MEET THE MAKER

How I got started…

Hello I’m Tina the creator, designer and the face behind Arquoise. I have been working in the graphic design industry for over 20 years. In 2015 I began a new creative journey, seeking a more meaningful and tactile way to create from a place of deeper connection. That’s when my printing path began.

A small old cast iron table top printing press came up for sale. I took a leap of faith and followed my heart’s instinct and purchased my first centuries old printing press. I passionately dove into the world of 19th century movable type and letterpress printing. I was amazed by the beautiful aesthetics of ornamental details. I can still remember the first time my fingers ran across shiny metal type. It re-ignited my creative soul! It was all new to me, but yet a centuries old craft. I fell in love with the intricacy of the craft and the ornate designs created by centuries past designers. I saw endless possibilities with movable type, looking at each design not for their literal intent and purpose, but as forms and shapes I could recreate with. Oh the delight in re-using and re-imagining! It’s a little known fact that I’ve self diagnosed myself with Pareidolia, “the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern”. I get entranced by patterns, mandalas and nature textures.

The beauty of eclectic forms and lines creating an entirely new image always makes my heart spark. My eclectic art style is an expression of my creative soul. Each print is curiously created, personally handled and graced by a human hand.

I made a conscious decision to shift my artistic path from the ever growing digital realm and focus on the beautiful slow craft of 19th century printing. Digital technology is a wonderful tool for my creative outlet, but it is not my primary canvas. Arquoise was created as a soulful endeavour with a purpose to spread sparkles of light, kindness and thoughtful giving through hand made tiny paper products.

We are all unique and we all have something special to offer. My approach to my business is my truth, my vision, my values and my voice. May each tiny piece of paper that journeys out of my shop be a reminder of the powerful impact that human-made products can have in our world. I’m a strong believer in Meliorism - “the belief that the world can be made better by human effort.” I’m forever grateful to be surrounded by peers who support and guide me through the process. I will forever be a student in both my work and life. I am constantly learning, shifting and growing. 

Thank you for being part of my journey and supporting my art, 

Tina