Artist in Residence: Meet Vance Kitira
Meet Vance Kitira, the fun-loving, always-smiling, driving inspiration behind Vance Kitira candles. For over 20 years, Vance has been creating smokeless, eco-friendly, hand-poured, and hand-distressed candles made with high-quality wax and European cotton wicks. He gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the way he creates.
Q. How long have you been creating?
A. I have been creating nature-inspired products like artificial flowers, garden furniture/accessories, and candles for over forty years.
Q. How long have you been with Sullivans?
A. Our brand partnered with Sullivans in January 2021.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Sullivans?
A. My two favorite things about Sullivans are their reputation and their strong salespeople.
Q. Describe a typical day for you.
A. On a typical day, I would catch up with the factory team right after I woke up because of the time zone difference. Thailand is ahead of us by 12 hours so if there is something urgent, I can still catch up with those who work late hours. Then I balance it out later with Tai Chi, followed by a morning walk. If weather permits, I will walk again later in the afternoon. Nature is my best teacher.
Q. How do you get your inspiration for new products?
A. I like visiting customers at their stores. To see my products on their shelves is inspiring. Sometimes the best ideas come from customers.
Q. What is your favorite thing to create?
A. I love to create things that bring warmth and joy to the heart and home such as candles.
Q. What is your favorite color?
A. My favorite color is a rich, warm yellow – like that of a canary bird.
Q. What is your “creative outlet” outside of work?
A. Singing has always been my passion and I do like listening to ‘live’ music bands. When I have a chance, I like to visit small towns during summer to see live music. I find it invigorating.
Q. Who is behind the artist? Who helps you, inspires you, etc.?
A. I am grateful to be able to live in both worlds, East and West. Every time I go back to Thailand, I will find time to meet with local artisans in remote villages. Their creativity inspires me to translate their traditions into modern living. I am fortunate that my creative team at our factory can work off my idea and transform it into a design.
Q. If you could create anything, what would it be?
A. I think I want to create the best cotton fabric at an affordable price. I have issues with rough texture when it comes to clothing. I don’t find many options that are comfortable for me to wear so you can say that my wardrobe is very small and limited.
Vance Kitira Candles have been an industry favorite for nearly 30 years because they fill a void in the candle market for clean-burning, environmentally-friendly, scentless candles with unsurpassed production quality standards.
