Ten Questions with Melissa Ferreira

For this instalment in our Ten Questions series, we meet Melissa Ferreira: Adhesif Clothing designer and Vancouver localite.

When did you start your art practice?


My mom is a seamstress. She worked in garment factories throughout my
whole childhood. On top of that, she was always doing alterations for
friends and family at the kitchen table.

I learned how to sew from her and taught myself the technical design
process. I've been the creative type since I could walk and have
experimented with all kinds of design techniques. I became a vintage
clothing buyer outside of high school and that really got the wheels
turning for Adhesif Clothing which was conceptualized in 2003.

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration
from?

There is a method to the madness. Many people have told me I have an
"eye" for color, print and pattern matching.
The process of working with reclaimed and vintage materials is a true art
form. How to make sense out of a giant mound of this and that, takes
constant problem solving and a keen eye as well as attention to detail.
Much of my inspiration comes from vintage clothing designs from the 1960's
and before but a lot of it also comes from people watching. I love the
confidence that comes with individualistic style and people who create
trends as apposed to following them.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

It's very interesting to see how my technical ability in drafting
patterns and designing, in general, has really developed from when I
started Adhesif Clothing years over a decade ago.
Being a fashion designer presents a constant challenge in the learning
curve. I'm always learning new techniques and ways to create a better fit
in the garments designed and in the construction process.

Describe what you make. 

 I create garments made with up to 95% reclaimed and vintage materials,
notions and details. That includes anything from cotton twill, silk,
denim, wool sweaters, scarves, discarded yardage, vintage buttons and
zippers etc..
Every garment design is original, no 2 garments are identical. Every piece
is lovingly handmade in Vancouver, BC.

How many years have you participated in SFM?

This will be my third year with SFM and I am so thrilled to be apart of
such an amazingly talented group of artists!

What's new for this year's SFM?

Every spring-summer and fall-winter season I create a new collection.
This year there will be a new and exciting designs as well as some of
signature knitwear items.

What's your favourite part about the SFM show?


Ooooh...too many things to mention!
First off I absolutely love the fact that SFM is organized and run by the
designers and artists who also show and sell their work there.
I always refer to this show as one of the absolute best holiday markets of
the year without the consumerism craziness that's associated with
Christmas markets.

I also LOVE the intimate vibe and the diverse and high quality pieces,
that can be found by what I feel are some BC's best artisans.

Who are your favourite artists?

I love Denise Wilson's work from Patina and Bronsino (Vancouver) as well as Cokluch, Little Houses and Eve Gravel (all from Montreal)
What are you listening to in the studio?


Just like the designs I create, I also have pretty eclectic taste in
music as well.
I listen to jazz, blues, swing, 60's rock and french pop, folk, old country,
world beats, funk...basically what ever moves me.

What other creative outlets do you enjoy?


Oooooh boy...well before I became a full time artist I used to do film
photography, creative writing and painting.
When I get around to it I also like dying fabrics and silk screening.

Keep in touch with Melissa:

adhesifclothing.com

Ten Questions with Janna Hurtzig

As 2013 marks 10 years of SFM, we have decided to ask our artists ten questions so you can get to know them a little better. 

This first instalment we meet Janna Hurtzig: Astrosatchel and Winterluxe designer, Shiny Fuzzy Muddy founding member, Vancouverite and vegan. 

When did you start your art practice?

I started Astrosatchel in 1998, and officially launched my Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere line in 2009.

What is your creative process like? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

At the moment, as I am working mostly with recycled cashmere, a lot of inspiration comes from the thrifting process: seeing what's available and figuring out what to do with it all. I'm drawn more and more to tonal colour palates right now, which is very different from my Astrosatchel line, which is known for it's bright and bold contrasting colours. I suppose my design aesthetic has matured a bit over the years, and my Winterluxe line let's me approach colour in a different way, as the colours I can choose from are constantly changing depending on what sweaters I find. 

As far as the starting point for all my work, I consider our weather and lifestyle on the West Coast quite a bit: I try to create practical items that function in the forest and the city, but don't have a 'technical' look to them, and the manufacture needs to be top notch. I've been interested recently in creating patterns in the cashmere, so I have been working on some tile-type graphic patterns, which lend themselves nicely to cushions and blankets... So we can expect to see those at SFM this year.

