We are so excited to be carrying the Naughty, yet Nice line of work by Mauro Baiocco. He first caught our eye when he participated in our May bazaar. We completely fell in love with his work and we were curious to learn more about him. Enjoy our little interview + be sure to check out our full stock of his paintings here. Meet him in person at this weekend’s Art Star Craft Bazaar. He is just as charming in person as his work (I know, how is it possible?!)
Art Star: Tell us a bit about your work. What inspires your imagery? Mauro Baiocco: I paint silliness. I guess the best way to summarize my process is this: when i was a kid, there was a catch-all, make-no-sense TV line up every Saturday from 2:00-8:00pm called “Super Action Saturdays”. A typical programming will be something like “Plan 9 from Outter Space”, followed by “Spartacus”, “Motra vs. Godzilla” and “Valley of the Dolls” -I know! So awesome! By the end of it, I was so stimulated and exhausted I used to merge all the plots into one long movie and that’s how I remembered it: Hellen Lawson kicked Godzilla’s ass, married Spartacus and helped him liberate the world from zombie aliens (which would be a blockbuster by the way). I try to tap into that old way of seeing things when I’m painting.
AS: Are you formally trained? If so, where did you study? MB: No formal training at all.
AS: You currently live/work in Brooklyn, correct? Where are you from originally? MB: Yes, that’s correct. I have been in NYC for 15 years and in downtown Brooklyn since 2006. I’m originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
AS: What are some of your favorite places in NY to go for inspiration? MB: Hands down the Metropolitan Museum. I have visited so much and still always find some amazing piece that i overlooked before and it blows my mind. And also I keep coming back to the dioramas in the American History Museum. If it is a nice day to be out, i’ll just walk around the city or sit in a park and people watch.
AS: Are you able to focus on your work full time? MB: I have been painting silliness full time since 2008. Sometimes I even get to pay all my bills!
AS: What materials do you primarily work with? MB: I enjoy working with bright colors in any shape or form, and I love using vintage photographs and antique frames in my work.
AS: Aside from Art Star, Where else do you show/sell your work? MB: Right now I’m gearing up to open my booth in the Winter Village at Bryant Park starting October 21st till January 4th. It is a joint venture with a fellow artist friend and we decided to name our holiday shop “Gomez & Petrov” as a wink to our respective latin and Russian origins. Also, I will be participating in One Of A Kind Chicago from December 4th-7th. Busy times are a-coming!
AS: Who are some of your favorite artists? MB: Oh God, so many I don’t know where to begin! Photography is really dear to my heart and I enjoy a really wide spectrum from Berenice Abbot to Ryan McGingley. I also have a soft spot for pop surrealism, so Gary Baseman, Mia Makila, Anne Faith Nichols, Camille Rose Garcia, Marion Peck, Elizabeth Mcgrath, Jose Rodolfo Loaiza Ontiveros, Alex Gross, the Clayton Brothers, Martha Rich, I mean I can go on and on…
First time ASCB booth mates Jamie Williams of Dop Dop Designs and Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean interview each other and find out what is in store for the upcoming bazaar! This first post features Jamie’s interview with Amber of Dop Dop Designs. Enjoy!
How did you find sewing and what influenced you to turn your skill into a business? I began sewing around the age of 12. I found my mothers old Kenmore sewing machine and an assortment of my grandmother’s notions and thought I could make things. I didn’t have any fabric so I cut up clothing that I got at the thrift store. Of course I had no idea what I was doing but managed to make a very simple cross body handbag out of an old blue and white houndstooth polyester suit. I took a crystal clasp off of one of my mothers sweaters to use as a closure and wore that bag for years. I was immediately hooked! I took sewing classes in high school where I was able to hone in on my skills and really learn proper techniques. I went to college for fashion design and during that time made handbags for myself, and then friends, and soon after strangers were asking me where and how to order. So in 2005, phea jean was born, sort of by accident, but once the ball started rolling I just went with it and I love it! It’s still funny to think that I originally set out to be a bridal designer!
Where did the name phea jean come from? Settling on a business name seemed daunting at first- what name would I always want to be associated with and never be tired of?! phea jean, of course, had to be it…phea (Phyllis) and Jean are my two grandmothers, both wonderful and strong women in different ways and both very dear to me.
Describe your personal style and how that translates into phea jean.
