What
is your artistic contribution and why do you love it?
I consider myself a vintage paper artist. I try to use a bit of vintage
in each piece I make. I make crowns, cones, containers, boxes signs, tags, cards, wands and
whimsy. I love it, because I love anything vintage, and antique, especially
paper ephemera, so I get enthusiastic about using it in my artwork. I think it
gives it a fanciful, and whimsical feel. Apparently I am just a big kid.
Where do you practice your craft?
I work in my home office/studio. I have decorated it with flea market
finds, and glittery delights.
How
does your family support and/or participate in your artistic endeavors?
My family supports me by letting me be me and doing my glittery fun. My
husband (We have been married for 32 years) goes to flea markets with me, and
helps me haul my crazy things home with me. He drives me around looking for
items to use in my artwork, as well as helps me deliver my art to shops. My
daughter is one of my biggest fans, and loves the things I make so much, that
she is constantly saying "I want one" They both always complement my work, and
tell other people about it.
What
is the biggest enemy of your creativity?
My biggest enemy of my creativity is time. I work all by myself, and I
can't get things done as fast as I would like to. I am also very particular
about how things look and are presented. There is only so much time in a day.
What
is your life motto?
My life motto is, Age is only a number.
What are some of your inspirations?
I am influenced by so many people and things. I was first inspired
though, by Wendy Addison's work. I love all of the glitter, and magic! I
recently got to meet her, and visit her shop and workshop. It was amazing.
What
was your first job?
My first job, was working at a Roy Rogers restaurant as a counter
person. I lied and told them I was 16 when I was really only 15. I had to wear a
checkered skirt and a red cowboy hat. How goofy is that?
What
do you know for sure about the creative process?
Here is what I know for sure about the creative process. It makes you a
much happier and better person. It makes you happy when you see other people
enjoying what you have created.
What
do you know now that you wish you'd known when you were younger?
I wish I knew that this art medium is what I should have been doing my
whole adult life, instead of trying to figure it out now. Also that I wish I
wouldn't have been so shy about taking my art for people to look at and purchase
for their shops.
Is
there any current or upcoming project that you'd like our readers to know
about?
There is always a current and upcoming project. I just posted a few on
my blog, but I am constantly creating new things. My brain doesn't seem to turn
off. One of my favorite new things is a crown made of rain gutter screen, and a
French candy container with a very romantic looking lady on it.
Can you share with us a short bio
about your creative process and the background behind it?
I have always loved art. In school it was my favorite thing to do. I
took many art classes in high school, but didn't think I could actually be an
artist. My parents did not really influence my artwork, although they always
liked what I made. They were more practical. So I went to dental assistant
school. Not as fun as art school sounded.
How did this new creativity start? My daughter got married a year and a
half ago. She had a beautiful Fall Wedding. I did the calligraphy for all of the
invitations and table assignments, as well as many of the decorations. A lady I
knew who owned a shop, saw some of my work in the wedding photos, and asked if I
could make some stuff for her shop, and the rest is history. I have been
creating everyday since.
Here is an announcement for everyone, now my daughter and her husband are
expecting their first little one in late September. So maybe my next creation
will be a fantastic, and whimsical nursery. All very exciting!
Here is a little bio for you. I am 52 and married to my High School
sweetheart for 32 years.
We have one daughter she is married and expecting her first baby in
September.
I have lived in and around the same town since I was 14. My daughter went
to the same High School as my husband and I did. My husband and I have lived in
our present home for 18 years. I love anything antique, vintage, shabby, flea
markets, garage sales, chippy and falling apart. I am full Italian. My husband
is Swedish.
I hate flying so I have never been to Italy or France, but I am working on
getting brave enough to travel soon. I also collect vintage Halloween stuff!! If
you want to see my collection go to The Old Painted Cottage
to visit my home that was The Cottage of the Month for Oct 2007. If you want to see some great
blogs go to the side of my blog and click on any of them. You will love them
all!!
Are you interested in being a Featured Artist of the Month or know someone who you'd like to see Featured? Please contact me with the details including your name, website or blog, and a brief description of your creative inspiration and talent. Please submit your email with Featured Artist of the Month in the subject line!
