FK chats to artist Natalie Brcar creator of the wonderful paper prints label Bricks & Paper.
How would you describe the style of your work?
I would describe my paper prints as playful and whimsical.
What is your background and what lead you to where you are today?
From a young age I was interested in how things were put together and made as well as the process and evolution of construction.
My tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture followed by a Bachelor in Architecture. I studied at the University of Technology for 6 years and have since worked as an architect in Sydney for over 10 years. I have been fortunate to work on some great architectural projects. Bricks and Paper is informed by my architectural experience aswell as my travelling experiences visiting remarkable cities of the world.
What inspires your work, and where do you look for inspiration?
My inspiration is derived from travelling around the world as well as immersing myself within our built environment. I am inspired by designers from a variety of disciplines both local and international including architects, graphic designers, photographers and industrial designers. My daughter is also a big piece of the Bricks and Paper puzzle.
Why did you choose to specialise in hand-cut stencils? or did it choose you?
I wanted to create something unique for my daughter that she would relate to as a child and possibly later on in life. The artwork created uses simplified coloured geometric forms and can be related to a child’s first experiences of creating their own artwork.
Describe your workspace and surroundings and what your creative process is.
I work on our family dining table that was made by my father and sits within a north facing open plan living space with an abundance of natural daylight and views to our quaint inner city courtyard. My workspace overlooks my daughter’s play area and I am continually inspired by her innocent curiosity.
What advice would you give others wanting to follow a similar path?
Life is short – just have a go – you’ll never know where it might lead you and you don’t want to live with the regret that you didn’t try.
What has been your favourite project/collaboration to work on?
My favourite is the Urban 3 Series Pink – it was one of the first paper prints created lovingly for my daughter’s nursery – she was the catalyst for me to create Bricks and Paper. I wanted her to be immersed in an adventure of shape, colour, geometry and form, from a young age.
What aspirations do you have for the future and what would be your dream project?
To design and build our family home.
www.etsy.com/shop/BricksandPaper
