Artist Interview - Yoshi Stokes of Prefectly Random Designs

Wow! Well, the big event is just a few short days away and we still have a few more artists to introduce you to... 

Today we are really excited to bring you another new addition to our group, Yoshi Stokes of Prefectly Random Designs (http://randomprefect.etsy.com). Yoshi is a young printmaker and jewelry artist who uses a recycled material in her jewelry that at least a few folks out there might be familiar with.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a part time art student attempting to avoid ‘real’ employment by selling my handmade jewelry and prints.

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

I can’t really pin myself down as any particular sort of artist. I dabble a bit in everything, but I’m focused on printmaking and jewelry at the moment.  I was first drawn to printmaking as a way of making greeting cards, but after making and printing my first plate I quickly forgot that plan and just fell in love with the process. Jewelry has always been an interest for me. I finally got serious about it after taking a class at College of Marin. The use of vinyl first came along when I wanted to make a silhouette to match some earrings I had just bought, while looking for a material to cut it out of I found a broken record on my garage floor and thought, “I bet I could cut that!” Vinyl is cheaper than any type of metal so I can produce and sell my work affordably.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Not much else. If I’m not doing jewelry or printing, I’m doing something else like sewing or painting. Other than that I love restoring old furniture and I spend a lot of time watching TV or reading.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

I can’t think of anyone specifically- there are too many to list. However, in both my jewelry and my printmaking I am inspired by what I describe as, “the contents of a Victorian adventurer’s parlor.”

Please describe your creative process.

My mind does things and my hands follow.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

In my first jewelry class I made myself a pair of simple silver rings, I’ve worn them almost everyday since. They mean a lot to me. 

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

Good weather, the trees, the water and the sunsets.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Pretty much where I am now, but in a small live-in studio.

Thank you Yoshi!

After you've checked out Yoshi's work, click over to check out her mom, Sally's, work http://marinhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/10/artist-interview-sally-stokes-of.html.
Sally Stokes is a fellow artist working with recycled materials. She is returning to Marin Handmade this year with more of her amazing pieces!

Artist Interview - Karen Giles of Karen Designs

As you may know, Marin Handmade is very excited to be returning to Art Works Downtown again this year with another Evening of Art and Craft. The event is next Friday, October 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and while we have many artists returning from last year's event, we are please to welcome a few new faces this Fall.

Today we start with an interview from Karen Giles of Karen Designs (www.LuxeFabricandYarn.etsy.com). Karen knits and sews the most luxurious scarves from both new and upcycled yarns and fabrics. We think you will find her to be a truly inspiring addition to our group.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself.  

I first learned to knit in high school. I took a long, long hiatus, then learned to crochet. After another long hiatus while raising kids, I am now addicted to yarn and knitting…just can’t get enough.  In addition, I sell the leftover fabrics of a Bay Area art-to-wear clothing designer and sometimes rescue her scraps and fashion them into something unique and wearable.  My sewing skills are less than I would like them to be, but I’m learning!

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?  

Textile artist.  I LOVE color, texture, fabric and fibers.  Could just roll around in them all day! 

Apart from creating things, what do you do? 

I work as a personal assistant/business manager for a woman who is a philanthropist.  I’m also very fitness oriented and teach both Pilates & Yoga, as well as taking Zumba classes and weight training several times a week.

Who is your greatest creative influence? 

Right now, I’m loving Jane Thornley’s free range style of knitting – it speaks to my inner rebel who yearns to break the rules and I love the idea that there “are no mistakes.”  I’m trying to learn to make my “mistakes” work for me as part of the design process.  I also love Gina Wilde’s shibori-style knitting.  Catherine Bacon, the clothing designer, is always a source of inspiration with her creativity and unique way of putting fabric and colors together.

Please describe your creative process.  

I just get ideas. I am inspired by seeing other people’s creations. Nature, colors, etc. all inspire me. My favorite thing to do is start a new project!

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

 What I cherished the most is no longer with me, unfortunately.  My first crocheted afghan…took me over a year to make…and “disappeared” just before I moved from Hawaii to the Bay Area.  So sad. 

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?  