I love vintage clothing…dresses, coats, hats, etc. The fabric really draws me in, as I find the bright colors and bold patterns hard to resist. I use primarily vintage fabric because I find it so intriguing, I, too, sometimes find inspiration in vintage styles. For example, one of my hat patterns is loosely based on the cloche style made popular in the 1920’s. I also just really like unique, funky pieces. I like when unexpected fabrics are used for traditional silhouettes. I love mixing fabrics and patterns which I do in my designs. In my personal style, I pretty much go for it- wearing and mixing things that other people wouldn’t think to, but somehow (most of the time) ends up working. I never take fashion too seriously, but I want to look good. I want people to look good (great!) in my designs but I also want them to have a good time with the pieces and mix and match them together.
What inspires your work?
I am inspired by all the vintage fabric patterns and textures. I “treasure hunt” in attics, basements, estate sales, thrift stores, etc for fabric and I never know what I will bring home, so I have to let each piece speak to me and inspire me as it comes. I’m even often inspired by buttons and will sometimes start with the buttons and design around them. Everything I make is one of a kind and even though I have patterns in place, I do very little planning when it comes to the production aspect of sewing. My process consists of looking around my studio and seeing what catches my eye at the moment.
My clothing designs are definitely inspired by women, of all shapes and sizes. I really try to accommodate different body types and design pieces that will fit a variety of sizes. I want anyone to come to my booth and be able to find something flattering and leave feeling confident.
In a literal sense, I am inspired to make things that I want or need for everyday life. My head is cold, therefore I should make hats. I need a specific size/shape handbag so I’ll make it.
What items will you be bringing to the bazaar? phea jean will be bringing things to keep you warm: Plenty of hats and scarves of course. I’ll also have my unique wrap tops and ponchos for stylish winter clothing options.
What item is perfect for gift giving? The scarves are a great gift and an easy way to spruce up any outfit. At $35-$45 you really can’t go wrong.
What other artists at the bazaar are you excited to check out? Considering the shows are our only chance to do our holiday shopping I am excited to see and support all the other vendors! First thing, I’ll be hitting up my booth mate dop dop designs for a housewarming gift. I’m also a huge fan of miss millie and will be dropping hints to my partner on which of her latest work I need to have. I’m interested to see the coffee drip cones from Melissa Weiss Pottery and the jewelry by Maureen Duffy.
First time ASCB booth mates Jamie Williams of Dop Dop Designs and Amber Zaraza of Phea Jean interview each other and find out what is in store for the upcoming bazaar! This first post features Amber’s interview with Jamie of Dop Dop Designs. Enjoy!
How and when did dop dop designs develop into a business?
Where does the name dop dop come from?
The name dop dop comes from my youngest son, Kiefer. When Kiefer was nearly 1, he didn’t say many words, but he sure loved flip flops. Having difficulty speaking, he would always call them dop dop’s. As time went on, he would say dop dop whenever he was happy. So, eventually, dop dop came to mean “all things good”. My design focus started with an emphasis on aprons due to Kiefer’s acid reflux and my need to protect my clothing during feedings. There were a ton of cute burp cloths and baby coverage, but nothing for me. So, I started designing aprons that were durable, easy to care for and pretty without being over the top. Therefore, I felt it only right to immortalize Kiefer’s role (and sweetness) in the development of my brand, In July 2011, dop dop designs became a legitimate business. Three years later, here I am expanding my products and hoping to transform your kitchens.
Describe the dop dop style.
My style is fresh, and clean but with an element of whimsy. Specializing in kitchen accessories, I like to merge utility and practicality with a dash of happiness and turn the things that we need into the things that we want. dop dop designs is all about versatility, quality, easy care, and pops of color. I put the extra care into production so that you don’t have to.
What inspires your work?
As for inspiration, I am totally inspired to create a comforting haven at the dinner table where my family and yours can reconvene at the end of each day. Life is full of fast paced activities, dinner shouldn’t be one of them. Even when my children are getting mac n’ cheese for dinner, I love how they feel like it’s the most special thing ever! Simply using a cloth napkin and a place mat transforms the everyday into an occasion. Many expected and unexpected events can become inspiration. Inspirational things (for me): sounds and smells of the ocean, walks in the woods, running water in the shower, blooming flowers, 80’s/90’s industrial music (oddly enough), old photo albums, and canning.
