For this installment of Robe Talk we welcome Carl and Annika,both of whom are talented filmmakers and photographers in NYC. They recently launched Clam Studios, a creative space to dive deeper into filmmaking, photography, and other endeavors that we'll just have to stay tuned for.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: what do y'all do for a living? Or what has been your life journey so far?
C: Hey y’all I’m a filmmaker and photographer living and creating in NYC by way of Houston, TX. Annik and I recently launched our own creative studio, Clam Studios! It’s our outlet to keep pushing forward in our practices, work with all of our talented peers, and make some friends along the way.
A: I’m a filmmaker, photographer and occasional stylist based in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve always loved the processes of image making and creative writing, so when I started at Pratt I delved into filmmaking as away to combine the two and haven’t looked back since. As Carl mentioned, we recently launched ClamStudios which has felt very rewarding as it’s definitely a culmination of all of our efforts, love and passions thus far.
What are ways you find inspiration when you’re not feeling creative?
C: Inspiration comes at the most random times for me. So it’s good to give yourself space and time to have that creativity flow naturally. The other night I was lying in bed about to go to sleep and this film idea kept floating its way to the surface. I’d write down a bit then start to drift back to sleep when suddenly another scene would hit me until I’d come up with the beginnings of a full story.
A: That’s a tricky one. I often find that inspiration comes to me when I least expect it. And that I find the most of it from letting myself be, which is often easier said than done. One method I have is to put my phone away and go on a long walk, where I keep track of my various observations/thoughts along the way. As a kind of quiet person, I like to find inspiration from the world around me. It’s always nice to go look at or watch art, too! I feel very lucky to live in a city so full of it.
What activities (indoor or outdoor) are most important to you?
C: Petting my cat. No but for real, I’ve really come to value time spent at home so much more, thanks in part due to the pandemic. Being on set truly feels like a home away from home, especially when you’re able to create from the heart. This world has so much whimsy to offer us all if you’re open to it.
A: Journaling, sketching out video/photo ideas, playing with clothes and going out exploring (whether it’s around my Brooklyn neighborhood for the hundredth time or another state or country). Traveling is very important to me, as I find changes of scenery very inspiring. Writing is therapeutic and necessary as I like to document my dreams and general stream of consciousness.
How do both of you interact with your home? What is your favorite room in your house and why?
C: This is NYC baby, so our home serves as a bit of everything for us. It’s a studio (for the time being) to create work in, a place of inspiration and a place to rest and reset. My favorite room would have to be the bedroom. The way the light pours in and hits our beautiful plant children is so calming. My living room is staring at me with such a jealous look right now.
A: I definitely consider our home to be a space of relaxation and comfort. The city can be overwhelming at times, so to us it’s important that our apartment feels clean and full of pleasing colors and objects. Light is crucial to my happiness, so I’d say my favorite room is likely our bedroom since it has two large windows that cast tons of amazing light.
What are some self care practices you find helpful?
C: Step away from your phone. Find some time to be by yourself. Go outside, feel the sun and take a deep breath. Sounds so obvious but it helps me out every time. In NYC we really glamorize and promote a non-stop hustle mentality, but it’s important to find a balance and not get burnt out.
A: Taking everything out of my side of the closet and re-organizing each piece of clothing and every accessory until it all feels “just right” again. At times, I imagine the different outfits I put together as different characters, which acts as another form of storytelling to me.
Have you ever considered yourself a robe person?
C: Believe it not, this is my very first robe! And yeah, instantly a robe person. Until now, robes were always a thing that I’d put on in a hotel and loaf around in feeling all fancy. Who says you can’t live your best life all the time.
A: When I was a kid I always had robes at my mom’s house. I remember them being so comforting,especially when paired with slippers. Since then, I always have the most fabulous time at hotels when they provide them. So I’m very excited to now have a very beautiful robe of my own! I know I’ll wear it all the time as I tend to take my outfit off and slip into something cozy the second I get home.
What’s your favorite Great Indoors robe pattern?
C:The Spectre pattern has to be my favorite. They’re all wonderful but this one really does it for me.
A: Ah! So hard to decide! The patterns are really all very cool in their own ways. I think I’m partial to The Spectre now since I’ve been wearing it. Its unique patterning feels fresh and yet brings me to another,calmingly familiar, time.