Ahh…our beautiful open spaces, the colors – the green hills against brilliant blue sky in the early Spring; the burnished gold hills in late summer; the misty foggy mornings, with the shadows of our hills peeking through…and there are so many other wonderful artists here in the North Bay.  It’s like living among many kindred spirits, even though you might not have yet met them.

 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Retired from my day job, living in a beautiful remote area, spending all my time creating, doing yoga and whatever I want!

Thank you Karen!

We hope to see lots of people next Friday so please spread the word. And, after you check out Karen's Etsy Shop, be sure to read up on Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design who is not only returning this year, but has since become an active member of the Marin Handmade leadership team!

Artist Interview - Kaelen van Cura of Kaelen Rose Paper Works

Well, the interviews just keep on coming! It seems that besides my own, I overlooked one interview that I thought for sure I had already posted.  After meeting this artist for the first time Friday and seeing her work in person, I can assure you that if you didn't come to the show, you should check out her shop on Etsy right away. 

Kaelen Van Cura of Kaelen Rose Paper Works (www.kaelenrose.etsy.com) brings not only humor and charming illustration to her cards, but she combines those with stitchery for truly unique collage works functioning as both gift cards and tiny works of art. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an artist originally from the Midwest, and moved here two years ago. I got my Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the Kansas City Art Institute, where I majored in Painting. I primarily create colorful, pop-influenced abstract paintings, but for the past several years, I’d been making sewn greeting cards for my friends and family. About last November, I decided I’d try to sell the cards, so I entered a one-day show in San Francisco and did really well, and then opened my Etsy shop a month or so afterwards.

 

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

Besides painting and creating my greeting cards, I also have begun making fascinators and clothing. I actually made my dress for my wedding, which took place a couple weeks ago (September 24). I enjoy creating in general, so I have a hard time keeping to a single medium. I guess I first began sewing cards because I got a sewing machine and wanted to learn to sew clothes, but I was a bit intimidated, as I didn’t have any training. I was comfortable, however, making works on paper, so I just started experimenting with the cards I made for friends and family. Once I collaged fabric onto the cards, sewing them seemed like a logical next step.

Please describe your creative process.

To make my cards, first I think of an idea for a card. I can’t really explain it, I usually just sit down and think of a few ideas, either one that would be good for a specific occasion, or a concept I think is funny. I try to make cards that I wish already existed, that I could go to the store and buy.

Once I come up with an idea to try, I make a test card to work out the kinks. I usually draw the image on tracing paper, and cut it out. Then I use the paper as a template to trace from onto the fabric. Once the pieces are cut out, I glue them onto the cardstock with acid-free glue and wait for it to dry. Then, I sew the card, and finally I stamp it with any messages included as well as my logo on the back.  Once a test card is done, and I’ve decided on changes, I go through the same process again, but I do it assembly-line style, with all of the tracing first, then cutting, sewing, etc.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to be working on my artworks on a full-time basis in a profitable manner. (I currently work full-time in an unrelated field). I am just at the beginning stages, but I am aiming to be able  support myself with my creative endeavors.

Artist Interview - Heather Graef of Gstudio

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived... Please be sure to stop by and say hello! Shop a little, have a snack and tour around to some spectacular open studios. Marin Handmade will feature twelve North Bay artists, most of whom you have been reading about for the past several days. 

Join us today, 3-8pm at Art Works Downtown, 1337 4th Street in San Rafael in conjunction with 2nd Fridays Artwalk.

Today's featured artist is none other than one of our talented organizers, Heather Graef of Gstudio (www.GstudioStyle.etsy.com). Heather's eye for unique textiles and mix of classic and modern design is sure to convince you to get yet another handbag to add to your collection. Enjoy the interview!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My early years were spent within toddling distance of Venice Beach, before my family moved to the Bay Area, and I grew up in San Anselmo and Woodacre. I studied industrial and graphic design at CCA in San Francisco, and have worked as a freelance graphic designer for over 20 years.

 

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I’ve created everything from logos to interpretive exhibit graphics programs for major natural history exhibits in the United States. With many wonderful projects behind me I found myself on a quest for other ways to expand my creativity while taking full advantage of my experience in the design field. Using a sewing machine had always been tedious, until recently challenging myself to sew a handbag—and lets be real, it was on the ugly side—but I was intrigued. Several more odd creations lead to my “Mio” bag design, and since then I have worked on honing my craft and creating a collection. I also dabble in jewelry making. 

