IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST INES KATAMSO
Art has always been a huge part of Ines Katamso’s life from her artistic upbringing to her design studies in France, her fashion footwear line, and Atelier Ines.K, a studio where she creates vibrant mural and surface design projects in Indonesia. We spoke to her about her life as an artist and how she runs her creative business.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’m a designer and artist, half Indonesian and half French. I was born in the rice fields of Jogyakarta and studied design, art and fashion design in Provence, France. After school I decided to go back to my roots to be part of the Indonesian design evolution by creating Atelier Ines.K, a studio that combines surface design (murals, pattern designs, and art on basically any surface) and interior design. With these cultures combined I felt that I could bring something new, and the Indonesian market is great for giving opportunities and projects to young designers.
How did art and creativity come to be such a huge part of your life?
My parents were both artists. My mom is a painter and a tattoo artist and my father was a musician, so it was natural for me to be surrounded by creativity. When I was young I was always drawing mermaids with nice pink bras and princesses with lots of lace, and my dream was to be a fashion designer. At that time I didn’t how awful the fashion industry is, so believe me, I’m really happy I moved move on to interior design.
Your Instagram bio describes you as a visual artist and a surface designer. Can you describe your artwork and philosophy to us?
From my fashion design studies to the creation of my studio Atelier Ines.K, I realised that design in general is only a matter of composition. After discovering the great feeling of conquering walls with murals, I became more and more curious about surface design, so it was natural for me to evolve to 3D work and to become an interior designer. During a restaurant project (that will open soon in Bali), I realised the impact of working with space: people will not only look at one creation, but they will be surrounded by many of them. For example, a mural, a lamp, a plate, staff uniforms, furniture, etc. This becomes a unique narration and interaction. It breaks limits and gives me many possibilities to express myself.
You also have a footwear brand called Seni.K. Can you tell us about that and how the brand came about?
Seni.K was a really personal project on so many different levels. It started as a hobby and ended up a love story. Unfortunately, I had to put it on hold. In the beginning, it was great and the collection was sold out in Japan, but it was taking me a lot of time and energy. I was starting to deal with manufacturing issues and orders on five continents, and I was just too young to handle it properly at that time. I’m still making some handmade pairs for my friends or special requests, so it’s still there anyway, and I could push it again if the timing was right.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced being a young female artist and designer?
I definitely need to be more confident in my work. But I have sincerely never felt any sexism during my career in Indonesia. The meetings with clients are smooth and respectful, and the clients are always interested in discovering new works and a new personality.
As an independent artist, how do you market yourself?
When I decided to become an independent artist, I started to contact each interior and architecture studio in Indonesia to share my work and then with word-of-mouth I got more opportunities. But I am also lucky to have a lovely fiancée who is also my agent, so he helps negotiate and market Atelier Ines.K.
What role does social media play in your business?
I use social media as a portfolio, and I only post pictures and videos related to my work. I’m not a really good Instagram user, but I do realise the impact social media has on the promotion art and design.
What inspires you every day?
Nature, texture, and the details around me, but mostly memories. I actually miss Europe a lot, so I am more aware of details from my childhood spent over there like the flowery wallpaper and parquet floors in the family house, lichen on the trees, poppies, etc.
What advice can you give to other artists out there who want to turn their creative passion into a business?
To always push the boundaries of their creation and always keep the desire to progress and evolve. I’m still working on it, but I guess the most important thing is to be confident in themselves.
Can you tell us about one other female creator who you feel is truly impressive and who you think we should know about?
Cocorosie for her composition, Artemesia Gentileschi for her strength, Doris Salcedo for her subtlety and Diane Arbus for her simplicity.
Check out more of Ines’s work and please show your support!
www.atelierinesk.com
www.instagram.com/ineskatamso
www.facebook.com/ines.katamso
Loved this interview? Share the love on Pinterest!
