We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Inga Strauss Godejord a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Inga thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Since March 2022 I have dedicated my time and professional skills to a project that is very meaningful not only to me, but to many around the world. I hand-paint silk scarves, shawls and pocket squares in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, incorporating into each design sunflowers, the bright and powerful symbols of Ukraine and Ukrainian strength. All proceeds from the sale of theses hand-painted silk accessories are donated directly to the family of my childhood friend, a family who are now war refugees in Romania. Each person who purchases one of my silk scarves or other accessories directly assists this concrete family in need. Furthermore, when the purchaser wears the 100% silk, one of a kind artistic statement they show their solidarity with Ukraine and their solid stand against this unprovoked war. The war against Ukraine has now stretched out for many months, and general public reactions to it are no longer as acute. That is understandable, as each day the world fills with other dramatic and tragic events. However, I believe, that continuing to promote and to work on my silk sunflower project, I can remind people that there is nothing in the world worst than war. NOTHING. War is the tragedy of the Ukrainian people and of the whole world. Once thriving cities are reduced to useless piles of rubble, civilians and helpless children are slaughtered daily. Millions, mostly women, children, and the frail and elderly, have become refugees far from the safe and tidy homes they knew but a few months ago. The repercussions of this senseless war are felt today and will be felt for generations. Our world is so small and lives are so ephemeral! With my project I am saying as clearly as possibly I can: “Everyone, say NO to this war! Support Ukraine! Today we are all Ukrainians.”
Inga, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a professional silk artist and owner of the design firm INGASILKS. Hand-painted 100% silk scarves, shawls and other accessories are the core of my fashion based business, however I also use silk as my canvas for landscape and abstract paintings. I continue to be proud and delighted that my clients cherish my original and one- of- a -kind designs and many have become repeat customers. Since each of my piece is hand- painted by me directly onto the silk, my work differs from many silk designs and accessories available in the industry that are created on a computer and then industrially printed. Each of my pieces begins its “life” as a white silk fabric on which I draw free-hand; each drawing is original, each composition unique. Knowledge of classic and modern silk painting techniques help me skillfully place layer upon layer of special silk dyes produced in France upon each piece. I let the piece “rest” for 24 hours, after that it is ironed and steamed. The steaming process itself lasts about three hours. After steaming the silk is again washed and ironed. From the start to finish each piece is “in process” for several days, each part of the process has its specific requirements. But for me, this very hands-on approach from start to finish leads to a deep sense of accomplishment, even an appreciation of the role of time in a true creative process. Each of my clients can be assured that their INGASILKS scarf or shawl, or painting on silk is truly one of a kind; there does not exist, nor will exist another like it.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I do not have a specific goal, but I believe my daily mission is to help create a world that is more beautiful, aesthetic, stylish and perhaps I could even use the word “gentle”. I wish for our small planet to be more colorful and for its inhabitants to mindfully cherish its diversity.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To be able to work daily on that which I enjoy and am skilled at is rewarding, but my greatest joy is from working with my clients and my students. I sincerely thank them for their support, their words of encouragement, their delight and their on-going interest in my creative work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ingasilks.com
- Instagram: @ingasilks
- Facebook: IngaSilks
Image Credits
Credits: Lee Beckmann, Zanda Brige and Elijah M., Sarma Muizniece-Liepina