Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Chakra Pennywhistle

Before I got tied up with family this week, I planned this interview with Rikkianne Van Kirk of Chakra Pennywhistle for today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx.

I first featured Rikkianne last year when her money bag clutches and wallets came onto my radar screen at Indie Fixx headquarters. Her folk art style really speaks to me (as you probably know if you read this blog regularly) and I also love that she repurposes fabrics as well as using organics fabrics.

Please enjoy the interview!

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

My business is Chakra Pennywhistle.  In my shop, you will find eco-friendly soft furnishings coupled with unique recycled goods.

I have always enjoyed art in all of its forms. I started out in performance art, eventually going through countless other mediums (collage, painting, knitting, felting, etc…), searching for my one, true passion. Ultimately, I received a sewing machine as a gift and never looked back. I recently took a screen printing course and I think that I have finally found my calling.

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

My business is an extension of my life. I enjoy art. I enjoy hunting for art/design books, thrifting for vintage goods, and creating. I try to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle and my family and friends are the same exact way. My business and my personal life seem to blend well with each other. My husband, daughter, and grandmother are constant sources of inspiration. I am also obsessed by both folk and outsider art. I just finished reading the book, The Folk Art Tradition: Naïve Painting in Europe and the United States. The author, Jane Kallir describes folk art to be a “catchall category for misfits – wallflowers at the dance of western civilization.” I swear, I have read that sentence over and over! Amazing!

4. What 3 things can’t you live without?

Coffee, music, and Etsy

3. What other types of crafty stuff to you do?

My summer goal is to get into embroidery.  I found this lovely project on the Elsie Marley blog.  Simple, functional, and portable!  Perfect for summer.

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

I love to read my best friend’s blog, shopursula. Ursula’s style is impeccable and she is so down to earth!  I am a blog addict.  You can find my regular reads on my blog.  I’d have to include Indie Fixx, as well!
As for shops, I thrift.  Tucson has an amazing selection of thrift stores.  I buy all of my clothing from thrifts and most all of my home décor and housewares.  I must share my daughter’s latest thrift find.  She couldn’t live without this hat.  It was a dollar!

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

I just added printed dishtowels to my collection.  These are unique in that they have a dual function.  I wanted to keep them ultra simple for the kitchen.  They are also large enough to use as a quick and easy apron.  I was hoping to achieve form and function with these!

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

I wish that I had time to read more novels. I currently read lots of art and design books, blogs, and magazines.  Presently, the book that seems to find its way in my hands on a daily basis is Margaret Kilgallen:  In The Sweet Bye & Bye.  Also, I have an online subscription to Selvedge Magazine, which is always a treat!