A teacher- slash book curator- slash artist talks to us about the merits of working with little people in one very cool and inspiring studio space. Now why couldn't all our dream jobs manifest into something good like this?
Who: Erin Boniferro
Where: Vancouver, BC
What: Artist, Teacher, Owner of Collage Collage
Believes: Everyone should try to make something with their hands
Q: How did Collage Collage come to be?
A: Collage Collage has been brewing for most of my life. I gathered up years of experience in teaching and planning arts education programs, and wanted to be able to build the space myself. So I worked, got inspired and wrote an epic business plan. I took online courses, applied for loans and researched all sorts of things. I took my list of favorite books, collected over the years, and went about ordering them... and then my friends and family came in and literally helped build my shop with me.
Q: What's the favourite part of your job?
A: Opening the store in the morning. I still cant believe I get to do this all day.
Q: What can a business like yours do to be eco friendly?
A: I do my best to recycle all kinds of materials, and we make the most of our supplies. I source things that I find can be consumed in art making and not end up in landfills. I also continue to research for more things that are about making and not wasting.
Q: What advice do you have for a young business person?
A: Make a commitment to your business, to yourself and it will come to be. Don't wait for some sort of moment of clarity, just trust your instincts and be brave.
Q: Tell us your funniest kid story?
A: Oh, there's a new one every day around here. There's been glue eaten, pants peed in and I get new words introduced to me daily. "Will we be sparkle-ing today". That was pretty awesome.
Q: How do you deal with overbearing parents?
A: Keep calm and craft on.
Q: Favourite book on your shelf?
A: Learing To Love You More by Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher
Q: Local artist you are currently diggin'?
A: Banquet
Q: I wish I had...?
A: And extra day in the week... or an airplane.
Great interview! I love Collage Collage so it's nice to learn a little bit more about the talented woman behind it.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: PineconeCamp | March 04, 2011 at 08:59 AM
wow! You are so positive! I wish I could be like you))
Posted by: freelance writing | August 29, 2011 at 11:31 AM