FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CREATIVELO by Lois

I'm happy to present CREATIVELO, delightful clay artwork by Lois as a featured Etsy shop! I love mermaids, and it is always fascinating to see the works of other artists who create them, and in different mediums. Here you can read what Lois has to say about herself and her delightful creations. Be sure to visit her CREATIVELO shop out on Etsy to see more of Lois's work.

Hi! I'm Lois! I'm a retired elementary school teacher, and proud of it! Art is my PASSION! (Second only to love and laughter!) I became obsessed with pottery about twenty years ago. Now I have an art studio in my VERY PINK HOUSE, and a kiln in the back shed. I sell my work at galleries in the area and local shows. I especially love making whimsical items, and specialize in mermaids and water related pieces. Recently, I've added cats to my repetoire. They're way fun!

What led you to start creating your art?
I guess I just loved it; was drawn to it! I started doing art as a child- drawing, painting, and creating multi-media pieces. I also took art classes as I was growing up, and then continued after I'd gotten my degree to teach elementary school, plus a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I was given incentive to make a higher salary by taking 60 credits past my Master's Degree. I did it all in art, including getting certification to teach art.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
That's tough because I love it all! But once I started working with clay, it seemed to have more possibilities, and I became obsessed with tons of ideas I wanted to explore! I felt there'd never be enough time to try all the things I was imagining!

What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?
There are no rules! The imagination and creativity have no bounds. One thing leads you to another, moving you in new directions, causing you to grow and change. With change, there is excitment, and feeling good about oneself for each success at having found a new place.

If you had to choose a fruit or a vegetable to describe your work, what would it be and why?
Probably an onion. I don't eat them much, but they are layered and can be pulled apart, revealing yet other layers as is true with the exploration I experience over a period of time with my work.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?
That life is fun and full of possibilities. That it's OK and good to be different and original, and show who and what really makes you tick. That ALL human beings need to , and should, express themselves artistically, be it with music, dance, writing, whatever, with no concern as to whether or not they do it "well". It is the emotion behind it and the process that truly matters! Let out your feelings! It's healthy and theraputic!

What advice do you have for other artists?
Do it! As a hobby or a career, for yourself or for others, but just DO IT!

Thanks, Lois, for taking the time to share your thoughts and art with us! LOVE YOUR ANSWERS! You can click on any of the photos below to go directly to that item in Lois' ETSY shop CREATIVELO, or click on the link below the photos to go directly to CREATIVELO