Inga Straus – Godejord is an artist known for her handcrafted work on silk. Introduced to us by KREEP. Productions Agency, we interviewed her in exclusivity for KREEP. Magazine. Combining art and silk, Inga describes herself as ”one of the artists who do not wait for inspiration to motivate them, rather I believe that the unique IMAGINATION of the artist is the key for artistic growth. I find the process of painting on silk very temperamental yet rewarding. Because of the challenges of this medium, I find myself continually expanding my skill set with new techniques in transparency. Working with silk dyes gives me the freedom to create original paintings that are vivid in color and sophisticated in detail.”

With her personal atelier and her silk scarves line, Inga Strause-Godejord maintains an original art + spiritual attitude. Sophisticated, intense, lavish + kaleidoscopic, discover inimitable luxury with real silk. Experience vivid design with a carefree spirit + treat yourself with an original art piece.

A TALK WITH INGA STRAUSE – GODEJORD

How did your passion for design start and how your creative process work?

As far as I can remember, I have always been drawing and have known that I will be an artist.  Indeed, my academic degree is as a painter. However, my road to painting on silk has been lengthy. 

I am among the artists who do not wait for inspiration to motivate them, rather I believe that the unique IMAGINATION of the artist is the key for artistic growth. Thus my imagination is the most important component of my personal creative process. I do a lot of sketching before I tackle the actual painting on silk. Before I start painting it is also essential for me for my studio to be organized and quiet, for there to be an emotional calmness and plenty of light. Brushes must be clean, dyes organized, and the silk perfectly stretched on the frame.

Because of the material properties of silk, once you begin to paint on it you must work very quickly, be prepared to make every nuanced artistic decision for the piece at lightning speed.  The process itself can have an uncontrolled and frenzied feel to it. Although I am not spontaneous by nature, in this field of painting on silk I find that it is exactly the spontaneity and speed that I must work at when I am painting on silk that triggers my imagination to excel.

Each piece begins its life as a pure white 100% silk stretched on a frame. Then a combination of techniques is used to create the vivid, colorful scarves and neckties, from a fluid watercolor method to a more controlled resist technique. I work with Sennelier Tinfix Design or Jacquard silk dyes – the colors are highly concentrated and therefore very vivid and intense. As with all dye, fabrics remain soft, supple and transparent. Every piece is steam-set for hours for brilliant and permanent color. The medium provides a perfect process for interpreting the beauty and mystery of nature, and the body allows color and imagination to flow.

Can you tell us a little bit about your references for the last collection?

My latest collection “Somewhere under the Rainbow” is an exploration in color and emotions. It is motivated by elements of nature – a sweltering sun filled day followed by downpours, storms with thunder and lightning and finally an emerging full rainbow. Fascinated by vivid, crisp and intense colors I appreciate nature and its dynamic beauty.  In all my pieces I try to capture specific elements of nature in abstract and organic simplicity.

How fashion competitions can change the business industry? Will you apply at some in the future?

Fashion competitions provide opportunity for young designers to get noticed. However, I think that fashion and art are very subjective. The beauty is always in diversity! How can one rate one collection of exceptional quality and beauty with another of exceptional quality and beauty? How can one even compare items of impeccable craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility and decide which is “the best’? What is the criteria? Often there is none. Only subjectivity. 

Myself – I do not plan to participate in any fashion competitions – I just do not have that “competition” gene. 

How do you want people to feel when they wear your scarves?

I want them to feel free, comfortable, unconstrained, at ease. I want them to feel extra special, for they are wearing a one-of-a-kind accessory. The only one in the world. There will never be another just like it. 

What do you think it’s your best –selling piece from your last collection?

Silk. SATIN. In purple and blue hues.

What do you think about the opportunity of selling your products on online platforms, you think it might be a good showcase for your work and your future?

I often have the opportunity to meet my clients face to face, and being a little old-fashioned, I really enjoy that personal contact. I also know that the amount of people shopping primarily on-line is growing each and every hour, and that the ability to buy on-line is almost expected from a business. It is inevitable that on-line commerce will continue to encompass larger geographic areas and create for businesses large and small a broader client base.  

What young designers need right now from fashion industry to grow up?

Responsiveness.