All the couples celebrated Valentines Day last week and it got me thinking about the different types of love there is; mainly the love we have for our family.
I'm lucky enough to have 2 sisters and we've been there for each other through break ups, redundancies, house moves and land mark birthdays. There are times when we have been close and times when we have been distant. But the thing I love most about having sisters is that I know they will always be there for me regardless. There are so many stories that we talk about when we are together that we will never share with anyone else.....well maybe when we're 80 and then we'll start with "mind that time?"
I started writing about my 2 sisters and what I love about them but then I thought why not interview them instead. Danielle was sick this week so I let her off with it (which was just as well as Domonique gave me a ton of great answers) but you can read Dom's answers to my Q&A below. Enjoy!
I'd like to think I'm a good listener, I always seem to be the first person someone comes to when they need some advice or a sounding board which I cherish. With that I also try not to be judgemental, ensuring I keep open minded in regards to people and certain places or situations.
This is a hard one because I feel like we have alot together. However one that particularly sticks out in my mind is the Halloween I dressed up as Cinderella and you were both the ugly sisters. I remember it was your last year celebrating Halloween as you felt "too mature" to dress up anymore (which in reality you were, haha) but we had rehearsed this entire monologue for every house we visited and at the time in my element I thought you both must have been having just as good a time as I was. However with hindsight I can imagine you were cringing incredibly and only doing so to appease me so for that I'm grateful!
Of course it has to be their conflicting personalities, wouldn't life be dull if you had two sister's with the same opinions, personalities and sense of humour? I feel fortunate that I get to hang out with two completely different characters and will always feel inspired and enriched in totally opposite ways when I do.
I know it sounds rather stereotypical but there really isn't a day that goes by that you find yourself feeling lonely.
No matter how quiet your day is, there will always be a txt or a phone call. Also it goes without saying that you will always, always have your very own little army behind you, ready to help take on any battles you may succumb to in your life. Personally thinking of life as an only child is pretty inconceivable.
One of my favourite description's that sums up being a sibling is taken from Goldie Hawn's memoir. She writes;
"You realize that as siblings, you are the only people in the world who can reference your lives from a similar perspective. No one else has that ability; no one else lived inside those walls, knew your parents as people and is able to laugh or cry at the same things in the same way."
Aside from the cocktail of medicines on my nightstand, I'll usually find solace in my heated blanket, good book and a movie - the older, cheesier and funnier the better in my opinion.
I'd really love to have all my family still around; happy and healthy. It would also be a nice surprise to have a large majority of my ambitions and goals list ticked with the addition of my life serving up a good amount of excitement, adventure and contentment as the last thing I'd want to be is bored and unfulfilled.
That even though at the time a situation or experience can feel like the end of the world, believe it or not , it will make you a better, stronger and more resilient person that can draw from those experiences and grow as a better individual ready to take on the world.
My dog Lily- she truly is a little ray of sunshine and always does something adorably funny to entertain. I may be pathetically too attached but to know her is to love her.
I have so many that motivates me in their own different ways but the one that's my classic go to feel good track has to be Tina Turner "Nutbush City".
I like to live my life regret-less as I'm sure you do too. However we all know that sometimes certain situations slip through the net. When looking over your life is there anything in particular that you can say you regret or at the very least wish you could do differently?
I honestly believe that every experience, good or bad has helped me learn and grow. Plus I have a habit of needing to do things the hard way to make sure I definitely do want to do it the other way, if that makes sense. But if they hadn't happened I don't think I would be the person I am today, who I quite like (queue epic 80's power ballad lol).
However If I could go back and change anything I wouldn't worry as much about what I thought people thought of me, half the time they're not thinking anything as bad as you think and are trying to deal with their own "stuff".
Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do?
Hello!
I'm Leelah MacAulay designer behind Sweet Danger, hailing from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. I specialize in hand dying and making silk garments!
How did you come up with the name "Sweet Danger" and what does it stand for / represent?
Sweet Danger represents my roots and my aspirations.
The MacAulay clan motto is “Dulce Periculum” or Danger is Sweet. To me it represents a clan that were not afraid to explore new lands and experience new surroundings. I aim to put that same spirit into my designs!
Can you describe a typical wearer of a "Sweet Danger" piece?
Someone who enjoys colour, texture and individuality!
What is a typical day like for you?
Depending on the weather I will usually be outside dying up silk or indoors mixing up colours and designing.
I am currently working on a couple of one off Harris Tweed dresses also so will be excited to see them finished!
Who or what inspires you?
Definitely my surroundings it is so beautiful around the Island there's always somewhere new to explore and be inspired by.
What do you most enjoy about the work you do?
