Ya know, this was just a really cool interview, so I'm gonna repost it. Enjoy!1). So, tell us a little bit about the art of sandcarving and your craft business, Creative Art and Soul.
2). Wow! You have so many different designs to choose from. Where to you find your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration comes from the diversity of people in this wonderful world of ours and the various cultures, beliefs, and concepts. I am interested in iconic symbolism in world cultures (i.e., African adinkra symbols, Celtic symbols, Pagan and religious symbols, Spanish and Mayan symbols, Native American symbols, modern and pop-culture symbols, etc.) as symbols and icons provide concise pictorial information: a meaning, a belief, a myth, a concept, a history, a story or an expression which I find fascinating. Adding cultural expression to wearable art pieces speaks to people. It is thrilling when someone is drawn to one of my pendants; their eyes light up, they identify with it, and they seem to shine when they are wearing it. It is a wonderful thing to experience and it makes me quite happy!
Sandcarving is done by using a sandblaster and a vinyl mask or resist stencil. Fi
rst, I create a vector image on my computer and print out a negative transparency. I expose a type of light-sensitive vinyl resist with the negative transparency to UV light and then adhere it on to the stone. The portions of the vinyl that were exposed become brittle, while the remainder of the vinyl remains pliable and ‘resists’ the stream of fine grit. My sandblaster consists of a large 60 gallon compressor that pressurizes my 100 lb pressure pot filled with very fine silicon carbide. The pressured air mixes with the grit and shoots out the nozzle. I use a large blasting cabinet to keep the grit enclosed.
rst, I create a vector image on my computer and print out a negative transparency. I expose a type of light-sensitive vinyl resist with the negative transparency to UV light and then adhere it on to the stone. The portions of the vinyl that were exposed become brittle, while the remainder of the vinyl remains pliable and ‘resists’ the stream of fine grit. My sandblaster consists of a large 60 gallon compressor that pressurizes my 100 lb pressure pot filled with very fine silicon carbide. The pressured air mixes with the grit and shoots out the nozzle. I use a large blasting cabinet to keep the grit enclosed.2). Wow! You have so many different designs to choose from. Where to you find your inspiration?
My biggest inspiration comes from the diversity of people in this wonderful world of ours and the various cultures, beliefs, and concepts. I am interested in iconic symbolism in world cultures (i.e., African adinkra symbols, Celtic symbols, Pagan and religious symbols, Spanish and Mayan symbols, Native American symbols, modern and pop-culture symbols, etc.) as symbols and icons provide concise pictorial information: a meaning, a belief, a myth, a concept, a history, a story or an expression which I find fascinating. Adding cultural expression to wearable art pieces speaks to people. It is thrilling when someone is drawn to one of my pendants; their eyes light up, they identify with it, and they seem to shine when they are wearing it. It is a wonderful thing to experience and it makes me quite happy!3). Quick! What’s in your pockets right now?
Some dog-hair and random fuzz, crumbs from dog-cookies, a quarter, and a beer cap.
4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?
Hip. Cultural. Expressive.
5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market?
The majority of my sales come from craft shows and festivals (30-35/year) within my 4-state area (WV, MD, VA and PA). My main online selling venue is Etsy which I really love and have much success with.
You can find Creative Art and Soul online at
Etsy: http://creativeartandsoul.etsy.com/
ArtFire: http://creativeartandsoul.artfire.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/creativeartsoul
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/creativeartandsoul-facebook
MySpace: http://myspace.com/creativeartandsoul
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandcarvedpendants/
Come see Creative Art & Soul's pendants in person at Booth #13 at the September 11th Ballston A&C Market!
0 comments:
Post a Comment