love Chloe, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen. Anything that's incredibly girly or fantasy-like, or inspired by a book or a film or a period in time. I LOVE Christopher Kane's new Lolita inspired dresses! Then again I can turn to any page in a magazine and fall in love with the clothes if the fashion photography is beautiful!
Favorite piece of clothing?
As much as I love clothes, I'm a real handbag addict!! I recently bought the most beautiful deep red velvet bag with a large bow. And a 1960's wicker bag for the summer. My favourite current outfit though is a black velvet dress, with Topshop heart print tights. For everyday I've got a well worn floral skirt with knitted plum red tights.
*Giveaway*
One winner will receive a beautiful 8x10 print from Skies Dream Blue of the image of your choice.
To Enter:
Visit Skies Dream Blue and leave a comment telling me your favorite item in her store. Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I can contact you if you have won.
Extra Entries: please leave one separate comment for each entry or they will not be counted.
•follow my blog with google - 1 extra
•follow me on twitter (lilacpop)-1 extra
•become a fan of LilacPOP on Facebook - 1 extra (and there will be a random giveaway when my facebook page hits 200 fans--you will be automatically entered)
•tweet this giveaway and post the link in your comment- (may do this daily) 1 extra/day
Copy and paste below:
I just entered to win a 5x7 print @lilacpop http://lilacpop.blogspot.com/
•favor me on technorati , stumble upon or any other social networking site- 1 extra
•Put a link to my blog on your blog - 2 extra
•blog about this giveaway - 3 extra
•buy a product from Skies Dream Blue - 5 extra
Contest will run for 2 weeks. Ends at Midnight on the night of March 9, 2010. Open to All Countries. Winner will be chosen by online random generator. Winner will be notified by e-mail on March 10, 2010 and will have 3 days to reply or another winner will be chosen. Good luck!