Meet Christina Gliha, the incredible illustrator behind our Posh Puppy Room Service and Bali Spa mini puzzles. Her joyful pieces caught our eye and we are thrilled to have partnered with her on these two products. We caught up with her and chatted about what puts her in the mood to create, her favorite cultural obsessions, and who’s joining her ideal dinner.
What’s one thing we should know about you?
A number of years ago, I was walking on Bloor Street in Toronto and a small
child of about 7 years old came out of a skyscraper lobby and turned to me and
asked what the meaning of life was. Without a moment of hesitation, I blurted
out: “To learn and have fun.” It’s really the internal motto I aim to live by when
things get too serious.
What puts you in the mood to create?
Travel, walking through the streets of Paris, going to museums, reading,
spending time with other artists discussing the state of the world, being in a
dedicated space with my canvases and paints.
What’s your favorite rule or rule to break?
Question rules and always challenge the status quo. Be very weary of anyone that likes to say, “well, that’s just the way things are”. This point of view is either defeatist or hoarding power and control. We are seeing democracy and equality being chipped away at everywhere – we must all be vigilant and never become complacent.
If you had to live in another place it would be…
I’m pretty happy with Paris but I’d love to live in Japan for a few months.
A current cultural obsession?
I love Tik Tok. I am addicted to the unvarnished, authentic and vulnerable
sharing – people are so generous with their lived experiences and lessons. It has
an incredible algorithm that will curate the most niche subjects that are perfectly
tailored to your unique interests. I especially love how women are sharing their
common experiences with men. It has really debunked the misguided concept
that we were just experiencing these obvious systemic injustices in isolation.
Ideal dinner venue or menu?
A big house in Provence with a private chef… coming up, stat!
Who’s joining?
Some old friends from abroad and new friends from Paris as well.
A few books for the coffee table?
-
L’Art a la Table by Patrick Rambourg is a stunningly beautiful account of
cooking and dining through the ages as presented through great works of art. - Two books as companions: Gazette des atours de Marie-Antoinette &
La Garde robe de la dauphine – the first book shows fabric swatches from MA’s
wardrobe and the second look explains the context and significance of her
sartorial choices politically and culturally. Clothes are never just clothes – they
always communicate intent, status and values. -
Morphic Resonance by Rupert Sheldrake – prepare to have your brain
rewired about how we are all connected -
Wholeness and the Implicate Order by David Bohm – one of humanity’s most exciting thinkers about quantum theory and the nature of our
reality.
What movies and TV shows are you into right now?
The Taste of Things was visually stunning and a moving love story. If you like
culinary films, this is a must-see.
Absolutely obsessed with Severance like many others. I love the concept, the
details, online discourse and the very graphic Art Direction. Its not too distant
future horror themes make me shudder and truly appreciate not being in a
corporate setting anymore. The overarching theme of dehumanization is spot-on.
First thing you’d grab in a fire?
I recently sold my house and got rid of 95% of my belongings when I moved from
Toronto to Paris in the Fall so I am much less attached to things than I used to
be, thankfully. The only items that would matter is my puppy, Birdie, and external
hard drives with photos (but that would be a very big distant second).
What were you most grateful for when you woke up this morning?
I’m living my ideal life in Paris. Me from 5 years ago would be gobsmacked at this 180 degree shift. It’s definitely not been easy to change careers and move from abroad but I am so glad I did – it was absolutely worth it. I often walk around Paris, taking it all in, misty-eyed, whispering words of gratitude. I finally feel like I am home and also in some unbelievable dream. I don’t take a second of it for granted. I sincerely feel like I won the game of life being able to work and live as an artist in the greatest city in the world. I don’t say any of this to flex – I want to show others that it’s never too late to change your life, if you want to.