Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Schone.
Eva, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up in East Germany when Germany was still divided, and the Cold War still defined the world order. The Berlin Wall fell and opened up at the perfect time for me to grow into a new system. At the time I was 16 years old, and I was able to expand into the newly acquired freedom and the opportunities that came along with it. Otherwise, my life would have been completely different. When I was a child, it was inconceivable that I’d end up living in the United States. Crazy! And yet, this is my reality now. Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about it. I feel incredibly grateful for this sequence of events and, looking back, I believe that this experience instilled in me two core beliefs:
1. Anything is possible.
2. Things can change quickly and dramatically.
I feel those are helpful beliefs to hold as someone who chose to make creativity a livelihood.
Fast forward to my arrival in the USA: I studied architecture, became a licensed architect, and worked as such for a decade designing residential and commercial projects. I love the complexity of architecture, working out the intricate puzzle while creating artful, lasting structures in which people can live, learn, and work.
When I felt a strong impulse to expand my career and life by becoming an entrepreneur, I was intrigued to find a way to marry my love of design with my appreciation for quality craftsmanship and fine materials in a meaningful and soulful way: Trophyology was born.
Please tell us about your art. What do you create? How? Why? What’s the message or inspiration? What do you hope people take away from it? What should we know about your artwork?
Trophyology’s mission is to redefine the Art of Recognition and to help our clients express their sincere sentiments of appreciation with objects worth giving and worth keeping.
Recognition is a basic human need. We all desire to know that we are valued and appreciated for our contributions. Most of us are proud when we are recognized and there are often sincere sentiments behind a recognition. It is an interaction from heart to heart. People receiving awards are often proud of the recognition, but rarely inspired by the objects associated with the honor. People bestowing awards are often slightly embarrassed about the objects they end up giving, but don’t find many sophisticated options. Current award offerings are old-fashioned, standardized, predictable, and cheap. Award celebrations are often significant affairs, but the objects the honorees take home are typically anything but significant. Everyone seems to agree that recognition is important; Trophyology is here to argue that DESIGN and QUALITY are the critical elements that make recognition effective, prestigious, and most importantly, meaningful. We set a new standard and redefine recognition. We apply an architect’s aesthetic and a sculptor’s sensibility to elevate recognition awards to desirable objects of art.
As a designer, I see such a wonderful opportunity in this work to not only create beautiful objects, but objects that carry deep meaning and heartfelt sentiments. I love thinking about how to express value, honor, and courage in material form. Seeing the pride with which our awards are given and received is special and fulfilling to me. The responses we receive from our clients and their honorees are incredible and keep me inspired to bring more thoughtful design to this industry that has been neglected for far too long. This quote by Dieter Rams perfectly expresses my intention with Trophyology: ‘Good design is making something intelligible and memorable. Great design is making something memorable and meaningful.’
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
This may have always been the big challenge for artists and creatives throughout history: to stay centered and true to oneself to allow the flow of creativity and to be present and receptive to bring these beautiful impulses to life.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Our work can be seen on trophyology.com.
Trophyology awards and gifts are proudly crafted by our talented team of artisans in Austin, Texas.
We have a lovely studio space in Austin from which we serve our clients all across the globe.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trophyology.com
- Phone: 512-552-8810
- Email: info@trophyology.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trophyology_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Trophyology
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/trophyology
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/trophyology100
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Chiles (Photo of Eva)
Rachel Kay
Carey Russell
Jenna Henderson
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
