I
am fascinated with making things and the process of creating - but have had almost no formal art training. However, being a serial volunteer
and lacking the ability to say "no" has sucked me into the art world
and required me to learn face painting, prop making, costuming, alterations and
a host of other fun things that usually involve either duct tape or a glue
gun.
Being overly frugal, but wanting to try several types of crafts,
I turned to using recycled materials to practice different techniques without
having to spend a fortune on supplies. After I gained a little experience
(7 years on the Festival Committee, 9 MVU Musicals and many other community
events) I realized that substitutes for most craft supplies can be found
in a recycle bucket. Bottle caps, plastic bottles, paper tubes, plastic
bags and anything made of fabric are my toys.
I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with
some of Franklin County's best artists over the years. I have
witnessed artistic genius in directing, acting, sewing, singing,
drawing, painting, baking, mixed media, set design and more. These people
are so talented you just want to be around them, hoping some of their skills
will rub off. Because I felt that everyone should be able to experience
the amazing talent of the artists in our community first-hand I joined with
Kris Daignault, Anita Michele Parah, and Rebecca Rupp to form the Swanton Arts
Council.
My artist buddies insist that the stuff I make is
"art" and since they are all geniuses it's hard to not believe them.
What I call doodling they call "Zentangle"; my recycled projects are
hailed as "upcycling" and some are actually jealous of my bottle cap
collection. Being asked to share and teach the things I make has given me
some of the most wonderful (and frightening) experiences in my life.