(Source: poyzn, via coconutgoggles)
FEATURED ARTIST:
Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
Hello, my name is Amanda. I currently reside in a teeny tiny apartment in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago with my husband, Tanner, and our animals, Stella & Willis. Before we moved to Chicago, we spent seven or eight years in Tempe, AZ where I attended the Herberger College of Art & Design at Arizona State University. My subsequent degree is in Studio Arts/Drawing, but I also dabbled in Art History, printmaking & painting. I’m not very tall, don’t like to take things too seriously, thrift a lot & constantly bounce back & forth between being a strict vegetarian & eating a little bacon. I like to travel, move around a lot, & go on as many adventures as time & money will allow me.
What is your featured form(s) of art?
Like I said before, I went to school for drawing (my portfolio from ASU is largely filled with naked overweight men & lots of boobies) but lately I’ve found myself expanding my skills in watercolor, gouache, & ink pen illustrations. How did you get started? For as long as I can remember, drawing is what I wanted to do. When I was little, my response to the common “what do you want to be when you grow up?” question was usually “draw pictures”. Twenty plus years later, that’s what I’m doing. It’s interesting to be able to keep consistent that passion for making imagery on paper; it seems to be something that keeps evolving & growing the older I get. Maybe this means I haven’t officially grown up, but then again, maybe it does. Either way, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do & what I foresee myself always wanting to do. Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art? I don’t think I could choose a favorite within my work. Lately I’ve been working a lot differently than I had in the past, & I feel that I’m finally beginning to establish a “style”. Whether or not that style stays or goes, it’s working out well for now. But, because I tend to constantly change what I’m doing, how I’m working, where I’m living, etc…so it’s hard for me to naturally focus on a favorite of anything. Ask me today what my favorite food is, & I’ll probably have a different answer for you tomorrow. There are too many options in the world to choose just one of anything! What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft? So many things! Being recent to Chicago, I like to explore the city & all it has to offer. Each season brings new options for adventures. I like to eat, a lot. Perusing thrift & antique stores for treasures (or store inventory!) is another big one. Road trips are one of my favorite things ever. Going to concerts, museums, events, reading, planning the upcoming Chicago Design Museum (shameless plug, chicagodesignmuseum.com) & really just constantly filling my time with SOMETHING. Although, I will admit, I’m really quite talented at sleeping in. Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies? Lately, I’ve been really into all of Wes Anderson’s movies. I have a “to read” stack of books on my windowsill that currently contains: Born Standing Up (Steve Martin), A Boy Named Shel (Lisa Rogak), Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties (Robert Stone), Ellen Foster (Kaye Gibbons), Eat, Pray, Love (Elizabeth Gilbert), Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (David Sedaris) and I just finished reading The Glass Castle (Jeanette Walls). I have a big list of blogs that I read, inconsistently. Musically, in heaviest rotation this month are Jeff Bridges, Bob Marley, Thee Silver Mt. Zion, Hank Williams, Canned Heat, The Woodstock soundtrack & recordings, and Tom Waits. Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do? Explore. Adventure. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Restricting or restraining yourself to one thing isn’t going to make for good productive creativity. Every time I find myself in a creative rut, it’s for that reason; because I haven’t explored enough, failed, tried something new, or am taking myself too seriously. Let things work out the way they’re supposed to & you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. And, if you’re still not, try something else & see where that takes you. There’s always another option. It’s five years from now. Where are you? Probably still in Chicago. Hopefully with a home in our ownership & a child in our family. Hopefully with lots of sales under my belt & a positive outlook on my art career. Also by then I’ll no longer be in my twenties but embracing my thirties & considering that yet another adventure. Favorite things to put on a pizza: Pineapple. Sun dried tomatoes. Goat cheese. Basil. Balsamic vinaigrette. Fresh mozzarella. Not all together, of course, but either way with ranch to dip it in. And breadsticks. Lots of breadsticks. Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
You can find my work in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/pencilsanddaisies or youcould visit my (rarely updated) blog at http://pencilsanddaisies.tumblr.com/ .
