Have you always been creative and what’s the earliest work you can remember creating?
I’ve always admired creative people even though I haven’t always felt creative. Growing up I dabbled in things here and there but creating artwork didn’t really take hold until a few years ago. I can remember winning an art contest in Kindergarten and having my art piece displayed at a local mall (yes, my mother still has it in a frame). Then in first grade I submitted a drawing for a calendar contest based on saving the environment which was chosen to be the feature for the month of February.
What's your studio like and how do you keep organised?
I have a small space with my primary supplies set up for me to access easily and quickly. The room has three oversized windows which offer plenty of natural light. To keep organized I use a variety of bins, baskets and zipper-type travel bags (which nicely keep pens/pencils, brushes, and small art items handy) on a couple of wooden book cases behind my work area. I normally take out what I plan on using and put it back afterwards. I store extra supplies which I have accumulated or don’t use on a routine basis in storage bins in a closet (I like to stock up on my favorite things when I come across a sale). For long-term storage of my paintings I have purchased acid-free storage containers which are kept in the closet with my extra art supplies.
Where do you look for inspiration?
For inspiration I will use anything in my path. I like to be aware of the beauty around me. I have taken a number of art classes and each seems to spark new ideas, techniques, and opportunities for me to expand my art. There is always inspiration to be found on Pinterest which can be a nice spring-board for ideas and
topics to dive into. The world is a plethora of inspiration full of colors and patterns. If I see something I like I
take a picture to go back to later.
Whats in your pencil case / camera bag?
My pencil case is filled with an assortment of pencils, pens, and markers. The ones I reach for the most are my Col-Erase Pencil, Sharpie Stylo Pen, and Sharpie water-based white pen. This doesn’t fit in my pencil case but my Sakura Koi watercolor set is never far away. I also love to use my iPad and the Apple Pencil that goes with it.
Any tips for someone suffering from creative block?
A while back I did a blog tutorial on creative block.
I think there’s two ways to approach creative block.
The first is to take a break, do something else and in time it’ll come back to you.
The second is to push through while trying something new. Shake it up with a new medium or style. Getting out of your comfort zone can inspire.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
Right now I’m pretty focused on my art. From time to time I enjoy making jewelry and I’ve done quite a bit of knitting and crocheting. I also spent a number of years playing the flute and dabbled in the piano and violin.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I’m extremely honored and thankful to be here!
Drawing
Photography
