i. I work as a furniture designer / textile artist /visual artist.

ii. I do this creative work because:
Ideas come to my mind, especially when I see materials which potentially could be used. I am a bit obsessed about recycling: making art out of “nothing.”  Practically all my furniture and clothing I have I made myself.

And then is colour. To see bold colours, I have to paint them.

To see imaginary faces, I have to paint them too.

iii. Personal qualities that help me in my work are:
Patience – ability to be on my own with my work without seeing anyone or seeking immediate results.

Critical of my work, but with moderation, since taking myself seriously would be too sad.

Strong work ethic; well, since most of the time I like what I do, work becomes a pleasure, so long hours are not so long.

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iv. The greatest challenges around doing this work are:
Wood dust (woodworking) and the high cost of keeping an art studio in Vancouver.

Big demand for mass produced objects and less for handmade.

v. Creative childhood hobbies:
Knitting and sewing from the age of 6 with my grandma; drawing, sketching, using woodworking tools shortly after. (Rainbow coat I made 45 years ago and I am still wearing it).

vi. Other creators who inspire you:
As a teenager, I loved reading biographies of artists, for example by the excellent Henri Perrocheau. These stories made it clear to me, that I am ready to give up a comfortable life for art.

Later, at university, I loved the work of a Scottish architect/artist Charles Renee Mackintosh, Hundertwasser, and Antonio Gaudi.

Cervantes and his Don Quixote inspired series of chairs: Don Quixote, Dulcinea, Sancho Panza, Rosinante.

Lately I appreciate the crafts and bold colours of Mexico, India or Morocco.

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vii. Training that has helped me succeed in this career:
Furniture Design Program at University of Transylvania (Master’s Degree)

Painting classes in galleries in Montreal.

viii. A common trap that can hurt people in this career:
The desire to succeed. Recognition may come or not.

What we can do is to be honest and do our work and not expect to get reach.

ix. Some proud career moments:
President Obama has a table made by me.

A client shouted across the street “Izabela, you changed my life!”(I designed his doctor’s office in the colours of the city of Salvador in Brazil)

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x. If you want to work in my field, I suggest that you:
Open your imagination though travel, reading, understanding different cultures.

xi. A professional goal I have for the future:
To continue making inventive recycled fashion.

Open a studio full of colour, accessible to the public, like a coop, but more inclusive.

xii. If you want to see my work, go to:

izzaart.wix.com/izza

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www.creatorsvancouver.com