Artist Interview -- Concetta Perot

I "met" Concetta Perot last summer when we were both taking the same e-course. She is a fabulous mosaic artist living in London. She makes small mosaics, large public art mosaics, commissions, gallery work, and teaches mosaics to kids and adults. It's my pleasure to present this interview with Concetta.


Where do you live and how long have you lived there? Is there another place which you consider your hometown?I live in London, in a place called “Tooting” (which some people think sounds funny!). Been here for 22 years so its the longest I have lived anywhere but my roots are in the South of Italy (both parents emigrated to the UK in 1960) and I lived in Italy as a child.

Tell me about your family.
Neil, my wonderful husband of 17 years, Isabella (5) and Toby (4) my gorgeous kids, Pom Pom, Rosie and Chloe the cats and various numbers of goldfish! We are lucky to live in a neighbourhood with amazing community feel to it and consider many of our close friends and neighbours as family too.

Do you work at a job other than making and promoting your art?
Well, other than household management and parenting (!).... I gave up my previous job/career 2 1/2 years ago. I was a qualified social worker, running a training department in a national children’s advocacy organisation. Loved my work but the creative path was calling me and having children gave me the opportunity and courage to make the change (which took a lot of guts). I have not looked back.

What hobbies do you have, or how do you spend your spare time?
Gardening - we have a very small garden that makes me happy and we are part of a community farm which is wonderful. I love to write. I love to read. I love being with friends and sitting round a fire, drinking whisky, playing guitar and singing.

How would you describe yourself as an artist and the art that you do? Do you give yourself a title? Do you have an artist statement?
I am a mosaic artist. Mosaic is the most amazing medium - most people are not aware of the existence of contemporary (as opposed to Roman/Byzantine) mosaic. I love the colour, the reflectivity, the possibility. And I love that mosaics reflects life - broken-ness is beautiful.


What type of art do you spend the most time doing?
I make wall art, sculpture and jewelry. My own projects are almost always on the shelf as I have been so busy since going pro. Happy and sad :) :( about that!

Can you give me a timeline of how your art has developed over the years?
I started about 10 years ago. Pretty much self-taught with the support of the amazing online community of mosaic artists. Just after going pro, I took a master class with the amazing teacher and mosaic artist, Sonia King. That confirmed me in my skill, corrected some of my bad habits and gave me some new insight and technical skills. I feel I have flown ever since.

Has your art always been similar to your current style?
It’s always evolving. I feel myself developing month by month - growing in confidence both technically and artistically, going deeper with every piece I make. I just follow my nose - make what either my heart or opportunity (materials, commissions)lead me too.

If you were making art solely for yourself, not for sale, what would you make?
A very large mosaic of a dove, in lots of shimmering shades of white, to go over my bed - the reason I ever started to mosaic in the first place!! I would do large scale, dramatic pieces. They take ages but there is something stunning about scale. And then weeny jewelry to give to friends!

Are most of your mosaics commissions, or do you have some in galleries or other venues for sale?
A mix of all three. My problem at the moment is that I do not have enough pieces! I have done lots of commissions - small and large - which has to date been very fulfilling. I have work in a wonderful place called the b-gallery. This is a lively centre for arts in Bedfordshire (just outside London). Last December, I did my first solo exhibition which was wonderful (and exhausting). You can see it all online here. I also have work in an online gallery called Unearth (but only one piece there at the moment as need to made more!). I take part in group exhibitions such as the forthcoming “Gothic” exhibition in Lichfield Cathedral during May organised by the British Association for Modern Mosaics and the “Forest” exhibition in May organised by Opus Mosaics.


I think artists now are realizing that they can’t rely solely on selling originals of their art. What other things do you do that add to your creative business income, such as, teaching, writing, or anything else?
I run classes at my small home studio twice a week - which I love love love. My blog is regularly populated with images of my students’ works in progress and me gushing about how I enjoy making ‘mosaic addicts’! I also do series of workshops at a lovely place nearby called the Artyard. Lastly, I do community mosaic projects - two ongoing at the moment. The funny thing about the community mosaics is that they have come to me (I haven’t gone out seeking them) and they, so far, tie in directly with the experience I have a social worker for 20 years (children in care, refugees). Serendipity....

