We had the good fortune of connecting with Inga Strauss Godejord and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Inga, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am among the artists who do not look or wait for inspiration to motivate them, rather I believe that the unique IMAGINATION of the artist is the key for artistic growth. Thus my imagination is the most important component of my personal creative process. As an artist, establishing the right mood, in my case a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere conductive to reflection is essential. Sometimes that amount of time needed to properly prepare for work is longer than the time spent working. I do a lot of sketching before I tackle the actual painting on silk. Before I start to paint it is also essential for my studio be organized and quiet, for there to be an emotional calmness and plenty of light. Because of the material properties of silk, once you begin to paint you must work very quickly, be prepared to make every nuanced artistic decision for the piece at lightning speed. My latest collection “Somewhere Under the Rainbow” is an exploration in color and emotions. It is motivated by elements of nature – a sweltering sun filled day followed by downpours, storms with thunder and lightning and finally an emerging full rainbow. Fascinated by vivid, crisp and intense colors I appreciate nature and its dynamic beauty. In all my pieces I try to capture specific elements of nature in abstract and organic simplicity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work (my brand) differs from many other silk products in the industry in the fact that I do not print a design on my pieces but paint each design by hand. Without a doubt my biggest “rookie mistake” when I started INGASILKS was that I was trying too hard to imagine and then create what I thought my clients might like. Luckily, I quickly understood that I must follow my own intuition and must trust my own color sensibility and aesthetic sense. I understood that for my artistic signature to evolve and mature I must allow my personal style to thrive and blossom. INGASILKS satiates in a particular niche in fashion – hand painted silk apparel for astute women and men looking for an exquisite piece of wearable art. Every piece is drawn free hand on 100% pure white silk, then painted using French Sennelier Tinfix Design Silk dyes. Steam-set for hours for brilliant and permanent color. Because the spontaneity is the key of INGASILKS creative process, no two designs will ever be alike. Each piece stands out as the individual who wears it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat : “Taste of Texas” 10505 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024 Drink: “Yard House” 800 Sorella Court Space 116, Houston, TX 77024 Visit: The Menil Collection 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006. Rienzi Collection, Museum of Fine Arts, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I count among my most cherished mentors several master silk painting artists and designers with whom I studied silk painting techniques. Among the artists whose knowledge, skill and craftmanship still shape my work are Susan Louise Moyer, Suzanne Punch, Sisi Siska, Mary Edna Fraser and David Higgins. My designer and artist friends and their viewpoints are very important to me. However, only I can push and motivate myself to believe in my work and believe in myself.

Website: www.ingasilks.com

Instagram: @ingasilks

Image Credits
Model: Zanda Brige Photographers: Lee Beckmann, Linda Treija

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.