What items will you be bringing to the bazaar?
dop dop designs will be bringing a slew of items to the ASCB November 8th and 9th. As always, full and half aprons in fantastic fabrics will be available, potholders (deluxe and mini grabbers), reversible placemats, double-sided deluxe napkins, linen napkins, reversible table runners, and market tote bags made of vintage tablecloths~ perfect for any excursion. All items are made of 100% premium cotton and handmade in Chester Springs, PA.
What dop dop item is perfect for gift giving?
All of my items are the perfect gift for anyone who has recently moved into a new home or apartment, an avid cook, anyone who has recently remodeled their kitchen, or someone who loves to create intimate dining spaces. dop dop designs’ potholder gift sets are the perfect hostess gift, placemats and napkins are the perfect gift for the new homeowner, and a fantastic one of a kind market tote would please anyone with a heart!
What other artists at the bazaar are you excited to check out?
I am so excited to be a part of the ASCB this fall, not only as an artist/maker, but as a shopper! I’m a big pottery fan and love giving pottery as gifts….so, I’m looking forward to Little Flower designs for those needs. As a sewer, can’t wait to see Group Hug Quilts!!! Big quilt fan and love their work! For my nieces, I am sure to be hitting up Dahling accessories. AND, of course, I am looking forward to Phea Jean. Nobody works vintage fabric like Amber. Can’t wait!
If you’ve been attending Art Star events for the past few years, you’ve probably seen Matt Eyer and Peter Oravetz’s shared spot full of robots and t-shirts. Matt creates limited edition graphic t-shirts, tank-tops, and hoodies inspired by Philadelphia under his brand Wear Liberty. Peter has been illustrating his Robots! series for almost ten years now in which you can find them in all walks of life from battling giant squids to drinking beers at the bar.
Peter Oravetz
This Fall bazaar will be Matt and Peter’s fifth Art Star event together and to celebrate they did a little interview with each other. Matt goes first with questions for Pete and then Pete follows up with questions for Matt. Enjoy and be sure to stop by their booth (#41) at the bazaar!
Matt Eyer: Why robots? Why not dinosaurs? Peter Oravets: Dinosaurs are so Cretaceous period…robots are the future! Not to mention that they’re made by us…we’ve essentially engineered a new species that could potentially think for itself. It’s inevitable that they’ll have some of the same ticks and hang-ups we humans do, especially when it comes to movement and gesture. It would be interesting to see how a robot might respond to the world with the outlook of an adolescent and a similar range of motion.
“Squid” by Peter Oravatz / graphite on paper (also available as a print)
Matt: How long does it take you to complete your big pieces? How many hours total and over how long of a time period do you work on them? Pete: They can take a tremendous amount of work. The more detailed pieces like “Squid” or “001” took about a month each but that was when I had more time to produce them. I’d say close to 60 hours a piece (not including preliminary sketch time). The small ones are much quicker but do take a lot of consideration and brainstorming as well.
“First” by Peter Oravetz / graphite on paper
Matt: Have you ever collaborated or do you plan to collaborate with any Philly artists or others? Pete: Yes, I have collaborated with a now ex-Philly artist…my friend Mike Studebaker of Studebaker Metals. We were getting into the business of making toy soldiers, lapel pins, and other tiny metal versions of the Robots but it never got off the ground. Partly because he moved away to Pittsburgh. He produces excellent work, I highly recommend his line of mostly male oriented metal-ware (tie-clips, mustache combs and the like.) Recently I have collaborated with Printer Martin Peeves to help produce my new series “Catastrophe”. Screen prints of those will be available at the Fall ASCB too.
Matt: Why black and white and no color? Pete: I have no simple answer for that. One of my works, the Robot Normal Rockwell self-portrait was re made into a color piece. It came out great but took forever and had to be done digitally. I have never been particularly good with markers and water-color and, truly, I would have to introduce that kind of medium into the Robots. They benefit from the precision and clean straight lines a pen offers. Beyond that, some of my favorite illustrators and cartoonists worked mostly in B+W. Perhaps the next evolution of them will be in color.
“Drunk on Oil” by Peter Oravetz / graphite on paper (also available as a made to order, hand inked print)
Matt: What’s next for the robots? Or will there be a new theme/series?
Pete: Like I just said maybe I’ll introduce some color! T-shirts are a must, that will happen soon; a lot of people have been asking if I have a book of them made. That might be my next big project… I’d like to make a children’s book of the bots telling a story without any sort of caption or written word, just images to get them thinking critically and come up with a story of their own. Kids have such great imaginations like that.
