What are you most proud of in your life? A specific project doesn’t count.
My house. I am in love with my house. I am personally responsible — with my ex-boyfriend, Dante — for the entire interior, which together we gutted and rebuilt completely. I planted the whole garden, and the place is just comfortably, beautifully suited to me. I’m also proud that I actually earned the money to pay for it: That I, Marian Bantjes, own my very own house — not given to me or inherited, but earned. Amazing.
What is your most treasured possession, one you would save in a fire? And why?
Would it be a cliché for me to say my family photos? I am the keeper of all of the original family photo albums … they are largely irreplaceable. Oh yes, some of us have scans of some of them, some of us have a few copies, but The Complete Bantjes Family Albums are with me.
Not only are the photos themselves reminders of the time they were taken, they are reminders of the times we, as a family, looked at the albums. They are like a childhood story I’ve read a hundred times: I look at one page, and I know pretty much what comes next, and when it does it evokes a memory and a memory of remembering.
What is something you’ve wanted, or wanted to do, but haven’t yet? If you say skydiving, I’ll think you’re a Playboy bunny.
Funny … I’ve always wanted to be a Playboy bunny.
Actually there are so many things, but today I think I will pick fashion. I’ve always wanted to be a clothing designer, ever since I was a little kid. I always get ideas, and I have a now-under-control obsession with fabrics. Sometimes I sew, but I detest sewing, and always ***k it up. But still … maybe one day.
Marian Bantjes is an artist, illustrator and designer living on Bowen Island, British Columbia. Her new book, I Wonder, will be published in October 2010. Learn more about Marian Bantjes here.
Sean Adams is a principal of the design firm AdamsMorioka.
Images from top: 2010 Bantjes Valentine, illustration for Men’s Health, Bantjes home — garden path, living room, deck, family album, illustration for The New York Times Week in Review, music poster for The National.
I enjoyed this post SO MUCH that I am galvanized to action. Loved the questions & the answers almost as much as I love the work. I (for Inspired) remain, A. for Awed PS – LOVED the intro too. Laughing before breakfast.
Oh my, this is such a marvelous story! Love the hearts, of course, and everything else. Thanks! Thanks! THanks! for this liottle gem of a read!
oh …this is tough….Marian or Sean….Sean or Marian….hmmmm…love you both and your lovely work and thoughts make me happy….and I really like to be happy !!!