In the Field with Leigh

Field Interview: Leigh Medeiros

Today's interview is with artist, Leigh Medeiros.  Leigh sold with Field of Artisans for the first time this month and we're lucky enough to have her in the Field again this coming Sunday, 12/17!  Leigh is an inspiring soul, especially for those of us who sometimes feel that we have too many great ideas and not enough time to make them come to fruition.  Leigh "makes things".  She is always exploring, experimenting, and perfecting skills, mediums and creations.  She shows us that one of the best ways to take care of ourselves is to follow our intuition.  We don't have to be an expert at just one thing and following every inkling and every curiosity can lead to fascinating work! 

Find Leigh in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 12/17  11:30-4:30

1.  "I make things."  Is how you describe your collection of creations.  You have experience in fine art, collage, screenwriting, crafting and even art teaching (I'm sure there's more).  You seem to be multi talented, curious and a master of all things creative.  Would you say you work best when you have a wide variety of projects going on, rather than focusing on one thing at a time?

Being creative from day-to-day keeps me fulfilled. I can go long stretches without making visual art when I’m working on a writing project and vice versa. I think in terms of small bodies of work and projects, and I do toggle between them all very easily. Sometimes I do have to reign myself in, because I’ll realize I’m taking on too many things. My interest and exploration of so many mediums satisfies my curious nature, and also helps me better support other artists as it gives me a more well rounded understanding of their projects. 

2. Would you describe your aesthetic in a certain way?  Is there a common theme amongst your work?

The only common thread between all of my projects is that I feel moved in some way. I could be moved by the beauty of the medium as with the indigo dyed linen, or I could be moved by subverting a masculine paradigm as with my found poem collages, or I could be moved by other people’s creativity as with my online artist support programs. If I feel moved in some way I’m inspired to create.

 

3.  Do you create in one space/studio?  Or are you creating everywhere, all the time?

I have a “nook” in my home where I do most of my creating. It’s probably 6’ x 8.’ But, yes, I’m surely working through the creative process when I’m out walking the dog looking at nature, or, say, when I’m at the art supply store pondering new materials. I’d guess most artists would say that the creative process is fluid and uncontained and extends well beyond the reach of the studio or work space.

 

 

4.  You were a middle school art teacher for a time, develop creative workshops and have taught continuing education classes at RISD.  Do you find that consulting and guiding others in their creative pursuits compliments and inspires your own work?  

I’m passionate about supporting other people’s creativity. I’d say that’s a lifelong pursuit. I believe the more fully expressed a person is the healthier they are. And the healthier each individual is, the healthier the collective is. When I work with other people I often feel I’m participating in a healing process – for them, for me, and for the planet. My work with people these days is mainly through an online program I run called “48 Days of Creative Devotion” where me and the participants create one complete work per day (except the long form writers) and post it to our private forum. Everyone is asked to post their work without apology, justification, or complaint, which can be a real challenge for certain people. Additionally, there is no critiquing, only encouraging comments. Many of the projects you see of mine have been made during the 48 Days program. That’s a place where my work with others dovetails with my own creativity. And, certainly, I get really inspired by other people’s successes.  Almost nothing moves me more than watching an artist blossom!

5. Out of curiosity, why 48 days?

48 Days was an intuitive choice. For some reason it seemed like just enough time to really kick start people’s creative processes.

6.  Do you have any upcoming workshops or classes?

I have ongoing indigo dyeing workshops at our home in North Kingstown. Right now, I’m doing holiday scarf dyeing parties where folks can come with 4 friends, learn two different shibori designs, and leave with dyed scarves all while enjoying complimentary wine and nibbles. Kind of my own twist on those wine and paint nights. I also will start another “48 Days of Creative Devotion” in January. (Anyone interested can read more details on my website under the “Services” page.)

 

7.  You've created commemorative magnets and ornaments of deceased artists.  Who are some of these artists and how do they inspire you?  

We lost a lot of remarkable artists in 2016 and I wanted to celebrate them in some way, so I created memorial magnets and ornaments as mementos for fans. I specifically choose artists I felt connected to – Leonard Cohen, Harper Lee, Prince, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Florence Henderson, Gene Wilder and Carrie Fisher. Each ornament or magnet is hand formed from paper clay, baked, hand painted with acrylic, then sealed and packaged. Like most of the things I do, they’re pretty labor-intensive. What I like about them is that they can be little works of art we see every day. I believe when we remember someone who’s died we keep a part of their spirit alive.

 

8.  What can we look forward to from your booth at the holiday series?

Goodness, I like to think there’s something for everyone! I’ll have a really diverse collection of things from indigo dyed baby onesies, scarves, and tea towels, to landscape paintings, to collages with vintage papers, to my Animal Messages coloring book, to the artist magnets and ornaments, to my Rhode Island Naturalist photo packs and more.

