Take Root and Write

Materialism and the Artist

 

I recently attended a "meet the artist" show featuring polymer clay artist Kathleen Dustin at a gallery in Albuquerque called The Wooden Cow. Kathleen has been working in polymer clay for twenty-five years, and you can see the lifetime of talent and the countless hours of dedication. I was awestruck by the beauty of her work. Because I do some work in polymer clay myself, I recognized the complexity in each piece, but at the same time I was floored by each piece's deceptive simplicity. It's no wonder she's world-renowned, that her limited-edition polymer clay purses and jewelry sell on Madison Avenue, and that she teaches workshops throughout the U.S. and Europe. She is the picture of the successful artist.

Yet, even Kathleen has questions about her role as an artist. After spending a day with friends in New York City and attending a fashion show during Fashion Week, they strolled Madison Avenue where she saw seven of her purses displayed in one of the shop windows. She says in one of her blog posts, "It seems trite to say it, but the whole Fashion Week experience was shallow. Is this what life is all about? To some people it is--paying attention to the latest must-haves. And actually I am quite ambivalent because this is the market I sell to." She goes on to say that though she feels uncomfortable about her work at times, she has a passion for what she's doing. She wonders if her conflicting feelings are a result of her Christian faith and Christian teachings about materialism.

But what is materialism, really?

If anyone would know, it would be King Solomon of "everything is vanity" fame. Solomon says, "As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of the laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep" (Ecclesiastes 5:11-12, NIV). Based on these words, it doesn't seem as if Solomon had much respect for indulgence in the arts. And yet Solomon later says, "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, NIV).

Meet Melanie Pruitt of the Creator's Palette

 

Meet Melanie Pruitt, an artist with a story that's sure to inspire anyone, but especially those who may be going through a time when it seems God has taken away their dream.  

Kelley: What do you remember about your childhood?

 Melanie: My childhood was a mixture of two things. One was activity--whether it was roller skating, riding my bike, climbing trees, or twirling around the bars at the park, I always found something active and fun to do. The second part was imagination. When I climbed a tree, it became the Apollo spaceship heading to the moon. When I crawled through a field of grass, it suddenly became a house and hideout.

Kelley: Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Melanie: I just returned from my grandmother's funeral. She sang, she played the piano, and she was a skilled, award-winning quilter. My aunt is a well known author. I sat at the table with Mom, looking through her drawing portfolio, and was amazed at her talent of realism with pastels and pencil. One of my daughters excelled in theater, while another excelled in ballet. My son plays a multitude of instruments, writes creatively, and has even published a couple of poems. Even my husband is creative. The artistic part of every presentation and newsletter is almost as important as the content to him.

Art is a huge part of my family, and we each enjoy seeing the talent of the others and cheer one another on in our creative pursuits.

Kelley: Would you say God is a big part of how you express yourself creatively?

Melanie: My relationship with God is a huge part of how I express myself. First of all, I believe Him to be the originator of creativity. My creativeness is, at best, that of a child attempting to imitate the perfect accomplishments of a parent.

I believe when God created me, He put an imagination and creative heart within me--partly in reflection of Himself, and yet I see how this also plays out differently in different people.

Ten years ago, I was close to publishing my first book. I spoke at women's retreats and conferences. I led Bible studies and worked with women's ministries. An unusual chronic illness took all of this away from me.

Interview with Vanessa Cengic, Graphic Artist, Jewelry Designer, Baker

 

This week I'm happy to interview Vanessa Cengic, whose many talents are a tribute to God's generosity with his grace and gifts.

Kelley: How would you describe your childhood, and what about your childhood played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Vanessa: The parts I like to reflect on best were the times spent with my great grandfather in his kitchen. I would spend the night with him on weekends and in the morning he would make me whatever I liked for breakfast. Always from scratch! I would stand waist high next to him and watch him prepare pancakes, waffles, crepes, etc. You name it, he would make it. He also made wonderful breads and pastries and would always pick off a little piece of dough for me to work with. I also like to remember the time I built my own house. Out of a refrigerator box of course!

Kelley: Your relationship with your grandfather explains your baking business! Tell us more about your family.

Vanessa: My family has always been very supportive of my endeavors, which is a huge blessing. I don't think anyone (including me) really thought it would get me as far as it has. I am happy to say that with the Lord's help we were all wrong! Faith as small as a mustard seed is right!

