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Kapitza Interview - " there is always something here to inspire and stimulate."

Kapitza Interview - " there is always something here to inspire and stimulate."

24th Jun 2014

As part of our East London special, an interview with;

Kapitza  


Why is the Kapitza studio in Hackney?

We have been living in East London for the last 12 years, so it is kind of our home in London. It is wonderfully diverse, creative and multi-cultural and we love the idea that the area is constantly changing.

What does working in the area give you creatively as a practice and as individuals?

It's hard not to find our surroundings inspiring. I think it keeps us on our toes, which suits us and our way of working. Hackney is not a place where you can feel too comfortable about what you do as you are very aware that there is always something new around the corner.

Do you think there's a strong sense of locality and community among east end creatives, and can you give any examples if so?

Yes, we are particularly excited about a new collaborative project with a local company, Foundation Rugs to create a line of original designs for them. It's gratifying to work with companies or creatives based in the area as the opportunity to meet and work in person absolutely makes a difference. For example, we developed our Geometric app with a local company, which made the project much more fluent and social engaging.

London's East End has been one of the city's strongest areas creatively for more than two decades now - why do you think that is, and how has it managed to sustain it despite rising rents, economic downturn etc?
In our opinion it is the constant influx of new creative talent that keeps the area exciting and inspiring, there is a sort of electricity at play here. There is also a vigorous competitive spirit and this conspires to drive everybody to produce their best work.
From the late nineties on, the relatively cheap rents attracted artists and designers to the area. It was also a place where bigger multimedia and ad agencies found a home and the ensuing chemistry helped to establish a vibrant culture and energy, which has grown and intensified ever since.
I think it's also interesting being so centrally located without, so far, being unaffordable. Sadly, this is beginning to change now and prices are increasingly rising, but as is the nature of the city, there will be a shift of focus and new culture will mature elsewhere. Because of the legacy of the East End, as a haven for emigres and immigrants, it is perhaps more open or tolerant to new things. There seems to be an attitude of live and let live, which suits us creatives just fine.
We previously looked to capture the diversity of the East End in one of our early people font collections, Brick Lane, Liverpool Street and Victoria Park. Brick Lane was especially interesting as we were very aware that it would date quickly, the area and the people being in a constant state of transition.

It seems to me that for many east end artists and designers, creative practice isn't just about the money, it's about curiosity, exploration, experimentation, dialogue, alternative engagement etc... Of course that should be true for all creatives, but it seems to be heightened in the east end. Would you say that's true, and if so why do you think it's the case?

It's perhaps not a place you would choose if you are just in it for the money - there are certainly nicer places to live and work in London. But if you are motivated by individuality, newness, flux and a developed sense of curiosity, there is always something here to inspire and stimulate.

Buy prints here: Kapitza