I have been asked to join in on a blog hop by my good friend Deborah Velasquez. I have just spent the past hour drifting backwards through the hop and I still can’t find its origin, but it has been well worth my time as I have stumbled upon some beautiful artists , writers and like minded souls from all over the world. One of which lives just down the mountain from me!
Today I will answer a few questions about my work and then point you in the direction of a few other creative souls who inspire me – Deborah Velasquez, Margot Miller and Laura Wooten
What are you working/writing on?
In typical fashion, I have many projects on the go right now. I hop about daily from one project to the next, working on what inspires me at the moment.
My main focus this summer is centered on an illustration project I have for The Whistler Survival Guide, a directory for newcomers moving to the area. It is my first illustrating gig and while I am finding it challenging, I am in awe of how much I am learning. There will be more here on the blog in the fall when it is released.
My summer fun project involves creating a collection of 8 by 8″ mixed media pieces. These mini works have become a a part of my daily creative practice.They are my go-to when I feel the need for a little painting, spraying and stamping in my life.
They make me happy.
I have recently written a post about the process here.
Mixed in with all of this is my art licensing work , monthly submissions for A Fresh Bunch and a new collection coming soon to Modern Yardage.
Life is busy, but very enjoyable!
Why do you create?
One of my favourite sayings and one that provides me with daily inspiration and the desire to create.
Never lose your sense of wonder
Six words that allow me to travel through life with eyes wide open
I am visually inspired by colour, texture and shape. My heart starts racing, I feel a little tingly all over and I can’t wait to dive into my art journal when inspiration strikes. I love all the endless possibility that creating art provides. I love immersing myself in a theme and exploring different ways of representation. Simply put ~ I love the way art makes me feel.
When I am not creating I am in search of what to create next. It has become what makes me whole.
How does your creative process work?
I work best in short bursts of creative chaos. My paintings and mix media work are all intuitive. I start with marks and gradually move into texture and colour. I observe my mood and what is happening before me on the paper to dictate the direction the piece will take.
I can often be found lying on the couch, my artwork propped up before me, with eyes squinted as I turn my piece this way and that, hoping that something…anything.. will materialize before me.
My surface pattern work is a little more structured and usually focused around a collection of motifs.I love to doodle and my sketchbook and pen are never far from my side. Life here becomes a little more computer oriented as I have to scan my work in and pattern in Illustrator.
I love the combination of both the structured and unstructured. It allows me to play and experiment with new techniques.
Oh how I look forward to the day when I have mastered all of the Adobe programs so I can express myself in all mediums..
Ahhh… big sigh..that was a lot of writing in one sitting.
Now, onto the women in my life that inspire and motivate me. Some I know well and others I am in the process of getting to know.I chose to reach out to them in hopes that they would share and learn a little bit more about what makes them tick.
Deborah Velasquez
I first met Deborah through Kelly Rae Roberts Flying Lessons. I believe we originally connected based on a similar love for seeds and pods . Our friendship grew as we continued on a similar journey with The Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design and then onto Make Art That Sells. She is my go-to girl in times of creative need, both good and bad. She brings a smile to my face.
Please pop back to her blogpost here to learn all about her work and creative process.
Her work is modern, sophisticated, graphic and bold with a unique colour sense and reflects her simplicity for the love of line.
Deborah loves the mixture of design, words, art and craft. She has a very unique way of combining them all together. Watch out for this one!
Margot Miller
I joyfully came across Margots work in Make Art that Sells. I now follow her daily on Instagram at @margot531 (#scenesfrommyscreen) This woman is multi-talented and funny too.
Meet Margot ~ a collage illustrator from N.Y. She is a bit of a tweetaholic and likes her coffee too.. I think we could be friends.
Check out her website! I wish she would give tutorials on how she creates her lovely work…
Beautiful colours, shapes and texture! I love this piece she made for Make Art that Sells. Below is a hand lettering piece she did for a friends book launch blog hop.
Pretty awesome.
Laura Wooten
Next up is Laura Wooten. Laura has been on a similar path with continued studies in both the Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design and Make Art that Sells. I was thrilled when I reached out to her to be a part of the bloghop and she said Yes! I love her 52 collage project – creating a collage each week.This has inspired me to no end and makes me want to try.
I admire her beautiful hand drawn sketches and prints. The colours are just beautiful – I love the vintage feel.
Her website is full of lots of painting and pattern goodness.
Laura also instagrams daily. I have been enjoying her daily sketch project. You can visit her here on Instagram
These women will be blogging about their creative lives next Saturday and introducing you to other creatives that inspire them. You just never know who you may meet so be sure to drop by!
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