Please describe your creative process.

Lots and lots of thumbnail sketches, funny little mockups made with paper and staples… After developing a concept, I fabricate the prototype, rebuilding with different materials before going to my computer to create a final pattern for reproduction. I love hunting for unique fabrics and materials and often create one of a kind work, along with my regular designs.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Illustrations, paintings, pottery and jewelry made by my incredibly talented family of artists.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

Country roads, beaches, fresh baked bread, fog spilling over the headlands, the city… My work is directly inspired by the North Bay’s urban-country culture and kick back attitude.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I feel I have found my groove and style making bags and accessories using unique, available materials. I would love to be working with my own fabric designs and exploring the world of home décor and apparel in the future.

Artist Interview - Tisha Thompson of TTdesigning

Well folks, just a few short hours from now the North Bay contingent of Etsy will kick off its first ever event. We hope you'll join us for what is sure to be a festive evening of refreshments, snacks and, of course, shopping!

Right now, we hope you enjoy this interview with Tisha Thompson of TTdesigning (www.ttdesigning.etsy.com). Tisha's work spans both the functional and the whimsical while remaining true to knitting and crochet's technical roots.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been a resident of Mill Valley for 34 years, married to my husband John for all of those and have 2 grown kids. My husband and I now live in a very cute and very small cottage in Blithedale canyon and living here has had quite and influence on what and how I create. 

  

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

What kind? A fun one I hope. OK really, as of the last year or so I have been concentrating on wool. Wool in its rawest form: wool as roving, wool as yarn, wool as a fabric. I felt, knit, crochet and sew wool. I just love wool, always have. Had a sheep once when I lived in Oregon during my formidable 20s (did the hippy thing up there in the 70s) and learned to shear, dye, spin and weave wool.  I have known how to knit and crochet since I was a child. It all seems so natural to me, working with wool and having fun. I have been creating hats, bags, and toys with up-cycled wool sweaters for the past year.  As an avid garage sailor and thrift store enthusiast it seems natural that I would start working with felt as a fabric (i.e. shrunken sweaters).

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Now really, why would I want to do anything else?

 Who is your greatest creative influence?

My friend Stephanie Green, formerly of Four Finch Custom Sewing. Her perfectionism has had a great deal of influence on my growth as a craftsperson and artist. All the women and men around the world and through the ages who have made beautiful clothing to put on their family’s backs, the jewelry on their necks and hats on their heads, are my influence.

Please describe your creative process.

Fun, time-consuming, exhilarating and necessary to my mental well being.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

A Crazy quilt made by my mother with the names of great musical composers embroidered on it.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?  First and foremost is the best art gallery & gift shop in Marin, “Roots Collaborative” of Mill Valley (2 doors down from Peet’s) where my creations are for sale. It is in this shop that I learned that people are willing to spend their hard earned money on my creations.  And, the collaboration with the other artists enriches me.  The weather in southern Marin suites me to a ‘T’! I love the fog.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

70 years old. God willing I will be doing just what I am doing now.  With the help of my friends at Marin Handmade I will have gotten a website and blog together by then and managed to grow the courage to place my work in a few more retail shops.

Artist Interview - Robin Stelling of Robin Stelling Designs

Just a couple of days left... We are really looking forward to seeing all of our artists together in one space. Today's featured artist has been quite instrumental in the creation of Marin Handmade and we know you will love her work. 

Robin Stelling of Robin Stelling Designs (www.creativebeadz.etsy.com) has a talent for enhancing re-purposed textiles with her intricate bead work producing true "treasures". They are are even more beautiful in person so come by and check them out! Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

After earning a fine art degree from UC Berkeley, I enjoyed a career in the fields of graphic design, package design and computer graphics. One of my last video graphic clients was the Grateful Dead whose on-stage video projections I designed and produced during the last two years they toured.

I moved into on-line e-tailing of jewelry supplies and fine gems about 10 years ago and have designed, created and sold my line of eco-jewelry for the past few years.