I met you online when we were both taking an e-course taught by Kelly Rae Roberts. What was your motivation for taking that course and did it fulfill your expectations?
I love Kelly Rae’s spirit. I resonated with her experience as she too was a social worker turned artist. I wanted to learn from her experience of developing a creative business. The course was resource rich and she shared so freely which is beautiful. The biggest gift of the course was that it makes me take myself seriously as a business woman as well as an artist. I am in the middle of ‘flying’ and Kelly Rae’s course definitely provided currents of air under my flapping wings! Before taking this course, I also took Marisa’s “In the Fishbowl” class which was brilliant and nicely complimentary to ‘Flying Lessons’. Both these courses provided materials and helped me to make important mental shifts.

Can you talk about your art friendships you’ve met online, how you’ve cultivated them, and what they mean in your artistic life?
There are some people I have met on line (through taking both Kelly Rae’s and Marisa’s course) who immediately felt like kindred spirits. I feel a sense of sisterhood with them and hope we can meet one day. In the meantime, we shoot off emails to each other to check in, ask questions, offer support. It’s precious. And of course we visit each other’s blogs. I am lucky in that I have also met several people in real time and one blogger friend Amelia happens to live round the corner and we have become good friends and meet regularly to catch up and help each other on the journey.

Do you still take classes to learn new art techniques?
I did Amelia’s Experimental Art E-Course. Fab for playing with different mediums, having fun and just unleashing creativity. She is just enrolling for a class that starts mid April and I thoroughly recommend it!

Where do you make your art? Do you have a dedicated space in your home, or an outside studio?
I have an out building at the bottom of my garden which is converted into a studio. Small but does the job as I don’t have to walk far to work.


I hope you've enjoyed my interview with Concetta Perot, mosaic artist. You can check out her website here, and her blog here.

Interview with Jenni Adkins Horne: Part 3

Today is the final post of my interview with Jenni. Please visit her blog and her Etsy shop, where she sells her beautiful paintings.

I met you online when we were both taking an e-course taught by Kelly Rae Roberts. What was your motivation for taking that course?
I took her class quite honestly because I am enamored with her success. A part of me thought that the class would by osmosis transfer a teensy part of her success into my life. I am sure it will in due time. I think each step we take to nurture our creative process only helps reveal a true opportunity when we are ready to accept it.


You have a beautiful website and blog. Which came first? Did you develop them both on your own?
I spent a trillion hours on a website for my art and products several years back, only to have it poof into thin air last year. My blog, however, has been a wonderful way for me to express myself in the internet world. It has opened doors for my journey that I never would have gained had I not shared my most authentic self. I know that my honesty and consistent postings are what keep people returning. Sharing my thoughts is an integral part of my creative process. Sometimes I cannot wait to share things on the blog with readers; its like they’ve been my friends forever and share in my triumphs and downfalls right along with me. I cherish the feedback and thoughtfulness of strangers. I mean, where else but through the words of my own voice can I share so much joy and such sadness and yet never feel alone?

You seem to have worked hard to cultivate an online presence as an artist: you write blog posts quite often, you sell on Etsy, you’re on Facebook. Is there anything I’ve missed?
I realize now how HUGE having an online presence is. When I first started blogging it was a little journal of my thoughts, ideas and art I was making. When I started to gain a reader following my posts got meatier, more meaningful, and more inspired. Now it is an important part of the day I look forward to. Being online helps to keep me grounded and focused on what lies ahead.

What do you think each of these connections do for your artistic business?
I know for a fact that without my online presence I would have nothing. I have my local shows and galleries yes, but my readers are what keep me motivated to be more, do more. They keep me connected to the outside world as well. Being an artist in an in-home studio -- well let’s just say it’s really easy to let yourself become isolated. I find days go by without my actually speaking to any friends outside of my family. It’s nothing personal, I just get really focused and driven. Being online gives me a connection to an outside world and reminds me to come up for air every once in awhile.

