FEATURED ETSY SHOP - CHASE YOUR DREAM

"SNOW SPIRITS"

"Snow Spirits" is an artist-created Custom Painted Pony customized by Pat Elder.

"The Hopi and other Pueblo Indian cultures believe that everything, every object, every element, every natural phenomenon, has a life force. They call them Kachinas, which, in the language of the Hopi, means "life bringer." These beings can make it rain, cause the crops to grow, or cause any number of good things if they are well treated. To help the people deal with the kachina spirits, they are given solid forms. The appearance of each kachina is determined by its role in the natural order and by tradition. The more powerful the kachina, the more abstract it often is."

I'm happy to have Pat and her Etsy shop, CHASE YOUR DREAM, as a featured artist here on DZFANTASY.  I happened across Pat's work, when she answered my call for new Etsy minis to put on my blog.  When saw her "Snow Spirits" creation, I decided to contact Pat to see if she'd be interested in being featured.  Happily, she said yes!

Before you pay a visit to CHASE YOUR DREAM, be sure to read Pat's interview below to learn a bit more about this interesting and talented artist.

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I've crafted and painted all of my life. The first items that I sold were custom horse paintings and beaded earrings. Gradually, I started selling on Ebay, building up a decent business there, before I found Etsy and Artfire.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I work with many different mediums. I adore making jewelry nearly as much as I love painting and working with polymer clay, so most of my items fall into one or more of those categories.

Handwoven bead statement necklace in blues and purples

by Pat Elder

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

I love everything about the creative process. I love the brainstorming part - coming up with new ideas. I love searching other websites and shops for inspiration. And I love looking at and enjoying the finished project.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?

If I had to choose one new medium, it would be silversmithing. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time or space right now to get into that.

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

The message I'd like to convey with my artwork and crafts is this: follow your dream! Believe in yourself and have fun. Enjoy life and make it worthwhile.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

My advice to other artists or craftsmen would be to do what you love. If you do it well enough, there will be a market for it somewhere. You just have to find it.

In addition to my crafts and artwork, I'm also a published author (see my Miniature Horse books at http://www.smallhorse.com/) and a professional trainer of Miniature Horses and Shetland Ponies (visit my website at http://www.rosaroca.net/) My name is Pat Elder and I live in Oklahoma City, OK with 2 collies, 3 cats, several miniature horses, and a donkey named Xena.

Thanks, Pat, for a great interview and for sharing your thoughts with all of us.  It sounds like you lead a full and interesting life!!
 
To learn more about Pat, her creations, and miniature horses, be sure to visit the links in this post.

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