Elizabeth McGrath- Interview with the Glampire

Due to our own personal curiosity and, doubtless, yours as well, we excitedly present to you an interview with previously featured Los Angeles artist extraordinaire Elizabeth McGrath...

1. If you could be any sort of fabric, what would you be?

I love silk but that would mean I come from the butt of a worm!! So I choose cotton since ( like a superhero) it can take on many forms.
2. How do you know when one of your artpieces is finished?

It depends on my mood , sometimes I just can't stop! And sometimes I can't make up my mind what to do next, I usually sleep on it for a night or two and then it becomes clear!!!!
3. Do you have millions of ideas backed up, or is it a struggle to find a story each time you begin a piece?

Sometimes it's a struggle!! When i'm stuck I jump on the Internet or go to the library and research topics that might interest me. Then I go out for a week and try to see as much stuff that relates to the topics of interest as I can and then I start sketching !
4. Are you able to make a full-time living as an artist or do you work elsewhere as well?

I am super lucky to be able to say yes.

5. Do you dream about the characters in your work?

I do!!! They kind of haunt me till I make them !

6. Have you found your niche in the world, or do you feel you are still looking?

I think I will always be searching for my niche because times are always changing!

(continued below...)

7. Old or New? And why?

Both!!! I love vintage clothes and nick nacks from the 20's - the 50's but often times the fabric is weak so I try to find " new" vintage when I can i also love discovering new designers

8. Kate Bush or Dolly Parton? And why?

Dolly Parton hands down!! I love old country and she sings some tearjerkers - my claim to fame is that I painted a pair of trashy lingerie shoes for her a while back!

9. Do you take commissions, and if so, what would someone do to make it happen?

I do take comissions! One would contact my gallery http://www.billyshirefinearts.com/ but depending on my schedule it could take up to a year before I finish it

10. If the world was dying of boredom, what would be your words to inspire?

Hmm, I'm not very good with words but If I could show pictures I'd show the world a photo of itself !!! There are so many interesting things going on everywhere I think it would take 100 lifetimes to truly get bored of it
11. What is your most favourite item of clothing that you own?

A plaid dress and matching hat that my friend and designer Adele Milded made for me.
12. How do you transport your sculptural works for exhibitions?

Well it depends on where it's going it's always a real challenge transporting sculptures and mine can be up to 8 feet tall!!! But thankfully my gallery deals with most of that!
13. Anything else about anything at all you would like to waffle on about?

Um well we're on tour (with US band Miss Derringer) right now with Blondie and Debra Harry is just stunning!!! Her voice is as strong as ever!!! Also we saw Niagara Falls this morning and it was breathtaking, it erased the hangovers of the previous night's party!!

Fox says- "It leaves me jelly-legged, all that creativity..."

Pearl says- "Aaaarrrrrrrghghghghghghgh!!!! Makes me just want to run out and build something! "

Merch to the Max

Do you love us lots? If so, pop into CafePress and grab a top, coffee mug or bag with a snappy 'Fox & Pearl' logo to tell the whole the world! Want something else? Just drop us a message.
Fox says- "Coffee mug? Ten please."
Pearl says- "Ooooh, baby blue T-shirt for me!!!"

Always Time For Tea!

The Victorian Trading Company is a heaven for those that appreciate the finer things in life, and this Afternoon Teaset with room for treats is just one of the items to be found. Teapot available seperately.
Fox says- "There is indeed always time for tea, and one should never be rushed in having it."
Pearl says- "I just adore the design on this set, what a novel idea to have cup and treats actually fitting on a plate together. About time!"

Emerald Glory

Crystal Bridal Accessories is the place to find glorious sparkles, in brilliant colours and matching sets. With exclusive handbags, pages and pages of jewellery, and of course the choker/earring sets of the 'Glamour Collection' as pictured, you would be a hard to please lady if nothing tickled your fancy.
Fox says- "By Gosh, you needn't worry what you wear if you've sparkles like that on!"
Pearl says- "There is nowhere you couldn't wear this... every occassion including doing the supermarketing is ideal."

Haunting Beauty

Sylvia Ji is a Southern Californian artist who has a keen eye for the right line. Her Art-Nouveau like style is often coupled with slightly disturbing elements that hint at awkward situations and events, but always a languid and seductive atmosphere.
Fox says- "Ji does wonders with quite minimal line and colour, her work is something I would love on my wall."
Pearl says- "Her styles are from clashing eras, and it seems I am a fan of all of them. C'est Fantastique."

Magical Tea!

As seen in the film 'Marie Antoinette', jasmine tea balls (or Buddha balls, teabombs, green teaballs) are an enchanting way to enjoy both the taste and visual sensations of this refreshing tea. As the ball infuses the hot water, it slowly opens to produce a full flower. This tin from Heliomed holds ten balls, or find them at your favourite TeaHouse.
Fox says- "I nearly fell off my chair when I saw these in the film, and to think I can indulge whenever I want is absolutely thrilling."
Pearl says- "There is nothing un-excellent about these bombs, and I particularly relish them chilled in ice water after they have unfurled."

All That Glitters...

Hollywood Style brings us a dazzling array of unique and yet strangely familiar jewellery pieces. This sterling silver, rhodium plated, black and white simulated diamond bracelet is inspired by Cate Blanchett's red carpet number. And at $169 you might be able to buy something to wear as well.

Fox says- "Usually, I must say that copying someone's 'look' doesn't do much for me as I am astoundingly magnificent on my own... but when I see a quality piece such as this, well, I may make a few exceptions."

Pearl says- "Utter glamour, no question. All the pizzazz and a hair of the price, that's just logic."

Bunnikins Revisited

Non-Fiction Design Collective produce a super striking slip-cast lamp... King Rabbit comes complete with red eyes or white for the squeamish. Elegance and style with a twist.
Fox says- "Imagine a lounge room full of these nippers all looking at you. Sheer heaven, and cheap to feed."
Pearl says- "This is a work of art and practical no less! A piece like this would make a room. At $225 you're hoppin' mad not to get one, but a pair may be dangerous."

Portrait Pets

Amelia Makes Art and she certainly does! Clever-fingers Amelia manages to create pet portraits of second glance quality, and in her own words, "Each little pooch is sculpted out of Icelandic and Merino wool. The technique is needle felting and uses a special barbed needle tool to create the form. Each dog is one of a kind and sculpted in fiber like one would sculpt clay. There is no sewing, stuffing or pattern of any kind." Cheers to that.
Fox says- "I'd love a wee fox. Naturally."
Pearl says- "My poor Fido is getting quite long in the tooth you know, so instead of having the taxidermist on hand perhaps Amelia's work might be a more cuddly and less weepy option. Hmmm..."

Empire Vintage

Extravagant yet homely, worldly yet personal... Empire Vintage must be one of the most beautifully stocked stores in the world. Ultra fine attention to choosing the right item for display is what makes a space memorable, and we are sure you will agree that the nail has been struck perfectly on the head here.
From lingerie to teacups, Empire Vintage is style to the very bones.
Fox says- "Oh the glory of an almost complete dinner set (What's the story? Where's the missing piece? Mystery and drama!), give me a worn Victorian fork any day. None of this newfangled lifeless shine!"
Pearl says- "I'm moving in tomorrow. Put the Nouveau kettle on."