Julie Avisar

Handmaid ♥ julie avisar

Any reason why you chose ‘Handmaid’ as your name?
Well, I wanted a name that was short and really picked up on the idea of ‘by hand’. I also needed it to work in Hebrew (‘handmade’ being universal). But I think I would change it now if I could.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in London. From the age of 4 I wanted to be an artist..I studied interior design and after my degree moved to Israel at the age of 25! Worked in various jobs including English teacher, post production in an animation studio and web designer..I met my husband Rami (forming the duo Romeo and Juliet) and had two beautiful girls…

What are your favourite mediums?
I love working with paper – especially found papers, found objects and I really want to start playing with clay again! I love painting and drawing too. I am attracted to so many crafts but I don’t know how to knit or crochet.

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
I know it sounds like a cliché, but ‘nature’ is my biggest inspiration. I love its imperfection and how it changes..I love all of the shapes, colours and textures..I love how nature affects all of the senses…Also, I am so inspired by everyday things..shadows, the colour of someone’s dress, an old door, a film (especially European films which have the most amazing attention to detail)…

Who are some of your favourite handmade artists?
Oh so many…I love Lisa Solomon’s work, Claire Coles, Hannah Lamb, Tamar Morgendorff, Karin Eriksson, Gracia and Louise, Kelly McClorey…and so many more!!!!!!!! I love all handmade work that comes from the soul…

Describe your craft space.
Hmmm, my craft space is a room…a total mess – which I don’t actually enjoy working in and instead, I tend to spread out over the dining table. Because of how I start many many projects and jump from one to another, I have so much ‘stuff’. I try to organise it all but it seems that I cannot work in a tidy manner. I can never find anything when I want it. I collect found objects which take up so much space waiting for their moment to be included in a project!! If I had more space, I’m sure I would fill it up too!!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Apart from crafting I look after my 18 month old daughter and work part time from home as a freelance web designer…but if there was more time in the day, I would do so much more…

What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on pieces for my Etsy shop and have many ideas and unfinished projects swirling around…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Describe your ideal day.
Ok, it would begin getting up slowly but not late…I would go for breakfast with Rami. Then we would go to a flea market and search out treasures. This would be followed by a picnic lunch with the girls and friends in the forest and then an afternoon of crafting. In the evening, a visit to the theatre or a walk on the beach or coffee in a cafe…I love doing pretty ordinary things…the simple things in life are the best!

I love your breakfast reviews, what are your favourite foods?
I love breakfast – fresh bread, cheeses, avocado, salads…mmm and cake to finish. I also love sushi and Italian food!

What are you reading right now?
As I never formally learnt the history of art, I bought a massive book on the subject and decided to teach myself. I haven’t had any time to open it yet but the intention is there!!! Also I have my eye on ‘Vitamin D – New Perspectives in Drawing’ by Emma Dexter (recommended by Marieke!)

What are your favourite magazines?
I have a passion for the British design mags – Living Etc., Elle Decoration and The World of Interiors and I also like Marie Claire Idées. One of my favourite past-times is sitting down with a good mag and a cup of tea…

Can we join your Art Classes? Any plans for expansion?
Oh I am loving my art classes and would love to take on more kids later this year. Its so amazing watching them create and enjoy it so much. It’s a big inspiration for me. I also want to spend more time with Shelly and her art.

Which season inspires you the most and why?
Oh definitely Spring. Spring in Israel is a happy time…before the arrival of the scorching sun, after the cold, grey winter, buds are blooming and there’s a feeling of optimism in the air. It is the perfect time for picnics and going to the beach and to get married…

Where would you most like to go on holiday?
Oh, this would have to be a multiple answer..I dream of for the spices, colours and architecture, New York for the experience, Indonesia for its beauty and Ireland (which I have been to and would love to go back again!) for the wonderful warm people, ruined castles and the green, green grass…

What are your aspirations, hopes dreams in 2007?
To grow with my work, to progress and have an exhibition somewhere. To sell my work on a regular basis. To make use of all my time to the full…to do more…

What do you love about the blogging community?
What don’t I love?!!! The amazing talented and lovely people are what make the blogging community. These past few months, I have made some wonderful friends and the community allows me to feel connected to the creative world. The inspiration is never ending…just amazing!

*Thank you for taking part*