In the second part of our Pictoplasma Interview series, we are delighted to introduce you to Australian designer Rilla Alexander. As member of Rinzen, Rilla has published several books exploring the creative process over the last few years. Her latest book ‘My Idea’ is inspired by her personal journey and struggle with procrastination, told through the eyes of her character ‘Sozi’.
Interview by Lisa Hassell.
I am an Australian designer and illustrator living in Berlin. As a member of Rinzen I have published several collaborative book projects – including the felt covered “Neighbourhood” project sequentially reworking stuffed toys – and exhibited, spoken and conducted workshops in Mexico City, Tokyo, New York and Madrid.
Sozi is my alter-ego and the line between us is increasingly blurred. Her book “Her Idea” tells the tale of my procrastination laden journey to finish a long talked about picture book. Her cast of friends – from a lion who is the sun to an owlish creature who reads her to sleep – all emerged out of the exhibitions and contributions. I didn’t set out to make her world – in the end it grew organically.
Most of us identify with simple iconic characters and their emotions. I can explain how difficult it is for me to have triumphed over self-doubt and insecurity, but when Sozi does it more people can see themselves in her.
Pictoplasma focuses on a niche within art, design, illustration and animation that has long been part of those worlds, but did not have a home. The festival also gives people whose characters normally do the talking an opportunity to share their work with other like-minded people…in real life, no less!
I’m going back to tackle the very first book I started writing about her – the one that caused such a case of writer’s block that the story of my writer’s block took over! In the meantime, Sozi will keep updating her status on Facebook (otherwise known as procrastinating).
For more on Rilla Alexander check out her site here…
Words: Rilla Alexander, 2011.
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