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I have been collecting global fabrics for many years and have always been in love with textiles. I was really excited when I realized I could marry my love of textiles with my interest in jewelry design. In 2011 I expanded the line to include my wedding cuffs made of freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I live in San Rafael with my husband and two cats. My daughter went off to college this fall and I am adjusting to her absence. I have a new appreciation for ichat!

Who is your greatest creative influence?

I am inspired by the skill and talent of traditional craftspeople around the world whose work I restyle into treasures for the modern nomad.

 

  

Please describe your creative process.

I find dresses and clothing from Romania, Central America and Bedouin tribes of North Africa, Egypt, Syria, Israel and Palestine that are beyond repair and save the embroidered pieces to use as my canvas. I work with the colors and textures of each piece of fabric and combine it with traditional beading techniques using glass beads, gemstones and vintage findings. My jewelry is the best way to share these collectible fabrics and textiles by upcycling and refashioning them into wearable art and accessories.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I collect vintage Mexican silver jewelry. Some pieces are very inexpensive pins and earrings but are wonderfully crafted and designed and I treasure as much as the more unusual designs. I use the orphaned earrings and broken bracelets that I find in my jewelry designs.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

I love living in Marin and although I am not a real “birder” I often walk in the wetlands to see the variety of birds migrating each season.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I enjoy participating in local shows and craft fairs and want to keep showing around the Bay Area. It's so much fun to meet the people who love my work. My work is available for sale at galleries in San Rafael, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Guilford, CT. I hope to find more galleries across the United States to show and sell my work as well as increase my on-line sales.

Artist Interview - Forrest Lesch Middelton of FLM Ceramics

Well, tonight you are in for a real treat! Not only do you get to read about another of our fabulous artists, but you'll get to know the innovative and truly beautiful work of one talented North Bay ceramicist.

Tonight we are excited to introduce you to Forrest Lesch Middelton of FLM Ceramics (www.flmceramics.etsy.com) whose unusual designs and techniques produce striking and original works of functional art.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Living in Petaluma for the past year, and recently moving from Fairfax, California, I have developed a fondness for the North Bay that began in 2000.  While an artist in residence at the Mendocino Arts Center and dating my now wife who lived in Mill Valley, she introduced me to the area. In 1998 I graduated from Alfred University with a BFA with a focus in ceramics, and in 2006 I received an MFA from Utah State University. I have been a resident artist at the Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Maine and the Mendocino Arts Center. I currently direct the ceramics program at Sonoma Community Center and in 2007 developed its Artist in Residence program which focuses on ceramics.

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I am a ceramic artist focusing primarily on functional stoneware that employs a form of image transfer that I developed which allows me to add patterns to pots while they are being formed on the wheel. I have always loved clay. The feel of clay and its usefulness have always attracted me to it. Clay is found in every culture on the planet and to me that universality is a great place to find inspiration. I have been working with clay since age fourteen.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I teach ceramics in a number of area colleges and run the ceramics program at Sonoma Community Center. I teach ceramics workshops nationally and have a wonderful wife and two daughters who put up with all of my mud and dust! 

Who is your greatest creative influence?

These days my two greatest creative influences are15th and 16^th century Turkish ceramics, and contemporary war rugs of Afghanistan. As for the who, I would have to attribute that to the long list of great teachers I have had over my years of study in ceramics; from Val Cushing and Linda Sikora to John Neely.

Please describe your creative process.

I use printmaking processes to enhance the surfaces and aesthetic of handmade pottery. I fire my pots in a unique reduction-cooling atmosphere that gives the work an appearance akin to cast iron.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

The handmade possession in my home that I most cherish is a quilt that my wife and I were given as a wedding present. I am not all together certain where, or when it is from. My best guess as to its origins is that it is from rural India.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

It is hard not to credit the local landscape here, although I do not make work that in any way references landscape. Hikes and drives around the North Bay do however get the creative juices flowing!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully teaching full time at a college or university and making artwork that is still fresh and intriguing to me and others.

Artist Interview - Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design

The big event is just a few days away and we still need to introduce you to a few more artists. There's a very good chance you will get two of these posts today, so keep your eyes peeled for yet another introduction!

Right now, we are excited to present you with Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design (www.compassrosedesign.etsy.com). Creek creates understated steampunk & Victorian adornments for both women and men using antique ephemera, found objects, metal, vintage buttons and anything old or whimsical.

