Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with dahlhaus

Today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with painter and ceramic artist Heather Braun-Dahl of dahlhaus. After graduating with a BFA from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Heather opened dahlhaus with the intention of sharing art that shares connection and community within an urban, modern setting. She is a talented parinter and ceramist, so she decided to share both types of work through her studio. I am just featuring her ceramic works todaythough, you can see her paintings here.

Learn more in my interview with Heather below.

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1. What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?

My business name is dahlhaus or dahlhaus art and for the most part, my business refers to my hand-made ceramics and pottery.  As a  ceramic artist and painter, I officially launched my business in 2007 as a way to bring both of my art practices together under one ‘roof’ or website.  While I had gone to art school and been making pots and painting for many years, I applied for a self-employment program to help jump-start the business side of things.  It was kind of like a grant that helped me go from part-time/hobby to full-time artist.

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2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

Art Nouveau textiles, wall-paper designs, or tiles always inspire me in terms of colour combinations, pattern and design. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by my customers who may ask for an item as an up-coming gift.  If it fits with what I’m working on, I’ll start drawing sketches and then I’ll make some extra samples to test the market with.

I do live in a beautiful city (Vancouver, Canada) so between the mountains, the ocean and the city itself, I am inspired to create just by the view out my window! And of course my supportive man and 2 boys keep me inspired to keep at it!

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3.  What’s better all the money in the world or all the free time?

I’ve often said the more money you have, the more you have to worry about.  Sure, there are lean times when I’d jump at the cash, but more often I’m wishing for more time not more cash.

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4. What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

People who don’t say what they mean, mean what they say.
Potential opportunities that sound to good to be true, and they turn out to be just that.

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5. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I have been loving the Saint Verde Digest blog for very inspirational photography pairings.  There really are a number of great blogs out there—Smarts and Crafts, Poppytalk Handmade Artists, Lovely Design, just to name a few that I regularily follow.

I read Dwell Magazine and I, when I do shop, I head out to some local indie stores in my neighbourhood, such as Room6 or Favourite Gifts.

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6. What’s new? Any products or projects you’d like to share?

My new slip-cast bottle vases are a new venture for me this spring! Each one is glazed a little differently and they have been super popular for gifts at just $34 each.  They are available through my etsy shop.  I’m also gearing up for my first solo ceramics show at the BC Gallery of Ceramics here in Vancouver during the month of July.

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7. What are you reading, watching, listening to?

I’ve been reading The Wind in the Willows to my kids.  I finally got out to see Slumdog Millionaire the other day.  I have been loving a lot of Canadian music these days: ‘City and Colour (Dallas Green)’, ‘Daniel Lanois’ & ‘Fiest’ just to name a few.

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