It seems like you are selling your art online, in galleries, and in shows. Which type of venue has been the most successful for you?Oh boy, well I have to say of all the venues I sell I love outdoor shows the most. The energy from the visitors, the other artisans and my own creative mojo is like an amazing high! I absolutely love getting ready for shows, creating timelines, developing products, getting paintings completed, and of course creating the little vignettes in the tent. It makes the work all worth it when the visitors are engaged in my booth and eager to learn my thoughts behind paintings, and of course when they buy! I have a full show schedule this fall so please check my blog under show on the road to see where I’ll be next. In 2011, I'll have a solo Art Exhibit entitled “Coming Home” at The Naked Art Gallery in Birmingham, Alabama, March 4th-April 2nd.


One more thing: check out Somerset's publication: Holidays and Celebrations, due out very soon, featuring Jenni's felted bird sculpture.

Thank you Jenni, for this inspiring interview. If you would like more of Jenni you can visit her here:
Facebook: Jenni Adkins Horne
Twitter: artsyorange

Interview with Jenni Adkins Horne: Part 2

I’m continuing today with the second part of my interview with artist Jenni Adkins Horne. Jenni lives in Newnan, Georgia, with her family, where she creates beautiful, colorful paintings.

Has your art always been similar to your current style?
I think artists are constantly evolving their style and subjects. When I first started painting, my compositions were very simple, sweet and innocent. There were lots of birds, flowers, and nests. I tended to paint with soft, subtle colors. Now I see the whimsical and playful feelings evoked in those paintings were a part of my insecurities of what I was doing. I was wearing my heart on the canvas for all to see. It was a very vulnerable time. I’ve always thought of myself as confident and courageous, but this was uncharted territory. I could teach kids how to be artists…but I was not an “artist”.

Slowly I’ve discovered my own style, favorite subjects, and favorite colors for a signature look. Although I do flip around with technique, the feelings in my paintings remain the same. There is such a spark of passion as I express myself through the brush and paint. I feel so alive when I work. I can tell from my head to my toes when my creative life is at a lul; it’s such a part of my being now that it has to be nurtured and developed continually. It’s like this magical relationship. The process of evolving and becoming an artist has been an amazing journey. I would not change a thing!


If you were making art solely for yourself, not for sale, what would you make?
Hmmm…well, I think my art is such an extension of me that I would paint just as I do now. As evidenced by the work I cannot let go of that is currently hanging all over my house, I think I like what I’m doing.

Do you still take classes to learn new art techniques?
I wish I could take more classes to learn techniques. I have attended two Art and Soul retreats, one in Portland and one in Las Vegas. The Vegas classes provided loads of inspiration for my own work and my children’s classes.

Are you still teaching art classes?
I am still teaching at my children’s elementary school. I come in every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Parents have to sign up their child for the 4-week sessions and pay a fee. It is the best way to teach children because they ALL want to be there and as a general rule all have some sort of natural talent. Sharing my joy of art with children is an amazing experience. In fact, I can’t really talk about it without getting a little emotional. Teaching helps to keep my walk in this artful journey grounded. I have been so blessed with the gift of relating to children and the ability to teach.

I have a teacher’s heart, always will. I know my work is getting stronger by the day because those little whatareyoudoing monsters are no longer hanging around the studio. The confidence I gain through teaching allows for new opportunities to express myself as well. I plan to take this year and continue all my show obligations up until the summer of 2011. Then during the fall of 2011 through the summer of 2012, I will focus on teaching outside of my community. I am working on developing a workshop series that will be presented to several of the larger adult workshops around the United States, such as Art and Soul. I am tickled about my ideas for the classes and hope that by then my blog and Etsy shop following will be recognizable enough that creative spirits who attend the retreats will be excited to experience a workshop with me!

Where do you make your art? Do you have a dedicated space in your home, or different spaces depending on the art that you are making?
I have a sunroom studio right off my kitchen. It is the most inspiring little space. All the natural light is perfect for someone who enjoys being outside more than inside. Of course as projects get going I tend to take over other areas of our home, like the kitchen table, our bed, the sofa, the driveway. Yeah…..our driveway always has a table set up for those extra messy days.


I hope you're enjoying my interview with Jenni Horne. I'll be posting the last part in a couple of days.

