Category: interviews

  • An Interview with Andrea Courchene of Paper Sparrow

    Andrea Courchene, the artist behind Paper Sparrow

    Art Star: Tell us a bit about your work.  What inspires your imagery?
    Andrea Courchene:  As an artist and musician I am divided between two creative worlds. My process of creating art is intrinsically like refining a passage of music through practice, writing original pieces, or listening to my favorite recordings–it is quite involved. I have always found a special interest in the connections between the sound of music and visual art. Performing music inspires my art with an appreciation for the audience as well; people of all ages can find an instrument, an animal, or a scene which may capture their imagination.  I’m also inspired by vintage illustrations, nature and living in New York City.

    AS:  Are you formally trained? If so, where did you study?
    AC:  My formal education is in music.  I have a bachelors and master’s degree in music.  I’ve always loved creating art as a hobby as far back as elementary school.  I’ve taken a few art classes at both my undergraduate college as well as in graduate school.  I recently completed two courses at Columbia University: one in painting and the other, lithography.  I’m also starting an etching class there this Spring.

    Andrea working on a lithograph

    AS: Are you originally from New York?  What are some of your favorite places in NYC to go for inspiration?
    AC:  I was born in England and immigrated to Florida with my family when I was in high school.  Since then I’ve been lucky to travel around and have recently lived in Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and am now based in New York City.   New York City is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city but I find that I am most inspired by my neighborhood on the Upper West Side of Manhattan which is always bustling and has the added advantage of two great, enormous city parks on each side: Riverside and Central Park.

    poster by Paper Sparrow

    AS: Are you able to focus on your work full time?  Do you have a day job?  Any employees?
    AC:  Paper-Sparrow is currently my full-time work.  I am fortunate to be able to supplement my income with freelance performance and teaching music.  I do get a lot of support and an extra pair of hands for shipping packages from my partner, Paul, who is also a cellist.

    AS: What materials do you use for the original illustrations?
    AC: It varies from piece to piece.  I tend to gravitate towards paint: gouache, watercolors and acrylics with added textures and backgrounds.  Other times I simply draw in pen and ink and digitally manipulate the images in photoshop and illustrator.


    AS: Any new and exciting projects in the works?
    AC:  This year I’m focusing on expanding my line of greeting cards and taking on more freelance opportunities.

    AS: Aside from Etsy & Art Star, where else do you sell/show your work?
    AC:  I tend to sell at a few craft fairs every year in the summers and the holiday season.  I also wholesale my cards to a number of boutiques and stores across the US and to a few in Australia.

    “Smoky Mountain Gypsy Jazz” by Paper Sparrow

    AS:  Who are some of your favorite artists/illustrators?
    AC:  I have pretty eclectic taste but I particularly love art of the bauhaus movement and mid-century design.  I love scouring vintage children’s books for illustrations by Martin and Alice Provensen, M. Sasek, Sandy Hoffman, Aliki Brandenberg and Brian Wildsmith.

    AS: What music are you listening to these days?
    AC: We always have music playing in our apartment.  You can bet on lots of classical and chamber music, jazz, Django Reinhardt and some 60s pop.

    Check out our collection of work by Andrea’s line, Paper Sparrow, HERE

  • An Interview with Laura George

    Laura Berger (aka Laura George)

    Are you professionally trained?  If so, were did you study?
    I’m self-taught, mostly, although I did do some painting in college for my theatre degree — I used to paint costume design renderings, giant backdrops & set pieces and that sort of thing.

    I love the humorous quality in your illustrations.  When/how did you develop your current style?  Or did you always work in this way?
    Thank you!  :o)  I guess my current style has been developing ever since I was a little kid and doodling all along… but I really started working more on my own work, experimenting with mediums, and finding my voice over the past four years or so, I’d say. It’s always going to be a work in progress.  I think an artist’s style comes from all of the different influences that sort of seep into our subconscious minds from our environment, thoughts, and experiences, but also just from painting from a very honest place inside.

    “Magic Flash” gouache on wood

    Who are some artists that you admire?
    So many.  Here are a few off the top of my head– Shinzi Katoh, Marc Boutevant, Nathaniel Russell, Mark Whalen, Jeremiah Ketner, Mark Rothko, Naoshi, Jay Howell, Helena Garcia, Mel Kadel, Souther Salazar, Lisa Kowalski…. I also really love looking at the work of letterpress artists and street artists… oh, there are so many talented people to admire, it’s seriously overwhelming, eh?

