Today we’d like to introduce you to Inga Strause Godejord.
Inga, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As far as I can remember, I have always been drawing and painting, and have known that I will be an artist. Indeed, my academic degree is as a painter. However, my road to painting on silk has been lengthy.
Due to my husband’s profession, as an engineer, his work has taken us to far-flung places in Norway, Canada and the United States. One day I realized that the extra stress of constantly packing and lugging heavy frames and easels, fragile canvases, bins of brushes, oils and acrylics from one country to another was not helpful to my creative process. I needed a new, a lighter way of expressing myself through my art. Around the same time, the early 2000’s, painting on silk had become very popular in Europe. My choice became increasingly clear. What could be more ephemeral, more delightful, more beautiful than silk? Thus, started my journey into the world of silk.
When, in 2017, I again returned from Canada to our home in Houston I decided that it was time to establish my own company. But what to call it? I knew that I wanted the name of the business to not only reflect the artwork, but to reflect me as the creator of the collection. I also feel that by having the designer’s name be prominent in the name of a business means that I take full responsibility for the quality and the materials of all my pieces as well as for relationships with each of my clients. Thus, INGASILKS was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes, it was smooth! A long road but wonderful journey into the vast world of silk! The most beautiful and enchanting journey of my life that continues to this day.
Please tell us about the company.
The name of my company is INGASILKS and I specialize in painting on silk, luxurious hand painted silk accessories for women and men. I am the owner of the company and its sole employee. I do every task from procuring the best quality materials to product design, production and marketing. I am proud of the fact that I can provide my clients with one of a kind, unique, sophisticated, individually designed and made by hand piece. Each piece begins its life as a pure white 100% silk stretched on a frame. Then a combination of techniques is used to create the vivid colorful scarves, ascots and cravats, from a fluid watercolor method to a more controlled resist technique. Each piece is steam-set for hours for brilliant and permanent color. My work differs from many other silk products in the marketplace in the fact that I do not print a design on my scarves but paint each design on by hand.
Another outlet for my passion for silk is teaching. I teach silk painting courses and private classes. I find great joy in this! It is very rewarding when after classes my students say that they never expected that painting on silk would be so relaxing, so meditative; feeling they had not experienced in other art activities.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost I am extremely grateful to my clients – new and returning ones. I am grateful to each client for their faith and confidence in my product. My husband and my friends, especially fellow artists, are cornerstones of support for my creative journey.
Pricing:
- Silk scarves, ascots and neckties $ 75 up to $225 ( depending on size, silk and design)
- Painting on Silk Classes $55 (2.5 hour class /all materials and supplies included)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ingasilks.com
- Email: ingas.silks@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ingasilks
Image Credit:
Lee Beckmann, Photographer
Zanda Brige, Model, Brand Ambassador
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