 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Becoming a full-time crafter and artist was the last thing I ever thought possible, but after returning to the U.S. from Amsterdam in 2008 – necessity was a great inspiration. While looking for a job and making a jewelry collection for my wedding party, I began to get more requests for necklaces and earring sets. I studied environmental science and politics, but after working a decade in environmental non-profits, public relations and a few years abroad in the Netherlands, I have just followed the passion and the requests. I truly love the combination of skills that make this work possible.  

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I’ve been making stained glass and jewelry for the last ten years with vintage and found treasures. My tendency both for collecting as well as reassembling has been a lifelong project. I took apart my first stereo at age seven and disassembled my first broken pocket watch at nine. In both cases, my goal was to repair the items, but upon realizing the parts were so beautiful, I began constructing art. After almost a decade of work in non-profits and then some marketing, I've taken the plunge to become a full time crafter maker metal alchemist.  I also weave, mostly Navajo – style, but this is a much more personal art form. I learned to weave while herding sheep in Arizona in 1999, and experience great parallels in working with glass, metal, and wool – all textiles of a sort, with their own behaviors, inclinations and tendencies.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I’m not making jewelry, I am working on founding a small beer company with my husband. Keeping as much of the work in-house for both companies takes most of my time and covers most of what I love. In addition to the making of real things, I get to stay up on web design to social media to marketing and bookkeeping. 

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My dad, who showed me that unexpectedly marvelous possibilities are worth pursuit. After being a dentist for 20 years, he followed his skill and passion – and invented swim fins as well as an exercise wheel for small rodents. Both sell internationally. He showed me it is possible to make your own life way. 

Please describe your creative process.

I love what I do. From scouring antique fairs and flea markets, to web design and soldering and art shows, I adore working hard and making things. Especially at a time when watch makers rarely repair mechanical watches, I feel great purpose in giving a new life to these precious items from the junk pile. 

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My Dutch grandmother, who died when I was 8, made me a crocheted lace table cloth. It reminds me of the world of textiles and skills and stories that connect us all, and the world of fiber and home-based arts that only recently left the bounds of the kitchen, pantry and courtyard.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

There is nothing I have experienced like the close juxtaposition of art, culture, nature and urban populations in the North Bay. Particularly after living in Holland, where no forests or wide-open spaces exist, really at all, I appreciate the sense of mental space and possibility. We live in a world that bridges art and technology and wildness – all of which inform who I am and the type of mechanical, yet refined art I seek to create. 
 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Loving the North Bay, hopefully still making things and pursuing new skills and mediums. The North Bay truly combines the things I love about the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, the woods, and the Netherlands  - a community which values the simple pleasures of family, food, art, music, and togetherness.

Artist Interview - Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio

We’ve been away for a couple of days, but over here at Marin Handmade there are still a few artists left to introduce you to.  The weekend comes to a close with another exceptional addition to our group.

Enjoy today’s interview with Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio (www.magpiestudiodesign.etsy.com).  With her amazing functional glass work, Franci’s keen eye for color and contemporary style might make you rethink your serving pieces for the upcoming Holidays!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I bring color, light and joy to the world with my art.  I am a Silicon Valley cubicle refugee who is now living in the Napa Valley and expressing my creativity via kiln-formed and stained glass art.  I am inspired by whimsy and play and curiosity and color - always color.  

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

I am a modernist with a playful heart.

I’ve been making art since I could grip a crayon and have played with paint, pencils, clay, beads, textiles, etc.  I was curious about glass so enrolled in an evening stained glass workshop with the goal of making a simple little project.  In the process of purchasing the materials for the class I found an amazing teacher, Jeffrey Castaline, owner of Aanraku Glass Studios in San Mateo, CA.  The “standard” teaching practice is to start with very small projects and gradually build up to larger and more difficult ones.

Jeffrey had a very different philosophy about how to teach glass – his requirement was that a first project had to have at least 200 pieces and be complex and large. By the time a student finished the project she would have a solid skills foundation and would know if she loved or hated doing stained glass. If it was love – great!  Keep making more.  If it was hate – great!  Never do it again but you will forever have an amazing piece of art you made.

