WELCOME, Elaine and her Etsy shop BIRD AND FLOWER DESIGNS. I happened across Elaine and her magical "paper dolls" when adding her Etsy mini to my DZFANTASY blog. I asked her if she'd like to be a "featured artist", and here she is!! Be sure to visit BIRD AND FLOWER DESIGNS, where you will find her unique paper dolls (angels, mermaids....), paintings, affirmation cards, ACEO artist cards and more.
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
On Etsy, I mostly sell paper dolls, but I am led by the things I learn that catch my interest. I like to take the skills I’ve learned and the things that excite me, and mix them together. I love working with materials, supplies, paper, and found objects. To be making, creating that is important.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have created paper dolls since I was a little girl. I used to set up a TV tray as my studio. I always knew I was an artist. I used to play with scraps under my mom’s sewing table. I loved making colored circles on the wall. It seems like the mediums were coming to me, in a way choosing me. A teacher once gave me crayons, the school nurse showed me acrylics, I once bought a piece of shrink plastic and carried it around for years before it later became a book. My mom taught me how to crochet. The other mothers where I liveD taught embroidery, and sewing. It seems so natural from time to time to combine these things together.
What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
I love it when the idea is finished. The energy around it crescendos and I have a finished piece. I also love the birth of an idea. I get a vision of something and the idea challenges me to bring it into existence the same or better than it is in my mind. I guess I love the whole creative process
.If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
I would choose a mixed fruit tray or a cornucopia. I feel my work is “bountiful”.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Sorry, I can’t just pick one. I’m driven by curiosity, healing and love, and I do whatever to channel that goodness.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I want people to experience serendipity. I like the idea that people come across my work, and at the same time I feel I am looking for a place to let my work shine. I want to be a messenger that good things are coming, someone loves you and there is hope. I want to inspire.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
I think the power of your work is in having your own vision. There is no right or wrong way to go. Selling lots of items is not the only kind of success. Ask your art work where it wants to go.
THANKS, Elaine, for a truly delightful insight into what makes you the wonderful "artist" that you are. Loved your answers! To learn more about Elaine and her work be sure to visit the links below.
