Wild Olive interview

I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing wildolive over the past couple of days. Her work is cute, free spirited and happy. You can check out more of her work on Flickr. I hope you enjoy her work and this interview as much as I did. She is such a sweet person!






1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

My name is Mollie Johanson, I am 29, and I love to create. I have the pleasure of living with my artistic, creative, and sometimes a little crazy (in a good way!) family. Being part of this family has certainly contributed to who I am as an artist (when I feel bold enough to call myself that!). When I'm not crafting, I do freelance graphic design, and I love that it gives me the flexibility to work on my own projects during slower times. There is always a list of things that I want to be working on: new illustrations (to become embroidery patterns), painting, stitching, you name it. I love to create.

2. How did you get started stitching?

My first experience stitching was probably when I was very young, stitching little lines on my grandma's kitchen towels. She showed me how to do a running stitch with a single strand of thread, then let me go to it! Every once in a while I still come across towels with those threads in place. More recently, embroidery just seemed like a good fit for me. It is a fun and relaxing way to create my illustrations.

3. What inspires you?

So many of the things that I make are based on everyday objects, so I find inspiration in the mundane. Taking a cooked turkey, for example, and adding a face, makes it so much fun! Ultimately though, I see God as the source of all creativity, so He is my true inspiration...both in art and life.

4. What advice do you have for other needleworkers out there?

Learn to enjoy the process, even more than the product. Sure there will always be bits of frustration (don't get me started on my messed up french knots!), but when you take pleasure in the making, not just what you make, you'll be happier.