Kelley: How does your relationship with God help you express yourself creatively?

Vanessa: My relationship with the Lord is the number one reason I am where I am today. Without Him showing me all of the talents He provided me with I would still be stuck in a dead-end job making everyone else money. I always seek his opinion in my business practices. I pray before I start each project, as I know I cannot do anything without Him. He is my inspiration. I sometimes find myself waking up in the middle of the night with ideas. I'm glad He sees so much potential in such a cracked pot!

Kelley: What would you say is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?

Vanessa: I sometimes get something kind of like writer's block, but maybe you would call it designer's slump. It stinks, but I find that is a great time to take a small vacation or get into prayer for more inspiration. It's always nice to come back refreshed and ready to create. In graphic design sometimes I have a job come in that I don't think I can do, but the Lord always proves me wrong and provides me with the skills and patience to complete the task.

Kelley: What part of the creative process do you enjoy the most?

Vanessa: I love everything about the creative process. In my graphics business, I love creating the layout, design and working with all of that color. Oh, and fonts. I love fonts! In my bakery business I love creating tasty new combinations and coming up with new recipes to try out on my wonderful family. Sometimes they are a hit, and sometimes they are a miss, but it sure is fun and tasty trying. For my jewelry I love laying out the stones and chain to come up with the best combination before I start putting everything together.

Interview with Patricia (Trish) Morales of Soapy Blessings

 

Who knew soap could be a work of art? Patricia Morales proves it's possible, and you will love the story behind Soapy Blessings!

Kelley: How would you describe your childhood, and what about it has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Trish: I can't remember not being a creative person! I recall in 2nd grade, I took several pieces of school paper and wrote a story . . . a simple 2nd grade story, but it had a basic plot, a hero, and a purpose. Then I illustrated the story, and I cut and folded the pages in such a way that I created a "book." I gave it to my teacher. She thought it was such a wonderful idea that she decided it would be a great class project that everyone make their own books.

Creativity is something I believe I inherited from my mother. She was a hardworking woman with little time for arts and crafts, but her creativity spilled over in other areas. She often combined work and play so creatively we seldom realized as kids that the combination had occurred! She sparkled with joy and fun and always encouraged our creative sides.

Kelley: I used to make my own books, too! In fact my dad still has one about horses that I wrote and illustrated. So tell us about your family and their role in your craft.

Trish: I'm married with three children, two of which still live at home. My husband is an amazing sales rep for me. I love watching him work the crowd when we are at arts and crafts fairs. He is pure joy and in his element when speaking with people . . . in two languages, no less! He's also my men's fragrance expert and willingly tries out all my soap and men's fragrance creations. My kids are also very helpful, from trying my soaps and fragrances, giving me feedback, and helping out in the actual soap making. They help me in setting up and tearing down our booth at craft fairs and give me feedback on booth displays.

He Said, She Said, but God Provided the Epiphany

 

Have you ever had a horrible argument with someone--the kind where you realize you see things from such different perspectives that you believe there is no way to resolve the issue? I recently had one of those arguments with my husband. It was a blessing in disguise, because later that day God provided me with an "epiphany." Of all places that epiphany came from my psychology textbook.

Although the argument with my husband had to do with our financial situation and our differing opinions about what the future might hold, God revealed to me that my faulty thinking had often permeated every aspect of my life; even my creativity.

The chapter I read dealt with gender differences. We all know that men and women see things differently. "That's an understatement!" some of you might be saying. But at the root of male/female stereotypes are seeds of truth, and it was a few of these seeds that were at the root of our argument and at the root of the reason why I couldn't see myself as God sees me. So here are a few of the traits that jumped off the page that day:

Traits more often shown by men:
* Are more self-confident of future success
* Attribute success to internal factors and failures to external factors
* Are more self-validating
* Have higher self-esteem

Traits more often shown by women:
* Are less self-confident in future success
* Attribute success to external factors and failures to internal factors
* Are more dependent on others for validation
* Have lower self-esteem

Who wouldn't rather be confident of future success? (Faith.) Who wouldn't want to believe that success comes from something inside us (the Holy Spirit), rather than from our external circumstances? Who wouldn't rather seek validation from God than from humanity? And who among us wouldn't want to recognize our true worth in the mirror of God's love and grace?

