Desperados!

Prepare yourselves for a good dose of colour and digital collage. Seriously, go get a drink cuz this post is going to be intense – who cares if it’s early in the day – just go get some, it’s the weekend anyways.

Last week while I was away on vaca south of the border and in between siestas I became really addicted to Instagram (more than before! Oh and if we aren’t Insta friends yet, we should be – add me up yo @ArtfulDesperado). I didn’t know there was such a HUGE creative community in there! That’s how I found the art of Kristian Ingers. From tortilla experiences (yah! you gotta read the interview) to collaborations, Kristian enjoys every step of the creative process.

So, without further ado I give you Mr. Ingers!

T.A.D. - Who is Kristian Ingers?

Kristian: I am a 32-year old Arts and Crafts teacher from Malmö, Sweden. I also work with exploring digital craftsmanship. 

T.A.D. - When did you start making art?

Kristian: After school I started working in a tortilla factory, sorting tortillas. Bad burnt ones in one pile and white pale ones in another pile. The minute I was done for the day I would rush home and paint all night.

The painting kept me sane despite staring at the round tortilla shapes in front of me all day. A year later, I went to university and was involved in some film projects. I got more and more interested in the possibilities within digital media.

My illustrations I sometimes see as sketches for paintings. I now have small kids running around at home and it´s hard to bring out paint and start working so it’s much easier to do it with a laptop and a Wacom board.

T.A.D. - What online tools do you use to connect with other creative minds?

Kristian: I post a lot of my work in the Instagram community. I like all the creativity from other users and the feedback.

I have done collaborations with other Instagram users, the process is fantastic – different media like drawing, painting, collage and digital editing in a non-profit enviroment, just for the fun of it – is very inspiring.

T.A.D. – What do you do to boost your creativity?

Kristian: I read books and magazines about architecture and art. I get a lot of inspiration from architecture. I also try to see a lot of art shows. There are some great institutions and galleries in Malmö. Across the bridge is Copenhagen, with an even greater scene. I have a lot of creative friends and I also get a lot of input from my wife, Sara.

T.A.D. What are some of your favorite Swedish artists?

Kristian: For colors Jens Fänge, for lo-fi Jockum Nordström, for geometric lo-fi Torsten Andersson and for scenery and landscape Karin Mamma Andersson. These are just a few, there are so many.

Art by Jens Fänge

Art by Torsten Andersson

T.A.D. – What’s your favorite meal?

Kristian: It’s called ”Flying Jacob”. Chicken, nuts and bananas, served with rice. Classic 80′s dish!

That sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Guys, if you are around Kristian’s area (which would be freakin’ fantastic!) you can check out a show he’s having with other friends for Easter. For more info you can email him: kristian (at) artyartwork.com

Thanks so much for your time and awesome inspiration Kristian!

So what you say guys? Did this post make you feel all energized and inspired? Of course it did, right? Always remember when you’re feeling a bit under the weather (from either sorting tortillas or doing other daily duties you don’t necessarily like), there’s a creative community out there waiting for you!

Happy weekend everyone :)

Kristian’s instagram: @kristianingers

Site: ArtyArtWork

There’s nothing better than injecting positivity in your neighborhood. Boa Mistura - a Madrid based collective – did it on the streets of Vila Brâsilandia, transforming them into colourful surprises that welcome any passerby.

Also, look closely, it seems as if the streets had signs with words on them, but nope – those are optical illusions created by painting different areas of the street. AH! So incredible. Just looking at this gives me goose bumps.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our cities made it mandatory to add colorful positive messages to our streets? Since that’s not gonna happen, I think we need to take the matter into our own hands and we  should make it a community project! Art + Community + positivity = WIN!

via: Juxtapoz

all images: Boa Mistura

Ruth Asawa is an American artist who creates incredible sculptures with wire. Ruth learned early in her life to make the most out of adversity – during World War II when she was only 16, Ruth and her family were interned along with thousands of others – losing her freedom and anything else tied to it. She didn’t let this experience add a bitter shade to her life – she instead used it to her advantage to develop her talent and love for the arts  - becoming an internationally known artist and creative crusader.

Have you seen Ruth in pictures? she has such a serene and candid expression – same feelings that are transmitted through her sculptures.

So here you have it, art as a testament to positivity! Ruth’s work is a reminder that no matter how dark a situation gets we can turn it around and use it as motivation to achieve outstanding things. We can be a guiding light helping others to find their path. Use your past experiences as a booster for your creativity and let them enlighten your future.

Enjoy!

Ruth Asawa

Pictures via