Artist Interview -- Jenni Adkins Horne

Artists make art because they love it, and because they have this powerful need to produce art. But when you’re working away in your studio, it can actually be an isolating experience, if you don’t make the effort to connect with others. I’ve recently connected with many artists, from all over the world, through Kelly Rae Roberts’ online course Flying Lessons. I met a talented artist, Jenni Adkins Horne, through this class. She lives in Georgia where she creates beautiful paintings and lives an artistic life. I recently interviewed her to discover a little more about her life, her inspiration, and where her art is taking her now.

I will be posting this interview in three parts. In the first part, Jenni will tell me when she first started making art and how it has evolved over the years.


Where do you live and how long have you lived there? Is there another place which you consider your hometown?
I live in a thriving community south of Atlanta, Georgia called Newnan. We’ve lived here, in the same house, for 15 years. I was actually raised in Birmingham, Alabama.

Tell me about your family.
We have a house full of two-legged and four- legged kinds of joy! Billy and I have been married since 1996. We have two children: William who is 10 and Mailey who is 8. The four-legged members are 4 cats: AJ, Saily, Ellie and Jackson. Lily is our little love child dog….who can always be found helping me paint. We also have a dwarf hamster named Candy Corn. Needless to say I am never, ever lonely.

Do you work at a job other than making and promoting your art?
If you consider running a household a real job, then yep, I wear many hats. In all seriousness though, I have been working as an artist full-time for 2 years. I spend my days working in the studio while the children are at school. I’ve committed myself to teaching two afternoons a week at their school as well.


How would you describe yourself as an artist and the art that you do?
That is a very difficult question to tag with words. I am definitely a mixed media artist who enjoys everything from painting, sewing, jewelry making and recently embroidery. Overall, my work can be described as playful and whimsical. My most recent work with trucks, campers and bikes I have dubbed the “American Still Life”. There is something nostalgic and mysterious about their compositions, one could even say they appear lonely. Is this mirroring my life as an artist?

I do place a realm of emotions into each composition, sometimes subconsciously so. I am someone who thinks a lot, about life and my place here. I know that there are no happenstances, and that everything and everyone is placed into our lives for a specific reason (just like your meeting me during Flying Lessons…I mean how is it that out of the 500 students we found one another?). But within this life of reason, comes a beautiful journey where doors are presented, with not every experience easily navigated. There have been times in my life where I opened the wrong door, but through the experience I gained wisdom and strength. My art continues to be a journey where I open and close doors. Allowing myself the freedom to truly nurture my creative destiny has been a wonderful experience. It has been one that has led the direction of my paintings, jewelry and sculptures. There is something so pure and raw in my work. My hope is that as a viewer you can sense the honesty and vulnerabilities I am presenting and in the end can take from it a piece of the journey. And maybe, just maybe be inspired to start your own.

What type of art do you spend the most time doing?
Did you have one of those fun plastic viewfinders as a child? My creative process is much like having one of those viewfinders in my head at all times. I click from screen to screen as ideas come into focus. Since I am the one peeking into that creative viewfinder and can control the next frame, it allows me time to focus on one project for as long as I need before moving on to the next.

I see you have a degree in Fine Art. Did you always want to study art in school? What was your favorite class or project you did in art school?
I love the quote, “Sometimes on a way to a dream you get lost and find a better one.”

No, I never wanted to be an artist growing up. I dreamed my entire life of becoming an architect. Yep, just like Mr. Brady on the Brady bunch. I was not accepted into the University of Virginia’s program my first year however, so I attended Randolph Macon Women’s College. My thinking was to get one year under my belt at a prestigious Virginia school so that UVA would want to woo me on over to enter their Historic Preservation Program. They would not say no a second time. However, I took an art class as an elective and about mid-year called home and said, “Um… Mom and Dad, I think I’m going to come home and become an art major.” WHAT? You see, I had absolutely no art from grades k-12. Nope, Notta one. So this was a little out of the blue. Mom took me down to Auburn University upon my return in May. She sat with me in the Dean of Liberal Arts office as I explained what I wanted to do for the next four years at Auburn. He said I was a little behind and had no portfolio for placement. I guess my big blue eyes were just a little too eager with anticipation and creative fire because he said ok. I was the best student…working my creative spirit in all the classes. It took 4 years to graduate, but I did so Magna Cum Laude and Phi Kappa Phi. Since I was the only art major in my group to receive these honors I really don’t mind tooting the horn about it! My concentration was in printmaking, which is quite funny now since I’ve not touched a press in like 16 years! In fact, I never took an acrylic painting class, just two watercolor and one oil painting. I focused in the clay and printmaking studios. And now I am mostly a painter. Who’d a thought!