Juxtaposie: Where Fashion Meets God's Vision to Help Women

 For those of us who sometimes wonder if being involved in a business based on our creativity has any real value for the greater good of humanity, do I have a story for you! I was watching Joyce Meyer's TV program not long ago, and she was talking about some of the women she had encountered who had done extraordinary things for humanity in unexpected ways. Two of these women were Kristen Hendricks and Jamie Scroggs, co-owners of a private-label handbag company called Juxtaposie.

Many wonderful things happen by "accident," and the creation of Juxtaposie is no exception. Back in 2002, Kristen Hendricks was admiring a friend's vintage handbag, and because Kristen could sew, she found some vintage fabric she liked, and she went home and created her own handbag, complete with a beaded handle. One day she was browsing in a boutique when the owner asked her where she got her bag. Kristen said, "I made it," and the boutique owner asked if this was a business. Kristen only paused a moment before saying, "Why, yes it is!" And before long Kristen really was in the business of creating handbags.

Kristen named the company Juxtaposie, "a bouquet of unexpected combination of colors, shapes, and ideas," and Juxtaposie's business model allows women nationwide to become sales consultants, thus empowering more women to create their own businesses. Being the president and senior designer, Kristen decided she needed help in the business area, so she brought in her sister-in-law and best friend Jamie Scroggs.

Interview With Lynn Mather of "Sawdusted"

 

Country, Americana, faith, and family. These are the words that come to mind when I look at Lynn Mather's woodworking projects. Lynn says one day a bandsaw followed her home and she's been "sawdusted" ever since.

Kelley: Welcome, Lynn! Thank you so much for this interview. I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Lynn: I agree. I grew up in a safe and loving Christian home. My mother and father were both Depression children, so they knew how to make do with what they had, which requires the ultimate creativity. They built our home and later a cabin. I grew up loving the smell of fresh-cut lumber. Dad let me help him, and Mom encouraged me to create from his building scraps; nothing ever went to waste. Through creativity, everything was utilized.

Kelley: That brings back memories! My husband is a carpenter, among other things, and to this day one of my prized possessions is the little wooden Christmas village our daughter made using scraps from my husband's shop. Family can be such a blessing to our creative lives. Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Lynn: My daughter inspires me with her needs; first as a child, now as her own person. She is incredibly supportive and continually gives me challenges to keep me creating.

Changes Coming To The Creator's Creatives

 

There are times in life when you realize you need to scale back on certain things just a little bit in order to give them the attention they deserve, and with Shona's advice I reached that conclusion with "The Creator's Creatives." Instead of writing every week, I'll be writing on the second and fourth Mondays of every month. I'll still be interviewing creative Christian women and talking about creativity from a Christian perspective. Next week, I'll have an interview with Lynn Mather, a woodworker who sells on Etsy and Artfire.

I also had an "Aha!" moment regarding some important differences between men and women while reading my psychology textbook, and I immediately thought of how these differences can negatively affect creativity. So I will be sharing that experience, because it really opened my eyes to some things about myself that I don't particularly like and would like to change--with God's help. I also plan to talk about a creative company started by a couple of Christian women who then founded a charity to help women in Uganda! So stay tuned for more of "The Creator's Creatives" coming next week.

Thank you for reading my column, and thank you for all your wonderful comments! Until next Monday, take joy in the precious meaning of the season of Christ's resurrection!

Interview with Patti Moore of Pholkart*Blessings

 

Patti Moore is a self-taught artist who loves to focus on themes of home, family, faith, and the seasons.

Kelley: Welcome, Patti! I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. What part did your childhood play in your life as a creative person?

Patti: My family taught me so much about being creative in everyday life! I am the oldest of five children. One of my parents' primary goals was to send each of us to college. In order to save money and do this, they became DIYers (do it yourselfers) before it was trendy! Mom knit our sweaters, hats, and mittens. My grandmother and great aunt sewed our dresses and doll clothes. They all modeled ingenuity for me. 

Kelley: Would you say your relationship with God is a big part of how you express yourself creatively?

Patti: As I draw, I try to listen for inspiration from the Lord. This doesn't mean all my artwork is Christian themed (though often it is inspired by songs and scripture I love, especially the Proverbs and the Psalms). Instead, I find that the ideas God gives me end up celebrating the good things--the everyday blessings--He gives us.

Kelley: What would you say is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?

