Artist Profile: Rachel Robertson

Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, and something that we might find interesting about you...
My name is Rachel T. Robertson, I'm located in San Francisco, CA. Every year for the past ten years I have created an edition of about 50 Holiday cards to send to friends and family. Each one is made by hand, usually hand drawn.

Apart from creating, what do you do?
I work full-time as a Display Artist for Anthropologie, Inc.

What first made you want to become an artist?
My dad. He was amazingly talented (artist, designer, illustrator) and was always showing me his latest project, whether it was a house he designed, an illustration or a new idea for transforming our backyard. He seemed able to create just about anything. I flirted with other majors in college and thought about avoiding the difficulty of getting a job with an art degree but I always found myself drawing whenever I could. I finally decided it was silly to pursue anything else. It was the thing that I was best at.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
I try to be consistent with my practice but it doesn’t always come as easily as I would like. I will often just work on little drawings that lead to bigger collage pieces. I love the process of combining different elements together. I mainly work on paper and with whatever materials I have on hand (paper, ink, pencil, watercolor, acrylic paint, photos, yarn, thread, old prints or drawings, etc). Lately I have been interested in drawing plants and birds and working them into collages. I also love to knit and sew and usually have a few projects going simultaneously.

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?
I am inspired by so many creative people. I really like to look at not only artists but also designers and architects. I love mid-century design and am particularly inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design. Here’s just a few of the most influential artists/designers, in no particular order: Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Diebenkorn, Charles and Ray Eames, Robin and Lucienne Day, Alexander Girard, Isamu Noguchi, Hans Wegner, Lotta Anderson, Thomas Campbell, Evan Hecox, Joseph Cornell, David Hockney, illustrator Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Phoebe Washburn, Hella Jongerius, and also, my dad, Gordon Robertson.

Where else can we find your work and connect with you online?
My website, that links to my Flickr account where I post my work (art, craft and knits).
I have an Etsy shop as well where I sell my work. You can also find my work periodically for sale on-line here.

Images copyright Rachel Robertson, used by permission ~ all rights reserved.

Artist Profile: Amber Coppings of am textiles

Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, the personal stuff.

My full name is Amber Dawn Coppings. Currently, I am located in Pittsburgh, PA which is really just a small town in a mid-size city atmosphere. My yard is connected to a big green space that is host to deer, owls, woodpeckers and a lot of bunnies.

Apart from creating art, what do you do?

I am the Education Coordinator for Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society. We have a School of Folk Music and also develop Outreach programs that provide music education for children.

What first made you want to become an artist?

My mom always encouraged creativity, so I sewed, crocheted and made pretty pictures when I was young. However, it wasn’t until I was a senior in high school and took a sculpture class that I realized that making art was something I could not live without. From then on, I have pursued art-making and a career in the arts relentlessly.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

My main passion is to create three dimensional textures with cloth using sewing, or fabric dyeing techniques called Shibori. Shibori is a general term for hundreds of different Japanese fabric dyeing traditions that use objects to create design on cloth. Think tie-dye times 12 using wood and clamps, sewing techniques and whole lot of patience. While traveling in Japan, I saw many examples of contemporary shibori where the artist left the three dimensional texture of the objects used to dye the fabric in the cloth, though the objects themselves were taken out of the fabric. I was hooked. I started experimenting and I have since created several lines of work that celebrates Dimensional Cloth. Amtextiles and its signature Silk Organza Bubble Wraps use marbles, bicycle parts, vintage buttons and other objects to create ethereal and dimensional art-to-wear. My other line is Xmittens--fleece and recycled fabric accessories that have unusually sewn 3D thread ridges.

As often as possible, I translate these shibori and dimensional cloth techniques into non-wearable art as well. Currently, I am working on a Textile Art Installation for the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh. The Mattress Factory is world-renowned for its focus on art installation as an art form. I am really honored to have been invited to create a piece! The working title is “Echoes of Objects”. I am creating silk organza “camouflage” panels (hand-dyed and sewn) that will be strung all over the space. Each panel has a series of shapes embedded within the fabric that were created using donated objects such as old toys, broken wrenches, remote controls that don’t work, things that we keep around that have no purpose and we don’t really see anymore. In a sense, they are camouflaged by all the stuff we have in our lives.

To help me create texture, I have a fancy serger (for silks and jersey), an industrial serger (for fleece) and a regular sewing machine. It can become a sweatshop in here in summertime as I get ready for the holidays! My fabric dyeing studio is in the basement, or sometimes I go outside to dye fabrics. I love color very much and it is great to see the beautiful dye colors unfold themselves in the buckets. I use low impact fiber reactive dyes that are non-toxic and create vibrant, permanent colors on the fabric. As I stir the dye bath buckets, I feel very connected to previous cultures that considered creating color on fabric an art form and necessary for their civilization.

