We had the good fortune of connecting with Aidan Wilhite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aidan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Primarily, it sounded like fun. My project, Gifted, is a network that promotes artists and encourages gift making through short-form profiles, tutorials, and live events. It’s conducted entirely from my bedroom. Creation is so important to my wellbeing, but inspiration can be so ephemeral, I realized that if I had a formulaic series, something with consistent rules, I’d be happier. I also saw that if I was privately making gifts for people, then other artists were too, and I wanted to know their stories, I wanted to know what gifts there are to give. Among those thoughts were other ones excited about community, new friends, and ingraining myself in a city I love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is for others. If I make something for someone else, that creation’s value has a stronger foundation. If I make something only for me and the intent of broadcasting my personal message and / or aesthetics, I can lose my connection to the piece. These creations for others manifest as handmade envelopes, personal gifts, and the mixed media pieces included in each Gifted profile. I take a portrait of the artist and collage the perimeter with their work and the interior of their face with unique shapes. These shapes allude to each artist’s individuality while, being present in every portrait, also allude to the artistic part accessible in all of us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m assuming this is talking about Los Angeles? I live in New York, but I did live in Los Angeles for a good chunk of time.
Go see a movie at New Beverly (incredible original film prints in a packed theater with people who CARE. Movies are better when everyone around you is laughing, crying or shrieking along with you).
Check out a Last Improv Show hosted by Dan Black (exhaust yourself with laughter).
Go to the Huntington botanical gardens in San Marino (If you go on a Thursday you can scoot over to the perfectly-sized South Pasadena farmers market afterword)
Eat at Kitchen Mouse, Triple Beam, and Joy in Highland Park.
And most importantly, make a reservation at Tea at Shiloh. I’d recommend going by yourself to one of their Late Night Teas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Hiromi Paper! Located in Culver City, Hiromi offers a large collection of incredible papers for your making pleasure. When I first went there I was looking for a specific envelope, and when they didn’t have it one of the employees said, “maybe you could collage them?” I ended up starting a project making handmade envelopes for friends and family that would ultimately lead me to starting Gifted. Thanks Hiromi.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aidanwilhitx/?hl=en

Other: Gifted’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gifted.studio_/?hl=en

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