With a background in fine art and fashion, Noa Weintraub's work interweaves these two worlds together and creates objects that not only celebrate her passion for decoration but also for art and textiles. Noa's passion for stripes, surrealism and playful design inspired by art history made her the perfect partner for collaboration. We caught up with Noa to find out more about her work.
COULD YOU TALK US THROUGH THE CREATION OF THE TRINKET DISHES DESIGNED FOR LULU?
The idea of the trinket dishes started from the famous painting "A l'heure de l'observatoire: Les amoureux", a 1932 surrealist painting by the American artist Man Ray. It depicts these beautiful sensual red lips floating in the sky above a dark landscape. When I paint the black line of the lips onto my ceramics (the last stage of the process), it always makes me smile. This is the moment that determines the expression of the lips. Are they smiling? Or is it a mischievous grin? This line is not something that I like to totally control, so it works as a surprise to me every time.
WHERE DO THE IDEAS FOR YOUR DESIGNS COME FROM?
Textures, textiles, details, and patterns have been constant and rich sources of inspiration and reference points throughout my work and creative practice - from wallpaper to details of dresses and other items of vintage or couture clothing. Also floral arrangements, paintings, films, interior design, vintage ceramic pieces and cakes! I love an eclectic mix.
COULD YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR OTHER CREATIONS?
My large vessels are elaborately decorated with hand-painted designs featuring lace, crochet and flower motifs. This intricate surface of lace, references a symbol of piety but also of tease - a fascinating double meaning to me. Conscious of the reference to traditional female activities such as lace making, cake decoration and baking, I am interested in women’s roles and place in society.
WHAT'S REALLY INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Right now I'm seriously into stripes. I love the combination of stripes and floral motifs. I've just redecorated my bathroom and used green and white tiles, so maybe that's what kicked it all off. But I've always loved stripes, I have countless Breton tops and have always used candy striped paper bags to wrap my work in.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR WORK THAT YOU LOVE?
I love everything about my ceramic practice. Working with clay is forever one big rollercoaster, it keeps you on your toes. I also love that I can combine all the things that inspire me into one object. For me ceramics provide a canvas also, so it's like 2D and 3D all in one!
WHERE DO YOU HOPE THESE PIECES END UP?
I hope whoever chooses to live with one of my pieces, is someone that has a sense of humour. My work is always made with a cheeky smile!
LULU LOVES IS ABOUT CHAMPIONING FEMALE CREATIVES, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?
I used to work in vintage clothes shops throughout my art college years. When I finished my degree, I set up my own handbag label and it was around about that time that Lulu's handbags were featured in all the magazines. I loved them from the start as they were inspired by the same things that made me tick. My work has always been about femininity and I strongly believe that women should encourage and support each other. The fact that Lulu gets what I do, and would like to recognise and promote it, means a lot!
You can shop the Noa Weintraub x Lulu Guinness collection in store. Find our store here.
