Amazing Olga!

I have been drooling over this pottery for too long!!! Which gives me just another wonderful reason why i have feel a desire to post about Olga's gorgeous work. Her shoppe is called Ola Design.



1) How long have you been crafting?

I studied Product Design at Coventry University (in England), during which we did a wide variety of projects, including several hand-made pieces. It was fun, and I always had good results, so I've always been doing something. My serious efforts, however, began only one year ago. I had plenty of time on my hands and my passion for art really took me over.



2) Did you always craft in this genre?

I started with painting on ceramic and glass and developed my style of fine patterns of flowers and trees with birds and animals gradually. Lately, I felt that I've been limiting myself with ceramic and so I decided to try my hand with canvas painting. I'm enjoying it a lot. There's so much freedom; not to mention the variety of techniques and themes that are just waiting to be applied. I just love it!


3) Who or what inspires you?

There's so much for inspiration around me. I live in a Beautiful part of Canada, with amazing natural landscapes and wildlife, which helps me a lot with new ideas. Art by other artists also helps to expand my horizons. I'm always learning by watching what's going on in the art world. My husband is a great help for me as well. He always gives me good advice and is brutally honest with me. He pushes me forward all the time.



4) What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

The main thing is learning about the market itself: how, when and where to present my product; trying to understand customers; finding the right way to communicate with customers (language barrier). It wasn't easy. There was a time when I felt frustrated and my confidence began to waver. The Etsy community helped me a lot. People are so responsive; always ready to answer your questions. I don't think my business would have grown any where near as well without Etsy. In fact, it may have stopped before it even started.



Sigh...how i am jonsin for this gravy boat..which is really funny since i don't even make gravey!!! To look at more of Olga's work, click the links above.