1. How would you define your particular folk art style?
Grungy Primitive Shabby Cottage.
2. How long have you been involved in the creative arts business?
Most of my life. I have sold my handmades for years. I owned a brick/mortar store for 7 years. After we closed the store I took a sabbatical from creating. Closing the shoppe was like losing a dear friend. I suppose you could say I went into mourning. Then about three years ago I wanted to start creating again. I decided to check out Ebay and give selling online a try. I've been pleasantly surprised.
3. Can you think of any particular artist, friend or family member that inspired you to begin creating?
Early in life it was my school teachers who encouraged me the most. My husband, family and friends encourage me now. When I have "creative blocks" they help me through them. Sometimes with ideas and sometimes by telling me it's okay to step back from it for bit. I suppose my Muse needs a nap ever-so-often.
4. What do you think is the most important thing that you have learned along the way to building your business?
Persistence and not being afraid to make mistakes. Knowing that things change and I have to roll with the punches and keep going.
5. What has been the most challenging?
I believe I have to be true to myself but also realize that sometimes reinventing myself while remaining true is key to keeping things fresh. This is not an easy task but can be done. I measure the success of such changes by my sales. If my sales go up or I've gained new customers then I feel I've accomplished what I set out to do. Also I find overcoming the fear of change is very challenging.
6. How do you overcome creative blocks or dry spells in your work?
Take a break and give my mind a chance to regroup. I read. I also look at what the current decorating trends are.
7. How do you use folk art or primitives in your home?
I am sort of a minimalist. I don't like clutter so I rotate my favorite pieces. I use them as bits of art in my home rather than a way of life.
8. What holiday or subject matter is your favorite for your creations?
Halloween, Snowmen and Bunnies.
9. If you could tell a newcomer to this business one thing, what would it be?
To be persistent. To accept that fact that times change and so do the styles of catagories such as primitive folk art. Primitive folk art today is not the same as it was back 20 years ago. This business is no different than any Home Decor venue. As the trends change I believe we have to work within those trends to keep our form of art current. For example, I believe primitive folk art will always be in style but it won't look the same 20 years from now as it does today. I believe if we don't keep up and make those necessary changes within our chosen form of creating art our sales grow stagnant.
10. What are some of your favorite materials to work with?
fabric, paperclay, canvas, paper and found objects.
11. Where would you like to see your career take you next?
This question has thrown me for a loop! I'll have to think about this one for awhile. LoL I'm happy where I am now.
12. Is there something that would surprise us about you?
I love to dig into the history of religions and try to understand the philosophy behind them. I also love reading books that make me think outside the box when it comes to spirituality.
13. What art forms would you like to try that you haven't yet experienced?
Jewelry making.
14. Is there any special artist or artists that you feel especially inspired by or feel your style relates to?
I can be inspired by everyone and everything. I was once inspired to make a doll by a man just sitting in a doctor's office waiting to be seen. He was there waiting and had fallen asleep. That was a few years ago and it still inspires me to this day.
15. Is there something that you have yet to do that would achieve a dream?
So you want to see my "To-Do List" eh? LoL On the simpler side I would love to get myself organized. Getting my workspace finished would be a dream-come-true.