For me it was love.  I like to say that I had been “dating” all the other mediums but found my soul mate in glass.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am a coach who works with clients who are creating their most kick ass lives. My coaching is another expression of my creativity.  I fully believe that anything is possible when intention, commitment and “moving your feet” are combined. 

 

Please describe your creative process.

Curiosity is my muse.  Many pieces begin with the question “I wonder what would happen if . . . ?”  When the kiln gods are smiling the answer is “Magic”!

I am a collector of random bits of information, inspiration and influence.  While I would never do well on Jeopardy I may surprise you with some arcane factoid that I’ve squirreled away.  These disparate bits coalesce into design inspirations when my mind is left to wander about while I’m doing something mundane like cleaning the house.  Like a dream forgotten upon waking I need to record them or they will drift off like wisps of smoke.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I most cherish the items that connect me to my family, friends and memories.  Photos taken, clocks restored, pictures drawn or painted, clay sculpted, beads strung, letters written, wine produced.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

The abundant natural beauty in the North Bay feeds my soul.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Artist, author and student. Continuing to create in every aspect of my life. Led by curiosity to keep learning, growing, exploring and playing.

Artist Interview - Melinda Talbot of Blue Banana Studio

Hmmm.... things may be a little damp around here, but the 10-day forecast predicts the sun will win out for our long-awaited outdoor shopping experience!

Today we introduce you to Melinda Talbot of Blue Banana Studio (www.bluebananastudio.etsy.com). We think you'll find Melinda's concise, but thoughtful responses to echo perfectly the delicate simplicity of her jewelry. Enjoy!

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I have a lovely and amazing husband who lets me indulge my passion to be an artist.  We live in Sonoma with our dog, Skye, who spends most of his time relaxing in my studio.

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

Whatever kind of artist I can be! I make and sell my jewelry, but I paint, dabble in photography and make mosaic things to relax when I have jeweler's block.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My sixth grade teacher, Miss B, who completely believed in my artistic abilities way before I did; and the International Terminal of any airport in the world.

Please describe your creative process.

I see it in my head, I sketch like a caveman (very primitive drawings that only I see the beauty in), then I gather the materials and put the piece together.  I love the satisfaction of a finished piece.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

A leather coin purse my brother made when he was eight years old.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

The peaceful surroundings and the beautiful vineyards.  There is a certain serenity in Sonoma that I have yet to experience any place else. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Still active in making jewelry, but with a finer knowledge of the next generation of undiscovered semi-precious stones and workable metals.

Artist Interview - Sally Stokes of Sarahracha

Looking for the perfect gift for that super Eco-concious family member you are visiting over the Holidays? Well, look no further than Marin Handmade...

We are so excited to feature Sally Stokes of Sarahracha today (www.sarahracha.etsy.com) whose amazing woven baskets and reused cork pieces bring a whole new meaning to the term "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle"!  

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have lived in Marin since I was 4 years old. My husband and I raised our two children here in Marin. I have been an organic gardener for the last 30 years.  I worked in education while my children were in school. Now I devote my time to the pursuit of creativity.

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

I love every medium.  These days I would describe myself as a frugal textile artist. I don’t like spending money on artist supplies so rely on what I can find. I am most proud of my baskets woven in the coil method out of 100% recycled plastic bags. Each one uses up to 100 plastic bags keeping them from clogging up our landfill and our oceans.

Apart from creating things, what do you do? 

Living here, I like to hike with my two dogs.  My husband and I love to go wine tasting, where I will ask for corks that I make into doormats and trivets and wreaths. We are theater lovers, music lovers and we travel as much as possible.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My mother told me to never waste paper, to fill each page with as many drawings. We were taught how to make do with what we had. I think this has carried through into my recycling art. 

Please describe your creative process.

So many times when seeing something get thrown away I think there has to be something useful I can make from this. I have more ideas than time to execute them.

What handmade possession do you most cherish? 

A jewelry box my husband made for me

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity? 

I love the open spaces and coastal lands in Marin County. I hike all the trails I can bring my dogs on. The environmental movement has been a huge part of my life. As a kid I remember helping my dad fill up the station wagon with recyclable materials we would take to Drake High where we could recycled can’s bottles, and newspapers

Where do you see yourself in ten years? 

