We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Patrizia Terranova ("PT").

My name is Patrizia Terranova (nee De Maria). I am an enthusiastic mother of 4 beautiful children who light up my life every day. I am a loving wife to a beautiful man. I am excited about the future and incorporating my skill as an artist into my life (once again)- turning my passion for art into something more- a way to positively influence the world and help to brighten spaces, to let the positive energy shine through. People ask- "Do you still paint?"- Its not : "Am I still an artist?" - I was born with this passion - and I will forever have it. Its not something that I do, it's something that I AM.

Patrizia Terranova Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Patrizia Terranova.

Designer Interview of Patrizia Terranova:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

PT : I have always loved art and as a little girl, dreamt of painting or drawing my way into a career.. Being accepted after extensive evaluation by Edith Cowan University in Perth, to study Textiles, I realised this wasn't the avenue for me to take in order to become a fashion designer. I then applied at a fashion course at the Perth Technical College and was accepted to study Fashion Design there. As one does, I put my design career on hold and concentrated on helping at the family business for the next 5 years, putting my design career on hold.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

PT : My creativity was begging to come out however, I began designing hand painted textiles in the form of cushions and marketing them Australia wide. Next came hand painted ceramics, tiles wall murals and glassware. Theses proved successful and after presenting my work at the AGHA (Australian Gift and Homewares Show) in August of 1999, I began distributing my designs to upscale boutiques throughout the country.

DI: What is "design" for you?

PT : Design is a means to connect to your creativity and produce innovative, beautiful works which can be enjoyed by the viewer. They embellish our world. They keep us alive, striving for the next possible thing.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

PT : I like to design, or paint large scale florals, I like to also draw fashion illustrations and simple portraiture.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

PT : The horse painting submitted here. It was a challenge as I had never tackled this subject matter in the past. I was pleased at the outcome, a classic subject portrayed in a more modern manner.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

PT : I have designed a porcelain collection for renewed Australian company Australian Fine China.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

PT : I enjoy painting on canvas, also watercolour and gauche on paper

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

PT : When I can manage to quiet my mind and let divine inspiration recommend the next step or design

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

PT : If I am painting large florals for example, they must feel alive.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

PT : I am extremely centred and myself when designing. I am in my element!

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

PT : As an artist, nothing brings more satisfaction at the realisation of ones design!

DI: What makes a design successful?

PT : I think when passion and talent combine, expect a masterpiece.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

PT : Emotional response. Colour influence, and the energy of the body of work

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

PT : We embellish the world! We make people feel better. Innovation is what keeps the wheels turning. The thrill of discovering the next best thing. My aim is to positively influence through art and design.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

PT : More imminent designing as we are more and more influenced by technology.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

PT : I have exhibited various pieces in public exhibitions.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

PT : Nature is an inspiration. Again, it is that impulse from a higher level, a higher being. Being connected and quieting your mind so that you may hear a divine calling, an interpretation of that energy onto paper or a canvas

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

PT : I would say that my style is in between realism and conceptual art

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

PT : I live in Australia and Im of Italian descent. The tuscan style influenced my early ceramic design work. Living in Australia, I feel a freedom to experiment with any design style.

DI: How do you work with companies?

PT : Have worked with Australian Fine China who asked me to design a porcelain collection back in 2000.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

PT : After viewing the designers body of work, it is important to consider professionalism, service and passion.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

PT : I like to sketch initial inspirations on paper before re sketching these (if canvas artworks) free hand onto the canvas.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

PT : My paintings and ceramic works

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

PT : Very hectic! Looking after 4 children, administering house and designing once all done.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

PT : Follow your Bliss. Always

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

PT : Positive- immense satisfaction at realising a body of work. Even more so, having this work recognised by clients, media, or collaborators. Negative- extremely competitive field. One must make sure to differentiate oneself.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

PT : Follow your Bliss

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

PT : Determination, attitude and perseverance

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

PT : pencil, sketch book. Photo shop I've just acquired. There are a few illustrators I greatly look up to.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

PT : One needs to make sure rest is a priority

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

PT : Depending on the project

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

PT : Did you do that?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

PT : Artist selling my work nationally

DI: Who are some of your clients?

PT : Various upscale boutiques and furniture houses around the country and private commissions.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

PT : Illustration. It is an avenue toward true elegance and style in a world full mass production.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

PT : I would love to collaborate with upscale design houses to produce unique, elegant designs to be featured in their future collections

DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

PT : I am currently working on some illustrations to market on my new website to be published soon.

DI: How can people contact you?

PT : I am reachable via my email: pt-design@westnet.com.au

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

PT : I am very thankful for the opportunity to present my work at this prestigious award and hope that doors will open in the form of liaisons with reputable design houses around the world. Thank you. Ciao