Anja has a strong creative aura about them. They’re a talented multi-media designer and creator. They’re heavily inspired by the natural world and drawn to raw materials in their local environment of Chicago. Anja is something of a modern ethnographer adventuring through the world and documenting it with a clear creative vision. We’ve had the great pleasure of collaborating with them on an incredibly exciting new project (in collaboration with Tracy Boychuk) that we can’t wait to unveil soon. Anja has been instrumental in bringing their natural worldliness and quirk to our project. They’re also just the sweetest and make a mean reishi spice tea latte. If you’re interested in hearing more from the creative soul of Anja, please read what is inspiring them lately…
“Few things can spark such deep attention like springtime parkways and green dewy grass, but the lakeside is where my imagination can run wild! Here is an ongoing project where I document Lake Michigan’s surroundings.”
“Many of my feelings have been spoken back to me with clarity by Mary Oliver. I am so grateful for that. Here is Of Power and Time by Mary Oliver.” [Editor note: I almost cried when I read this poetry as it perfectly encapsulates a creative’s daily struggle.]
“For my birthday gathering this year, I had everyone bring cheese and something to pair it with. It was the start of an exploration into cheese and I walked away with Manchego being my favorite.”
“Many things I am involved with currently are centered around sustainable making and bringing our creative community together. Third Season [where Anja works] creates products from the herbs and botanicals that we grow at The Roof Crop. Everyday our team thinks in creative ways on how to use everything we grow.”
Other fun things Anja is working on:
Anja has created, with their co-founder Zoya Shevchenko, Inbound Collaborative Studio, a 10 week collaborative program to promote community learning and making. They are currently facilitating their second cycle with four pairs of collaborative artists and makers. Inbound Collaborative Studio’s cycle 2.0’s showcase is approaching! Follow along to stay updated on their showcase date and more!
Anja has also collaborated with Gab Staff on the branding and creative direction of enid, a collection of independent designer and artist goods, opening very soon. To celebrate the launch, enid will host special events in their showroom November 1st - 3rd, inviting everyone to discover the enid dreamscape.
Thank you, Anja, for having great taste!
Would you or someone you know be a good fit for our People with Taste series? Shoot us a note.
i have known Anja for 28 years and am inspired by them each day ✨