For today's Behind the Design we have the talented jewelry designer, Tamara, from This Ilk. I love everything in her collection, her pieces are so unique, don't you think?
Where does your inspiration come from?
Edie Sedgwick's amazing jewelry, short hair, the 60's and 70's, product and graphic design, various cultures and currently: clothing.
Do you have a spot you like to go that helps you feel creative?
Outside, the sun seems to give me a creative energy...besides that, in bed at 3 o'clock in the morning when I am trying to fall asleep seems to be a time when I get great ideas.
Where do you do most of your work?
It's shared between my desk (mini-studio in the corner of my place) and the coffee table in the middle of my apartment where my computer almost permanently stays and where I sit on the floor (which is certainly not too good for my posture). Somehow I have always been drawn to working on the floor...
How did you come up with the name for your business?
My Australian friend Julia loved the sound of the word "ilk" and when I found out what it meant I thought it was really pertinent. Plus you kind of hear the word "silk" when you read This ilk which recalls fabric textures. It basically means "This group or type". I figured anyone who likes my designs kind of is part of this ilk...
Your favorite thing to make?
Anything I haven't alread made, I don't like production, I love creation!!!
What is your all time favorite design from past or current collections?
Octopussy Octopus earrings are definitely an all time favorite. It always makes me smile when someone orders a pair.
You couldn't run your business without ______?
My friends and the people who encourage and support me...
What advice do you wish someone had given you when you first started your business?
I think I will be better able to answer that one in a few years...
Coffee or tea?
Tea (Green or Chai though I do like the occasional mocha...)
Favorite magazine/blog/daily read?
Surface magazine, it's very well balanced between my different interests.
Fashion en Rogue blog as well. I read and look at so many things, it's really hard to choose...
If you could follow one person around for a day, who would it be?
Edie Sedgwick but since she is no longer present...Jean Paul Gauthier, there is something about his designs that make me want to meet hom; so close to art yet gorgeous on the body, plus I would love to discuss his impression of the future in The Fifth Element which will forever inspire me...I believe he is one of the rare designers that think outside the box.
Do you have any hobbies or creative outlets other than your work?
I am learning Salsa dancing at the moment and I generally love most forms of dance. I probably would have loved to be a choreographer. I am also addicted to traveling and I love exploring the hidden treasures of Montreal (my home).
If you could travel anywhere in the world, money and time being no object, where would you go and why?
Even if I have seen a lot of wonderful places in this world, Bali, Indonesia is on the top of the list. I was there 3 times (first time I was 7) and each time I fell in love with the place and promised myself I would go back. Everything is beautiful and the culture is so rich, the Balinese have this amazing sense of aesthetics. I am also looking forward to a good surfing workout.
If you had to spend a year on a deserted island, what 5 things would you take with you?
My boyfriend (can't live without him), maple syrup, sarongs (they are good for so many things), a book and pen (for jotting down ideas) and maybe a surf board (hopefully there are waves). If I could bring one more, it would be my cat, Teahupoo.
Thank you Tamara for participating in this week's Behind the Design.
Photos courtesy of This Ilk.
Tamara can be found at:
Etsy shop
Website
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