    “Totem #3” digital print

     

    How do you come up with your incredible imagery?  What inspires you?
    You are nice.  My images usually just pop into my head as whole pictures that I see.  Then I quickly grab something and write them down so I don’t lose them.  I get a lot of ideas when I’m traveling, particularly driving long distances by myself, which I do quite a bit of the past few years.  I’m most inspired by traveling abroad or out in nature, as well as by Eastern philosophy.  I love mountains and oceans and street art and Japanese pop art and animals and watching people.

    Is exhibiting/selling your paintings and line of cards/prints your full time gig?  Do you take on any freelance design/illustration work?
    Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to be doing this full time for the last 2 years now.  I do commissioned design or illustration work when time allows, and I would love to do more projects like that in the future.

    Happy Home Notecard

    What is a typical day like for you? Do you keep a regular studio practice?
    I don’t know if I have a typical day… I should probably work on that!  I’m not super structured, and every day is marginally different, but I do work every single day, usually for many many hours…. most days include some combination of the following things::  coffee, computering, drawing or painting, typing invoices, packaging cards, visiting the Uptown post office, supply purchasing, hopefully having a little chat with someone out in the world, taking a walk or run, eating a nice dinner with my lovely fella, or seeing a friend, and maybe a glass of wine, trying to read a little.

    “Lost A Slice” gouache on wood

     

    What are you listening to / reading right now?
    I like this album The Roots of Chicha that I just got, and the album Zammuto — they are in heavy play right now.  I always listen to a lot of Juana Molina, Gillian Welch, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bill Callahan, Breathe Owl Breathe and The Books.  I will stop there but there are so many…..

    I am reading a book by Chogyam Trungpa called “Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior“.

    Laura working on a mural

     

    How long have you lived in Chicago?  What are your favorite places to visit there?
    I’ve lived here for ten years now — it feels like home.  I spend as much time as possible at the lake, which I am lucky to have quite close to my apartment, so I can just trot over there.  There are great vintage shops in my neighborhood that I like to poke around in.  I also like visiting restaurants. Probably too many restaurants.  And the Hopleaf, which is a Belgian pub a few blocks away from home.

    “Mixed Tape” digital print

     

    What is you favorite summer beverage?
    Alcoholic:: a glass of rose or a good IPA
    Non-alcoholic::  iced americano

    Where else do you show your work?  Any upcoming exhibitions or fun projects in the works?
    I have shown my work in little independent shops and galleries in the US and abroad. Right now, I’m painting for a few exhibitions — first up is a two-person show with Sandra Fettingis at Groundswell Gallery in Denver that opens on August 12, The Enormous Tiny Art show at Nahcotta in New Hampshire opening Sept 7, then a charity group show benefiting children with cancer at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in LA opening Sept 8.  Then I need to get going on designing my new holiday cards and 2013 calendars.

    View our entire collection of work by Laura George Here
    Also Find her here: her BlogEtsy  & Flickr 

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Holly Hue Clothing

    Holly Kerr – the lovely lady behind Holly Hue Clothing – in her studio

    Did you go to school for fashion?  If so, where did you study?
    I did not got to fashion school, but did go for Elementary Education. I have always been crafty and resourceful which is a trait I learned growing up with a single mom. I have been sewing since I was 12 yrs old, starting off with easier projects like pillowcases and quilts to eventually teaching myself pattern making and clothing construction.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    I make up-cycled, one-of-a-kind hoodies and dresses with an a-symmetrical zipper that I call Hip Zips. I also make hand bags and tote bags.

    screen printed piyo bag by Holly Hue

    What materials do you work with?
    Recycled jersey and sweater knit for the Hip Zips. Canvas twill for the totes.

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    I try to find bright colors, or the craziest and ugliest prints from the thrift stores. Everything is washed and then cut open at the seams to then be used as a fabric. I draft my own patterns and then the magic happens I guess. I love to color block and mix unconventional patterns. My hip zips definitely have an 80’s feel.  I don’t really know what something is going to look like until I start pulling colors and prints together. It’s a very artistic ritual that keeps myself always excited about the process.

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    I do pretty much do this for a living. I also teach Zumba but that’s really a labor of love.

    Women's Hip-Zip Hoodies + Dresses by Holly Hue Clothing

    Who are some of your favorite fashion designers?
    Anna Sui, I love her bold prints and colors.

