Blog
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree
10 . 25 . 2023
We spoke with four artists and makers that will be exhibiting at the One of a Kind Holiday Show who grew up being inspired, guided and supported in their artistic endeavors by their loved ones because creating runs in their families.
Angie Thieszen creates realistic works of original art by hand-drawing detailed sketches on wood, then staining and coating them with a clear finish. The high contrast look of the black wood stain on the sepia tone of the natural wood creates a soft yet stunning statement piece ready to match any space.
What motivates you to create?
Angie: I have been an artist my whole life, I come from a family with artistic talents. My mom, Grandpa, and Aunt all taught me valuable art lessons. There is definitely a creative gene that runs deep. For me, I want to use that creative gene to allow others to slow down for a moment as they take in the details in my art.
What does your artwork represent?
Angie: My artwork represents the details in life that are often overlooked because of the rush we are in to get to the next thing. It represents my personal eye for subjects seen through a unique lens and my inability to contain the creative gene that flows within me.
What's a personal experience that has inspired you?
Angie: Once, I saw a small patch of daisies outside of my hairdresser's studio and asked if I could take some photos of them. I left with over 200 up close and detailed photos of the intricate designs inside the daisies. My hairdresser commented how she drives past them everyday but had never noticed how beautiful and delicate each flower was before.
Full-time jewelry artist, Ashley Buchanan creates wearable works of art that challenge the conventions of handmade jewelry, she uses traditional and non-traditional materials and silhouettes as well as new approaches to design, creating pieces that reference the history of jewelry with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
What is your creative process?
Ashley: I cut my work out of brass and sterling silver sheet metal using a traditional jeweler’s saw and employ a bit of laser cutting as well. To apply the color, I use an industrial process called powder coating. This method of painting electrostatically covers the metal with a dry pigment, which is then cured under heat to create a durable uniform finish.
What inspired you to pursue a career making metal jewelry?
Ashely: I grew up with artists in my family. My grandfather was a cartoonist and designer, and my father is a woodworker who had his own custom furniture business so creating was a big part of my upbringing. Because of my dad, I developed an appreciation for handmade objects and well-made pieces of art that you not only live with but use. When I went to art school, my grandfather gave me all his old figure drawing books and my first series of jewelry actually came from those books.
What do you hope your work embodies?
Ashely: I want there to be a sense of balance in my work, a converging of opposites if you will. Playful yet sophisticated, contemporary with a historical vintage feel, fresh and new but with a familiar comfort.
Sisters Susie and Wendy create essential winter pieces made from previously worn wool and cashmere sweaters. They focus on texture, color, design, fine craftsmanship, and the spirit of redemption and sustainability in every item.
What led you to become makers?
Wendy: My sister and I grew up in an artist's home, there is an inner drive in both of us to create that was imbedded in us since we were children. Our mother repurposed before it was cool. So, when Sue and I needed to provide income for our growing families, the idea of creating gorgeous mittens from old sweaters just made sense to us.
What do you hope to convey through your work?
Wendy: We hope to convey that we believe in redemption. We believe that no one and no thing is unworthy of salvation. We want others to see why the expert craftsmanship of our products makes a difference and is worth the effort. We want to convey that LucyBlue Knits takes our creations very seriously, and yet find joy and delight in all we do.
Why is sustainability important to you?
Wendy: Growing up in our home was a constant example of creating beauty and living sustainably. We always had a garden, our mother painted murals on our bedroom walls, and our vacations were wilderness canoe trips in the North woods. When we came upon an opportunity to create an item that had low-cost raw materials, we jumped. That is the beauty of LucyBlue--we make something lovely out of nothing.
Kathy Bullard is an artisan chocolatier and confectioner that makes ethically sourced sweets with the finest ingredients. She enjoys balancing flavors with the right amount of sweetness and richness to create an experience that leaves you happy and satisfied.
What drives you to create?
Kathy: My motivation stems from making people happy. I am also a nature lover and love to put into play colors and flavors that mingle in nature. Some you expect, others will take you by surprise. I also love making things that are fun to eat, whether it's because of texture, color, or flavor.
What do you hope to convey through your work?
Kathy: I love to convey that food should truly be a beautiful treat that entices you to try it - edible works of art.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Kathy: My parents and grandparents are my biggest inspirations. My dad does Rosemaling, a Norwegian style decorative painting, and he has been teaching me the basics so I can translate it to cocoa butter. My grandmother painted nature scenes from her childhood and was talented in embroidery and my mother always inspired me to try new things in the kitchen.
Looking for some truly unique to gifts this holiday season? Don't miss these makers and more at the Holiday Show, December 7-10!