FEATURED ARTIST:
Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
I’m Lindsay Fisher-Collie. From Illinois originally, currently residing in the middle of the mitten. I live with my husband, Aaron, cocker spaniel, Magnolia, crazy cat, Moose, fishes, my brother, Bobby and his feline, Kaya. It’s a zoo at times, but mostly fun. I work at an urban public library, and just started graduate school where I’m studying to become an actual librarian, like my husband. We like books; we’re weird like that ;)
What is your featured form(s) of art?
I thrift awesome treasures, sometimes make them over and then blog about it. (Sort of a non-traditional art).
How did you get started?
I guess I started thrifting back in high school. I’d frequent places like Salvation Army, Goodwill and other local shops. I used to mostly buy vintage clothes and wear them to school, which wasn’t exactly cool at that time. (Maybe it’s still not cool…I don’t know) Anyways, I really got into collecting vintage housewares and clothing one summer when I was unemployed and living in a new area. That’s also when I started blogging. I needed something to fill my time. My goal since then has always been to open up a shop, whether it be online or a traditional brick & mortar. I’m still working on that.
Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
I have so many treasures, it’s hard to pick just one, but I’ll try to narrow it down. Some of my bigger finds like furniture tend to be my favorite. Since moving to Michigan, I literally live down the street from 5 huge thrift stores, so I acquire little things pretty frequently. I guess the $10 coffee table and $3 kitchen cart are two of my favorites. I found them both at the same location, The Bargain Barn, and both were in pretty bad shape. I brought them home, fixed them up and now they are good as new! A few other finds pictured: hutch, $35; bedframe $10; floral chair $8.
What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
Well as I already mentioned I love to read. Memoirs are my absolute go-to read right now. I love reading about people’s lives from their own perspective. I also enjoy spending time outdoors doing things like hiking, camping, canoeing, biking, swimming and such. I tend to spend a lot of time drinking wine and eating sweet treats as well.
Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
Yikes, the lists could go on and on. A few favorites:
Reads: The Only Girl in the Car by Kathy Dobie, The Last of Her Kind by Sigrid Nunez, Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Happens Every Day by Isabel Gillies, Serious Girls by Maxine Swann, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Tunes: Janis Joplin, Melanie, Loretta Lynn, Gram Parsons, Murder By Death, Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos, Radiohead, Band of Horses, Monsters of Folk, Laura Marling, Explosions in the Sky, A Silver Mt. Zion.
Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
Virgin thrifters? Is there such a thing? Hah, well if so, there are definitely a few tips to help you get started finding those amazing treasures. First off, thrift often. Thrift stores typically put out new items every day. Next, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Sometimes digging through piles of junk is necessary in order to find your buried treasure. Being able to see the potential in items is also key. As far as clothing goes, try everything on and look it over! Sizing, categorization and placement can be really off at thrift stores sometimes. Know what you are buying. Often times thrift stores have terrible/no return policies.
It’s five years from now. Where are you?
I hope to be back in the general vicinity of my hometown somewhere starting out my new career as a public librarian. I also hope that my vintage collection has grown so large that I have no choice but to open up shop.
Favorite things to put on a pizza:
Mushrooms, red pepper, garlic and onion.
Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
I have a blog! yesteryearrevival.blogspot.com
Sometimes I tweet my finds, too. twitter.com/ThriftorDie
<3
FEATURED ARTIST:
Diana Lafrentz
Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
..i’m definitely a creative thinker! A bit of a perfectionist in just about every aspect of my life and i live with sheer determination. I appreciate diversity in detail and strive to continue to have an open mind in regards to the term ‘art’. It’s self expression and what makes us all different should be celebrated because it makes us unique. I believe self portraits are the most beautiful and honest representation of how we see ourselves and the world we have wrapped around us. For me, when i’m consumed by a specific feeling and try to bring it to life, its definitely another state of consciousness and self awareness. Its the most beautiful feeling and i wish to do nothing more than to share it.
What is your featured form(s) of art?
..as referenced, self portraits are fantastic! Im not sure if i have a ‘favorite’ genre though. It all depends on my mood, but i have a deep seeded fondness for illusion pieces. I wish they were more prevalent in our modern movement. Its like a story within a story and its always different for everyone so i find they’re the most interesting.
How did you get started?
.. i can honestly say that i don’t remember how i got started. I feel like looking at things in a different light was something i was born with. I’m a truth seeker, spiritual person at heart, and i was painting since before i could talk. The best way to describe it would to probably say that i was being driven, or pushed from inside myself that keeps me going. Its like i was put here to let people ‘see.’
Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
.. As for a favorite piece, i’m not 100% sure. There are entirely too many to choose from. I look for inspiration in everything, not just in someone else’s representation of what i should see. Whether it be music, artistic interpretation, or just life in general. There is so much beauty surrounding us at any given time—you just have to remove you from yourself and take a closer look no matter the chaos you might be in the midst of. ’There is more beauty in growing a rose then there is in contemplating paradise.’
What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
.. spend as much time as i can outdoors and with nature and animals. I know it sounds strange, but i’d much rather surround myself with that than with other people. Reason being, it’s honest. Kayaking out in the middle of nowhere to hiking, to just sitting in the swing in my front yard. Nature is my friend and helps me to see things from a more grounded, truthful perspective. Don’t get me wrong, i love people, i just love to do a lot of soul searching. Call it introverted if you want, for me it’s a very spiritual affair.
Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
..favorite book-The Alchemist. It’s amazingly written and it’s a story that contains so many wisdom’s about life. Im also a huge Michael Jackson fan, but not of the normal stuff you’d hear on the radio. While its still good, i like the other stuff, like “Earth Song” for example. It makes me want to be a better person. We all have to share this place together so we should learn how to take care of our home and each other.
Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
..advice?? Don’t limit yourself by your own fears. You will always be your own worse critic, but you have to learn not to listen to that stupid voice and just roll with it. I’d like to consider myself a jack of all trades because i love to do anything from painting, to photography, all the way to tattoos. Never close your eyes, open up your mind and you could have everything!!
It’s five years from now. Where are you?
..i’d hope to be at the start of my own clothing line. Of course, id continue to commission my paintings and work on tattoos on the side because it’s so much fun for me. You know that fine line between genius and insanity?? Yep, in 5 years, i just hope i haven’t lost my mind!
Favorite things to put on a pizza:
.. Simplicity is gorgeous!! Leave it at pepperoni and just keep it real.
Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
.. Best way to get a hold of me is probably by email at dianalafrentz123@gmail.com- or call if i know you personally :-) At the present, i dont have an online portfolio, but i’m working on it!
Featured Artist:
Levi Zinser
Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
I’m 23, I’ve always lived in Cedar Rapids, though I spent a good part of my youth in Iowa City. My father was/is a mechanic and mother was an insurance processor. I’m engaged to my high school sweetheart Ashely whom I have a 2 1/2 year old son with. Above all else I really enjoy being a dad.
What is your featured form(s) of art?
I do love photography but my favorite form of art will always be music.
How did you get started?
As for photographer, that started in high school after I dropped my chemistry class. I took photo 1 & 2 at Kennedy, at the time I was seeing a girl that was also into photographer so it grew on me. In Summer of 2007 I resigned my position at Yellowbook to work at Photo Pro and there I got to rub shoulders with some cool folks like Carl Bromberg and David Peddycoart. In summer of 2008 we hired this customer, Michael Weber. He became my dearest friend and was shooting my gigs, so I brought along my Fuji ST-801 and started shooting with him. That gre into me having a Canon 300D I rebuilt and a Kiev 4M rangefind as well as a Bronica ERTsi. Evetually I got a Nikon D90 and N65 and a bunch of lenses (mostly fast primes, I’m proud to only own one zoom). I first liked doing the informal portraits/candid shots, but later got into long exposures.
Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
I have 2 shoots I really like. One being a photo I did of a tobacco pipe and old 1880s .32 revolver I took with my Bronica ERTsi on a 75mm F2.8 lens with Ektar 100 film. The other being a shot I did on my D90 with the 35mm F1.8 downtown when the 1st ave parking ramp was emploded by D.W. Zinser of the man ,Jim who runs the explosives teaching Cedar Rapids Maror Ron Corbett how to “push the butten”. It’s hard to pick a favourite song. I really like “Reckoning Vengeance” I did with Zolgen on the Caustic Silence CD in 2006. On my last CD Insomnia Sessions I really like “Second Best” because I wrote and recorded most of it in late 2008 when I was really hurting from an ugly break up to a girl I was engaged to at the time and I think that really bleeds into the song. I also like “Crashing Waves” because of the sound and feel on it as well as “State Trooper” because I really like it’s sunds and feel as well as the lyrics being about an adventure I had driving overnight to Wiscnson in a 20 year old topless Jeep.
