Read, Listen, Observe, MACRAME!

Summer 2018 Inspiration Lists

By: Christine Munroe, Language of Knots

Christine teaches macrame in the Field during the summer and holiday seasons. Stay tuned for her next workshop!

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Reading List to keep the creative juices flowing:

- Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention by: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

- The Creative Habit by: Twyla Tharp

- A Lapsed Anarchist's Approach to Building a Great Business (Zingerman's Guide to Good Leading) by: Ari Weinzweig 

- Travels in Alaska by: John Muir

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Playlist to create to: 

- Time to Wander (Joan of Arc Remix) : Gypsy & The Cat

- Yacht: Psychic City (Classixxx Remix) : Mick Boogie + Stylecaster

- I'm a Lady : Santigold

- Cherry : Chromatics 

- Living/Breathing : Mesita

- Healing Hands : Citizen Cope 

- The Motive/ Used To The Melody : SPZRKT & Sango

- Miss Right : Anderson .Paak

- Still Ray : Raphael Saadiq

- Sunny (Mercury Edit II) : Bobby Hebb

- I Wish (You Were Mine) [Official Remix by Kun] : Anders

- The Heat : Jungle

- Can I Kick It? : A Tribe Called Quest

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Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:

- @windychien

She's my ultimate creative role model when it comes to Fiber Art. Her work is compelling, simple and always incredibly intelligent

- @wearepampa

for the love of all things textile and gorgeous  

- @nayyirah.waheed

poems for the creative empath (and really, for everyone)

- @westcoastcraft

highlighting some of the best artists and designer craftspeople working on the West Coast and beyond

- @generalstore

if you like a natural minimalistic style, check them out! 

- @willsmith

because, Will Smith

 

 

THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION Christine, @LanguageOfKnots

Read, Listen, Observe, PAINT!

Summer 2018 Inspiration Lists

By: Amy Salomone, Functional Whimsy

We've asked our summer workshop teachers where they find inspiration, who and what gets their creative juices flowing and we're sharing their top lists with you!

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Summer 2018 Reading List:

 

"I am a huge science non-fiction fan.  It puts me in a dreamy state of mind.  Perfect for creating butterfly jewelry!"

The Wild Life of Our Bodies, by: Rob Dunn

Death By Black Hole: and Other Cosmic Quandaries, by: Neil deGrasse Tyson 

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World, by: Peter Wohlleben

If Our Bodies Could Talk, by: James Hamblin

Soul Of An Octopus, by: Sy Montgomery

Some backpacking reading:

Through Hiking Will Break Your Heart, by Carrot Quinn

Almost Somewhere: 28 Days on the John Muir Trail, by: Suzanne Roberts

Great Reads that I have been enjoying:

All The Light We Cannot See, by: Anthony Doerr 

The Nightingale, by: Kristin Hannah

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Summer 2018 Playlist:

"Forget about it.  I am obsessed with music setting a tone.  Some of my current and forever favorites:"

Paul Simon

Joni Mitchell

Nina Simone

Ali Farka Toure

The Mike and Ruthy Band

Nitty Scott

TOOL

Valerie June

Nick Drake

Joao Gilberto

Led Zeppelin

John Coltrane

Miles Davis

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Instagram Accounts to Follow:

"I don't spend a lot of time on Instagram, but...here are a few artists that I see at shows and they inspire me to keep pushing myself to create."

@oceanstateofmind

@strawberry moon.3

@insidemycranium

 

THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION Amy, @functionalwhimsy

In the Field with Cindy

Field Interview: Cindy Tischer

Today's interview is with artist Cindy Tischer of Mabel's Mugs.  Cindy's pottery is earthy yet vibrant.  Each piece adds beauty (and a smile) to everyday activity.  Her spirit is just as vibrant, and she uses her pottery business to support a cause she feels strongly towards, animal rescue. 

1.  Tell us a bit about why you chose the name "Mabel's Mugs" for your business!

LOL! The actual story is PG13 and probably shouldn't be retold here! Suffice it to say that Mabel was my beloved first rescue dog and mugs rhymes with another word.....

 

2. How would you describe your aesthetic?  Do you find that there are consistent themes or colors in your pottery?

People have described my work as "rustic and primitive".  I'm learning with every piece I make so  I like to think of it as more light hearted and fun. I make functional work, it knows it has a job to do, but it doesn't take itself too seriously :)  I tend to favor the earth tones and deeper, rich colors.

 

3.  You create using both wheel and hand building techniques.  What do you think is the main difference?

Time. Hand building (simple forms) is a much quicker process.

