Tanya Clarke is a designer who draws her inspiration from 'Water' and very well knows its importance. But Tanya herself is an inspiration from whom a lot can be learnt. She is doing a wonderful job of creating fascinating lamps and chandeliers out of recycled taps. The appealing aspect of her creations is that they give a look as if a drop of water is falling from a tap, that is actually hand sculpted glass light of the lamp. Unique and super creative I must say!

Tanya is a deep thinker and is sensitive towards environment. "A percentage of all Liquid Lights profit go towards th education and action on global water justice issues", as described on her website. Well, that makes her more respectable both as an artist and as a person.

Check out her interview below to know how such a creative idea strike her and what motivates the designer within her:





Tanya, please introduce yourself to E-junkies. Tell us a bit about your background.

I was raised in Ottawa, Canada by parents very active in politics, the environment and the community. After school I moved to New York City for 14 years. I currently live on the beach in California where I find things and put them together.

 
















































What influences you? Is there anyone whom you look up to?

My father (leading Canadian activist Tony Clarke) instilled in me that water is life. We are connected by water, and without it there would be no plants, animals or ecosystems. There would be no earth as we know it. Liquid Light experiments with the fusion of art, function and environmental consciousness to create a visual reminder of the precious commodity that water is and our need to protect this natural resource. I guess you could say that Liquid Light is an expression of my current environment and upbringing.  


The liquid lights created by you are just amazing! How did this super creative idea strike to you?

I began creating these pieces a year after I moved from New York City to Venice beach. In part, these sculptures represent my personal transformation from the streets of NYC to life by the Pacific ocean.

 















































Would you like to describe your creative work process?

There is a large emphasis on the use of reclaimed objects in most of my work; therefore each piece is unique to the materials I come across. For example, the LA Dept of Water and Power just finished digging up one of the roads close to my place and left behind these old brass pipe caps that are now the base of a lamp I'm creating. Almost weekly you can find me at the local dump in search of discarded faucets, gauges and pipes. That kinda thing.

 















































I read on your site that a percentage of all Liquid Light profits go towards the education and action on global water justice issues. That's a very noble deed! Tell us more about it.

A percentage of all Liquid Light profits go towards the education and action on global water issues: The Polaris Institute (www.polarisInstitute.Org/Water) was launched by my father 14 years ago in Ottawa, Canada, & I have been collaborating with this forward-thinking team ever since the inception of Liquid Light.

 





I read on your website that your father has authored 10 books. Would you like to talk about few of them?


My father is the author of over ten books-mostly written with the goal of unmasking corporate power that lies behind government. For one of his recent books('Blue Gold: World Water Wars'), he was the recipient of Sweden's Right Livelihood Award (the 'alternative Nobel Prize'). 'Blue Gold' is the internationally acclaimed story of the corporate takeover of our most basic resource and the inevitable global water crisis.


Share one best compliment that you've ever received for your work.

That my work is a reflection of who I am!  


What are your upcoming projects and other interests?

 My friend and fellow artist Lisa Gizara and I have just recently formed an Alternative Artists Alliance called 'Grey Matter'. We're about to launch our first pop-up gallery event titled 'Decay & Resurrection' on July 23rd, 2011 in an alley in Venice. Visit www.GreyMatterArtists.Com for more info.

I also gravitate towards just about anything Steampunk. And just about anything chocolate.


























Many of our readers would draw inspiration from you. What message do you have for them? Inspire to be inspired.

Sometimes strawberry jam sandwiches help. And cheese.





















































Check out Tanya's website at LiquidLightSite.com.

Tanya, thanks for this great interview. You're doing a wonderful job and we wish you all the very best for your upcoming projects! 

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Image Source: Liza Gizara