We plan on splitting our time between Marin and our second home in LaQuinta. As much as I love Marin, the winters are not sunny enough.

Artist Interview - Debra Paddack of Gourds In Costume

Eleven days and counting! We can hardly wait to see all of our artists together at Art Works Downtown. Until then we hope you'll enjoy reading about another of our talented artists.

Today we introduce you to the work of Debra Paddack of Gourds In Costume (www.gourdsincostume.etsy.com). Debra creates amazing carved, dyed and embellished artisan craft gourds. We are so glad to be able to start the autumn off right with her beautiful work, Tumbling Leaves.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

After retiring ten years ago, I bought a motor home and spent the next five years wandering around.  Weaving pine needle baskets was one hobby that would "fit" in the limited space of the motor home and since I was often in the mountains weaving materials were readily available.  I just naturally began to weave the pine needles onto gourds, which is still one of my favorite pieces to do.

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

When a friend once asked me why I had so many freshly scrubbed gourds sitting in my living room, I replied “I am interviewing them to see what they want to be and who goes next.” This statement sums up my relationship with my gourds. I have had a lifelong love of crafts including needlework, stained glass, and pine needle baskets, but once I began working with gourds the wonderful organic nature of the work enthralled me.

 For inspiration in my designs I turn to many cultures, nature and my love of color and form. I use a variety of coloring mediums and prefer to embellish with materials provided by nature such as pine needles, seeds, driftwood and sea shells. Everything and anything can be used on my gourd “canvases” so the experimentation and learning process never end. My primary designing goal is to let the natural beauty of the gourd shine through. Though the gourd may be dyed, painted, carved or embellished, I want the viewer to always be aware that it is first and foremost a beautiful, organic creation of nature, thus the name “Gourds in Costume.”

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

 I have sold my pieces at art galleries and art fairs in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties (yeah for wine country!), and love the diversity of the people I meet in this area.  They make the whole "fair" experience so enjoyable I hope to always be able to do them, but would love to expand my on-line marketing to further support my gourd habit!

Artist Interview - Carol Lancour of Mid Century Mosaics

With Marin Handmade's inaugural event coming up in just a couple of short weeks, we wanted to bring you all a sneak peek of just who and what you'll be seeing when you join us on October 14! Over the next several days we'll be bringing you profiles of the eclectic group of artists we have pulled together. We hope you'll be as excited as we are to meet all of these talented artists and crafters.

To kick things off, we bring you Carol Lancour of Mid Century Mosaics (www.midcenturymosaics.etsy.com). Carol creates beautiful and original mosaics and garden pieces in Marin County's northernmost town of Novato. Thank you Carol for helping us get things off to a great start... Cheers!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have a BA in fine art and an MA in art history from Michigan State University.  I’m a transplanted Midwesterner living in the North Bay of California.  "Lost in time" accurately describes me.

What kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

Mosaic has been my medium for the past 10 years.  I realized that I don’t enjoy painting and it’s always been a chore for me.  I like doing large scale mosaic installations, walls and floors, because I become part of the structure of that building.  It becomes more sculptural.  I love working with glass because it is a fragile material that can be transformed into something strong enough to walk on. Glass also comes in every color imaginable.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am a research analyst for a hotel broker.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

The painter, John Singer Sargeant.  The way he captures light in his paintings is particularly beautiful.  He wore a suit when he painted and never got his hands dirty.  I also like that guy who does “The Oatmeal”. 

Please describe your creative process.

I become obsessed with a motif (martini glasses, hummingbirds drinking out of martini glasses, olive branches, cats and dogs) and then abstract it and interpret it in glass.  I also look at art and garden books and drink wine for inspiration.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

The ugly cinderblocks my husband dug out of our backyard.  I made them into an herb garden planter by stacking them 2 high and making them beautiful with an olive branch mosaic.  

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

The beautiful quality of the light and the fog.  Also, the abundance of birds and flowers.  Nature is my greatest inspiration and it is truly lovely and fragrant here.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Living in Venice like Peggy Guggenheim.  No wait…since I hate moving and traveling I will most likely be in my back yard sitting by the swimming pool I plan to dig after I download the directions for “digging your own swimming pool” from eHow.  I could tile it myself!