 

4.  Do you have a professional training background or did you teach yourself your craft?  

I do not have a professional background or degree in Ceramics. I started late when my children got older.  I have taken classes at the Guilford Art Center and Wesleyan Potters. I am a long time (and current) student of Nancy Johnson Mercado, potter extraordinaire & clay guru of Fire Witch Pottery.  There is so much to learn in ceramics!  I am learning the business and  marketing and design as I go too!

 

5.  Where do you find inspiration for the cheeky phrases often incorporated into your work?

Social media, politics, advertising and family are all fair game. I'll have more freedom to create the "cheeky" ones when my own studio is finished!

 

6.  Do you create custom work for customers (or pet owners;)?

Yes I do custom work. I have had the honor of making personalized urns for pets. The owners share their memories and ideas and we work together to design a unique memorial for their furbabies. It is extremely rewarding and healing,

My rescue Mom/Dad mugs are also fun customized pieces to work on, as are mugs or wine goblets for engaged couples.

7.  What is important to you when it comes to a workspace or studio?

Space and light of course. For inspiration I have pots that my children made when they were very little and pots that I've collected from artists who I really admire. 

8.  Do you have a favorite piece you've created that you personally use in your home?

My favorite is a set of 2 simple little cereal size bowls.  They are a warm pine color and the glaze broke cream colored on the rim, they have the appearance of being salt fired. I call them my "Charlie Brown" bowls because no one wanted them. I love them and use them daily!

 

9.  What would your advice be to a fellow artist who wants to incorporate a passion or cause into their work?

Pick a cause you are passionate about. Mine is animal rescue. Bring materials about your cause to your shows. Be prepared to talk as much about your cause as your art. I have a donation jar and also donate a portion of any sales to local rescue groups. Most people have no idea of the scope of need for rescue. Best show moment ever; I was doing a show in a church basement, very little traffic or sales. But one lady came by, who had recently lost her dog and she saw the adoption info I had on a dog named "Diamond". She wasn't looking for a new dog but the stars were aligned and she adopted Diamond and became a huge supporter for her rescue group! I am so grateful for having a part in that happy ending .

 

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

Interesting question. Well.... My pottery dream crush is Bill Van Gilder. Bill is a master potter who's work is functional and beautiful and his how to videos are informative & amazing. I love that he is so unpretentious , he always says, "there are many ways to do thus and such... here's how I do it"....  I'd love to do a series where the sales would fund spay and neuter efforts and educate people on the importance of them. 

 

See more of Cindy's work through her Instagram!

Read, Listen, Observe, EMBROIDER!

Summer 2018 Inspiration Lists

By: Hallie MacDonald, The Blank Space Collection

We've asked our summer workshop teachers where they find inspiration, who and what gets their creative juices flowing and we're sharing their top lists with you!

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Summer 2018 Reading List:

Art & Fear, by David Bayles

"the perfect book for everyone trying to 'make it' as an artist. It's a best seller among artists of all mediums for a reason."

The Secret Lives of Color, by Kassia St Clair

"not only does this book provide a full history of colors, but its beautiful in its simplicity"

The Kinfolk Entrepreneur, by Nathan Williams

 "a behind the scenes look at 40 different creative business owners covering everything from their work/life balance, beautiful photos of their work spaces, and the successes and failures they faced along the way"

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Summer 2018 Playlist:

"Thinking About You", by The Big Scary

"Ancient Light", by Allman Brown

"City Swans", by Neko Case 

"Make You Sad", by NGHTSWM 

"Completely Not Me", by Jenny Lewis

"The Mentronome", by Pinegrove 

"Modern Act", by Cloud Nothings 

"Naive", by The Kooks

"Cleopatra", by The Lumineers

"Altered Beast", by We Are Scientists 

"Satellites", by Grey Season 

"The House That Heaven Built", by Japandroids 

"Here's Your Future", by The Thermal 

"Caveman", by The Lillingtons 

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Instagram Accounts to Follow:

@olandercoembroidery

"beautifully simplistic hand embroidery"

@petrifiedrainbow

"amazing use of colors"

@georgiatebrake

"unique hand embroidery and fiber art"

@sophianarrett

"INCREDIBLE embroidery artist. She creates full scenes that range in subject matter with amazing detail."

 

THANKS FOR THE INSPIRATION HALLIE, @THEBLANKSPACECOLLECTION

In the Field with Lynn

Field Interview: Lynn Bouchard

Today's interview is with artist, Lynn Bouchard of Legendary Lynn.  Her illustrations are so recognizable and evoke such happiness and wonder.  The Legendary Lynn booth is a refreshing addition to the Field!  Pick up some adorable stickers or prints for a loved one tomorrow!  She also can do custom pet portraits in 20 min!