Tell me about the job that you had with Crayola. You’ve said that was one of the best jobs you’ve ever had.
Oh yes, this was a fabulous job! I had just opened my own art studio, The Bubble Gum Ice Cream Art Studio, when an art educator friend called and said that Crayola was looking for an art educator that could represent them at school districts across the state demonstrating the amazing products they had to offer for the classroom. It would not be a job that a full-time teacher could maintain, but they wanted someone with art teaching experience. I was so excited about this job, let me tell you. My responsibility was to focus on the regular classroom teachers showing them how they could implement all Crayola products like model magic, markers, glue (it’s the best white glue!), scissors, paints, etc into their curriculum. It was a workshop hosted during staff development days. Teachers received SDU credit for coming. I traveled the state for a year with my super fun art supplies in tow and made art with teachers. I hope that I left them a little inspired as well!


Stop by my blog later this week to see parts 2 and 3 of my interview with Jenni Adkins Horne. She'll be talking about her style of art and where she sells her art.

Interview with Kecia Deveney: Part 2

As I continue my interview with Kecia Deveney, I asked her if she has an artist statement. As artists, we try so many different media, we take classes, we share with other artists. At times it's easy to forget what our artistic goals are; an artist statement will clarify in your own mind what you are doing and why, and can give you a gentle reminder to get back to your roots when you feel a little lost.

Here is Kecia’s Artist statement:
Creating is my key to another time. It unlocks the gate to my secret garden; it is my refuge. It takes me to another era where things were simpler and I find the process soothing to my soul.

Lemoncholy’s Studio began with my fondness for vintage items. Searching flea markets, I find items long forgotten, sometimes damaged, but still purposeful. They just need some love and attention. I want these found objects to tell a new story, have meaning and to be inspiring. I have a vision for them to begin again.

Intuitively I combine elements in an enchanting way to provoke a narrative response that alludes to something we seek without knowing it. Often, it is a reminder of our childhood.

My jewelry is about craftsmanship and virtue but not perfection. By removing perfectionism, I free my imagination to play and ultimately, this freedom results in whimsical pieces of grace and beauty.


I consider my art more “trouble shooting” versus technique. Usually I know how I want something to look and then I set about figuring out how to do that. I know for fact that I often do things the hard way. But what I’ve come to learn is that this search has resulted in my own unique look.

I think artists now are realizing that they can’t rely solely on selling originals of their art. I know you do a lot of teaching. What other things do you do that add to your creative business income?
Due to my situation at home (I am the mother of a severely disabled child), my time is very limited. As his caregiver, it can be stressful and exhausting so I create to cope with these feelings. So mainly I spend my time either creating, teaching or taking classes. I am also the newest design team member for ObjectsandElements.com, so my time is pretty much spoken for now! I find it hard to keep up on my etsy listings, which I really need to start dedicating more time for. So little time, so much to do!

What is your favorite location for teaching and what would be your ideal class size?
I really enjoy teaching in Connecticut for a venue called Art-is. They are beginning their 4th year. I attended as one and this year will be my 2nd year teaching. It is a smaller venue, yet more fulfilling and intimate. I've developed some wonderful friendships. I'm used to teaching big classes, so I don't really have a problem with any size of a class as long as there is plenty of room for me and everyone to work. This year I will also be teaching a class at Artfest, (Port Townsend, WA) which is another favorite venue that I have attended. I am very excited to be a part of it this year and very much looking forward to it.

Is there a direction you’d like to spend more time with, such as teaching or writing?
I'm not so much interested in writing. I have several people suggest I write a book, but I find the concept overwhelming; probably due to my home life. I've heard it's a good year out of your life and very stressful. I think I already have enough stress! I would like to continue teaching at the right venues, as I really enjoy it. Another modality that I would really like to explore is drawing and painting. My drawing skills are very limited and I am always inspired by mixed media paintings. I'll see something and find myself wanting to go home and paint. And I have painted before, but it's usually something that I was inspired by, versus an original idea. I have ideas in my head to paint, but can't get them to come out! So I'd like to eventually take some drawing classes.