What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
Outside of music & photography I enjoying being a father to my son and companion to Ashley. My micro-hobby if you will is I repaired/semi-restored my grandfathers toy train he got in 1940. It’s an O gauge American Flyer, it took a lot of time to get the locomotive running again as well as sanding rust off 72 year old track, but I got it done and it’s set up in my parents basement. I suspect it’s worth a good bit of money as I have all the boxes, but I’d never sell it.
Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
As for books I enjoyed “A Clockwork Orange” (as well as the film) and The Hunger Game series. Music wise, I have a lot of Metallica and Black Sabbath vinyl records. I really like Blitzkrieg as well as Pink Floyd and Volbeat. I have an autographed Blitzkrieg vinyl, the first album ‘A Time of Changes’ and I’ve been to a few Metallica concerts.
Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
If I were to give advise to a young artist, be it music or photography or anything else. I’d simply say don’t give up. The hard you try, the more critics you’ll run into, you have to push back and never give up. If you do, you’ll always regret it, there are decisions I made about bands and band members as well as business decisions that looking back I regret that a lot of fun (and money) was missed out on.
It’s five years from now. Where are you?
Five years from now, I’d like to have a blues/hard rock band going again as well as a house with my family, none of this renting business.
Favorite things to put on a pizza:
My Favorite things on a pizza; all the meats, olives and green peppers, I love green peppers.
Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
My music in on YouTube as well as I have a site on deviant art for my photography.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Levi-Zinser-Music/109310962119
http://rockdocz.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.youtube.com/user/levizinser
Featured Artist of the Week:
Abby Stewart
1. Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
I’m 22 and living and working in Des Moines, Iowa. I live pretty simply, minus my obsession with cars (I drive a 2010 VW Golf that I absolutely love). I have a cat and a rat, though I am in love with rabbits. I’m a huuuge nerd. When I’m not at work (Sacred Skin) or sleeping, I’m usually playing xbox360, I can play RPGs for hours!! Though I tend to tattoo friends and family on my days off, so there never seems to be much time for anything other than art.
2. What is your featured form(s) of art?
I am a tattoo artist!
3. How did you get started?
I ended up catching on to art known as “flash” (especially new-school influenced) when I was 15. At first I didn’t realize it was associated with tattooing, as I had seen the artwork on band shirts and cd covers. I ended up in an apprenticeship at 16 (shop will remain unnamed) though I left a couple years later having been disappointed with lacking bloodborne pathogen precautions and direction. Fast-forward to November 2007, and I was offered my first job as a full-time tattoo artist after having kept my license up to date since 2005.
4. Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
I always have those few pieces I am very proud of, and most of my portfolio I am proud of for one reason or another, after all they are in my portfolio to show my strengths and/or progression. One in specific that I am particularily fond of is a black and grey portrait of Gandhi. Another is a cover up on my favorite client from Wisconsin, a coverup of a nasty tribal piece with an orchid.
My hands down favorite piece of art that I’ve done is an acrylic messy/photorealistic painting of a 1987 Dodge Omni. When I look at it, I don’t even remember painting it.. its one of the few pieces of art I have done that I felt I was truly in a pure state of creation with my medium.
5. What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
When I’m not at work or sleeping, I tend to spend my little free time driving out to Saylorville Lake/Jester Park area outside of Des Moines. My car is definitely my escape. As far as hobbies go, I love discing and wandering around outside. I love to play video games, they were my favorite thing to do as a kid and still are. I love playing RPGs or anything with a good storyline. My favorite games as of late are Fallout3, Lost Odyssey, and Viva Pinata. I have Borderlands and Bioshock 2 waiting anxiously on my shelf, but I’ve been too busy to start them. I am getting back into horseback riding, specifically English Equitation classes. Hopefully someday I’ll have a horse of my own.
6. Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
As far as books go, I love Watership Down. I am also really into this 5-book series by Lian Hearn, called Tales of the Otori. I’ve re-read them 5 times in the last year alone! I grew up reading the Redwall series by Brian Jacques so they always hold a soft spot in my heart.
