Featured Seller: blackswan

kiwiana necklace by blackswan kiwiana necklaces by blackswan panorama print by blackswan

What do you make?
I make photographic jewellery and panorama prints, and am always experimenting with new applications for my photography.

Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I’m hooked on laser cutting at the moment, and the endless possibilities that can be created with my computer and a dash of imagination. I always need a sketch book nearby for working through ideas too, getting them out of your head and onto paper makes room for even more ideas!

What inspires you?
As cheesy as it may sound New Zealand. I never did the typical kiwi camping thing as a child, so I’m catching up for lost time now! I’ve fallen in love with The Catlins and its Lost Gypsy Caravan, and the Milford Sound, which are both must sees for anyone living in the South Island who hasn’t already been!
Etsy and Felt are a great inspiration too. Seeing the gorgeous things that other people are making always sparks off new ideas.

Describe your workspace
Fairly organised, as I’m a bit of a neat freak. Most of the space on my desk is taken up with the geekery; computer and photographic printer; which are affectionately referred to as my ‘beasties’. The rest of the space is filled with lots of little inspiring treasures, works from favourite artists (Bill Hammond and Tony Cribb), prototype pieces for jewellery, and an every increasing pile of notes with reminders and ideas.

Five words that describe your mind:
quirky, creative, brimming, systematic, perfectionist.

What are you currently listening to?

Beiruit, Feist, Architecture in Helsinki, Radiohead, anything with a bit of alternative quirk going on to keep me amused while on the computer.

Recommend an album:
Beirut’s Flying Club Cup is my favourite at the moment.

Your favourite childhood book?
That would have to be Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. I had a lot of fun last year re-creating some of the images in photographic form, enlisting Mum’s help to create a custom made Max suit for my flatmate. They can be seen on my website, blackswandesigns.co.nz.
I also adore Neil Gaiman’s childrens books, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, The Wolves in the Walls, and Mr Punch which make a great bedtime read, no matter what age the reader.

What are you reading now?
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett, after running out of Neil Gaiman books to read, and I’m slowly making my way through Naomi Klein’s No Logo, which I use to offset the fantasy with a little reality occasionally.

A favourite quote:
I know I’m in my own little world but it’s ok, they know me here.

Do you have any pets?
I have a cat called Spludge, or Bratty, depending on how mischievious she’s being, who has her very own DIY cat tunnel (made from vent ducting) to get from the balcony down to the garden, which is both practical and amusing, no matter how many times you’ve seen her use it!

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