 

9.  what would your advice be to a fellow artist who has many interests, passions and ideas but feels pressure to narrow their focus?

Hmm. The older I get the more I understand that advice is so specific to the individual. What’s right for one person, isn’t right for another, so it’s hard to make a general statement in that regard. However, I think there’s a big difference between feeling internal pressure to narrow one’s focus and external pressure. Knowing which is which can help. I believe one’s own intuition and heart contain the highest answer for that person, so my blanket advice would be to uncover the path forward through self-searching. And, bear in mind that acting on one’s intuition often requires great leaps of faith, which in turn requires bravery. My recommendation on all matters kind of boils down to cultivating courage and listening to one’s inner guidance.  

See more of Leigh's work through her online site!

In the Field with Ghyllian

Field Interview: Ghyllian Conley, Picture-esque

This week's interview is with Ghyllian of Picture-esque.  Ghyllian is multi-passionate and multi-talented.  Through lots of self teaching and experimenting, she's created a completely unique form of art that combines everything she loves.  Ghyllian's love of the environment, photography, and doodling is evident in her work.  Picture-esque is one that you can't miss for a completely one of a kind gift!  

Find Picture-esque in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 12/10  11:30-4:30

1.  Your work embodies your many passions including art and nature.  How did you come up with Picture-esque as a name?

Well, its supposed to be a play on words. I chose "Picture", because every piece has a photo or image and "esque" as the definition is, "in the style of; resembling".  Though there is a "picture" in each piece, there is more to a piece than the photo- I sometimes paint or sketch over the image and even the transfer process distorts or changes the original photo.  And finally, I chose "Picture-esque" because I feel that my pieces are also picturesque- "visually attractive, especially in a quaint or pretty style." 

 

2.  The process of your creations consists of multiple steps and I'm sure a lot of time and planning.  What are the steps in creating one piece?

It starts with the photos.  I'm constantly taking photos and doodling whenever I can and every now and again one will inspire an idea of how I could combine a photo I've taken with one of my sketches. For example, a common one would be a photo of flowers and some flowers that I've sketched in a notebook.  Once I get an idea I lay out and cut the photos and sketches in a way that I think will layer together nicely and I fit the images to the size and shape of the wood I have to work with.  Once I have everything laid out I start the transferring process- I have to be careful because everything transfers backwards.  But basically I glue the images to the wood.  Once dry (a few hours) I remove the paper using water and a sponge, let that dry and then apply the next layer. When I've finished transferring, I begin painting over the collaged images to try to bring them all together.  I tend to favor flowers and geometric shapes. Finally, I pour resin over the whole thing to seal in the images, brighten the transfers and protect the wood.  I've actually been experimenting a bit with this last step and have some exciting new additions coming soon- one more component being added to the collage.

 

3.  How did you start working with this unique process?  Did it take a lot of experimenting?  Self teaching?  Or, did you learn from someone else?

Honestly, I saw a random DIY video on Facebook.  I experimented at first because I didn't believe it could be so easy to transfer photos.  When I saw how straightforward it is I realized how many options I had. I figured I could not only transfer family photos like in the DIY video but ANYTHING I wanted.  My very first idea came from a photo of sunset in Arcadia and I thought of how cool it could be to paint a continuation of the photo.  The ideas grew from there and through some experimenting I kept adding layers. I feel like there has been a lot of "self-teaching" but it's more of a continuous trial and error.  I learn as I go what works well and what could be done differently.  

 

4.  You capture a lot of nature scenes.  Where is your favorite place to get nature inspiration? 

Honestly? Work.  Being at my full time job I have to take photos as part of my job all the time.  I'm on different farms and forests all over the state and sometimes the weather is just perfect and the lighting, incredible and I end up capturing some pretty special photos. Taking pictures at work is actually what inspired me to get more into photography and buy a camera. To give you a more direct answer- one of my favorite places to explore and get stunning sunset photos is Arcadia management area in Exeter.  

 

5.  While your pieces have a main nature theme, some of them incorporate an element of fantasy (like an octopus taking over the Atlantic Ocean).  Where do these ideas come from?

I love to read.  I've always been fascinated by fantasy novels and I feel that all the reading I've done has expanded my creativity and opened my mind to the unreal and my imagination. 

 

6.  Do you have a favorite tree wood to work with?

Well not a specific type of wood but I do prefer the wood that I've gotten locally.  Some of the wood I use, I've purchased from AC Moore. It works great and is easy to source and they offer all different shapes and sizes- so convenient. But I still prefer the wood that came from someone I know or a forest I know simply because of the connection I have to it.  Getting the different wood creates interesting effects when the resin is poured- some wood has more prominent rings or features (like wormwood) and oftentimes has really cool bark with lichen still on it!  With time and more trial and error I'm sure I will develop a favorite type of wood but for now its super interesting seeing how each of the different wood reacts when the resin is poured.