Find Lynn in the Field at

Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY: 2/11

1.  Your Legendary Lynn collection is full of magical illustrations!  What intrigues you about fantastical girls and animals? 

Thank you! Fantasy girls and animals intrigue me because they take me to a different world. There's a lot of darkness in real life and my drawings make me believe in magic and romance. I like to be able to share those themes with everyone.

2. Have you always been focused on these themes?  Or has your focus changed over time?

For as long as I can remember, I've always focused on these themes. Growing up I'd draw fairies and Sailor Moon. Fairytales were a constant source for imagination.

3.  Your girls are very recognizable.  Did it take you a long time to develop such a personal drawing style? 

That means a lot. I've made it my mission to harness my style and it did take time. I started to take my illustrations seriously for the first time in 2016. Drawing every day helped so much for developing my style.  

4.  Do you have a pool of characters/personalities that you epeat or is each illustration a new girl or animal?

My top three ladies are witches, mermaids, and fairies. These personalities all mean so much to me. I quickly realized they resonated with others too. It's nice to form a connection with someone who gets excited about a character you love! 

My go-to animal is always a cat! I love cats. That's a fact that I think anyone who has ever met me will say they know.   

5.  Do you use a combination of mediums in one piece?

Yes! I typically use a mixture of colored pencil, Copic markers, and watercolor. I've been working on some digital for future works.

6. Your pet portraits are adorable!  What's the lead time on one and how should a shopper go about ordering a custom pet portrait from you?  Do you do people portraits as well?

Thank you so much! For my simplistic, whimsy, head shot animal portraits, they can take around 10-20 minutes. For a full portrait with detail and background, it takes more toward an hour. Shoppers can come to my table at the Field for a whimsy pet portrait to be made right there! Email or show me your pet and I can work on it as you shop around! Shoppers can also find me on Etsy where they can purchase custom portraits of animals and people! My people portraits typically are fantasy types and take the longest to complete.

7. I've noticed you do a lot of competitions, partnerships and group drawing exercises on Instagram.  How has social media helped your business evolve?  

Art challenges and art swaps on Instagram helped me greatly. I started creating illustrations by joining in a month long Halloween drawing challenge hosted by one of my favorite artists, Mab Graves. The positive community that came along with the challenge was incredible. Everyone was at different levels and supportive! I honestly might have stopped drawing if it weren't for the amount of support. I've made so many friends and learned so much. Having prompts and themes to your art can push yourself to create things you might not have on your own. Instagram has its problems, but it definitely helped me be confident to share my work in order to start a business.  

8.  Do you think it's necessary for an artist to have an online presence in order for them to succeed financially or have a chance at making their art a full time job?

I think it is. It's necessary to be present and active in your community. Which online is a huge part of the art world now. It's still difficult to get noticed but it's a tool that helps me to push myself.

9.  What would your advice be to a fellow artist ho wants to network with similar minded artists?

Social media platforms are great to find like-minded artists. My start was on Instagram. There are so many art challenges for all different themes and mediums. It's a lot of fun and creates a fast community of support and advice! Another tip would be to look at local classes or artisan shows to stay connected in your state.

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

What a great question! My dream collaboration would be with the artist Mab Graves. She paints pop surrealist girls with large eyes, among many other talents! It would be amazing to create a story book with her. 

 

See more of Lynn's work through her Instagram!

In the Field with Kelly

Field Interview: Kelly Allen-Kujawski

Today's interview is with artist, Kelly Allen-Kujawski of Rarities Bindery.  Kelly preserves treasured memories and the endangered art of writing, pen to paper.  Her technique is labor intensive from start to finish.  Owning a Rarities Bindery journal is so special.  You can feel the amount of love, dedication and work that Kelly has put towards your piece!  Kelly is a positive light always and we can't wait to have her in the Field all winter!

Find Kelly in the Field at

Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAYS: 2/11, 3/11 + 4/8  

1.  Rarities Bindery preserves the art of writing through handmade journals and special memories through preservation boxes.  Has preserving these personal art forms always been important to you?

I would honestly have to say no.  I'm not a writer by any means, but for as long as I can remember, my nose has been buried in books.  This led to me collecting antique books.  (They smell so good and are so pretty!) This then led me to wanting to save the ones that needed some love.  As for preserving memories?  I come from a LARGE Portuguese and Sicilian family with a small side of old English and Native American.  We have some memories to save for sure!
 

