WELCOME to the web presence of THE SKY IS THE LIMIT DESIGN
Hello there. I am so glad you found me!
My name is Ines Hanl. I came to Victoria, BC, in 2000, after completing a MA in what is called Innenarchitektur
(Interior Architecture) in my native Germany. My birthplace is the beautiful old city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
I started my work life in the theatre world - Costume and Set Design, to be specific. But my life changed when I met my partner, the designer, artist, writer, and sculptor Klaus Kinast, who eventually whisked me away to Canada.
The focus of my work lies in creating very individualistic spaces.
I have the great ability to concoct very functional layouts, and will manage to squeeze the most out of any
given space. I strongly focus on the sensual qualities of an environment - sight lines, materials, textures, colours, and illumination are important factors in my work. I am detail oriented and combine strong analytical abilities
with exuberant creativity to deliver out-of-the-box solutions.
I design custom luxury homes, assist with outdoor-living concepts, and my whizardry in kitchen and bath design has garnered many (international) accolades. But I am also very fond of assisting DIY homeowners with their projects;
so, please, don't be shy to approach me even if you think you don't have the budget for a designer.
Sometimes, a 2 or 3 hour consultation will add great benefit to your project and give you peace of mind.
Privately, I'm a big animal-person, and I love my Cinderella life, where squirrels, raccoons, and deer visit me in my
Studio in the Backyard. I love to garden, I am quite an accomplished fibre and fabric artist, and I cherish
the expressive energy and the friendships I am forging through my various dance classes -
Flamenco, Contemporary Dance, and -after a 40 year hiatus - Ballet.
I have written and illustrated a little book about the rescue of a much-loved black kitten (Perdida, the lost kitten) and I am also the creator of Henny the tough Chick, an illustrated character that deals with the trauma of cancer.
Kerry Slaven's interview with me for YAM Magazine 2017 is still my favourite write-up!
.
HIERONYMUS FISH
And we mustn't forget to introduce our mascot, HIERONYMUS FISH!
In my hometown Rothenburg ob der Tauber, I was surrounded by gargoyles and grotesques throughout my childhood and teenage years. These wondreous creatures - half man, half beast, sometimes funny, other times frightening looking - are an integral part of European culture, and appear not only in paintings (noteworthy is the work of our mascot's namesake, the 15th century painter Hieronymus Bosch) but also as sculptures on Gothic cathedrals, public fountain heads, and 'Eavesdroppers' on downspouts.
Our Hieronymus started his existence first as a puppet I made, which was then turned into an illustration by Klaus.
In his physical shape, he reflects the elements of Earth, Wind, and Water. He combines the energetic powers of humans
and animals alike, flaunts mad street style by sporting his bowler hat, has an irreverant sense of humour, and proudly
waves a flag as a nod to his medieval heritage.
A cheerful depiction of limitless creativity, this unusual gentleman is the perfect Ambassador for THE SKY IS THE LIMIT DESIGN.