My day job is part time and flexible (thank goodness) so I do get 3-4 days a week in my studio. My studio days go something like this: Wake up-computer time-putter around and make lists-make dye baths-go outside-sew-sew-sew-wash and hang fabric to dry- pet the cat and eat- repeat.

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?

Yoshiko Wada is a huge influence for me. She almost single-handedly brought back the shibori Japanese art form from near extinction. She has written many informative books that inspired me to start my journey with Japanese shibori dyeing and cloth manipulation methods.

Where else can we find your work and connect with you online?

The best places online are am textiles, and xmittens. For stories and documentation of my artistic process visit my blog, and I am on Flickr. If you are in the Pittsburgh area, visit the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts Shop and/or Patricia’s Boutique in Apsinwall. I travel around and sell my work at shows, so definitely check my blog to see what is coming up!

Images copyright am textiles, copyright 2009.

Artist Profile: Blair Lambert aka Bestiary and Bestiary Ink

Tell me a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, the personal stuff.
My name is Blair Lambert. I'm originally from rural Pennsylvania but have been bumming around NYC for the past several years. I earned my undergraduate degrees in Museum Education and Fine Art at Penn State. Currently, I'm living in Fort Greene, Brooklyn and I adore it. I'm a graduate student at The Pratt Institute studying Art and Design Education.

Apart from creating, what do you do?

When I'm not sewing, drawing and painting, I'm teaching art to children at a studio right here in Brooklyn.

What first made you want to become an artist?
I don't feel like I had much choice in the matter... I'm not talented in much else. It's a similar to the urge to scratch an itch: I have to use my hands and create.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
I create in bursts. I'll have a few days of massive productivity and then I'll be completely uninspired for a while. My bedroom is my studio. I have my sewing machine, supplies, inventory and work table around my bed, it makes for a great commute to work in the mornings. My handbags are inspired by the fabrics I use. Each is made of a piece of recycled upholstery scrap. I love pairing patterns and colors and it's those combinations that inspire the applique design. My drawings and paintings are all done with Micron pens (which I covet!) and watercolors.

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?
My grandmother had the most amazing collection of sewing supplies and notions, her hording and good taste inspired me most. I love classic children's book illustrators like Arthur Rackham and Beatrix Potter.

Where else can we find your work and connect with you online?
My shops for stationary and fine art are Bestiary Ink and Bestiary for handbags and totes. Any inquires can be sent directly to me via email here.

Images copyright Bestiary Ink and Bestiary, 2009.

Artist Profile: Leah Daehling of Moxie Photo and Design

Tell us a bit about yourself; name, location, the personal stuff.
My name is Leah. I’m married to Brent. I’m the middle of 5 kids {that should
explain a lot} I am just now starting to understand {and appreciate} the
values my parents instilled in me. I’ve been to Ireland, London, Paris and
Rome. And that’s in pecking order too. I can't wait to travel again. I used
to prefer working out to anything. But I am enthralled in Etsy, blogging,
photography, writing, networking, creating, and vintage hunting. I simply
love it. I am kinda shy about it all too. I am just now able to say "on my
blog." I want to paint our kitchen cupboards white. The relationships I make
through my blog and Etsy amaze me. I would probably never meet any of them,
yet I know about them, what they create, how they write, and actually have
met some of them. If you think about that, it's pretty amazing. I failed
miserably {3 times} at making banana bread. And I probably won't make it
again. I love drawstring pants. Oh...and I like to make things.

Apart from art what do you do?
I just don’t know if there is an official apart from art part of my day. my
full time gig: graphic designer for a marketing firm working with non
profits. I’m involved in our church. Any activity is usually more fun when
Brent is around. I’m one of the first to sign up for a family event. And
have been known to create a reason for us to get together. But day after
day, my brain works continuously. Thinking about a blog I will write. Taking
a photo for my blog. Deciding what to list next. Commenting on blogs. Making
things in my studio. Scratching out ideas in my idea book, going to garage
sales, auctions and thrift...no matter what I am doing, I will somehow

connect it back to my art at some point.

What made you first want to be an artist?
I don’t think I have ever called myself an artist. It doesn’t occur to me
that that’s what this {opens arms towards all my art and supplies and
finished pieces) means. For arguments sake, we’ll say I am one. It just
happened, I suppose. My grandma painted, my mother is a photographer and
genius seamstress. My sister watercolors….but those are just things they did
among countless other things. I didn't sit down in a cafe somewhere and
contemplate my coming out as an artist over a soy latte. I just realized I
have a skill and have taking a liking to it and honed it and find it
energizing and a source of great happiness.