 

2. Can you elaborate on the purpose/thought behind a preservation box a bit?  What are the different things that people use them for?  What makes a preservation box a better option for storing something special?

A preservation box is exactly what it sounds like.  A box to preserve or protect a book or artifact.  While I specialize in books, I've made a few boxes for family heirlooms as well.  When my grandmother passed, my mom and I found her wedding prayer book and gloves she wore.  I designed a box to house them together to keep them safe as not only are they over 55 years old, but they're covered in a delicate lace. The boxes are made with all archival quality materials, meaning, it will help protect the item, slow disintegration down, and keep the item clean without risk of elements touching it.   It truly is one of the best ways to protect and preserve something of importance. 

 

3.  How did you learn the art of book/journal binding? 

Though many classes, after discovering the art through a YouTube video.  I started with some basic bookbinding and box making classes at the Creative Arts Network in New Haven, CT.  Once I realized I wanted to stick with this and move into conservation and preservation, I began taking classes (whenever I was and am able to) at North Bennet Street School up in Boston. 

 

4.  Is it more time consuming to work with leather versus the paper covers?  Or are they both a long process?

Using papers and making the hardcover books is the most time consuming.  Hardcover books have to have the pages cut, folded, and pressed so they’re flattened out.  Pressing takes 4 to 12 hours depending on thickness. Once pressed, sewing holes need to be punched, and pages sewn together.  Spines need gluing and backing to protect it from usage.  Then boards are cut, decorative papers and cloth all measured, cut, and glued, and everything attached before being pressed to dry.  And that's the condensed step by step!  Leather is much easier as there are no pastes, no pressing, and it's a much more rustic design so measurements don't need to be as perfect or precise. 

5. I know that you take pride in the vintage papers that you use for covers.  What is your most prized vintage paper find?

Oh boy.  There have been a few sheets I've had that I've had quite the internal struggle with about cutting up when the time came.  My absolute favorite though, is a handmade paper from Nepal that is about 30 years old and is just stunning (to me).  The paper and designs are all hand done.  I bought 2 sheets of it at the time and am kicking myself for not buying more!

 

6.  What types of journals do you offer?  Are they mainly for writing or sketching? 

Mainly for writing.  But I'm branching out a bit and custom orders are always welcome.  I have some that I've made recently in leather that contain water color paper.  I've done a bridal planner for a new bride; guest books for a wedding; a photo album as a wedding gift; and one of my favorites, a pocket sized wine journal.  Record you favorite wines while you're out enjoying it! 

 

7.  Do you personally journal on a regular basis?

Eh no.  I'm a terrible writer.  I tried for years to keep journals but usually would forget about it after a week or two.  I prefer to nap away what's bothering me I think.  Haha!

 

8.  Tell us a little bit about custom orders that people have come to you for.  What is the usual lead time if someone would like to order something custom?

Ooo custom orders are fun!  I received a custom order last year for a new bride (the one I mentioned a few questions up).  The customer wanted a bridal planner for the bride, and 2 regular journals as well.  These were all going to be gifts to her daughter's teachers at the end of the year.  The customer provided bottles of wine, and I put together a whole end of year gift basket for them.  Baby books get ordered a lot… usually gender neutral but those are fun too.  The most recent order I had was for a mini leather journal with matching leather 6 ring planner.  Time varies on custom orders depending on what is being ordered, if I need to order specific supplies, etc.  Typically, 2 weeks to a month. 

 

9.  What would your advice be to a fellow artist who wants to embark on an intensive new process or medium but isn't sure where to start?

My advice is to just do it.  Start where you feel you should and it'll build from there.  Don't sweat small stuff like having a name brand or anything like that.  Start with learning your product and passion and go about making it.  Find classes somewhere, go on YouTube, read some books on the subject.  Be confident in what you want to do and go rock it.

 

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

Favorite authors!  Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, John Steinbeck, Neil Gaiman, J.R. Ward, David Mitchell, and Jay Kristoff.  What would we create?  I'd have their minds all work together to write a fantasy, old world, psychologically mind bending and hysterical yet romantic and sexy novel that I would then bind in a fabulous leather and keep all for myself. 

See more of Kelly's work through her Instagram!

In the Field with Amy

Field Interview: Amy Salomone

Today's interview is with artist, Amy Salomone.  Amy is a science teacher by day and jeweler by night.  Her work is an amazing tribute to the purpose behind the beauty of nature.  Amy is such a pleasure to have in the Field.  She's been selling with Field of Artisans for the past couple of years and she always brings a smile and friendly vibe to all fellow artist vendors and visitors.  We loved learning more about her science, nature and vintage inspiration!