You seem to have worked hard to cultivate an online presence as an artist. I see that you have a blog, which is more like a website, you’re on Facebook, and you sell your art through Etsy. How else are you connected via the internet? What do you think each of these connections do for your artistic business?
Yes, I do them all, blog, facebook, twitter, flickr and I do have a website as well (which is being revamped at the moment). Trying to sell off of etsy and a website became too much of a burden for me. So now the website is more of a homestead about me and where to find me on facebook, etsy, flickr, twitter, etc. I'm trying to simplify things so that the website is more self sufficient. For me the biggest two areas are my blog and facebook. I started a fan page on facebook where I list classes I am teaching in my home, or upcoming art retreats. My blog is real time. you can find my current work posted immediately on my blog. I'd actually like to get to the point of selling right off my blog.


Where do you make your art? Do you have a dedicated space in your home, or different spaces depending on the art that you’re making?
I have a few dedicated spaces. Upstairs in my room, I have a small area where I create jewelry and do my computer work. I have screened it off with a huge rattan panel so that I can't see the area when I lay in bed. It is important to me to be able to put down a project and still have a tranquil area for rest or relaxation. I don't feel pressured to keep the area clean since I can't see it from my bed. Then across the hall is another small room where I paint, do mix media, mosaics. I also set up a certain area when I sew. It is easier for me to keep all the areas separate so that I don't start feeling overwhelmed.

Thank you, Kecia, for opening up your artistic life to us. You are an inspiration, and a true talent!

You can meet Kecia in person by taking one of her classes throughout the U.S. In addition to this list, she teaches classes in her home in New Jersey. Watch her blog for notices of any upcoming home classes. Click on any of these links below to see the details.

Art in the rough - Aug. 13-16 2010
The Creative Connection (vending) - Sept. 16-19, 2010
Art is...You - Oct. 7-12, 2010
Artfest - April 6-10, 2011
2011 schedule will be up Aug. 1, 2010)

Inspiring Artist: Kecia Deveney

As I progress in my artistic life, I realize that so much of my inspiration can come from admiring other artists’ work, and getting to know those artists. I have made jewelry and created some kind of art or craft my whole life, but only recently have I ventured beyond the four walls of my home to the world of artists that is out there. In 2007, I made a bold move and signed up for a mixed media art retreat called Art & Soul Retreat, in Portland, Oregon. I signed up for six classes, and jumped right in, not knowing a soul.

I read in the online Art & Soul Yahoo group that participants would be trading charms, ATCs, and little art supplies. I busily made 50 ATCs and 50 charms to bring with me. Now that’s the way to meet other artists! Since then, I’ve joined other groups, attended other retreats, visited hundreds of blogs, and I have “virtually” met dozens of artists from all over the world. My way of thanking these artists for inspiring me is to feature some of them in interviews on my blog.

The first artist is Kecia Deveney, a jewelry artist (and so much more!) from New Jersey. She lives by the shore with her husband Jeff and their two sons, Tucker and Dillon. I first met Kecia when I joined the Charmsters yahoo group for swapping. We met online, but didn’t meet in person until we both attended Portland Art and Soul a year later in 2008. In that time, and through her blog, I’ve seen the beautiful jewelry that she creates, her assemblages and altered art, and the artistic way she decorates her home and lives her life. She has also been teaching classes and has been published in some art magazines. It is my pleasure to present to you this interview with Kecia.


How would you describe yourself as an artist? Do you give yourself a title?
I like to describe myself as an indie craftepreneur; a mix between crafter, artist, photographer and businesswoman. I tend to do my own thing, make my own rules and try to be eco-responsible at the same time.