 

7.  You offer custom work as well.  What are some of the reasons people have to come to you to create customized scenes?

I've made things such as wedding presents, anniversary gifts, and birthday presents.  I especially love incorporating/transferring maps that are significant to the person receiving the piece.  For example, for a recent wedding present I transferred maps of the places where the couple met and grew up, the photo taken after he proposed and then I finished up by painting flowers that signified the months of their anniversary and birthdays.  I really enjoy doing custom work and plan on creating an Etsy page so I can expand the custom work. 

 

 

8.  You do a great job at channeling your passion for the environment through your art.  What would your advice be for someone who cares about a cause and wants to use art as a platform to gain awareness for that cause?

Well in my opinion, the most important part of any cause is education on the topic.  People can't be passionate about something that they don't understand or know about.  Art is a beautiful way to get the word out and gain awareness in a positive light.  There doesn't have to be fighting or yelling or protesting in art; instead its a way to shed light on a cause and show the beauty of what it is you believe in.  Even when it comes to causes that are horrific and terrible/not thought of as "beautiful", art is a perfect platform to expose that raw pain, without fighting or violence- we have enough of that in the world.  When a person creates, they have the opportunity to bring attention and educate other people on things that they believe in, so why not do it? Even if you only get one new person to feel passionate about your cause- that's one more person aware than there was before :) So I guess my advice would simply be "Just do it." 

 

9.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

I think it would be a dream to collaborate with any of the many amazing local artists and photographers here in RI.  I would be so honored and flattered if someone wanted me to transfer a photo or drawing of theirs and create something we made together :) I can transfer most anything onto wood but I try to use only things I draw or photograph (except for the maps I use obviously lol) but it would be super cool to be inspired by someone else's photos or drawings and add "my touch" to create something totally unique.  One of my closest friends is a photographer and she's been teaching/helping me from the beginning so I've been hoping to do a collaboration with her soon ;) 

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See more of Ghyllians's work on Instagram and Facebook!

 

In the Field with Irene

Field Interview: Irene Ora Newton-McClenning, Lumen Naturae

Today's interview is with Irene of Lumen Naturae.  This holiday season will be Irene's first time selling with Field of Artisans.  We're so excited to welcome her and her lovely work to the Field!  She has an extensive plant knowledge, along with a great amount of love and respect for the environment.  Her holistic devotion to her craft shines through the Lumen Naturae collection.  I loved getting to know Irene through this interview and am excited to spend time with her SUNDAY, 3/11!

Find Lumen Naturae in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 3/11  11:30-4:30

1.   What does your name, Lumen Naturae mean and how did you come up with it for your business?

Lumen Naturae means the light within the darkness, or the light of nature. I first came across it while reading some of the works of C. G. Jung, and it really resonated with me. I had been exploring a lot of his work, and the like, while beginning my journey with my product line. The light within the darkness is pretty much ones subconscious, and to see the light is for one to become conscious. I knew that I wanted to create products to help people take care of themselves consciously, and to be present. I feel that what Lumen Naturae means is ultimately where I want to take my vision for the business, to free oneself. Making natural personal care products are only the start. I have so many ideas I can’t wait to bring to light!

2.  Lumen Naturae consists of self care products ranging from herbal bath soaks to herbal teas.  Do you have core products that you are always creating and have readily available? 

The herbal soaks and steams are my core products. Other products are readily available, but do take time. The herbal oils can take up to 4-6 weeks to come to completion, so certain items might not be available due to these processes. My line is very plant focused, as I have always had a love for them. I’m constantly taking herbalism courses with many different teachers, and really trying to just live and breath plants. They have so much to teach us!

 

3.  When you say that your line is vegan, what does this mean?  What are some non vegan ingredients that are often found in self care products and what do you substitute them with? 

Vegan means to abstain from using any animal products in all areas of life as humanly possible. All of my products are plant based, and contain no byproducts from animals, even insects. That includes beeswax and honey. There are many other sources of waxes and sugars that aren’t produced by bees. For instance, I make an Elderberry syrup for myself during the winter months to help fight off sicknesses. Traditionally this syrup requires a lot of honey, but I use maple syrup instead. I’m originally from Vermont and have Sugar Makers in my family, so I am a strong advocate for maple syrup. It contains many key nutrients such as iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. It is also an amazing antioxidant to help fight free radicals. And of course never any animal testing, EVER! 

 

4 .   You infuse herbs in oils rather than using essential oils.  What's your favorite herb to work with and what is it's beneficial qualities?

I do use essential oils in most of my products, but I limit their use. Using the whole plant for it’s complete healing properties to me, is respecting and honoring the plant. Using essential oils is ok in moderation, but I think they are being over used, and people may not understand how potent they are. My plan is to reformulate my products to use very little essential oils, if any at all. My favorite plant to infuse would be Calendula. It’s a great remedy for ailments like wounds and chapped skin, and it can help to speed up recovery time. The smell and color when straining Calendula are amazing, and it’s included it in my Remedy Balm.