Find Amy in the Field at

Whalers Brewing Company on:

SUNDAY, 3/11  11:30-4:30

1.   You call your jewelry line, Functional Whimsy.  Can you give us some insight into how this name came to fruition?

I first started refurbishing furniture about 15 years ago.  Basically, I would use stained glass and mosaic dressers and tables.  Any piece of old furniture that I could get my hands on.  I was brainstorming at the time with my then boyfriend, now husband what I could name a business that does this.  I liked functional whimsy as a name because each piece was both a work of art, and a functional piece of furniture.  My idea came from peacocks, who carry this large ornamental tail on them so that they can find a mate.  So functional whimsy.  I am always inspired by nature and this name expresses that.  Even now that I mostly make jewelry, I still think the name works.

 

2.  Vintage inspired imagery seems to be a huge focus of Functional Whimsy.  Do you have favorite places where you look for vintage inspiration? Any fun magazines, blogs or social media accounts?

I am not a big social media person, its my downfall as a jewelry business creator.  I love anything vintage and graphic and usually get my inspiration from all over.  I get a lot of inspiration just walking down Westminster Street after work and going in the shops.  They just have this really cool vintage aesthetic to them that I gravitate towards.

 

3 .   Nature is also a common theme in your work.  I love the butterflies!  You recently embarked on a rigorous camping adventure.  Do trips like this inspire your work?

I am a science teacher by day and a jewelry designer at night and I have spent a large portion of my childhood and life camping and backpacking. I love to figure out and communicate the way that the universe works and so, nature clearly inspires me.  My favorite quote is by Einstein: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” . So, I am inspired by things such as butterflies, peacocks, bees, the human body, nebulas, etc because of what they teach me about the world rather than just what they look like.  

 

4 .   Did you teach yourself the process in your jewelry making?  Or, do you have a mentor?  

 I definitely taught myself and it was definitely a learning process!  I am always changing and developing the way that I go about making jewelry and definitely find it hard to stay in one place.

5 .    Do you work out of your home?  What's your ideal studio setup?

I do work in my home, although sadly, I don’t really have a great set up.  My supplies are all in my basement and I usually bring them upstairs when I work.  I have this dream of building a mini home or container home in my backyard and having lots of light and a wood burning stove in my studio.  I don’t have a big backyard so this is kind of a pipe dream, but I would be in heaven with my own space.  We have a guest room that essentially my parents stay in once in a while and I would love to just change it into a studio.  Unfortunately the bed in the room is my earliest mosaic creation, so it would break my heart to part with it.

 

6 .   Do you ever offer custom jewelry?  For instance if someone had an image that was special, could you make it into jewelry for them?

Yes!  I can make anything into a necklace using any image!  I could also alter the image in a cool digital format and integrate it into a piece.  Just ask!

 

7.   What's your bestselling piece?  Your personal favorite piece? 

My best selling pieces are the pins, magnets and butterfly stud earrings.  I would have to say that my favorite pieces are probably the graphic vintage/butterfly necklaces or butterfly studs.  I started making the butterfly necklaces because I wanted one and couldn’t find it, so those will always have a special place in my heart.

8 .   Any expansion plans for Functional Whimsy?

 I need to expand and develop my online presence but other than that, I go where the wind takes me.  If I am inspired to make something, I will just go for it and see if anyone is picking up what I am putting down.  My Functional Whimsy endeavors are usually funding my travel endeavors.  This year I have a lot of travel planned, so I will definitely be devoting my time to developing some different ideas for Functional Whimsy.

 

9 .   What would your advice be to a fellow artist on how to make oneself personality and individuality shine through their work?  (I think you do a really good job at this.)   

Gosh, I would say that you should make pieces that you would want and do what excites you.  I also think that its important to make pieces that are of a quality that you would expect from a purchase that you make.  There is nothing worse than being really excited about a piece of jewelry that you buy and having it break within a week.

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

So my idols who I aspire to be more like are typically scientists and educators rather than artists.  I would love to develop a line with someone like Richard Dawkins, Neil DeGrasse Tyson or E.O. Wilson, that spreads scientific literacy.  So essentially a butterfly necklace, that has interesting information about butterfly evolution or behavior imprinted in the packaging and some of the proceeds could go to butterfly migration conservancy or something like that.  That would be amazing.

 

See more of Amy's work through her Instagram!