Faythe Levine - feature #6

Name: Faythe Levine
Website links: www.handmadenationmovie.com, www.indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com, flickr

What do you make?
Currently I make movies, do set design/art direction and I take tons of photos. When I have time I like to embroider.

Speakers panel at the Portland premiere of Handmade Nation

What or who inspires you?
I am inspired on a daily basis by my surroundings. I spend as much time as possible absorbing my environment and taking in the minute details. I am also motivated by my extensive art collection and piles of collections and treasures I have built up over the years.

How did you get started?
I've always been self-motivated and just make sure to finish projects I start.

Photo courtesy of Raincoast Books

What are your favourite ingredients to work with?
Depends on the project at hand of course, but I love felt, vintage fabric and paper, found objects and glitter. If I'm working in the kitchen I attempt to use as much local and organic ingredients as possible.

What is the hardest and most favourite part of crafting?
I think that following through with an idea can be a huge challenge sometimes but when you finish something you started even if the final outcome isn't what you initially planned it is so satisfying.

Photo courtesy of the Georgia Straight

List 5 of your favourite links and why you like them
Kate Bingaman-Burt / Obsessive Consumption: I work with Kate on a variety of projects but I think her work is amazing on so many levels. She also produces more projects then anyone I know.

My Love For You Is Like A Stampede of Horses: Fantastically curated art/craft/design blog that keeps me up to date with sales, new work and shows around the world ran by my friend Meigan.

20x200: A great place to pick up affordable artwork. Handmade Nation will also be releasing a limited edition Jill Bliss dyptic with the gracious help of 20x200 in August. Stay tuned for more information on that.

Bibliodyssey: Fodder in all manners.

Design For Mankind: Another art/craft/design blog that really hits all the best stuff. Also, site curator Erin Loechner started a great project called "Dialogue" everyone should check out on the site.

Images from the book and film

Do you have any advice for those in the biz?
My advice would be to keep in touch with your community. Participate in community dialogue and events. Support your creative peers and keep focused on your own personal creative path.

Featured in ReadyMade

Art vs. Craft - Are these terms different? Do you consider yourself an artist or a crafter?
I am totally uninterested in defining the difference between Art and Craft, my belief is that is up to the producer of the work. Myself, I'm 100% maker.

(photo images courtesy of Faythe Levine / Handmade Nation)

Don't miss the Vancouver Premiere of Handmade Nation on Thursday, July 9th!

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