 

5 .   Out of all the teas that you offer, which one is perfect to sip while painting, working, writing or anything that involves creative thinking?

First of all, I need to say I love tea! Drinking tea is a perfect way to supplement your personal self-care ritual, or just because! I would say that my current plant ally would be Holy Basil, or Tulsi. It is a valued adaptogen and I use it in many of my teas. I find it helps me to stay focused and relaxed while working on a project or my art. I’ll steep it on its own, or add some other herbs depending on my mood. You’ll find Tulsi in my Anahata tea, which I believe can spiritually open and heal heavy hearts and sorrows.

 

6.  Do you harvest ingredients from your yard?  How did you learn about harvesting (what to look for)?  Are you self taught?

 My husband and I have a good amount of land behind our house by a small river where I do forage plants, but mainly just for my personal use. Growing up in the woods of Vermont, I was always eating and playing with wild flowers, along with some other plants that were around. I was taught which were safe to handle, and which to avoid. I have fond memories as a child munching on Red clover while meandering around barefoot. I’ve also learned a lot from other herbalists, and from the courses that I have taken. One key rule is that you must always honor the plant, and never take more than necessary so that the plant is not harmed. I also don’t advise foraging without proper knowledge of plant identification, or before consulting someone you trust. Plants can be deadly, and you hear much too often about this happening. On a lighter note, I do have a couple raised garden beds and some clay pots that I use to grow several different types of plants for my products. It feels so satisfying to utilize plants that you’ve grown, and have created a connection with. 

 

7.   Your packaging is crisp and bold.  Do you print your labels yourself or do you design elsewhere?

Thank you, that’s very nice to hear! I take pride in my packaging and am a perfectionist when it comes to that. The secret behind my logo and label designs is my amazing husband! He creates my labels and performs any design work that I need, and I truly appreciate it. We do print the labels at home, and after some trial and error we are pretty much pros at it. I am grateful that I don’t need to use an outside source for any of my design needs at the moment.

 

8.  Tell us a bit about your themed gift sets.

I have a lovely tea gift set to offer which will include a new tea. I will also have different sized muslin bags with a theme for making various gift sets, depending on the type of products that are purchased.

See more of Irene's work on Instagram !

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Annie

Field Interview: Annie Riecke, Ocean State of Mind RI

This week's interview is with Annie Riecke of Ocean State of Mind RI.  Annie's positive spirit shines through each hand painted sign she creates.  She started selling with Field of Artisans a couple of summers ago and right away she lit up the Field with her smile and love of life. She offers a sign for any occasion, location or feeling and is often painting custom signs on the spot at markets. 

1.  The name of your brand and your use of driftwood make it clear that Rhode Island has something to do with the origins of your business.  Was there a specific moment that you decided you wanted to create Ocean State of Mind RI?  

Around five years ago I started to notice all the wood that was washing up on our shorelines and littering our beaches.  I decided to start collecting driftwood to incorporate it into my home decor and to make signs for others. After creating some signs for charity, I realized that not only was this idea eco-friendly, but it was something I truly enjoyed creating.

 

2.  Driftwood is a common theme in your pieces, however you've recently introduced some new materials such as 100 year old slate tiles!  Do you plan to continue to expand the base of your signs, or was this a special, one time collection?

Sometimes I look to expand and sometimes things just fall into place! While I primarily work with wood, I try not to limit myself to just one medium.  My only rule of thumb is that the material has to have been used and is now being discarded.  I don't use new materials.  It defeats the purpose of being eco-friendly and minimizing waste.  

 

3.  You free hand all of your signs and your handwriting is so seamless, stylized and readable!  Have you always had such a good hand or is this something you've perfected over time?

My handwriting has always been pretty neat.  I passed a lot of hours of my education practicing my handwriting and doodling all over everything (sorry teachers).  When I first started painting, I stenciled for the first few months, but it wasn't until a client requested script signs for her daughter's wedding that I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and started doing free hand.  After some hard practice, I never looked back.

4.  You have a way with words!  The messages and phrases on all of your pieces convey such positivity and are very relatable.  Do you ever have writer's block when coming up with each phrase?  Where do you look for inspiration when planning out these messages? 

Oh, man. I get writer's block, a lot!  When I get stuck, a lot of my inspiration comes from music.  I am constantly scouring for obscure bands, singers, and artists that I find relatable. Yoga has also been a big part of my life over the last two years and that's when a real shift happened in my messages of my signs. 

 

5.  What's one of your favorite inspirational quotes, phrases or words?

"The effect you have on others, is the most valuable currency there is."-Jim Carrey

This quote is part of his famous commencement address to Maharishi University.  For me, that speech was nothing short of life changing.