A new series of drawings! Yes! I have started a new, albeit depressing, series of drawings titled “Catastrophe” that deal with natural disasters and urban destruction. You won’t want to miss it. Great gifts for the holidays.
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Matt Eyer
Peter Oravetz: Wear Liberty is a specifically Philly themed line of apparel. Do you simply tell the designers “Give me Philly!”? Or do you ask for more specific themes like the Philly Skyline, Ben Franklin, or City Hall? Matt Eyer: All Wear Liberty designs are my ideas and concepts but I collaborate with a few different artists to come up with the final product. Usually I give them a very rough sketch (sometimes digital mock up) of what I’m going for and then tell them to incorporate their style into the design. So yes, it’s always very specific.
Pete: In the past your clothes have been displayed on the runway by beautiful models. That’s a big jump from craft fairs. How has that helped/hindered you? Has it inspired you to find other creative ways of getting the word out? Matt: Having Wear Liberty worn on the runway opened up a whole new side of things for me. I never considered myself a “Fashion Designer”, but when grouped with other mediums of art, t-shirts fell into the fashion world for the events I’ve done. It gave me a chance to present my brand to a new audience and it was very exciting to have beautiful models wearing my shirts! Because of those events, I’ve met people I might not have otherwise and it certainly helped in expanding the reach of Wear Liberty.
Philly Famous Zip hoodie by Wear Liberty
Pete: People always seem to ask you for screen prints of the designs on your apparel. Are you planning to make that happen?? (I promise I won’t get mad if we continue to share a booth, so long as you won’t get jelly when I sell robot t-shirts, just sayin’). Matt: I’m actually planning to have a small run of screen prints at the Fall ASCB! This will be the first time I’ve ever done it, so I’m just doing a small run to see how it goes. This one guy has been asking for a print of my Ben Franklin design since we started doing Art Star events in 2012. I hope he shows up to this one!
Founding Fathers Tee by Wear Liberty
Pete: Do you have any advice for the young creative type dreaming of starting their own clothing brand? Matt: Reach out to your favorite artists and/or brand owners. There are so many smaller, independent clothing companies these days and most of them are very willing to share their experiences with you or pass along some advice. Also – do events! Present yourself to the public. Even if you have the coolest clothes ever, no one will buy them if they don’t know about them.
Pete: You freaking love Pugs. What’s up with that? Matt: There’s not a logical explanation for that, which kind of bothers me cause I’m a very logical person. My family didn’t even have a dog growing up. There was just a point when I fell in love with them. Their cute faces, their funny grunts and snorts, and their amazing energy and personality. Oliver (my pug) will be 8 in November and my life has been ever the better since I’ve had him 🙂 I also have a pug tattoo!
Ben Franklin Tee by Wear Liberty
Pete: Have you considered a Wear Liberty line for dogs and/or babies? Matt: I have! I’ve been planning a Wear Liberty doggy line since the beginning, I just wanna do it right. I recently found a lady on Etsy who makes custom dog collars…so I think it should happen soon. Maybe Spring 2015? Stay tuned!
Pete: What’s your favorite color to wear? Don’t say grey, that’s really boring. Matt: Funny you say that cause I used to hate heather grey, but now it’s definitely one of my favorites. Recently I’ve really liked “coffee” colored shirts and also “cranberry”. Pretty much any of the American Apparel tri-blend colors. It also helps that their super soft and comfy. And I could never deny how good a design looks on black, plus black goes with everything.
Pete: What’s next for Wear Liberty? Matt: Wear Liberty will be expanding into more than just Philly designs very soon. I love Philadelphia which is a major reason why I started this brand but I feel that I’m limiting myself. I want to create designs that people worldwide can appreciate, but the roots will always be here in Philly.
I cannot believe the Art Star Craft Bazaar is in just a few days! Time flies so fast! Oddly enough, we are totally ahead of the game + prepared! Here is a little interview we did with first time bazaar vendor, Demaris Howe of Bmore Papercuts. Her intricate cut paper pieces really wowed us, so of course we wanted to learn more. Visit her at booth # 44 this weekend!
Art Star: What will you be selling at the Bazaar? Demaris Howe: I will be selling one of a kind papercuts that I design and cut by hand, I will also be selling prints made from my original papercuts as well as some limited edition t shirts for men and women.
