When I first saw Jurianne Matter's pop-up posters, I was completely charmed and impressed by the way she had taken a simple idea and turned it into something so unique. But the pop-up posters are only the beginning. She has a whole line of lovely paper items, from angels to flowers to boats! She graciously agreed to answer a few of my questions about her own childhood (see after images). It's so fascinating to find out how artists grew up and how that impacted their career choice today. I hope you enjoy this new section of the blog! (p.s. If you are in NYC August 19-22, be sure to head over to the International Gift Fair to meet Jurianne yourself! She will be in the "Accent on Design" hall in booth number 3762).
JURIANNE MATTER | Designer & Product Stylist
• What was the best thing about your childhood room?
My childhood room was a studio more than a bedroom....
I was born in a huge medieval house with 13 rooms in the center of an old town in Holland. As a child I was decorating, drawing, constructing 'machines,' cutting paper, making jewelry all day long… In our house nothing was impossible. Everything was allowed as long as it was artistic according to my parents. Painting all my furniture white, covering walls in gold foil, all fine with my parents!
• What were some of your favorite past times as a child?
It's funny, nothing has changed actually: I loved crafting/decorating. Preferably with my mom. She had these cupboards full of fabrics, beads and pieces of wallpaper. And something else: I loved leaving the house secretly early in the morning, with a little breakfast basket, find myself a 'secret' place near the river and have my breakfast there.
• What was your favorite toy?
My parents traveled to eastern Europe often and my mother always brought us these wonderful Czechoslovakian toys (handcrafted puppets) and children's books.
My father made us a huge dollhouse, which my mother decorated. She made all the furniture herself, it had real lamps and light switches.
• What do you find yourself daydreaming about most often?
Holiday! It's great to daydram about places I would like to visit with my husband and sons. Allthough I am super European I am dreaming of visiting India. Sometimes the dreaming itself is enough...
• If you were to decorate a child's room, what are three items you would include?
A king size bed (definately no bunk bed) with lots of cushions. A nice working table with cupboards under it. A beautiful and huge hanging (ceiling) lamp as a kind of centerpiece.
Jurianne at 6-years old – photo taken at children's party at a medieval castle!
