21 April 2013

the creatives - ana montiel


Welcome again to 'the creatives' - a series I'm running here on the blog, introducing you to some of my favourite artists and designers, sharing a little of their work and asking them a few questions. This time I'd like to introduce Ana Montiel. I'm a big fan of Ana's work, I find it incredibly refreshing, and a little dreamy at the same time. I love her use of pattern, graphic shapes, typography, as well as the pretty colour palette she uses.




So Ana, please tell us a little about yourself and what you do? 
I'm originally from La Rioja (Spain). I moved to Barcelona to study Fine Arts when I was 18 and after 11 years living there my boyfriend, our cat and me decided to relocate to East London. I've always been very curious by nature and pretty self-taught in many ways. I'm all the time exploring, trying new things for my art projects, client commissions and life in general. I love cooking and I'm also quite hooked on gardening. The other day my boyfriend and I were cleaning and tidying up the little pond we dug last year in our backyard and found more than 10 frogs in it. I totally love the countryside vibe your life can have in some London neighbourhoods :)

What's the first thing you remember creating and how old were you? 
No idea but a photograph comes to mind of a 4 year old me painting a canvas placed on a small easel – this photograph appears in this video that Tea Time Studio made about me.

What are you working on at the moment? 
I'm working on some big format canvas paintings for my Visual Mantras project, I'm also making ceramics, drawing with ink and collaging, starting a couple of commissions for clients…

Where do you look for inspiration? 
Everywhere. Inspiration is all around – and inside us. 

What are your favorite magazines, and blogs? 
The PlantApartamento, Lula, The Gentlewoman, Frieze, Fine Little Day, I'm Revolting, The First Mess, Have Cake Will Travel, The Selby, Sight Unseen… the list could be endless!

If you could collaborate with anyone (living or dead who would that be)?
I'd love to create a crazy and colourful collection with Elsa Schiaparelli, that would be fun. Also would be amazing doing something together with Buckminster Fuller – such an inspiring man!
 
Do you sell your work? If so where? 

I have my online store and also some stockists around the world sell my wallpaper and other items.

Where can we find you? (blog, website, twitter, instagram, etc.)

    Thank you Ana, for taking part in this little series and giving us all an little insight into your work and what inspires you. 

    Do take a look at Ana's website's to see more of her work and enjoy meeting her in the video she mentions above - it's really lovely.