Patti: I struggle in waiting through the "dry times." I think most artists experience times when ideas just don't flow. For me, no amount of coercing will bring a fresh idea bubbling to the surface. This can make me feel very discouraged! But God is good! He helps me remember that I need quiet and rest. He encourages me to step back from the inner pressure I experience to "produce" and get back to "playing" as I doodle in my sketchbook. He reminds me to "just be" and to trust Him.

When Life Gives You Lemons . . .

We've all heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." It's  inevitable that while we are on our journey to eternity with God, this fallen world will give us lemons--sometimes an entire truckload! But what does this saying have to do with creativity?

I've been taking a small business management class, and like many required textbooks, the one for this class is often very dry--not much in the way of soul or spiritual food, except for one thing. In this text are stories of entrepreneurs who use their God-given creativity (whether they realize it or not) to see their dreams to fruition. One story in particular had a profound and bittersweet effect on me. It was the story of a woman whose amazingly creative business, along with the charity she founded, would have never come into being except for a life-shattering personal tragedy.

In August of 2002, Laurie Johnson was in a small plane crash which took the lives of her husband and young son. Laurie survived, but she suffered a severely broken leg. What followed was an excruciating journey of grief, multiple surgeries, and disappointments. I'd say Laurie's experience qualifies as more than a truckload of lemons. Having a good friend who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in junior high and spent months on crutches, and another friend whose five-year-old daughter died, I can get a tiny glimpse of the tremendous grief Laurie must have suffered. Many would have given up.

Interview with Carol de Vega

 

I have "met" some talented and wonderful Christian crafters, and this week I'd like to introduce you to Carol de Vega, founder of Artisans for God and Gifts of Glory. Artisans for God is a social network of Christian crafters and artisans; while Gifts of Glory is more of a store-front community for those seeking gifts made by Christian crafters. Carol has an amazing walk of faith with God; she truly inspired me with her answers to my questions.

Kelley: I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Carol: My dad was always doodling. Any art project I had at school, my dad was there to help me out. And he really did help--never outright did the project. My dad was a cabinetmaker and woodworker. He would create all the cabinets for an entire kitchen. Using his construction talents, one year for my ballet show, my dad made life-size music boxes with the big wind-up keys and everything! He used the inside of a toilet paper roll for the tube part of the key, and then he cut out the ears of the key. He was creative.

Sorry to say, I did not know how artistic my mom was until she passed away. We (my dad and I) found a photo album she had from high school, and she drew in white ink all kinds of little icons and caricatures. The original scrapbooker? Even my dad was amazed at her work. I think being the old-fashioned mom she was, she took a back seat to my dad's creativity. She probably never wanted to take a chance at overshadowing him.

Interview With Stained Glass Artist Barbara Davis

 

My husband used to create stained glass pieces, and one of the best gifts he ever gave me was a three-dimensional stained glass rose on a twisted wire stem. So, I've always had a soft spot for stained glass work. Whether it's the simpler pieces like my husband has made, or the windows gracing architectural gems such as Chartres Cathedral, I love them all. Barbra Davis' work is colorful, simple, and fun, and I think you'll like it too. Be sure to check out her stained glass "flip flops." Adorable!

Kelley: I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about your childhood would you say played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Barbra: From the first moment I remember, I have loved to write. My parents weren't too supportive because they thought it would never amount to anything, but I ended up working for a newspaper later in life. As a young mom I was fortunate enough to be home with my children, but I wanted to contribute to the family income, so I started sewing, and I sold a lot of cute craft items. Guess that's how I got the bug to keep creating, and I have worked in many different media over the years.

Kelley: Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Barbra: Well, my husband is the biggest factor. We have been married almost 35 years, and we are both creative people. He has always encouraged me and helped me, and I love him for it. I never did stained glass work before we moved to Florida, though I was into quilting and other forms of sewing for many years. Jim has been working with glass for 40 years, so I always had him make any glass pieces that I wanted. When we opened a store, though, he felt I should learn to make some pieces so I would understand the process and be better able to help our customers. So I took two classes (from him), just like our students would do, and to my surprise, I found out I really like it! He loves to do the big pieces, I love the little ones, so it works out perfectly. Isn't God good?

