The featured artist for this week is Amy from
NoisyMerriment. I stumbled upon her etsy shop when I was looking for an image to announce the winners of my
messiest hair contest. And I did, I found the
cutest messiest hair. I am so excited to introduce her to you so that you can see her work and talent and met the person behind the art.
1. Tell us as little or as much as you would like about yourself.
I am a single mom, living in the San Fernando Valley. I've always loved any opportunity and experience that allows a limitless amount of creativity. That may be why painting and sewing are my favorite kind of art - these mediums allow me to step out of my comfort zone.
2. What do you sell?
Acrylic and watercolor paintings. I mainly focus on selling originals and rarely make prints of them. Only if one particular painting is wanted by multiple people, do I consider on making prints. There's something very special with owning
an original piece of artwork
that nobody else in the world has (not even the artist). I hope to add more of my craftwork to my shop in the next few months.
3. Why handmade?
There are so many elements that can be brought together to make something completely new and inventive. I define handmade as a piece of work generated purely from imagination. There are no limitations when it comes to this and you have complete control over it. My favorite part of this process is that it's ok to make mistakes! This adds to the charm and spirit of every individual piece.
4. Where does your inspiration to create come from and/or your inspiration in life?
Childlike spirit. I've always been creative and artsy, but it wasn't until my muse (my son) came into my life that I started to delve into my own imagination. I was always designing and making pieces for others - I never did anything that was from my own point of view. My son inspired my vision to come to life; I can only hope to do the same for him. Also, the internet is a beautiful thing. I can spend hours reading up on new artists, just to see different points of views and ideas. I could never copy someone else's work, even if I tried. I get inspired by others - when this happens, my mind naturally starts challenging my imagination.
Most of the time, I've already dreamed up a new project and left it on my list of things to do for a couple of weeks. I'll make a few sketches during work (shh! That's a secret) and then keep those in my purse. Finally, when I get that sudden urge of crafty energy, I'll jump into my new projects and work all hours into the night.
5. Besides creating what else do you do? Do you have a full time job?
I try to do as many outdoor activities that time allows. I work at a desk job for 40 hours, so if I am not painting or sewing, I want to be outside with my son. Whether we are at the park, the pool, or take a short visit to a movie theater, I absolutely love spending time with my son.
6. When did you start thinking yourself as an artist?
When I was 5, maybe even younger. I was obsessed with painting, coloring and reading. I loved playing make-believe and couldn't wait for the next school project. It didn't matter what I did, I just wanted to have more chances to be creative. I was the kid in class that wanted everyone to look my work and say, "wow!"
7. Who has been most influential in your craft work?
My mother. She is constantly looking for new ideas for her kindergarten class, her garden, her home, and of course activities to do with her grandson. She has always been the one that encourages my work and pushes me to do better.
8. Where would you like to be in five years?
I would love to be living by the beach, with my son. Our home would have a porch with a great oceanview. This would be our quiet outdoor art studio. It would be great if we could live off selling my art. Ahh an artist can dream...
9. Is there anything you'd like to try doing that you haven't done?
crafts, sports, life in general?
I would love to travel more, especially in Europe and Asia. I feel like I would geek out in countries like Spain or Japan! They are so rich in culture and beauty. That is definitely on the "To-Do list" once my son gets older.
10. Besides online where else do you sell?
Etsy.con is actually the only place my pieces of work are available for purchase. Still, I don't limit myself to only this shop. I encourage people to email me suggestions for painting they would like me to do for them. For some reason, I like this process so much more. I love the thought of working on a painting they envision, where I am able to create my own spin on it. I love the creative process, specially when it's a team effort.
Ways to contact you:
shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NoisyMerriment
blog
http://noisymerriment.weebly.com
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/NoisyMerriment
email NoisyMerriment@hotmail.com
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