I only frequent one site a few times a week, and that is Projekt German Forums (Midwest Euro enthusiast site, many of my local friends are members and we tend to conversate through the forums). I tend to only check facebook when I have a while to sit on the computer though.
I have a really weird selection of music interest.. my bandlist lately in no particular order: Kid Cudi, Modest Mouse, Deftones, Led Zeppelin, Silversun Pickups, Gorillaz, Spoon, Jack Johnson, Pink Floyd, Brand New, Cake, Daft Punk, Cursive, Everclear, Death Cab, and Phoenix.
I watch a LOT of anime.. though my favorites that I watch all the time are Studio Ghibli films. especially The Cat Returns and Spirited Away. A few other favorites lately.. Avatar (had a huge impact on me), Garden State, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Clerks/Clerks II, Juno, Hot Fuzz/Shaun of the Dead, Bruno/Borat.. wow lots of double whammies there.
7. Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
Trust in who you are, what you do, and what you want to do!! Every artist has something unique to offer and a point of view that no other person has seen before.
8. It’s five years from now. Where are you?
I will be living in Iowa. I will be in love with my best friend. I will have my car paid off. I will have house rabbits. I will have a horse of my own. I will be able to tattoo by appointment only, though always taking new clients. I will be wiser, more developed and skilled in my artistic ability, and more confident than I am today.
9. Favorite things to put on a cheeseburger:
First off it has to be medium rare, no brown all the way through stuff for me.. Start with extra extra extra pickles, then ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and tomato. I also love BBQ, Mayo, and Onion Stacks as well on my burgers, OMG!
10. Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
www.rabbitabby.com
www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Tattooing-by-Rabbit-Abby/264954277648
www.myspace.com/berserkeramor
Featured Artist of the Week:
Tadd Good
1. Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
I’m Tadd Good. I’m a graphic designer and artist. I have a dog. I like movies and stuff. I live in Burlington with my fiance. I collect things. I hate children and old people.
2. What is your featured form(s) of art?
Screen printing, or silk screening. Pulling ink through a mesh stencil with a squeegee.
3. How did you get started?
I got started screen printing by chance. I went to school for graphic design, but took some art courses as I’ve always loved it. I signed up for some print making classes where I was told I should take screen printing. It was great. I got hooked, and haven’t dropped my squeegee since. I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. I used to make drawings and sell them at the lemonade stand in front of my house. Of course my parents were the only one’s who bought them, but when I’m famous, they’ll be the ones cashing in on my old stuff.
4. Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
Most of my art is pretty personal. My dog Buddy appears in a few of my prints. A lot of it is horror related. Zombies, monsters, stuff like that. I did do a weezer print once which was one of my more popular prints. As far as favorites go, I have to say my “Hell Hound” print is my favorite, as it combines two elements that are found frequently in my work; my dog and horror films.
5. What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
Outside of screen printing I do graphic design. I work at an offset printing press for a job, then go home and screen print. I also play guitar, watch movies, hang out with friends. I love going to see bands, comedians, anyone that is willing to entertain me. I collect really nerdy things like action figures, dvds, and posters. I walk my dog.
6. Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
I really love omgposters.com. Woot.com and teefury.com are sites I go to daily. Gigposters.com is a great resource for screen printers.
I love all kinds of music, from weezer to Kid Cudi, Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys, Black Flag to Murder by Death, Johnny Cash, almost anything really.
Horror movies, exploitation, sci-fi, campy b-movies. Anything that most people would turn off after 10 minutes.
7. Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
Just do what you want. Don’t let anyone tell you what is art and what isn’t art.
8. It’s five years from now. Where are you?
A bigger city, still in the Midwest, printing gig posters for bands that I love, designing at a fun/unique place. Married.
9. Favorite things to put on a cheeseburger:
My least favorite thing would be cheese, as I’m lactose intolerant. I like bacon on everything. Avocado is good. Jalepenos.
10. Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
You can buy my art from my etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/taddgood and you can view some more of my portfolio at www.taddgood.com . I should be putting some new stuff up soon so keep your eyes peeled. Not literally peeled. Figuratively.
Featured Artist of the Week:
Julie Progetti
1. Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
I’m a pretty laid back individual who loves fashion and music. Design, artistic expression and finding peace in everything i do pretty much makes up my life.