Please describe your creative process...
I struggle with actually putting pen to paper when it comes to my process.
Since it differs so much, I will give random facts and you can piece it
together for a process of sorts. I have a journal of lists. So many lists.
Ideas, tasks to be done. for life and art. And both. For tonight and this
weekend. I am neurotically methodical about some things and could not care
any less about others. i have learned to listen to my moods and therefore
know when I am in the mood to take photographs or write a blog or write an
Etsy listing or stand at my art table or sit down and putter with the sewing
machine. and I don’t force it anymore. I used to set a certain block of time
to make greeting cards. and if I wasn’t in the mood, it would be so hard!
Now, when I have my sassy molassy mood, I know I should be making my cheeky
cards or writing a cheeky blog post, not taking photos.

What artists influence your work?
I appreciate all historical art, but inspiration usually comes by way of
current artists. Mostly, kitchen table artists. And living room floor
artists. And converted basement corner artists. You know one...it may be
you. You love making things so you find a place to make things. And the
stuff you make, I am continually amazed. Perusing Etsy always means
inspiration. Looking around too long means inspiration overload. There’s
some crazy inspiring people at kitchen tables right now making something
that will inspire me tomorrow.

Where else can we find your stuff and connect with you online?
I have my goods at various small galleries and shops in Nebraska. The best place to see
what is new and available is my blog. And either of my Etsy shops, moxie photo and design or moxie thrift. I'm also on Facebook and Twitter.

Images copyright Moxie Photo and Design, 2009 -- thanks, Leah!

Artist Profile: Galit Barak Jewelry Designer

Tell me a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.

My name is Galit Barak, a bit about my name: "Gal" in Hebrew means wave, "Galit" is the feminine form for this word and only used as name. It's also the shorting of my grandmother's name "Margalit" which means, "pearl". "Barak" in Hebrew means lightning. I'm 22 years old from Israel. I live in a small town next to the Mediterranean Sea.

Apart from creating what do you do?


I work as a part-time Au Pair for three adorable kids; try to swim and to cook something tasty everyday!

What first made you want to become an artist?


I always loved to create, since I was a kid I have drawn, painted and crafted practically anything I get my hands on, and I studied fine arts in high school. I learned to knit and crochet and decided to explore the technique a bit more. I started by using simple metal wires and after I gained confidence, I graduated to sterling silver and gold-filled wire.

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

I don't really have a formal process. I see the stones, the pearls and the wire and I start to play. I experience and make something new every time. If I like the result, I try to sell it and then I make more pieces.

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?


I really love painters! I admire the work of Klimt, Van Gogh and Kandinsky, but I'm not yet familiar with any great jewelry designers.

Where else can people find your work and connect with you online?

My Etsy shop, Galit Barak Jewelry Designer, my blog, and on Twitter. If you are an Israeli or come to tour Israel you are welcome to visit my studio and try on my jewelry in person!

Images copyright Galit Barak - copyright 2009.

Artist Profile: Ingrid Blixt of Ingrid Art Studio

Tell me a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
Ingrid Blixt, visual artist currently living in Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Escanaba. I am originally from Romania, where I grew up and attended school at the University of Art and Design, Cluj Napoca. I moved here in 2001.

Wings - original mixed media wall art, set of 9

Apart from creating art, what do you do?

I work a lot with the local art center, William Bonifas Arts Center from Escanaba, which is a wonderful facility for such a small town, and where I recently had a solo show (April 2 - 25, 2009). I also teach, have workshops and I freelance in graphic design and web design. For the past months I'm mostly home taking care of our baby girl, Isabela - she's 9 months old, and when I have some spare time I go in the studio to do some work.

Ave Maria - original encaustic and mixed media

What first made you want to become an artist?
I think it was exposure to the art where I used to live, in Baia Mare, viewing the public art and the work of local artists.

The Field II - fine art photograph

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
The creative process is a two way street. I either start from images I already have, mostly photography, or I have certain concepts I want to translate in visual form and I start my search for the right imagery to express it. I usually work on several pieces at the same time, especially if I am using mixed media techniques. My primary technique is drawing because it lets me work fast, precise and very energetically. Mixed media and photography let me be spontaneous and often give me instant gratification. The result of the encaustic medium always amazes me and makes me want to do mor. Byzantine painting (painting icons) lets me find myself.

The under layers of my town II - fine art photograph

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?
Well, that would make it a long list but I'll just name a few. When I started drawing in high school, many of my friends--who were incredibly talented and also became very good artists --influenced, helped and created a very fertile, conducive atmosphere to create. Hausi Cantermir, Mircea Suciu, Dan Vezentan, Zoltan Bela, Adela Apahidean; they all live in Romania. My art teachers in high school and college made an unforgettable impression and surely had the greatest influence on my future in art. Famous artists include Igor Mitoraj, the Expressionists, and Tapiez.

Two Moons - limited fine art print

Where else can we find your work and connect with you online?
My web site and blog, Ingrid Art Studio, my shop on Etsy, Vertin Gallery, and Art and Garden Gallery.