Interview with Amy Larson, Creator of Snugville Houses

 

Amy Larson is another artist I met through Ruebee, the online community for Christian artists and craftspeople. In fact, she was the creator and founder of Ruebee. Ruebee recently dissolved, but that doesn't mean Amy isn't still building her wonderful, whimsical, colorful houses. If you need some cheer, you're sure to find it in Snugville.

Kelley: Hi, Amy! Thanks so much for this interview. Let's get started. I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Amy: I would say my grandmother had a great part in helping me in my creativity. I can remember her taking the day, along with my mother, to make me a clown. I was anxiously waiting and jumping on my bed while they made it. She also showed me how to make paste. I can remember visiting her in the nursing home and she had created card holders from paper plates and bright orange yarn. I thought they were so pretty. My mother has to get the credit for showing me how to draw! She said I skipped stick people and started drawing body shapes at three.

Kelley: Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Amy: My family is a blessing and incredibly patient with my creative journey.

Kelley: Would you say your relationship with God is a big part of how you express yourself creatively, and if so, how?

Amy: Yes! Being the person God created me to be gives Him glory. I try to give God honor in the quality of my craft and my customer service. I am mindful of Him in the whole creative process.

Kelley: What would you say is the most difficult part of the creative process for you?

Tin Lizzies and Transformation

 

Next week I'll feature another interview with a Christian creative woman, but this week I wanted to share something I've been going through in my personal life, something that has not only taught me more about creativity, but also about God's transforming power during tough times.

My dad restores vintage cars, mostly Model T Fords. Some affectionately refer to them as "tin lizzies," and he's been doing this for more than 35 years. I still remember him driving me to school in his cars, and he always insisted on honking the horn. You know what I'm talking about, right? The enthusiastic and throaty aaauuuugah! aaauuuuugah! announcing, "I'm here! I'm here! Look at me!" Being very concerned about my "image," I would slouch down in the seat and hope nobody heard . . . or saw. My dad enjoyed a hearty laugh at my expense.

Fast forward a few years (okay, quite a few years), to my life now. My husband and I are self-employed ranchers, but my husband is also a carpenter, and the prolific and highly successful artist my husband had been building stretcher frames for passed away. And along with it, half our income. Not only do we miss the artist terribly, but during these tough economic times, like so many other people, we've been concerned about paying our bills (especially since I'm still trying to get my own creative jewelry and art business off the ground.) This isn't the first time we've struggled, but for some reason this struggle has been the hardest for us, probably because we have also been mourning the death of a good friend.

Meet Artist Mechelle Harrison of Mechelle Designs

 

Georgia artist Mechelle Harrison's whimsical, colorful birds intrigued me from the first moment I saw them. Fun and friendly, they are a treat for the eyes. Mechelle received her BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design. She has worked as a graphic artist and a freelance illustrator, and she has exhibited her work throughout Georgia and the southest at galleries and art festivals. Her work has even been sold through the Smithsonian Institution gift shops.

Kelley: Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview you, Mechelle. Let's start with your childhood. I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Mechelle: I think the biggest influence in my childhood is the fact that I grew up in historic Alexandria, VA. I was surrounded by culture bieng only five miles away from Washington, D.C. My parents, and especially my school, shaped my impression of history and culture. The school field trips made me appreciate the arts at a young age. The opportunity I had to volunteer at an old torpedo factory converted to working studios for artists influenced me to want to become an artist.

Meet Poet and Photographer Angela Fischesser

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I've met some of the nicest Christian creative people on the social networking site known as Ruebee, and Angela Fischesser is one of them. Angela combines fantastic photography with her own poetry as well as verses from scripture.

Kelley: Angela, I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person?

Angela: I would have to say that my childhood was filled with adventures and imagination. I am a (proud) Navy brat, but one that experienced the military life completely differently than most children. My dad was stationed at the New London Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut when I was three and was lucky enough to stay there until he retired when I was sixteen. So for thirteen years I lived in the same house in Navy housing. Our home was surrounded by woods--behind us, beside us, and across the street. The land across the street is protected marshland, so my brother and I spent many days exploring the woods and the caves and all the paths throughout that land. It was a true treat to the senses growing up! We used our imagination so much when we played! It was so easy for us to come up with stories and ideas as we explored the woods. There was no end to the creative process as a child for me based on where we lived and the many friends I gained from living in Navy housing.

