Have you always been creative and what’s the earliest work you can remember creating?
Even as a small child I remember gazing at art or household items and thinking, "how could I make that?" Often I set out to create my own version! I remember carving, paper art, sewing, embroidery, sculpting, painting, etc. I'm still that way and love nothing more than creating and color and working with my hands. I also love sharing that with others, especially my grandkids. It gives us time to be together and visit as well. Watching their creative imaginations is magical.
What's your studio like and how do you keep organised?
My studio is located by the big windows in our walk out basement. I have a large project table and can leave my work out without it being in the way. I have a storage area with shelves and various plastic bins and totes to keep the materials grouped and easy to get to. The key is to get things put away on these shelves so I can find it again. I should have stock in the plastic storage container industry!!
Where do you look for inspiration?
My eyes are always looking for inspiration in every walk of life. I find it in nature, books, magazines, online, from fellow artists and their work (who are usually so generous in sharing their ideas and techniques). We have a local museum that is located in the home of an artist that lived in our community during his lifetime. It has been maintained as it was left when he passed. Being there amongst his works (in many mediums) fuels creativity. They bring in resident artists who give workshops in the medium they prefer. I have done mosaic, printmaking and paper art projects for example and always return home renewed and inspired. What a blessing. Our little town is full of practicing artists which is amazing. They open their studios quite often and I love to visit them as well.
Whats in your pencil case / camera bag?
My pencil case (which is a tote) has my sketch pad, watercolors, brushes, Prismacolor colored pencils, pencils, eraser, pictures that I love and would like to paint, and many other items I use as I work. Now, remember, this is just ONE of my favorite collections of goodies as I work in many mediums!! ;-)
Any tips for someone suffering from creative block?
Take a class from an artist in a medium that is new to you and sounds interesting. Go and visit with the others in the class and just make a project in the time allotted. Relax and let the creative energy move you forward in your own work.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
I do many hand crafts- whatever moves me at the moment. I play the cello, sew, study the Bible, and love a good conversation with a friend over tea.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
It is part of my purpose to bring a bit of beauty into whatever I am doing in life.
Drawing