AS: Describe your process. DH: I begin by sketching my ideas – then I fold my paper and cut what I can that will be symmetrical and then unfold the piece and cut anything that is not symmetrical like words or images.
AS: Are you professionally trained? If not, how did you learn your craft? DH: I have a fine arts background but the way I got into papercutting was from working as a shadow puppeteer for 10 years with a Baltimore based visual arts organization- We made hundreds of shadow puppets and I made the connection between silhouettes and
papercutting mostly as a way to make gifts for friends.
AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for a day job? DH: I have transitioned into papercutting full time over the last year.
AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in the next 10 years? DH: I would love to be using my papercuts to design textiles, surface design and I would love to do some book illustrations.
AS: Any exciting projects in the works? DH: I have some fun large scale papercuts in the works for some restaurants in DC and Baltimore.
AS: What is your favorite thing(s) about Philadelphia? DH: The Mummers Parade and Spiral Q Puppets!!!
AS: What are you reading / listening to? DH: I love listening to podcasts while I work- My favorites are Professor Blastoff, Comedy Bang Bang, How Did this get Made and of course After the Jump from Design Sponge!
New Academy Press, founded by Justin George and Michael Burch, is a collaborative screen printing shop in Pittsburgh, PA. New Academy Press will be vending at our Art Star Craft Bazaar for the first time this year, so we were interested in learning more about them. Check out our interview and come visit them at the bazaar at booth # 110!
Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar? New Academy Press: We will be selling screen printed paper goods, such as illustrated prints, postcards, bookmarks, and paper sculptures.
AS: Describe your process. NAP: We take original illustrations and designs and screen print them by hand. Some of our prints are then cut, torn, folded, and glued to create 3-dimensional paper sculptures.
AS: Are you professionally trained? NAP: Justin holds a BFA in printmaking and Michael has one in photography.
AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what do you do for your day job? NAP: We work full time hours for New Academy Press, but to stay afloat we also spend additional time as a bartender and restaurant manager.
AS: Where would you like to see your art/craft business in the next 10 years? NAP: We would like to move our operation out of our living room and into a larger, dedicated workspace allowing us to increase our creative output, and eventually spread our love for art making through teaching classes and workshops.
AS: Any exciting projects in the works? NAP: We are currently working on a suite of new prints for a gallery show in August at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination here in Pittsburgh.
AS: What are your favorite things about Philadelphia? NAP: So many things! Michael spent a brief time living in Philly, and the things he misses most are the Museum of Art, bicycle lanes and beautiful old buildings. Justin enjoys the Mutter Museum and Ben Franklin.
AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work? NAP: We are heavily influenced by past eras of scientific exploration, design and manufacturing. We love learning about the people who have spent their lives searching for answers and discovering new things about the natural world.
AS: What are you reading / listening to? NAP: That is a very big question. We love talk radio, podcasts and audiobooks that teach us about this crazy universe, but when it comes to getting thing done we like really loud rock music.
Red Light Press is Marcus Benavides’ Fine Art Printing Press that specializes in limited edition woodcuts, lithographs and other prints on paper. This will be Marcus’ first year participating in our Art Star Craft Bazaar, so we were interested in learning more about him. Visit his booth #50 at our upcoming bazaar or check out his website
Art Star: What will you be selling at the bazaar? Marcus Benavides: I’ll be selling Woodcut and Lithographic prints.
AS. Describe your process. MB: I carve tiny marks into wood, roll those carvings up with oil based inks, and reproduce the images on paper. I also draw images on Bavarian Lithographic Limestones, chemically alter the stones with acids and solutions, roll the image up with ink, and print the image on paper. Both of these methods are printed with the help of Lula, a 100 year old, cast-iron, hand-cranked printing press.
AS: Are you professionally trained? MB:I received a BFA, MA, and an MFA in printmaking. I’ve been making prints for 10 years and I’ve been making art as far back as I can remember. Years of honing my craft, sharpening pencils, and grinding down stones can only stem from a love of hard work and printing beautiful images.
AS: Are you able to make your work full time? If not, what is your day job? MB: Sadly, I am not. I work at a commercial print-shop here in Philly.
AS: Where would you like to see your craft business in 10 years? MB:Owning a printing press allows me to make multiples of not only my own work, but collaborations with fellow artists. I would like to see Red Light Press’s expanding portfolio include more collaborative prints. I want to provide an artistic outlet for the ideas of like-minded individuals. Today, this is achievable with local artists; however, in the future I hope to build a fund for visiting, nationally-recognized artists.
