Wendy Gold is a San Francisco-based artist who loves turning unusual things into a perfect piece of art. Making unusual things her canvas.

She took her first artistic dive in 2001 and became a known name by transforming a simple utility object like the toilet seat into a decorative item. She has worked for art collector, hotels, restaurants and celebrities like Jude Law, John Travolta, Jack Nicholson and Sean Penn.

Tired of being stuck in the bathroom, Wendy started looking for some new inspiration, it was then that she stumbled across a beautiful antique globe at a flea market and then and there she knew what her next canvas would be.

In 2010 she launched her second foray ImagineNations to add some color and spirit to our world with her vintage globes and maps.

All artwork on the globes is handmade and done by Wendy, herself. Wendy uses recycled materials and vintage globes, only to create beautiful works of art. "Artwork is hand-cut, decoupaged on, and then finished. Most designs can be recreated in different sizes and using different color pallets upon request", shares Wendy on her website.

Wendy creates both custom globes and a line of 19 basic designs. Since the globes are vintage many of them are geographically incorrect and this is what makes them more unique and intriguing. They also come in different colors, sizes and typography. Wendy buys these globes from the flea market or online sources.

Wendy enjoys working on globes. "The globe is the best canvas I've found so far", she shares.

Her works have been featured on CNN, NPR, Newsweek, USA Today, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, and hundreds of other local, national and international media outlets. And she has also appeared on a TV show called "I've Got a Secret."

To know more about Wendy and her one-of-a-kind artwork, read on our exclusive interview with her.

Happy reading!

1. Hi Wendy, please tell us something about yourself.

I'm an artist and mother of a 6 year old girl, living in the San Francisco bay area.

2. When did you decide that you wanted to become an artist or were you always inclined towards art? Tell us something about your initial experiences as an artist?

I have been inclined towards art since I was a little girl. As long as I can remember, being creative has been an rewarding outlet for me. Since I was told by my career counselor in high school, I could never make a living in fine art, I decided to go the commercial art route and studied industrial arts in college. My first job was doing package design for a toy company. From there I got inspired to decoupage toilet seats, which launched "art de toilette", my first fore into the world of decorative art. I have been at it ever since….

3. What is ImagineNations? What inspired you to use globes and maps as a canvas for your artwork?

I was inspired to use globes as a canvas one day as I was browsing at a flea market and came across and amazing globe. Inspiration struck on the spot. I bought the globe, along with a few more, took them home and tried decoupaging on them. ImagineNations, was born right then and there.





Having the world as my canvas, it seemed like the only logical choice. I want to make the world more beautiful literally and figuratively. I primarily get globes from flea markets and Etsy.



It is such an amazing time to be in business. having the world at your fingertips and being able to buy anything, anywhere opens up amazing possibility.

6. What has been the biggest compliment that you have received for your work?

Having jonathan adler who is a big hero of mine ask to sell my work in his store.

7. How are you promoting your work? What do you think is the ideal mix of social, online and offline promotion? What about word-of-mouth promotion?

For the most part, I promote my work totally online. I do one art show a year, but aside from that, all sales are generated online. I find online promotion more effective then offline because the customer is only a click away from your work. There are less barriers to break through.

8. If you could peek inside the studio/toolbox of any designer/artist/photographer, whose would it be and why?

Rex Ray. I'm a huge fan of his work.

9. What sort of activities do you like to pursue in your free time? Which of these do you find to be most de-stressing?

I do kickboxing 3 days a week. It is a way to completely get it all out.

10. What are your future plans as an artist?

I plan on continuing to follow my inspiration. Where that leads, I cannot tell you…

11. What advice would you like to give to a budding and aspiring artists?

Be patient with the creative process, but give yourself dedicated time to let ideas play out.

Wendy, thanks for such an extensive interview. It was a great experience learning about you and your inspiring work. Wish you good luck!

To read more exclusive interviews of talented artists like Wendy, you can subscribe to our blog. You can also choose to receive updates via email.