I love playing with colour and textures and designing - of course! seeing a design come to life is always an exciting moment too!
What piece of work have you been most proud of so far?
I would say my entry for the Scotland Re:designed with Mandors competition. My dress along with four others were chosen to exhibit with Mandors. It was an excellent showcase aimed at giving a platform for new Scottish fashion designers, manufacturers and textile companies.
What has been the biggest challenge been so far?
Relocating back to Lewis has had its challenges, not being able to nip out to the shops for fabric and zips and little things like that!
Last of all what's in store for the future of "Sweet Danger."
The website will be up and running soon so I'm very excited about that its been a long time coming!
Images of the House of Danger's S/S 13 collection was created with the help of:
Photographer:Anette SchiveModel: Jude Tsang
MUA: Emma Motion
House of Danger are currently working on their website but you can find out more by Liking their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/HouseofDanger
or Follow on them on Twitter:
@HouseofDanger
Alexhibition Art first came to my attention through Facebook and a mutual admiration of Miss Led's work.
I loved the way she used the delicate medium of watercolour to illustrate darker subjects as well as the vibrant colours she achieved.
When I decided to start a Q&A feature I instantly knew who I wanted to be the first interview to appear, but would she do it?
I tentatively sent her an email asking if I could fire over a few questions for her to answer and she instantly replied that she would looove too! So here they are!
Can you introduce yourself and describe what you do? >
Hiya!
I'm Alex, and I work under the name Alexhibition Art.
I'm a self-taught freelance artist from Scotland. I generally work with watercolour paints on the thickest possible papers I can get my paws on. On top of that, I'll doodle to death with various mediums from ball point pens to inks.
What is a typical day like for you? >
I cannot start my day with anything other than breakfast!
Honestly, I can't function without it. I always try to clear my head and just get in the right mindset for a day of working with my doodles. Some light exercise or Pilates usually does the trick, then it's straight into the paint.
Who or what inspires you? >
I have so many people I look up to and draw inspiration from.
There's a handful of artists I'll always look up to and admire the work of, and looking at their work always boosts me forward. Mike Shinoda, Kaspian Shore, Miss LED, Richard J Oliver and Cory Benhatzel to name a few!
The slightest things can inspire a new piece though - birds, skulls, anything a little morbid, colourful things, patterns and music.
What do you most enjoy about the work you do? >
I absolutely live for the moments when I hand over a piece of artwork I've done for someone, and the appreciation they give. That has to be the most enjoyable thing about doing anything artistic, that someone loves something you've poured your heart and soul into. That, and being able to work in my PJs :)
What piece of work or achievement have you been most proud of so far? >
With every piece I do, I feel I improve just a little bit, so each new piece is something to be proud of.
Lately, I've been working towards putting on a week long exhibition with my group of artists, and I'm amazingly proud of what we're achieving.
What has the biggest challenge been for you so far? >
It sounds silly, but it's always a challenge for me to tell someone that I'm an artist. I'm not ashamed, but I always feel like I'm a fraud for claiming to be one. I have such a long way to go in this field, and I'll always strive to improve and become better, but with each passing day I'm closer to freely telling people that yes, I'm an artist! I can draw!
You recently founded The Leviathan Art Collective, can you tell us a bit about it and what it represents for you?
I've always found the art world to be a tough place to break into, and felt it would be easier to group together with other artists to conquer it together. The Leviathan Art Collective is a group of self-taught artists working together to put on awesome shows and to produce awesome art together.
For me, it represents a way for us all to showcase our work together and with each other's support.
It's scary to exhibit on your own, or in a place you don't know, so this way we're all together and so much stronger for it.
What's in store for the future of "Alexhibition Art"? >
Hopefully this is what I'll be doing until I'm old and grey, that's the plan anyway!
I can't see myself doing anything out with the art world. I would love to take The Leviathan Art Collective to a whole new level and tour the world.
Fingers crossed on our success!
Whenever you read interviews before what question do you wish they had asked? >
I'm always intrigued by the time other artists put into their pieces.
I always just want to know, "how long did that take from start to finish?
How many times did you have to draw things out?
Did you have to redraw it a million times?" For me, each doodle is the product of several preliminary sketches and attempts to get it how it comes out in the end. Most of my pieces are A2, and take roughly 25 – 30 hours to get to where they are when I upload their photos online.
We'd like to say a great big "Thank You" to Alex for taking the time to talk to us and Good Luck with everything in the future!
You can check out Alex's portfolio at www.alexhibition.com
Like her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/iamalexhibition
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leviathan-Art-Collective/263509413771110
or Follow her on Twitter: @iamalexhibition