AS: Any exciting projects in the works? MB: I am currently in conversations with two local artists about printing collaborative prints. That, and I’m working on a new piece entitled “Surf Mothers Must Die!”
AS: What is your favorite thing about Philadelphia? MB: Dim Sum Garden’s soup dumplings.
AS: What are some of the inspirations for your work? MB: I’m inspired most by the things that scare us as civilized beings; Indecency, the Grotesque, the Occult, Rebellious Behavior, Moralizing Folklore, and the Sleaze and Grime of back-alley cultures. I’m also influenced by the pop culture and cartoons of my childhood.
AS: What are you reading / listening to? MB:I listen to a lot of early Blues and Rock & Roll music. Mostly stuff from the 30’s to 50’s. But my taste runs the gamut of music genres.
AS: Anything fun readers might be interested in knowing about you or your business? MB: I grew up in South Texas. I have a rifle-scope scar on my left brow. That, and I have a collection of voodoo and Mexican witchcraft paraphernalia.
Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Maryanne Petrus- Gilbert: Yes, I received my BFA in Jewelry/Metals from Tyler School of Art. I consider myself a maker more than a jeweler since I love to work with all mediums and build things. I spend my time equally making jewelry and clothing now.
AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
MPG: I will be selling my upcycled skirts and dresses. Every piece I make is completely unique since my materials depend on what I can find to upcycle.
AS: What materials do you work with?
MPG: I work primarily with preloved T Shirts. I love scouring local thrift stores for t shirts that have a great design or color. I also use corduroy pants, mens cotton dress shirts and wool/cashmere sweaters.
AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
MPG: I handpick every shirt that comes back to the studio. I pit stop at our laundromat and load up the giant machines for washing, then the clothing comes home and is hung to dry. Everything then gets sorted and cut. I have several minnows now that help with cutting and assembly so I can focus on the design and applique work. Every flower, skull, whale, bike or thing that hit my imagination that morning is done by me using a process called free motion applique. I draw with the sewing machine thread and then the “drawing” is cut out.
AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
MPG: I have been doing this for 5 years now, Two years ago it became my full time job and I couldn’t be happier. I still love creating the metalwork for Polymer clay artists:Ford- Forlano, but most of my energy is in Sardine.
AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
MPG: I have been loving the new David Bowie, but I listen to a variety of people like My Morning Jacket, The Shins, Dr Dog, Dawes, Alabama Shakes….where do I stop? I am a music junkie, the computer is always on Spotify or iTunes radio in the studio and I love hearing new artists.
AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? MPG: In 10 years, I would love to see Sardine be nationwide. Every year I add a different aspect to the business. This February I took the line to the Buyers Market of American Craft and had orders placed by 12 new stores. I plan to continue doing wholesale shows and adding to the list of stores that carry Sardine. I am trying to grow Sardine slowly so that I never lose the handmade goodness that makes every skirt unique.
AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
MPG: I can’t wait to see what monsters Leroy’s Place has in store, I may need to add another to my wall, Gilbert and Leona, Rocks and Salt, Horrible Adorables…I really just like seeing everything!
Try on some of her skirts/dresses at the bazaar this weekend at booth #29!
Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study? Jeffrey Brown: Yes, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studying Interior Architecture.
AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar? JB: Our hand poured candles, in unique packaging designed by us!
AS: What materials do you work with?
JB: We only use American made materials that are as all-natural as possible, including food-grade soy wax, all-natural fragrance (no icky synthetic perfumes), cotton wicks, recycled paper packaging and handmade paper boxes.
AS: How are your items made? Describe your process. JB: We hand pour all of our candles in batches no greater than 35, in traditional warming pots. No hoses, no industrial equipment–the old fashioned way. Our candles are also all hand signed and numbered…
AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job? JB: We are lucky to be able to be busy enough to do this full time! If I had to work on the side, I would go back to decorating and photo styling…
AS: Who are some of your favorite artists? JB: I collect vintage and antique oil on canvas landscape paintings, most of which are unsigned, or signed by artists of little notoriety. I tend to gravitate to works that were clearly done solely for personal pleasure, and handed down and inherited through family members (until they end up on eBay or flea markets)… As for works of established artists that I covet and would LOVE to collect, I enjoy the work of photographers like Stephen Shore, Gregory Crewdson and Diane Arbus who transform people, places and things we see everyday, into extraordinary imagery.
