If you have spent any time in Zibbet’s Community you have probably “met” Christina, who is a frequent contributor in the forums. Always pleasant and helpful, Christina makes friends easily on Zibbet. Christina displays exemplary style on her Zibbet shop as well as her blog. She writes informative craft tutorials as a way of sharing her expertise with others. Another way she helps her fellow artists is by showing how to build their own affordable light box for taking quality photographs of their products. If you want to try your hand at the art of origami, Christina shares her artistry skills with you in easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions. If you hurry you can catch the giveaway on her blog.

I am pleased to present to you this week’s interview by Ume Origami.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

   I am a 24 year-old graduate student working on my PhD.  In my “professional” life, my field is Japanese art history where I enjoy writing about Japanese photography at the turn of the century, and the American consumption of Japanese images during the same period.  However, when the work of the day is done, I become an avid paper crafter with a penchant for origami.  I am an east coast girl transplanted in California, but I have previously lived in such wonderful places such as Philadelphia and Tokyo.

2. Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?

   I am a Teaching Assistant (TA) for Asian Art History at the moment so much of my non-creative time is spent preparing lesson plans and grading papers.  But I enjoy spending time with my partner (who is affectionately known as “J” on my blog), and my three wonderful “children,” Ame the cat, Sushi the salamander, and Miso the gecko.

3. What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?

   I am mostly inspired by Japanese traditional crafts (mingei) and the various colors and textures of my paper collection.  It is thrilling for me to combine colors to create truly beautiful pieces that others can enjoy.  In my field there are very few tangible “results” that I can hold onto and feel proud about, but every time I fold a new chiyogami doll or create a new design I feel instant gratification!  It helps to ground me.  I am also inspired by a program that I attended one year ago called Hiroshima and Peace in Japan where I grappled with a lot of issues surrounding the atomic bombing and where paper cranes began to take on a more important meaning to me.  It was after this program that I began my origami business online.

4. Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?

   I am inspired by my Mother for all of her sacrifice and for always nurturing my creative side as a child.  I also look up to my partner who has provided me with unending patience and support.  (He also is very tolerant of my paper mess that currently occupies our living room!)

5. What other passions do you have in your life?

   Travel and Photography are my secret passions that I wish I had more time to nurture.  I also have a huge passion for teaching and being someone that my students can relate to and work with in the same way that my teachers have helped me.  I also have a love/hate relationship with studying the Japanese language which will be a constant work-in-progress for the rest of my life.

6. What do you like most about Zibbet?

   Everything!  However, if I had to choose one single thing that I like the most it would be the wonderful community of sellers who are mutually supportive.  I feel like my voice is actually being listened to on Zibbet and I feel like our thoughts and suggestions are contributing to the creation of an awesome venue!  It is one giant group effort between buyers, sellers, and admin and I am so happy to be part of it.

7. What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?

   I would like to see some kind of item-curation feature.  And adding on to this, I think it would be great to have a way to turn each “exhibit” into a website widget.  I love this aspect of handmade and I think it will help people get the word out about all of the beautiful objects that are being listed here.

8. How do you promote your work?

   I blog (http://www.umeorigami.com) about my work and creation process, I twitter (http://www.twitter.com/umeorigami) and I maintain a facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/umeorigami).  It is hard to have your voice heard amongst so many talented people so I try hard to cultivate relationships with others so that we can help each other.  Oh, and I am also a StumbleUpon junkie!

9. How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?

   I love the features of the premium account and I would just say to get one and create a space that reflects your work to the best of your ability.  Get a banner that WORKS and utilize your side bar space to show other places that people can connect with you!  List, list, list!  Also, whether you are a buyer or a seller, actively participate in the community.  You’ll be amazed at the friends you will meet and advice you will receive!

10. In the future I’d like to be…

    A professor with a tenure-track job!  But if this is too much to ask for, I will happily “settle” for being a loving partner and an inspiring educator.

Tags: Featured Zibbeters, Ume Origami