Taiana with her 10 year old golden retriever Dyl'n
Where are you from and where do you live now?
Santa Barbara, Calif
What do you do?
I design raw wool and felted fabric for fashion and interior. Occasionally I model.
Goals?
My goals are to work for myself and make things that make me happy! And to live a balanced life with work that inspires me, and lots of play. My dream would be to have my new work in creative galleries, museums, innovative spaces.
What’s up next for you?
The Wall Tapestry Interiors Collection. For a decade I've worked on my scarf collection. I've always considered myself more of an artist than a fashion designer, yet because my work fell into the “Accessories” category I got thrown into the fashion world. It was hard to create all of these creatures and then send them out blindly into the world without getting to meet their new owners. I know people buy them because they resonate with the craft but part of me felt that the story of the work got lost on the retail floor. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion…. but art is where my heart is. Specifically sculpture. After about 6 years of scarf production I started craving more. I wanted to go BIG, BIGGER! I wanted to make pieces of art that I could sell directly to the buyer, so I could connect with those who connected with the piece directly, describe the creative process. Four years ago I started working on an interiors collection of large scale wall tapestries and installations. I love them and am so excited to show this series. The collection is almost finished. Expect a debut show at the end of the year! Join my mailing list for an invite to the event :)
(Photos by Blue Caleel and Nancy Neil)
Female Hero and why?
Mother Earth because she's the ultimate badass!
What inspires you?
When it comes to inspiration, I do not follow any artist, nor styles, to guide the outcome of my creations. For me is really about the materials. All things have a life and a personality all their own, and if I sit with it and listen, the materials themselves tend to guide me. I often feel like I am just a vehicle to help transition things from one form to the next.
"One could say nature is my biggest inspiration. Look anywhere outside and you see everything as it should be. Harmonious. Trees balanced on rocks, vines wrapped on fallen trunks, moss working it's way over exposed surfaces. There is nothing that seems out of place, nor does anything feel artificial or abrasive. The diverse colors of plant life, every shade of earth, all working together. This to me is my biggest source of inspiration. I want my work to feel like it is one with its final resting place, as if its meant to be there and always has been."
Essential Hoops, Oblique Hoops Small, and the Oblique Hoops III
Favorite hobbies/pastimes?
Surfing, cooking, and eating!
What are your favorite places that you have travelled to?
To name just a few, Iceland, Australia, Austria.
Next up?
Africa, biking and hiking across New Zealand, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Rules to live by:
My rule is to never get stuck in mundane habit or routines. If something feels caught, change it, break it. I seek diversity and new experiences. There is a whole lotta life to live out there and so many things that can teach us, school us, bring us joy. I do what I can to keep my mind open and go with the flow. I like to claim who I am and stand strong in it, but then do my best to admit if and when that changes.
"Staying grounded with looseness is my goal. I have a tendency to over plan and anticipate my future. I like to be prepared for everything! Yet its unrealistic to think that you can anticipate everything, so finding the balance of serving my OCD mind and staying present is my daily challenge. Try something new every day, do things that scare you, and remember to rest and play."
Oblique Pendants and Disco Chain, Gold Hoops, Esfera Charm, Thin Rounded Post, Essential Hoops
What are some of your favorite books/audiobooks, and films/shows?
Books
Different Dances, by Shel Silverstein
The Fountain Head and Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant
Einsteins Dreams, by Alan Lightman
Audiobooks
Game of Thrones
Films / Shows
Isle of Dogs, and all of Wes Anderson’s films.
Lion
Logan Lucky
The Green Mile
High Maintenance
What is your favorite music?
World, African, blues, flamenco, and electronic dance.
What is your favorite kind of place to stay in?
Random fun finds on Air B and B.
How do you unwind?
Surf.
Do you unplug from devices...night time or weekends?
I try a few hours daily, leaving my phone in the car or at home.
How do you take good care of yourself?
Hiking, running, surfing, walking, yoga, pilates, tennis, good quality food, lots of cooking.
When do you feel your best?
In the morning.
Beauty routine/skincare regime?
Isun organic skin care.
What is your style credo?
Dress comfortably yet functionally. My outfit must be appropriate to lounge at the beach while perfectly suited for a party or nice dinner. I love tone on tone, earth tones, textured, raw fabrics, anything backless and generally oversized with a fitted high waist or structured chest and crop top.
Bold or delicate jewelry?
Depends on my mood and the outfit. More on the bold side but occasionally the delicate.
What was your first KC piece and most recent?
My first was an early Benjamina Bag-Loved it! And my most recent and currently favorite are the Esfera Cuff, the Small Oblique Hoops and the Oblique Hoops III worn together.
What accessories do you like to wear during the day/night?
Daytime is typically just a smaller earring or a delicate necklace. But at night the Big Stuff comes out! A stack of my KC earrings, some gold bangles and a few silver ones mixed in, and a ring or two. Mostly all chunky, but simple.
Thin Rounded Post, Esfera Posts, Thin Gold Cuff, and Naked Bangle Thin
I like a bag that I can take out somewhere nice or to the beach. Something that is sturdy and holds things in, so I could take it on my bike or run down the block and not worry about anything falling out. I love a shoulder strap or even a backpack. Easy to wear, close to the body. Inner pockets are a big PLUS.
The Sanchita in Black Napa.
What do you like best about KC bags or jewelry?
I love the boldness and simplicity. The quality of the materials and the workmanship!