2. What is your featured form(s) of art?
Adom Progetti Clothing (Clothing Design)
3. How did you get started?
I invested in a dream because cubicle cell city is not my fortay.
4. Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
Yeah….and they are always the first items that sell! Sometimes it’s hard to choose which pieces i keep for my own wardrobe :D
5. What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
Find new bands that aren’t mainstream. And I like to workout to clear my mind…
6. Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
My new favorite group is Citizen’s Cope, I’ve always been a huge Alice N’ Chains fan
and I love Nirvana. And of course I support all my hometown guys from Fundamental Elements, Moneyshot, Gibbs Brothers band, Jake McVey, Dustin Blank, Sean Costanza, Hillhaven Raven …just to name a few.
7. Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
Always do something that makes you happy….it will show in your art. AND…live a life that inspires you, idleness doesn’t paint very pretty pictures.
8. It’s five years from now. Where are you?
In a hut on an island….selling clothing to tourists! I love to travel, it makes you appreciate what we have here in the US.
9. Favorite things to put on a cheeseburger:
A fresh tomato from my Gma’s garden.
10. Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
You can find my designs on fb or at The Body Studio (312 Jefferson Street, Burlington IA).
Featured Artist of the Week:
Jordan DeWilde
Hello! First things first, tell us a little bit about who you are.
My name is Jordan DeWilde. I’m from Taylorville, Illinois and I did my undergraduate studies in broadcasting and art at Western Illinois University. I’m currently pursuing a masters degree in art education at Illinois State University. In my spare time, I enjoy working on drawings, prints, and mixed media artwork. Music is also a passion of mine and I like to discover a wide variety of old and new artists. I also play guitar and occasionally write my own material.
What is your featured form(s) of art?
Although I enjoy printmaking a great deal, most of my work is heavily based in drawing. I use different combinations of media to create my art, but it all comes back to loose, expressive drawings. I’m currently interested in creating mixed media collage drawings, featuring a single-object still life.
How did you get started?
I grew up with plenty of art supplies at my disposal. My mother is a junior high art teacher, and I think her passion and interests in art were a great influence on me. I excelled in my art classes at school, but more importantly I really enjoyed losing track of time when working on an art project. Art has really been one of the few things in my life that I truly have a passion for.
Do you have a favorite piece, photograph, song, etc. within your art?
I have a few favorite pieces within my artwork that I think continue to inspire and encourage me. I really enjoy the Identity series of collages I did my senior year at WIU. These three mixed media drawings are what have inspired my current work. I also enjoy many of my silkscreens. From the heavily layered self-portrait to the whimsical squid and duck prints, these I still enjoy looking at and recalling the process and memories.
What do you like to do outside of your chosen craft?
I like to write music and lyrics. I’ve recorded several of my own songs, and performed a few times, but the writing is really what interests me.
Any favorite books, websites, music, or movies?
My favorite book is definitely The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I think it’s just a great story about growing up, and dealing with insecurities of adolescence. I first read this book at a really crucial point in my life so I think that probably explains why it’s my favorite. I really enjoy the music blog, ThatGrapeJuice.net. As far as music genres go, R&B is my first love. This website keeps me up to date with news and opinions about some of my favorite artists. Movies - I enjoy dramas about the human condition. About a Boy, Cashback, The Door in the Floor, High Fidelity, etc.
Any advice for artists who are just starting out or unsure of where to go and what to do?
My advice for artists just starting out would be to first of all do what you enjoy, capitalize on your strengths, and rely heavily on your life experiences. Every person is unique and I think it’s important that as artists we bring that perspective into our work.
It’s five years from now. Where are you?
5 years from now I plan on being an art educator, still finding my way to effectively teach students about art and encourage their talents. I hope to still be creating my own work in whatever form that may be.
Favorite things to put on a cheeseburger:
Well my toppings aren’t that unusual or exciting but I enjoy lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Occasionally bacon, but not always. I have had a delicious burger at Red Robin before that included pineapple as one of its toppings.
Where can I find out more about your work on the interwebs?
All of my artwork and often pictures of the process itself can be found on my personal facebook profile. I also have a public page for my music, and I plan on adding my artwork to that page as well so it may be more easily accessible to others.
