Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Nye.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up in Sweden I was creating things even as a child. I liked drawing, painting, working with clay and textile fibers. From third grade, sewing and wood working were required classes in the school where I went, and I enjoyed both enormously. Textile fibers is the main interest that has stayed with me since then. While studying “Textile Engineering” in Borås, a town in the southwestern part of Sweden, I decided that I wanted a more creative angle and moved to Chicago to finish my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Ray College of Design. Since 1995 I have built my business based on handcrafted accessories with many unique design elements. I truly enjoy traveling to diverse cultures, and during my journeys I make sure to bring back interesting ribbons, fabrics, buttons, etc. to incorporate into my collections. I still participate in several art fairs, mostly in Illinois, where I sell my hand made hats, bags, skirts, and silk screened t-shirts.
A few years ago when struggling with infertility my art took a different turn. After 2 miscarriages, 5 surgeries and numerous infertility treatments I was yet again about to start the shots for a round of IVF. I looked at the needles, syringes and packaging and knew there was a way to make something beautiful from this long and painful journey. Madonna and child seemed like the perfect image to create and so “Imitor Virgo Fructuarius” “I imitate the fertile virgin” was born. Not only does it relate to an infertile woman going through IVF, but also the fact that virgins today can and have gotten pregnant and given birth.
One of the best things I did for my own self-care was to join a support group of women who also struggled with infertility. There I finally felt understood and my eyes and heart were opened to other ways of creating a family; using donor eggs. This is when my second piece came to fruition: “Mulieres Offerunt Maternitam” “Women offer motherhood”.
The woman on the right hands over nature in shape of the golden egg and the doctor on the left provides the nurture needed for the embryo to be created. Then nature takes its course inside the uterus of the middle woman. Three women (three muses) are needed to create this new life. When does the nurture start? Doctors have come up with the term “activated DNA” which means that the environment in the uterus already helps shape the baby. Had the same embryo been implanted in another woman’s uterus different parts of the genetic make-up would have been stimulated and the baby born with different character traits.
My third piece “Familia Adduco Mundum” “I bring the world into my family” shows one couple who finally became parents through medical treatments. It was finished the day before I finally got the positive pregnancy test for our son who was born last year.
My hope with these pieces is to open up the discussion of infertility and help men and women feel like they are not alone in their struggles
Has it been a smooth road?
Being self-employed brings with it a unique set of struggles. How do you handle the unknown, not knowing how much you will make a certain month, not having vacation or sick pay, or medical insurance coverage? When I was single most I did was creating. Working long and late hours. You really have to have a passion to be able to do it all. A “Jacqueline” of all trades I have to be the bookkeeper, producer, advertiser, chauffeur, supply buyer, sales person and more. It helps loving what you do. When I create I lose time. It’s that flow one talks about, you become a vessel and art comes out of you. Now I have more balance in my life. Having a husband and a baby will do that to you. Having a social life is important too. I see people who are self-employed (especially artists) as risk takers. We are the monkeys who jump from branch to branch not knowing if they will hold the weight, rather than staying put or just reach for the nearest branch. But then again, there isn’t ever any security in life. Why not do what you love?
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My specialty are my hats. I have a degree in Fashion Design, and while at Ray College of Design I learned not only pattern making but also old fashion millinery techniques. I have about 70 hat blocks that I use to shape my hats. I also taught hat making at Lill Street Gallery and at my own store in Andersonville years ago before moving to the suburbs.
In terms of my silk screening I think my customers mostly appreciate the animal and spiritual prints I offer. I practice yoga and many of my images reflect that.
What I am most proud of though, are the three 7′ art pieces I made from infertility needles and medical supplies. They came straight out of my aching heart.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a great city for art. Not only because the people living there appreciate handmade things, but also because lots of tourists come and want to bring something unique with them back home. Since I am living in Batavia now I am still figuring out how to reach customers here. So many people buy off the internet these days. Most of my artists friends sell on Etsy, have their own website, and/or Instagram account.
In terms of just starting out, working for or interning with an artist is a great way to start. Try selling your things at local art fairs before going on the road. Whatever you do, do it within your financial limits. A dream that puts you in debt can turn into a nightmare. Many artists keep a part time job while gaining knowledge and experience in their chosen art field. The day you let go of that security was big for many of my friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evamay.com
- Phone: 773-551-1875
- Email: evasartwork@gmail.com
- Instagram: swedeeva
- Facebook: swedeeva
- Twitter: swedeeva
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