I am what you could call a knitting nomad. I create knitted pieces while travelling around the world and working with other artisans in less fortunate conditions.
Who (or what) inspires you to do what you love in your own creative business?
What inspires me is the ability to be able to do what I love all the time and that is creating and helping other artists at the same time.
Where do you get your inspiration from when you design/paint?
Most of my inspiration comes from shadows of plants! All my drawings for the moment and done from the shadows of the nature around me. The knitted stuff came from being inspired by the fishing nets in Thailand…
Lana Williams copyright
What are the five words that people who know you would use to describe you?
Passionate, productive, nomadic, easy going, fun
Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?
One of my very first jobs was working at a candy shop in a small town where I grew up when I was 12… I have come very far from that… Now I am knitting and travelling and then knitting some more instead of eating candy and making milk shakes…
Describe a typical day in your studio space?
I make my tea.. do some yoga and then if I am “home” I go in the garden and bring my knitting needles and spend most of the day sitting in a hammock knitting. IT always involves being peaceful and or being in a peaceful place and knitting a lot!
As an Artist and Designer, what is your biggest frustration?
The biggest frustration is having so many awesome ideas but not getting to touch upon all the ideas because there are really just to many for one person to dive into! Also on another end of that trying to be in charge of all the aspects of my business when really I should just be in charge of being creative!
Tell us more about your designer show that you have been doing and how it has come about.
The last 2 years I have been travelling around the world with a design show called "design boom" I have gone to Sydney Australia, NY, and will be joining them in Tokyo this year at the Tokyo design week in the end of Oct. A good friend of mine told them about me and ever since then I have been part of their design shows and always look forward to doing more!
"One of a kind" Trade show
in Chicago
Lana Williams Copyright
Since you are working at home, can you please tell us about how do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?
I go to art openings, cafes, wherever the people are… I take my work with me where I go so it is easy to start up a conversation about knitting when you are out about town on a Friday night and have knitting needles with you! As well I knit while I am walking so this too starts a lot of interesting conversation and encounters with people.
What advice can you offer other creative people who are just starting out and following their passions?
Don’t let anyone tell you that it is impossible… everything is possible as long as you have the vision… make a lot of dream boards and let them guide you to your chosen path!
What dreams do you still want to achieve or fulfil in your life?
I want to help many other communities of artisans around the world and start producing yarn for different groups of artisans as well!
Lana at work with the local girls in Peru
Lana Williams Copyright
Lana Williams Copyright
What is your proudest moment so far?
Getting to know that knitting has taken me around the world quite a few times…and will continue to as the years come!
Who do you most want to meet and why?
Probably Gandhi , just to get an understanding of the peace and tranquilty that one person can have in their life and how I can bring that into my life at all moments!
What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?
Never give up… if it is hard, try a little harder, but never stop until you are satisified and feel complete!
Lana & Aaron in guatemala
at sumac champey this amazing waterfall 2010
at sumac champey this amazing waterfall 2010
Lana Williams Copyright
What book are you reading right now, and do you have a book you would like to recommend?
I am reading “ the flower of life “ I recommend this book as it teaches you how to breathe, slow down and meditate from the heart.
Where do we find you and your products?
The best way to keep track of me is through my online shop www.shoplana.com there I have all my shops I am currently selling to listed as well in a country near you!
Lana and her hostness
where she stayed in Peru
Lana Williams Copyright
Lana and her hostness
where she stayed in Peru
Lana Williams Copyright
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