How has your art practice evolved over the years?

Originally I made bags and wallets only, but I added the recycled cashmere component slowly over time. As there was confusion (my bags are all Vegan and made with new materials, while the cashmere I use  is a recycled animal sourced material) so I decided to split the line. Now I am focusing more on Winterluxe as Astrosatchel has an established customer base and doesn't need as much nurturing right now.

Describe what you make.

This year, I will have lots of cashmere hats, mittens, scarves, cowls, arm warmers, and new cushion covers, as well as my bags and wallets that everyone knows and loves.

How many years have you participated in SFM?

I joined SFM in the early days, so this is probably my 11th show. I love how we have grown as a show over the years, and I'm proud to have contributed to our success as a show and a group.

What's new for this year's SFM?

This year I will have more styles of mittens and arm warmers, new cowl scarves and new styles of home decor cushions, all in recycled cashmere.

What's your favourite thing about the SFM show? 

I think the best part of the show for me is the people: the artist line up is top notch but everyone is really great on a personal level. The show never feels competitive, and it always has a happy, fun vibe. I think that carries over to our customers too: people who shop at the show love supporting us and meeting the artists. I've made so many connections and friendships, both on a personal and business level over the years, with fellow artists and customers. I always look forward to seeing everyone, that makes the show for me.

Who are your favourite artists?

My taste in art has turned more and more geometric, abstract  and colour based, so I love the work of Vancouver locals Melissa Wong, Andy Dixon and Hugh Kearney. 

What are you listening to in the studio?

I listen to lots of music while I'm working, but lately it's been Foxygen, Wampire, Generationals, King Tuff.... My musical preferences definitely change with seasons, but since it's spring I'm enjoying something light and happy and a little bit retro. I really enjoy seeing bands live as well, so I go to  a lot of shows.

What other creative outlets do you enjoy? 

I enjoy cooking a lot, which is good because I'm vegan. I also really enjoy taking photos and posting them on Instagram.... I really love that I can share my day to day life in an artistic way.

Keep in touch with Janna:

astrosatchel.com

shopwinterluxe.com

Facebook: 

Astrosatchel Accessories

Winterluxe Recycled Cashmere

Instagram: hello_persimmon

Happy Spring!

While many of us are planting seeds in our gardens we are doing the same thing, metaphorically speaking, behind the scenes of our Shiny Fuzzy Muddy show! We are already hard at work putting together our December show. There is a reason that our patrons love to come back year after year ... and it isn't just about the free admission!

Stay tuned for updates about our featured vendors this year. Until then please enjoy some lovely visuals of our last gathering.

Heather Dahl | dahlhaus

Caroline Miller

Laura McKibbon | cul de sac design

Sonja of SML Glassworks

kari woo contemporary art jewellery

Mr + Mrs Jenn Demke-Lange of MIKIND Handmade Ceramics

Holly Cruise | Mimosa

Jasna Sokolovic is 50% of of Dear Human

Meghan Hildebrand

Elizabeth Burritt handpaints the  porcelain vessels she makes

Denise Wilson | Bronsino Leather Goods

Our happy visitors!

Julie Gibb | Sandpiper Glass

Astrosatchel's booth ... but where's Janna???

Checha of StudioChecha Jewellery

There's Janna (aka Astrosatchel girl)

Megan from Identity Home + Tees

Ulla Clark | Lu Prints

Claire Madill of heyday design

All that's warm and fuzzy

Adhesif Clothing Company

Melissa Ferreira, founder and principal Adhesif Clothing Company is a masterful upcycler of found material. All of her garments are made with vintage fabrics that provide each piece with unique qualities and can boast a sustainable material source. Impeccably constructed and tailored to flatter the curves, Adhesif clothing is made to make a statement. Find Melissa at SFM13 this weekend or afterwards at her boutique on Main Street, where she also represents and supports other local and indie brands.