 

6.  You sell in person at markets but you also have a successful Etsy business, website and social media.  Do you find it's helpful to have an online presence?  How do you utilize your in person interactions as a way to direct more traffic to your digital platforms? 

I established myself online about 2 years before I ever did my first show.  I had customers all across the world, but so few in Rhode Island.  I decided to do markets to give myself a local presence.  Over the last 3 years I have used markets to give my business a personalization.  I find that once people have met me in person or have watched me paint (I paint on the spot at almost all my shows), it drives a lot of people back to my online shop. 

 

 

7.  I feel like you'd have a good playlist to work to?  Do you listen to music while painting?  What's on your playlist??  Or, do you work best in quiet?

I listen to music borderline obsessively. I always have music playing when painting; I find it helps me relax.  These are my tried and true favorites: Donavon Frankenreiter, Bob Marley, Anderson East, Ray Lamontagne, Jason Isbell, Tedeschi Trucks, Ziggy Marley, Toots and the Maytals, The Mallett Brothers Band (have to support local), Lake Street Dive, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, 

Jack Johnson, The Allman Brothers, Sublime, The Band, and so much more. When I'm not working, I'm usually at a concert.

 

8.  It looks like you've done some commission work for companies who need signs at their brick and mortar, booth display etc.  Is this a service you are always offering?

I like working with shops that are like minded.  I love small businesses that are selling local artisans and putting money back into our community.  When you invest your money into a small business, you are supporting a dream.  I am always looking for new partnerships. 

 

 

9.  Along with Ocean State of Mind RI, you are also a teacher.  What would your advice be to a fellow artist who works a full time job but also wants to find time to create a small business? 

Balance.  Do what sets your soul on fire and be mindful of your relationships. Having a business plus a full time career is challenging and exciting, but it's the people in your life that make it all worthwhile.  Start small and set parameters on your working time to keep it manageable.  I read a lot of articles and books the first 3 years of my business.  I don't have a degree in business and basically gave myself a constant crash course in marketing.  It made a big difference.

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?! (We're already a HUGE fan of your collaboration with Art by Rosie!)

Art by Rosie is so great! I admire her work and I was thrilled to collaborate with her in creating reclaimed wooden wave art.  There are a lot of local artists that I LOVE, but, Alex Eaves of Stay Vocal has to be the next person I collaborate with.  He "rescues" t-shirts and gives them a second life by re-designing them.  Hopefully next year we will be able to make that happen.  In the meantime, you should totally check out his company Stay Vocal as well as his Box Truck which he transformed into a living space.  Dude is unreal and an inspiration to people who wish to find abundance in the things that already exist around them.

See more of Annie's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Marcia

Field Interview: Marcia Tuthill, Olive Branch Baby

This week's interview is with Marcia Tuthill of Olive Branch Baby.  Marcia lights up any room (or Field) with a radiant smile and positive energy.  Her genuine personality and strong background (she's a licensed marriage and family therapist) bring peace of mind to any new parent looking for the right products for their baby.  Marcia started selling with Field of Artisans this past summer.  She's such a valuable asset to our community!

1.   Your daughter Olive, inspired the creation and name for your business.  Has the Olive Branch Baby concept grown or changed as Olive gets older and with the arrival of your second baby?

 Olive Branch Baby is a young company, however, I am always thinking about new product ideas, colors and designs! With the arrival of my second baby, Charlie, I have started thinking about how I can reach a bigger age range with healthy and responsibly sourced toy and baby goods options!! Hint hint....we have something in the works that WILL be available on 12/3!!!

 

2.  What sets the Olive Branch Baby products apart from other baby goods that are in the market today? 

Olive Branch Baby products hope to offer peace of mind to parents who want quality products that are SAFE for baby, minimalistic but beautiful in design. OBB is different because of the product research and care that goes into each piece! I spend many hours looking for the absolute best quality materials for the goods we create! I would want ONLY the best and highest quality for my own babes, so that is the product I like to put out! 

3.  How do you approach creating a product that attracts and answers the concerns of two very different markets, babies and parents?   ;)

I keep a few things in mind; The design, colors and responsibly sourced materials are for the parents, but “the proof is in the pudding”....When a parent purchases a rattle or pacifier Clip Teether or any of our products and that drooly little babe puts the item right in his/her mouth there is instant relief...I hear songbirds!! OBBs products are truly appealing to the eye, but they also work like magic!

 

4.  Your line is created with materials that are toxin free and responsibly sourced (amazing!), Does this limit your creativity when it comes to color combinations, shapes etc?

We are lucky enough to work with a few vendors that have the ability to try and make new colors and shapes if we need/want them. The research and time creating a partnership was long and discouraging at times, but so worth it. In the end, OBB is able to provide a safe, healthy and beautiful product we can be proud of!!