AS: What are you reading/listening to right now? JB: Sirius XM 70’s on 7. I’m old.
AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year? JB: I LOVE Twig Terrariums–their tongue-in-cheek humor is right up my alley! I have also always loved Volta Organics soaps when I come across them in stores, so am pumped to have their entire assortment in front of me (although I might implode with excitement). Additionally, I’m a dude that likes his small accessories, so am also intrigued to see Bregga & Co.’s leather goods up close and personal.
Thanks for Sharing Jeffrey! Visit him at the Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend at booth #101
Matt Eyer is the owner, founder, and creative director of Wear Liberty, a graphic t-shirt brand that is influenced and inspired by the art, history, and culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Previous to starting his brand, he was the Art Director of the Ropeadope Design Collective, a graphic t-shirt line put out through Ropeadope Records. Matt also writes about and reviews t-shirts for the most popular/read t-shirt blog in the world, Hide Your Arms.
Aside from t-shirts, he is obsessed with pugs. Matt has a 6 year old pug named Oliver that lives with him in South Philly. He also got a pug tattoo at the 2013 Philadelphia Tattoo Convention. Ask him to see it!
Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Matt Eyer: I did not. I did live in Germany for a year in between high school and college though, and I think my experience there definitely plays into my inspiration.
AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
ME: T-shirts! My brand is centered around graphic t-shirts. I have a few hoodies too.
AS: What materials do you work with?
ME: T-shirts! haha. and inks to print on them. I mostly use American Apparel shirts, as they are great to print on and very comfy to wear. I use 100% cotton, a 50/50 Poly-Cotton blend, and a super soft Tri-Blend shirt.
AS:How are your items made? Describe your process.
ME: All my designs are my ideas that start in my head and sometimes on paper with a very rough sketch. I then share these ideas with the artists and designers I work with and they beautifully craft them into print-ready designs. When the finished pieces are set to go, they are hand screen printed onto t-shirts and then I have custom hem tags that I sew on myself.
AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job? ME: Not yet, unfortunately. Hopefully soon though! My “day job” is actually a night job. I’m a server at one of Philly’s most delicious Mexican restaurants, La Calaca Feliz. If you like Mexican and margaritas, I highly recommend coming in. And ask for me of course.
AS:Who are some of your favorite artists?
ME:Wotto is definitely one of my all time favorites. He has an incredible style that you can always recognize as soon as you see one of his designs. Yema Yema is also at the top of my list. She creates some of the best characters I’ve ever seen. (She designed my Ben Franklin tee and I will have a new one from her this year!) againstbound is another favorite. He has a very unique style that stands out from the crowd. And one of my more recent favorites is Colus. (He just released is first ever dunny with kidrobot!)
I also recently discovered these two wonderful ladies: Anita Inverarity and Lea Barozzi. I just put a deposit on one of Lea’s original pieces!
AS: What are you reading/listening to right now? ME: Always listening! Local Natives, Tame Impala, Beach House, Father John Misty, Vacationer. All those bands have released really awesome records over the past year and you should definitely check them out.
AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
ME: 10 years is a long time from now…but in the next few years, I would like to get my shirts into more stores and shops in Philadelphia and hopefully open my own store one day! I’m also planning on creating a Wear Liberty pet line for all of your Philly loving cats and dogs.
AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year? ME: Gnome Enterprises always has some awesome shirts, so I’ll have to check them out. All the stuff from Mad Knits, Gearforms, and Cutesy but not Cutesy looks great (especially the dog monster hoodie!), so I’ll definitely be stopping by all of their booths. And one of these days, I’m gonna have to pick up one of Jordan Elise’s Horrible Adorables. They’re just too awesome not to.
This is Matt’s second year doing the Art Star Craft Bazaar and he is super excited! He will be releasing 5 new designs, which is the most he’s ever done at once with his own brand.
He was featured on Comcast/Xfinity On Demand for the month of February for an interview he did with the website Philly In Focus. Each month, their top 3 most popular videos are featured on On Demand under the “Get Local” section. Check it out here
For sneak peeks and updates, follow Wear Liberty on facebook and twitter.
Art Star: Tell us a bit about your work. What inspires your imagery?
AS: You currently live/work in Brooklyn, correct? Where are you from originally?
AS: Are you able to focus on your work full time?
