We're back with another installment of Collabo with Jan at Scoutie Girl! This week I'm happy to be featuring one of my favorite designers, Lucie Summers from Summersville, who worked in collaboration with Alison from Eco Eco, a great UK based shop featuring organic and sustainable goods. Lucie designed the gorgeous patterns and Eco Eco created high quality gift wrap from them, printed with vegetable based inks on recycled paper. It's eco-friendly and fantastic!
See how the partnership was formed: Lucie's answers are below and find the Eco Eco story over on Scoutie Girl!
Which came first: the idea or the partnership? Who approached whom?
Alison used to comment on my Flickr photostream - she was always leaving encouraging words, and was a really strong supporter of my work. I was really just finding my feet, having gone from a textile/quilt art background to experimenting with paper collage. She approached me about doing a collage design for a Christmas card, which I did and Alison got printed in a short run. It was a total learning curve for the two of us, and quite a good way to dip our toes into working together.
What is the nature of your collaboration? (did one of you purchase the rights to use the other’s artwork, do you both receive revenue from sales, is the artwork on-loan for a limited time or # of pieces….)
At the moment, I get paid in stock and I'm very happy with the arrangement. We're very relaxed about this part of the process. I know that Alison is really wary of making me feel like she's taking advantage of me, but the truth is, having my designs applied to different mediums is fantastic for me, it really helps to extend my product line. Maybe later we'll be more 'official', we'll see how it goes.
How did you coordinate the project work and determine who will do what?
With the 'totem' wrapping paper, Alison financed the project and I provided the original design and helped Alison choose colours. I feel like I got the good end of the deal! It works because I can concentrate on what I do best - design - and Alison does all the running around pricing and researching, and all the stuff that makes me want to tear my hair out. The fun bit was choosing the colours. It's funny - usually I'm a real control freak and with anyone else I'd be stressing that they didn't 'get' me, especially with colour, but with Alison I feel really laid back. It's very strange, especially as we've never met and only spoken on the phone once!
Is the collabo ongoing or was it a one-and-done deal?
On-going without a doubt! I don't think this connection happens very often in life so you have to make the most of it. Alison and I email every other day or so, she's a great sounding board. We've mentioned wallpaper to each other and I'd love to have an entire range organic homewares - fabric available by the yard, and products made from it. We're working on the fabric part at least!
What made you want to partner your art with someone else’s?
It wasn't ever something I thought I'd be doing, but it's been a total joy working with Alison.
Do you work with other artists to create collaborative pieces?
Not actually collaborative pieces, but the fantastic artist Sarah Ahearn and I are hoping to have a joint exhibition sometime in the future.
Do you have any suggestions for other artists who are considering a collaborative project?
You have to somehow connect completely with a person - even over the internet you get an instinct about something or someone. It's probably easier if they're physically close to you so you can meet up easily, but it's not a necessity. You have to admire them too - I love the fact that Alison is so committed to eco-friendly living and the lengths she will go to to ensure a product fits her ethos.
If you could work with any other artist to create a piece together (famous and/or deceased included), who would it be and what would you make?
Without a doubt, Lucienne and Robin Day - I'd love to have collaborated with Lucienne on print designs, and have them incorporated into furniture. I can't imagine how fabulous it must be to be married to someone as creative as you are - my husband thinks I'm bonkers 90% of the time, especially when I get excited by the design possibilities of lumps of charred wood and broken china ;)
It's great to hear how this project all came together and I, for one, can't wait to see the fabric and perhaps wallpaper you have in the works! Thanks Lucie! Be sure to check out all the goodness Lucie creates in her Summersville shop.