 

5.  This past summer in the Field, I bought an Olive Branch teether to give as a gift at a 1 year old's birthday party.  You packaged it so nicely in a muslin bag, with the Olive Branch logo and included reading material on the piece.  I didn't even need to wrap it!  Do you think branded (and beautiful) packaging helps to present the Olive Branch Baby line as a gift giving opportunity and not just products that fulfill a need? 

Absolutely! The packaging is so important! It goes back to a past questions, when we parents/consumers buy something it feels extra special when we receive it in a beautifully designed package!

6. You use some really unique patterns in your pieces.  I love the marble and pearl beads!  I would wear some of the teethers as jewelry!  What is your favorite color/pattern combo?

This is IMPOSSIBLE to answer!! I love so many of them! They are all beautiful in their own way!! We have some seasonal colors and shapes that will be featured in the 12/3 Field of Artisans and I am IN LOVE! I can’t wait to show them off! Marble, pearl and Robins Egg are our best sellers! 

 

7.  What are the first steps in designing a mold for a new baby good?  Do you sketch first?

I DREAM of color combinations...ha. Some nights when I am nursing my youngest, I just sit and think about combos and products that may be useful to parents who are experiencing similar developmental stages with their littles! As far as the safety and creating, I have taught myself special knots and safety systems that are utilized in all of our current designs. For our newest product  I sketched and then scoured the internet and made phone calls to find quality materials to fulfill the design in my head.

Dream, draw, create....in three short words! 

8.  You're a mother to two young ones and you own and operate a small business!  Goals!  How do you approach achieving a work/life balance? 

Hm. Always trying to figure this one out! The best thing for me and my family is if we all are able to go after the things that make us happy. I am lucky to be able to do this with support from my husband, other family members and friends! I am a marriage and family therapist by education/trade so I try and practice what I preach! With families I use the airplane analogy, put your oxygen mask on first and then take care of others....same in life.

9.  What is your advice to a fellow entrepreneur  who has a great idea for a business but feels that they lack the skills to make their idea come to fruition?

If you think you can, you will. Make it work, you will be happy you did!! We all have an artist inside of us, let.it.loose!!!

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

Oh this is TOUGH! There are so many amazing companies out there! 

I am happy/proud to say that we are now in Bellani Maternity in Warwick! That was a big goal for me! 

As far as other artists; I LOVE Whistle&Flute (online unisex clothing company) and would love to collaborate to create one of their children’s T-shirts, perhaps an Olive or a Dove! 

See more of Marcia's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

In the Field with Kendalyn

Field Interview: Kendalyn J. Banks, Sage & Sea Apothecary

This week's interview is with Kendalyn of Sage & Sea Apothecary.  I met Kendalyn this past summer in the Field.  She is the epitome of a collaborative spirit and we are so happy she is a part of the Field community!  Her genuine and holistic approach to self-care shine through her handcrafted products and services for the mind, body and spirit.  Buying from Kendalyn results in such a warm feeling.  You know that her heart and soul go into everything that she creates.  

Find Sage & Sea Apothecary in the Field at Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 12/10 11:30-4:30

1.  The name Sage & Sea is calming in all senses.  How did you come up with your name?  Did it come to you before or after starting the creation of your line?

When I decided to create products to sell, I didn’t feel comfortable launching a brand and line of products without a name. I spent quite a few weeks brainstorming because I wanted a name that really felt like me and reflected what I’m all about.

I decided right away that I wanted Apothecary in the name of my business because to me, that word calls to mind holistic wellness and herbal goods. I have a degree in marine biology and have had a love affair with the ocean for my entire life, so incorporating that into my name was important to me. The ocean also has amazing healing properties for both the mind and body, and that’s begun to resonate with me in different ways as my business has evolved. I’ve been into smudging with sage for several years and love that it calls to mind the act of purifying and clearing out what’s no longer serving you to create space for the things you do want in life.

I love alliteration, so Sage & Sea Apothecary was perfect for the vibe I was trying to convey with my products and messaging. As my business has grown to incorporate sacred healing services in addition to natural products, it feels like even more of a perfect fit!

 

2.  What's your favorite universal Sage & Sea product?  One that you think everyone could benefit from.  

I absolutely love my smudging spray! It appeals to both women and men with it’s sweet yet earthy and herbaceous scent. We’re all dealing our own energy and that of the people we encounter every day, and it’s important to keep ourselves grounded and protected so that we’re not taking on other people’s stuff and making it our own. This is definitely a staple that everyone should be equipped with.

https://sageandseaapothecary.com/all-home/bye-bye-bad-vibes-smokeless-smudging-spray

 

3.  You are against GMOs and look to source materials that are organic, ethically harvested and fair trade.  Do you find this is easy to do locally?  Or do you have to sometimes look beyond New England?

