Have you always been creative and what’s the earliest work you can remember creating?
I wasn't a terribly crafty child (I was more into dance and writing) but I did make a bunch of toothpick sculptures and those horrible 'eye of god' yarn and popsicle stick ornaments. I also made a space colony with toilet paper rolls and other recyclables. I remember it being absolutely amazing!
What's your studio like and how do you keep organised?
My studio is the garage and it's usually full of teenage boys (mine), computers and lots of folding tables. At any given moment you'll see spray-painted canvases, a quilt in the sewing machine, still-wet hand painted fabric and several art journal pages in progress. I really like to move between projects so drying or setting time doesn't slow me down. I keep organized by limiting my supplies to basic materials instead of a lot of manufactured product. For example, I have a bolt of white cloth (very easy to 'organize') instead of dozens of commercially printed fabrics. When I need patterns I just paint my own.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I love looking at art books and galleries. Portland has a phenomenal art scene so I make a point to check out all the art fairs and gallery walks. I also enjoy taking online classes from instructors I admire.
Whats in your pencil case / camera bag?
Neocolors, Inktense Blocks, Waterbrush, folded up papertowel, pencil, eraser, neon pink paint pen, white paint pen, pencil sharpener, two signo uniball black pens (.5 and .7) and a small bottle of titan buff paint by Golden.
Any tips for someone suffering from creative block?
"Go and paint something white" is the advice I live by when I think creative block is setting in. The muse shows up when you do. Don't worry, just start painting (or gesso-ing) and before you know it, inspiration returns.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
I bake a lot, sew a little and find quilting fascinating. Right now I'm starting to hand quilt a map. A map! Somebody stop me!
Drawing
Photography