Can you give me a timeline of how your art has developed over the years?
I've always done some sort of crafty thing. There were always the handmade gifts at holidays because I found them fun to do and got more pleasure of creating them versus shopping for them. To decorate my home, I would buy stuff from flea markets, thrift stores or take stuff off the side of the road and then re-purpose them. I love to decoupage so a lot of big furniture items were done using magazine pages and decorative paper napkins. One day I decided to try and decoupage a vintage purse the same way I did my furniture. From there I started decoupaging old tool boxes, vintage jewelry boxes and other items. I gave a lot out as gifts and then people started to suggest that I sell at shows, which I did. I gained a small following and after meeting a nice girl at a show, she suggested I look up the term, "altered art" on ebay. I had never heard the term, so I did and I was amazed that there were others out there doing similar art to mine (altering items). It opened up a whole new world to me. Then I discovered that there were magazines and even retreats where you could go and take classes. I started a blog, joined a few art yahoo groups and attended my first retreat, which was in Columbus, Ohio. There I met my very first art friend, Kim, who was very encouraging about my art. She was a wealth of knowledge about all sorts of things that I still was very unfamiliar with and she'd always point me in the right direction with resources. Slowly I developed a blog following, started sending things to magazines and was published. From there I started submitting teaching proposals. I'd say the whole process from shows to teaching has been about 4-5 years.

Did you try many things before you developed your current style?
Yes, I tend to get bored quickly, so I like to do a variety of media. When I get tired of one, I'll do something else for awhile. I also think it helps keep things in perspective and always from doing the same thing over and over.

What type of art do you spend the most time doing?
These days I mostly make jewelry, but I still like to mix it up a bit. I think a booth with a variety of different items will attract more viewers.


Through what venues do you sell your art? Which type of venue has been the most successful for you?
I don't do many craft shows anymore. They are a lot of work, which I started running out of the energy to do; especially if I have to do it alone. Mostly I like to sell at Art Retreats because it is a captive audience, they know my work and they are into similar things. Locally around where I live, they aren't quite sure what to make of my stuff, so really the right demographics is key.

If you were making art solely for yourself, not for sale, what would you make?
Hmmm, knowing myself as well as I do, I have to say, I'd get bored only doing one thing. So I'll say that I would probably do mixed media sewing, make art dolls and jewelry. I love creating jewelry just for myself and usually these are the pieces that are most sought after. So there must be some sort of freeing pressure to only create for oneself and not for a potential buyer.

Can you talk about your art friendships you’ve met online, how you’ve cultivated them, and what they mean in your artistic life?
I did not grow up in the area where I currently live and I don't have family here. So needless to say, I don't have many friends here. My home life tends to keep me isolated. Also, I'm originally from California and grew up in the navy. I've traveled my whole life and I am a bit of a gypsy/nomad. I'm extremely independent and sort of my own island. With that in mind, I tend to be a bit different from the average mom in this area. I like to say that I stick out like a sore thumb. But to me, that is a good thing. I hope they see me as the interesting and creative person that I am, but I often suspect that that is not the case. I've lived here 12 years and in that time, I developed maybe 2 or 3 good friends. But these are people I rarely get to see, so to answer your question, yes I have a lot of online friends. These are friends that I have made at retreats, through my blog, yahoo groups or on facebook. There is a core group that I see often at retreats and we email regularly or text. Then there is the group that I communicate with via internet only and then the facebook crowd. My true good online friends are extremely important to me. I can call them when I am upset. They understand my trials and tribulations and are there for me when I need support. An important quality to me in a friendship is to be friends with people who will be there for me as I am there for them. They support and encourage my art.

Do you still participate in art swaps with other artists? If so, what type, and if not, why not?
I don't participate in big swaps any more as I just don't have the time. I like to do one on one swaps with people as it is more meaningful to me. It was fun at the time and I'll never forget hosting the 50 participants Valentine's swap with the Charmsters. It took me 9 hours to sort everyone’s stuff. That one will go down in history! Currently there is a group of 6 of us who will be swapping in September. I need to get going on that one!


Thank you, Kecia! Stop by tomorrow when I will be posting the second half of my interview with Kecia. For now, check out her blog and see her latest creations. Here is where you can find Kecia Deveney, craftepreneur (just click on the links to go there):

Her blog, Lemoncholy's Flight of Fancy
(post her a comment and ask her how she came up with that name!)
Facebook
Her Etsy shop
Flickr (I like this photo here)
Twitter