Original artwork and images used by permission - copyright Ingrid Art Studio, 2009.

Etsy Profile: Diana Walden of Copper Inc.

Tell me a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Diana Waldon. I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas (Yee-Haw!) and moved to Holyoke, Massachusetts a few years ago with a group of friends. We were young and thought that it would be awesome to move halfway across the country and try to make it out on our own. It's been fun and at times difficult, but I'm happy I did it. I am currently finishing up my BFA at Umass Amherst. I like cinnamon rolls and Chai tea.

a pile of letters print - $8

Apart from creating art, what do you do?

Browsing the book store has become a recent and expensive habit. Apart from spending money on books faster than I read them, I really like to cook. I love planning and preparing dinners with my boyfriend. Even more enjoyable, I love eating dinner. Delicious. When the weather warms up, I try to spend as much time as I possibly can at the beach. I'd be very happy if I could find a part-time job boogie boarding!

the martini lover print - $8

What first made you want to become an artist?

Just being exposed to art was probably the catalyst. The feeling of wonder you have while looking at something you consider beautiful and worthwhile has always been a mesmerizing motivator. If I see beauty, I want to create it too. Art is catching. If I had to pinpoint the first time I felt that way, it would be in elementary school when a boy in my class finished a drawing of a recorder. At the time, I thought the silly, little sketch was the most amazing thing ever created. I was floored and simultaneously hooked -- I fell in love with art.

gold leaf and gold leaves print - $20

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
I like using acrylic paints, old books, and gold leaf. My process usually starts out with a half-formed direction and I just dive in, not really fully committed to achieving a perfect end result. I'll meander around until I eventually find a good stopping point. If I can use gold leaf, I'm happy.

top: it was black and cold, i put on a pot of coffee print - $15

bottom: a thin coating of ice print - $8

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?

There have been so many! Seeing the dedication and creativity of other Etsy artists always makes me want to push up my sleeves and get to work. Also encouraging are my friends and family, they are always so excited and interested in what I'm doing -- I'm very grateful. As for the artist-that-have-books-dedicated-to-their-work category, lately I've really been enjoying Gustav Klimt and John Singer Sargent.

candy, backwards print - $15

Where else can we find your work?

Well, I'm pretty new to the game so my Etsy shop, Copper Inc, is my only venue right now. It's new and growing and I plan to maintain it for as long as I can. Other than on Etsy you might be able to find some of my work, according to my wonderful customers, on various walls in their homes.

Images copyright Copper Inc, 2009.

Artist Profile: Meagan Claire Hall + Sasha Barr = Wonder Thunder

Tell me a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
Wonder Thunder is a collaborative effort between Meagan Claire Hall and Sasha Barr, two Tennessee transplants living in Seattle, WA. We're proud parents of a grey tabby cat named Fatty, Sr.

happy vegetable reuseable bags - red

Apart from creating art, what do you do?
We enjoy fermenting pickles, making yogurt, baking, summer bike rides, planting plants, and trips to Goodwill. Sasha has a BFA in Printmaking from the University of Memphis, works as a freelance designer/ illustrator, and is part of the art department at Sub Pop Records. Meagan has a BFA in Fibers from the Appalachian Center for Crafts, is currently studying herbal sciences, and runs another Etsy store, Asteria Gems.

mini prints - set of 9

What first made you want to become an artist?
It runs in our families. Meagan's mother is a metalsmith and her father once moonlighted as a blacksmith. Sasha's parents have degrees in printmaking and ceramics. It's in our blood.

little forest pillow - orange

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
All of our illustrations start out with pen and paper, and are digitally manipulated for screen-printing. We buy fabric in bolts and screen-print our illustrations directly onto it. The fabric is then ironed, sewn, and assembled into the finished products.

carrot placemat - set of 4

What artists have influenced you and inspire you to create?

Obviously this could be a HUGE list, so we'll keep it short and simple. Jim Henson creations, Edward Gorey, Evan Hecox, Tyler Stout, Cayce Zavaglia, and Harry Whittier Frees!

mini octopus pocket friend plush

Where else can people find your work?
We currently sell online, in our Etsy shop and in a number of stores across the USA:

20Twenty- Ballard, Seattle, WA
Bluebottle Gallery and Store- Seattle, WA
Fontanelle, Portland- OR
Sugaree's- Murfreesboro, TN
Renegade Handmade- Chicago, IL
Schmancy- Belltown, Seattle, WA
Tender Loving Empire- Portland, OR
Wholly Craft- Columbus, OH
Young Blood Boutique and Gallery- Atlanta, GA

Visit the Wonder Thunder Blog

All photos are by and copyright of Wonder Thunder--they were real nice and let me borrow 'em--thanks, guys!