About
the Artist:
Mystical,
enchanting, haunting, playful – all
of these words describe the artwork of
Ina. Her art quite often commands a
complex and intense emotional response
from the viewer, something which has made
Ina one of the most exciting fantasy
artists working today. Her work is a
mysterious alchemy of sensuality and
spirituality. She is part of an emerging
array of new artists making their mark on
the fantasy art world both nationally and
internationally.
Ina was born in historic Philadelphia, an
only child of artistic parents. She has
literally drawn from the moment she could
hold a pencil. A direct relation to the
renowned French artist Pierre de
Chavannes, though if the truth be known,
the artistic connections don't stop
there. "I was already way down the
creative road before I had much
comprehension of my ‘famous’
uncle. I didn’t really know of him
until I was in college. Very different
aims, different inspirations."
Upon finishing high school, Ina attended
college with a major in Mortuary
Sciences. "I was very excited about
becoming a mortician- but became
seriously discouraged by the franchising
of the industry." She took electives
in figure drawing classes, for its
application to "seeing" human
form. "...drawing is elementary to
me and fundamental in the development of
any artwork. It was the first form of art
I did as a child and I find the act of
drawing still the purest and most direct
form of expression."
Ina embarked upon a career in graphic
design and advertising (concurrent with a
hobby in sculpture). In 1999 she realized
her dream of a fulltime career in
figurative art. Each item is personally
designed by Ina and created completely by
hand using antique and vintage materials.
Ina is best known for her imaginative
vingette's which range from whimsical
fancy to gothic elegance. She combines
years of fine arts study with a
collector's love of antiques to create
her innovative and original pieces.
Though her work can be quite diverse she
identifies most strongly with symbolism
and the spiritual, drawing much
inspiration from the great works of the
past. To quote a master, "I seek not
to emulate the styles and techniques of
the past, but to reinterpret and develop
them in the present and for the
future."
In
My Own Words:
Each doll is created without the use of
molds- each to be a true individual and
to convey special feelings. I get my
inspiration from, stories, illustrated
works, daydreaming, the beauty of the
antiques and fabrics that I work with.
I'm always writing down ideas for the
"next great one". I try to
envision just what it is about this piece
that will capture someone's heart and
what it might mean to have something so
special to share with another or to enjoy
themselves. I love the quality of period
craftsmanship, and I try to remain
faithful to the spirit of each piece, but
the final result is totally unique. Many
of the wonderful people that purchase my
creations do so as gifts for someone
else, a new baby, a birthday, an
anniversary or just to say that 'I Love
You' and wanted you to have something
lovely and lasting. I truly love what I
do, it brings me so much joy. The
wonderful letters from my customers are
rewarding and inspire me to find new ways
to improve on my creations and bring joy
into someone else's day as they do mine.
Thank you for your continued interest in
my work and a special thanks to Carol.
I'm very proud to be a part of the Land
of Myth & Not, Inc. Family!
All
the very best, Ina
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