Yes and no. Some of the raw materials I use are extremely local, as in made in Rhode Island, like the honey I use from Aquidneck Honey. The beeswax I use in my beauty products comes from Kline Honey Bee Farm in Ohio because it’s great quality and I love supporting other small businesses when I can. For items I need in larger quantities, I stick to brands I trust online within the U.S. who offer high quality natural and/or organic materials, like Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals. The best part about how natural my ingredients are is that when I’m in a pinch I can often find what I need at a local supermarket!

 

4.  There is beauty in your aesthetic.  Your products, packaging and online presence exude a natural and artistic look.  Your products make for a beautiful gift to a loved one or a beautiful addition to one's vanity.  How do you approach incorporating visual beauty into your apothecary?  Do you find that a consistent aesthetic is important?

Thank you so much, I’m blushing! I’ve never thought of myself to have a designer’s eye, but I knew right from the get go that I wanted to create a cohesive aesthetic that would resonate with the women I create my products for. I wanted people to be able to proudly display my items on their vanity and show them off to their friends.

I love the look of frosted glass, and use that for many of my bottles which can be reused by my customers or recycled when they’re no longer needed. I create all of the labels and graphics myself and have had so much fun figuring out how to take a vision in my mind and turn it into something pretty to look at. I think having a consistent aesthetic is key for any business because it’s what helps people to continue to recognize a brand, its products, and what it stands for. It’s important to me so that my customers anticipate they’re receiving the high quality goods they know, love, and expect from my brand when they see my products in person and online.

 

5.  What is your favorite scent and why?

Oh gosh, do I have to pick just one?! I’m a huge proponent of aromatherapy and am constantly diffusing essential oils at home, not only for their delicious scents but also for their healing properties. My first real experience with essential oils was during the Reiki healing cool down at Mind Body Barre where I eventually became an instructor. We walk around with lavender essential oil during the last few minutes of class as clients lay in savasana so that they can relax and recharge themselves after a challenging workout; the lavender scent really encourages softening of the mind and body so that you can come to a deep, relaxed state. I keep a little bottle of lavender essential oil close by wherever I go so that I can dab a few drops on my pulse points or just take a few deep breaths of its soothing scent when I’m feeling stressed and anxious. I often spray my lavender mist (Relax the Day Away Spray) on my pillow and sheets before drifting off to sleep, too.

6.  I am so impressed with the way you stay in touch with your subscribers, fans and customers.  I'm on your email newsletter and you are really good at keeping customers in the loop when you will be at a  market.  You also always have interesting and relevant blog posts.  And....you're teaching an online workshop about mindfulness on 11/16!  How do you balance the line between keeping your customers engaged while not flooding their inbox with messages that annoy them?  You're a master at it!

Thank you so much! This means a lot because it’s something I’ve struggled with since day one; I never used to know what to say, and then I started feeling scared and vulnerable when I opened up more about my personal life to my customers. Earlier this year I realized that people love buying products from me and other small business not only so they can support small, local shops, but also because they love connecting with the person or people behind the brand. As humans we crave connection, and I wanted to foster this within my tribe.

I noticed that as I was putting more of myself out there and not just trying to tell people where and what to buy, more and more people were emailing me back to connect on a deeper level. This validated that I wasn’t alone in thinking and feeling the things I was expressing and made me feel good about sharing openly, which prompted me to switch from selling solely on Etsy to creating my own website so that I could share more meaningful content as blog posts.

I try to share things as they come up for me because I’m constantly learning and changing, and every time I hit publish I remind myself to have faith that whatever the message is it will get to the people who it will serve the most and try not to worry too much about everything else. I definitely limit myself to emailing my customers no more than once a week unless something special is going on because I don’t want to spam them, I know how sacred email inboxes are!

 

7.  You often promote other makers within your industry on your Instagram.  I love how you look past what some may see as "competition" and instead see that supporting fellow makers, elevates us all.  What do you find is the best part about meeting someone who has similar interests, creations and missions to you?  

I think what a lot of business owners miss is that competition is such a good, healthy thing! It means that there’s actually a market for what you’re looking to sell, and when someone doesn’t resonate with your competitor’s message they may turn to you instead. We all have different preferences, and that can even change throughout our lives. I know I use much different bath and beauty products than I did even five years ago!

I operate as a solopreneur and it can get a little lonely at times, so I truly cherish the friends I’ve made who are making their businesses work. I love talking shop and swapping ideas, and being generous with my knowledge and taking opportunities to learn from other people. I’m a total introvert, but when I get talking with someone who’s passionate about the same things that I am I swear the conversation will never end, and I absolutely love that about connecting with other makers in my field.

8.  You aim to empower women and embody this mission wholeheartedly through not only your apothecary line, and your welcoming and genuine personality but also other services that are a part of your business.  Can you tell us about the other trainings and services your provide that contribute to self-care and empowerment?  

