Monica Cielesz is a fellow copper artist. She works with the natural elements of fire and copper to create dynamic flame-painted woven pieces. While heat can be used to create beautiful colors on the metal, it is also extremely unpredictable. I asked her what inspires her pieces, and how she handles working with such a challenging technique. She spoke about the need for patience and letting go of perfect – two essential skills for artists, no matter their medium.
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Creative People: Valerie Tyler
Valerie Tyler is the curator and collector behind Valerie Tyler Collection, a shop for vintage decor, photography, and accessories from around the world and throughout time. She’s also one of a handful of people I’ve had the privilege of knowing long enough to have watched her evolution as an artist (and she mine).
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Moving In Millimeters
This past week I spent time with friend and photographer Karin McKenna. Not only is she an amazing artist, she’s a beautiful person. But I’ll spare ya’ll my girl crushing and focus on that first part. It was fascinating to get a glimpse inside someone else’s creative process – especially one that felt so very different from my own.
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Creative People: Gray Jordan
I was first drawn to Gray Jordan’s art for the loveliness of it all. The soft, watery paintings shift from abstract to landscape like sand beneath your feet. They seem to want to capture a feeling of a place, or perhaps create a place for a feeling.
But then I was drawn into her process – it isn’t just about the painting, but about the exploration infused into it. Her colors are foraged from earth pigments and other natural and reclaimed materials. I asked her about her process and the challenges she faces, and she shared this.
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Creative People: Emma Becker
While 2020 has brought us seemingly endless challenges, some of the most intriguing to me have been within the field of education. As a former teacher and long-time soap-boxer of all things education-related, watching my former colleagues pivot on a dime to meet the monumental needs of the day has been fascinating. I’ve watched it all like a suspenseful movie, biting my nails and perspiring on behalf of others.
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Creative People: Paula Stebbins Becker
I’ll admit; it’s been hard to write lately. The nervousness of the election is over, but the long slog of ballot counting remains. Tensions are high and it feels as if the fabric of society might tear apart at any moment. I almost skipped posting this week, when my creative energy hit a new low. But then I thought of Paula Stebbins Becker and how her wisdom might be just what the world needs right now.
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