Unexpected Guests: Herzensart.

Today we're visiting the home and studio of Sandra Monat, of Herzensart. Sandra is a German artist, living and working in Cologne, creating wonderful softies of wool and fabric. Originally a painter, Sandra has recently discovered the satisfying feeling of creating three dimensional, textile pieces, original characters and art toys designed and created carefully by hand with lots of love in these beautiful, happy surroundings.



Favorite color?
All natural colors.


Who is your favorite artist?
There are so many, but in general I´m more interested in female art than in male art. My favorite living female artists only to name two: Andrea Zittel and her search for new ways of living in her art. Kiki Smith in her concern amongst others with the spiritual, mythological, and magical part of our world. I like that she uses a variety of media and embraces craft as well. Dead artists I adore: artist couple Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, their relationship and love and a more than 30 years collaboration in art.



What's the last great book you read?
I´m actually reading Clara and Paula, dealing with the life, art and friendship of Clara Rilke Westhoff and Paula Modersohn Becker.


Who would you like to sit down to tea with?
My friend Briga who died much too young 3 years ago. There are so many things that left unspoken.


Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Red wine and consuming too much chocolate.


What is your most treasured belonging?
My creativity and the joy in making things.


What do you despise?
Falseness and small-mindedness.


What's your favorite word?
Actually, it´s "muffula" the name of a new project I have in mind.


Sandra is also featured in the book, Softies, published at Penguin books Australia, with 22 patterns for original softies, from 14 designers worldwide for you to sew, knit and crochet. You can learn much more about Sandra and her work on her blog and website, Herzensart.