I’ve made a lot of personal changes and have gone through a ton of transformation over the last several years. I’ve noticed that the more I’ve healed myself the more I’ve wanted to share that process with others so they can see that it’s possible for them, too. I truly believe that when you become more self-aware of your thoughts and actions you can start to live a better, more meaningful life filled with kindness and compassion not only for others, but also for yourself. I also believe in the concept of mind-body unity where when the mind is suffering, so is the body, and vice versa, and know that each person has the capacity to heal themselves with the right tools, information, and support.

I think one thing that a lot of people in the self-help industry try to hide is that the answers to all of your burning questions about your purpose, mission, etc. (the things that make you feel the most fulfilled) aren’t in the next course or book, and you don’t need to consult a psychic to find them - they’re inside of you, right now. I aim to empower women to reconnect to themselves in mind, body, and spirit so that they can listen to and interpret what their intuition is communicating to them, because that’s where the real magic happens.

I’ve just begun to explore options that allow me to work with women in small groups and 1:1 through the internet and in person, which currently include a guided meditation series and Reiki healing services. My offerings will be expanding very soon, so stay tuned!

9.  What is your advice to a fellow maker or creative who wants to take the next step in creating a small business, but is nervous about the thought of putting themselves out there?

While putting yourself out there can be scary, there is so much beauty in that vulnerability. Through vulnerability we’re able to connect with other like-minded individuals and cultivate a sense of community and belonging, which we all crave. Opening yourself up to a new world and new adventures in business allows you to live a more full life by pursuing your passion, which is something you likely can’t ignore. Don’t let perfection or fear stop you from doing what you’re meant to do!

 

10.  Dream collaboration?  Can be a specific person, general person, company, etc.  What would you create together?!

Hands down Martha Stewart. She is an amazing business woman and just so damn talented. She’s also really funny and has a great sense of humor! Knowing her, I think we would create cold processed soap that’s made with goat’s milk from goats on her farm. It would also have some fresh orange blossom water that we would make together and she’d probably teach me how to distill my own sweet orange and clove essential oils. We’d press beautiful dried orange peels and fresh pine needles into the top of the soap and wrap it up with only the finest hand-painted wrapping paper because, you know, it’s gotta be gift ready if it’s coming from Martha!

See more of Kendalyn's work on Instagram and Facebook! 

She also sells through her online shop!

Weekend Creating: November

IT'S THE WEEKEND!  

How about a creative and festive project?!

I'm styling an event next week and am creating props to incorporate into the displays.  I like to strike a balance between a nature and an elegant aesthetic!  Being that it's November, I decided to elevate the traditional dried corn that we see so often around Thanksgiving time.  I put together a simple tutorial if you'd like to give it a try!  A perfect addition to your mantle, dining table or windows.  

MATERIALS:

-dried feed corn (also known as "Indian Corn" or "Ornamental Corn")

-plastic wrap

-spray paint (I chose gold and copper)

-bowl of water

-cardboard or old sheet

STEPS

1. Soak husks in a bowl of temperate water for about 2 min.  As they soften, slowly and gently separate, straighten and fluff them.  This seems tedious but makes a huge difference in the end result.

before soaking

after soaking

When you buy the corn, the husks will most likely be shriveled and smushed together.  Let's make them prettier!

2. Give the husks a little shake and get rid of dripping water.  Lay out corn to dry.  If it's a sunny or windy day, outside is best!  It's important to thoroughly dry the husks so that you get an even spray paint application.

3.  Wrap the corn kernels in plastic wrap.  Make sure you cover every inch, especially the kernels that are closest to the husks.  It helps to twist the corn in your hand, securing the plastic wrap.  

4. Place the corn on cardboard or on an old sheet and spray paint the husks.  Do the best you can to stay away from the kernels in case the plastic wrap comes loose.  Try to cover as much surface as possible without touching the corn.  Let dry.  Then, flip and repeat on the other side.

*TIP 1: If you're working with a colorful husk, try leaving some of the natural color and just doing a light spray.  I had some red husks and let the red show through sometimes.

*TIP 2: Make sure to spray all of the husk tips.  These can look a bit old and nasty

5.  Let corn dry.  Again, laying the corn outside may dry it quicker.

6.  Remove plastic wrap!  Make sure to store flat and not too crushed to protect the husks.

HAVE FUN CREATING THIS WEEKEND!  Tag your corn creations with #FIELDOFARTISANS AND #FIELDWORK on Instagram . We'll repost some of our favorites!

See all of the corn I "elevated", this coming Tuesday, 11/14 at the Coast Guard House Restaurant.  I'll be styling the Candlelight Dinner event using hundreds of candles and this beautiful corn!  :)

~Katrina (Field of Artisans, Market Producer)