Kelley: I can certainly see that childhood when I look at your work, Angela! Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Angela: I have been married to my husband, David, for 6 1/2 years and we are expecting our first child this year on April 4. We are so excited! When I unexpectedly lost my job January 4, 2008, I didn't know what we were going to do. I was terrified about how we were going to proceed. David, on the other hand, saw this as a Godsend. He knew I hadn't been all that happy at my job and that God would open a door for us. Well, my husband was right. Dare I admit that? His support and encouragement made all the difference in getting me through a rough 2008. He was the one to insist we buy me a new camera to take photos, seeing as that part of my craft is so important! He was truly impressed by my photo-taking ability and knew that if I had the right tools, I could do and be so much more!

An Interview With Card and Paper Artist Joy Pryor

This week I'm interviewing Joy Pryor, a card and paper artist whom I met on the Ruebee social networking site, a site devoted to Christian artists and crafters. I can vouch for the fact that Joy takes great pride in her work, because I've purchased some. I especially love Joy's eye for color and the sense of fun in her designs.

Kelley: Hi, Joy! Thanks for being with us. You have a beautiful family--your boys are adorable! You know, I think our childhoods play a big part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it would you say has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person? 

Joy: I remember being a child and my mother taking me to the mall in Norfolk, VA called Waterside. As a special treat she would give me a little money to purchase things in a tiny little shop called The Purple Store. Everything there was purple and they sold t-shirts, figurines, toys, and other novelties. I usually went straight for the stationery goods. I couldn't wait to get home to see how all my pretty little purple things matched and coordinated. I'm still a fan of matching and coordinating to this day!

Kelley: Tell us about your family and the role they play in your craft.

Joy: My mother, now with the Lord, was such a crafter. If she could make it, paint it,  or cook it, she would! And she enjoyed it. I get much of my passion for creation from her.

Kelley: Would you say your relationship with God is a big part of how you express yourself creatively, and if so, how?

Joy: Absolutely. My relationship with God is why I started crafting in the first place. He inspires me with ideas and even gives me a photographic (neurological) image to copy and paste in my work. He also speaks to me and encourages me that "I can do this, but stay connected with me." I am never alone in my studio because Jesus is always near!

A Creative Interview With Jennifer Nilsson

In this new column I'll be sharing my thoughts on creativity from a Christian perspective, but I'll also have the privilege of interviewing the Creator's creatives, Christian artists and craftswomen, who will inspire us to fulfill our God-given creative talents. For my debut column today, I'm interviewing Jennifer Nilsson, creator of the colorful and whimsical Mouser-kins^TM and MerMice^TM characters. Jennifer sells her work on Etsy.com and Lollishops.com, but she also licenses her artwork to companies--she'll explain how that works in her interview.

Kelley: Welcome, Jennifer! Let's get started. You know, I think our childhoods play a bit part in what we choose to do in life. How would you describe your childhood, and what about it--whether memories or interests--has played the biggest part in your life as a creative person? Did you always want to be an artist when you grew up?

Jennifer: I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by creativity and the resources to be creative most of my childhood years! My father was a very talented artist, working in oils and acrylics and also sculpted paper models. My paternal grandmother was also a gifted artist, working in needlework design, weaving, sculpture, and graphite and acrylic portraits. I really don't remember a time when art was not a part of my life! From early on I dabbled in everything from paints and markers to clay, needlecraft and metalwork, and it just stuck with me. I think that becoming an artist and illustrator in my own right was just a natural progression of things, although, as a child, I had great dreams of becoming a truck driver and seeing the world!

Kelley: Are you self-taught, or did you go to school, or a bit of both?

Jennifer: Most of my technique is self-taught, although I have been very fortunate to become close friends with several professional artists who have shared their time in mentoring me as needed. I have never received formal classroom instruction.

Intro: The Creator's Creatives

“The primal artistic act was God’s creation of the universe out of chaos, shaping the formless into form; and every artist since, on a lesser scale, has sought to imitate Him.” –Laurence Perrine
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The Creator’s Creatives is for and about Christian women who create. Painters, potters, writers, sculptors, musicians and photographers. Women who design and sew clothing. Women who weave, and make baskets and bath products. Women who sell what they create, and women who create just because they must, with the creation as its own reward. Even when the world around you doesn’t always seem to understand, your Creator does, because you were created in His image.

By, Kelley Pounds

Column Posted Every Monday. Some weeks will be focused on 'Spotlighting' a Christian Women Artists ; then alternate with articles.