Sans Soucie

Katherine continuously works towards developing new ways to modernize traditional textile techniques by producing textiles and clothing that are new and functional. she believes that reinventing pre-existing materials raises our sense of awareness, appreciation, and expresses our need for individuality. Her work with materials such as pantyhose, dryer sheets, reclaimed wool, and silk fibers has allowed for experimentation which has resulted in creating an extensive body of work over the years
 
Morena Clothing

Rebellious and sophisticated all at once. Morena clothing designer, Marcy Ross, uses a variety of approaches to building her garments. Pullover hoodies are constructed from upcycled garments, printed on randomly and finished with an applique of lace, fut and buttons. Slinky short dresses are made from new eco-materials such as bamboo. Skirts with sculptural tailoring are built to be as comfy as they are glamorous. You always make a statement when you are wearing Morena.

Funk Shui

Jessica de Haas sculpts with felt. First she dyes and makes the felt fabric out of wool and silk. A variety of techniques used on their own or in combo such as beading, applique, fabric inlay or free motion embroidery can be applied to embellish the surface. Her specialty item is hats and we are loving her new fedoras (!), but she also constructs amazing one-of-a-kind garments from her raw materials. After some time away from our show Jess returns for SFM 13 and is bringing the fuzzy!

For the Home

Known more for her men's tees and cheeky graphics which parody notions of Canadian identity, Identity Tees & Home will also be toting their home accessories collection this weekend at SFM13. Clever design is always our favorite. This time Meghan has taken her classic graphics and applied them to fabrics like old Hudson's Bay blankets to continue her visual commentary on what we value as Canadians. 

LU Prints is with us again offering up their awesome accessories for the kitchen. Patterns are designed and printed by Ulla Clark at her studio in Pemberton. Bragging rights include having had her product distributed by Indigo/Chapters recently. Her designs are always visually captivating and also play on icons of Canadian identity. We especially enjoy the snowshoe.

Dear Human : Partners in Art + Life

DEAR HUMAN is the collective studio of Jasna Sokolovic and Noel O'Connell. Very accomplished artists each in their own right, their work together goes beyond the scope of the functional object or product design, but it does not abandon these values either. Much of their focus these days is on public art projects. They are brilliant thinkers about how to transform space, interior or exterior, to provide an impactful experience on their audience that inspires optimism, joy and curiosity. This very focused intent behind their work is the perfect reflection of their union not only in art-making but as partners in life too. Their love story is one that inspires us all...but that story is for another post:)

The chosen medium is ceramics due to their extensive personal experience with the material, but they are not shy to venture into other mediums, including re-purposing objects and leftover industrial materials. Noel and Jasna have a network of other skilled professionals that they work with to bring their projects to fruition including architects, industrial designers and artists.

Most recently they unveiled a project that they have been working on for the better part of 2012 for VanCity Credit Union in Vancouver. Read more about this project entitled, Dinner with Neighbors, on their website, but here are some images of the project after it was installed.

Astrosatchel / Winterluxe

Janna Hurtzig is a self starter. Her brand, Astrosatchel, was born out of necessity but survives because of demand. Walk down any street of Vancouver and you will spot at least one hipster carrying an Astrosatchel bag. Each one is unique due to the never-ending variations of theme and color that she plays with. They are the quintessential west coast  accessory because they are waterproof, and vegan to boot!

Janna's other line of product further highlight her resourcefulness. Winterluxe is a line of upcycled cashmere accessories including scarves, mitts and hats. Definitely an A+ in the warm and fuzzy department!

Laura McKibbon / cul de sac design

Vancouver's own Laura McKibbon, original SFM member, is a courageous explorer of her chosen medium. In 2003 she was at the forefront of what has become a critical mass movement of printing on clay. She quickly became known for her simple forms and the graphic quality of her work. Today she has carved out a solid groove in the clay community as an innovator in process and design. The fact that she is largely self-taught is paramount to her ability to experiment and work by trial and error. She is not hindered by any kind of art school or master dogma.This is an enviable trait for those of us brainwashed in art school!

Laura divides her time between her home base here in Vancouver and other select [artist residency] destinations around the world. She was redesigning our website this fall and delegating organizational tasks from the comfort of her laptop in faraway places like Australia and Denmark while she was engaged in professional activities abroad. However she will be live and on site at SFM 13 this weekend. Come and ask her about her artistic adventures!