Hi & Hello: Charmaine Olivia

Today, we share an interview with the lovely & super talented CHARMAINE OLIVIA. I would advise you to take the time and browse her amazing collection of drawings & paintings. Here are just a few of the wonderful pieces she creates..

:: Tell us a bit about you, your creations & your creative process..

I’m a bit of an artaholic. I’m constantly making art of some sort, either in my head or on paper. I rarely get bored, I think because I’m always scheming up some sort of art concept, or planning out a painting. My creative process changes from piece to piece though. My smaller illustrations on paper are a bit more free than my oil paintings, not as planned out, a bit more raw, you could say. Whereas with my oil paintings, I spend a large amount of time doing conceptual sketches and drawings on the computer, until I really pinpoint what I want. Then I’ll start drawing the figure on the wood and then the painting.

:: When you are feeling uninspired, what do you do..where do you go..to get inspired?

Music is a large inspiration for me. It’s what makes me feel and what drives me to create. If I’m feeling particularly uninspired sometimes I’ll look for new music or start cleaning up my apartment, which usually helps. However, since I’m making art like 90% of the time, I allow myself those moments to feel uninspired. Those are the times when I’ll watch nature documentaries or drink excessive amounts of tea in my pajamas.

:: If you weren’t drawing, how would you spend your days?

I wonder the same thing! I come from a very creative family so I would probably be doing something else creative, as that is how my mind works. I used to play clarinet in my high school’s band, but that was never my passion. I’ve always like writing too, so who knows, maybe a combination of those things.

:: Besides drawing/painting, what other creative endeavor would you like to try your hand at?

Glassblowing and metalworking has always really intrigued me.

:: How do you promote your work?

I promote my work by using several social media sites, like society6, deviantArt, Facebook, Twitter and my blog. I don’t do a lot of promotion other than posting work on my own profiles, it’s mostly word of mouth and the viral nature of social networks that has made it work.

:: Has there been a certain accomplishment/success that you are most proud of?

Working with Urban Outfitters had been a little dream of mine for a while, so that was exciting for me. Also I was really stoked about my contract with the Scandinavian company Bolia.com, where you’ll find several of my drawings decorating their catalogues, stores, and advertisements.

:: Name a few of your favorite artists/designers/crafters..

Brian Viveros, Erik Jones, Olaf Hajek

:: Name a few of your favorite websites/blogs..

bohemianpunk.tumblr.com, geninne.com, luxirare.com, missedconnectionsny.blogspot.com

:: Where can people learn more about Charmaine Olivia?

my blog! (which you can find right HERE)

Thanks Charmaine.. for sharing your thoughts, creations & inspiration.

For more on Charmaine Olivia, visit..

her WEBSITE

her BLOG

her ETSY

her FACEBOOK

Spread the word!