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    Can’t remember a time when I had the time to read, so it’s audiobooks all the way while I am working if I am not listening to Pandora.

    AudioBook- Clockwork Angel
    Music- everything from melodic hardcore to electronic indie.

    Men's Hoodies/Vests by Holly Hue

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? I’ve been doing this for 7 years and to keep doing it at the same pace I have been is totally fulfilling to me. I love living in Buffalo and traveling all over the country for indie craft fairs as well as selling my stuff in indie boutiques, on my website and etsy.

    Visit Holly at Booth #56 at our upcoming bazaar!

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Everyday Balloons

    We are excited to welcome new vendors Becki Hollen and Chris Bencivenga from Everyday Balloons!  Visit them at Booth #76!

    Becki + Chris from Everyday Balloons

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
    We both have BFAs from Edinboro University. That’s also where we met!

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    We will have a variety of items screen printed with our original illustrations: t-shirts for people of all sizes, handmade totes and bottle bags, paper prints and more.

    Yellow Bunny Wine + Whiskey Bag by Everyday Balloons

    What materials do you work with?
    We will try to print on just about anything we can get our hands on, but mostly we stick to paper, fabric, and ink of course. Something we’ve been experimenting with is screen printing on shrinky dinks.

    a print in the works

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    Initially everything starts with a drawing, sometimes we incorporate found patterns and textures. Then we make the layers for printing by cutting ruby lith and using paint markers. All our prints are hand pulled by us regardless of the material we’re printing on. Our handmade totes and bottle bags are cut out and individually pieced together. Each one is one of a kind.


    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    Right now, Everyday Balloons is our after hours gig. We both have full-time printing jobs. Chris works at Commonwealth Press, a screen printing shop, and Becki works at Sapling Press, a letterpress printing shop.

    Robots & Satellites TShirt by Everyday Balloons

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    Jay Ryan. The Little Friends of Printmaking. We’re big fans of Wes Anderson and we’ve recently started a small collection of My Paper Crane pieces.

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    The Zombies, First Aid Kit, and The Beach Boys. We wish we had more time to read. Right now there’s a few cooking blogs we frequent (Shutterbean and The Kitchn to name a few) to support our other hobby, cooking.

    Bunny Onesie by Everyday Balloons

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years? 
    We would love to be working for ourselves, making our art full time, and raising a family (and maybe some chickens) in a cabin in the woods.

    Visit their blog to learn more! http://everydayballoonsshop.tumblr.com/
    + become their fans on Facebook

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Tugboat Printshop

    Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
    We met in the University of South Dakota printmaking department.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    We make and sell all original woodcuts.  We like them to be different, colorful, and detailed.  We are excited every day to push the craft of our artwork to newer places.  We’ve got some really nice larger work that we’re hoping to debut at the Bazaar.

    Mama Bear, color woodblock print, 2012 Tugboat Printshop

    What materials do you work with?
    We are traditional printmakers.  We do everything completely by hand.  At night, we use electricity, but other than that, it is exactly the same basic process as Gutenberg, but with less frills.  We use hand-tools to carve birch plywood blocks. All our ink for printing is oil based, all of our paper is archival.

    Woodblock (red ink) for RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    Firstly, we (Paul and Valerie) think a lot about our ideas.  Woodcut, especially color woodcut, takes a very long time, so we like to be very deliberate about what we make from start to finish. We like to think that an artist has a responsibility to their society and culture to be a kind of ‘visual bard’–to work with themes that are relevant to the times, and pertinent to others.  For example, right now, we suppose we’re talking alot about an ideal environment in our work.  After we do our thinking (there’s a lot of ideas that don’t end up getting made all the way through), we draw directly onto the woodblock, first in pencil, then in felt-tip pen, this allows us to trade the blocks back and forth and both have input on their design.  Then we carve around our drawing with hand tools, essentially turning the drawing into a “big, fancy, stamp”.  We roll ink onto the drawing, then lay paper on the ink, then run it through the press.  We generally repeat this process more or less for every color in an image–see our website for more details & process photos!

    RV by Tugboat Printshop, 2011

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?  We are full time artists!  It took a lot of work to get here, but we kind of always knew that we were willing to put in the crazy hours and work really hard, and had the opportunity to turn some of our other skills into side jobs (picture framing, graphic design, etc) to get us by while we worked to make Tugboat full time. We still work mad hours every day, but we love what we do.

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    Well, we look at a lot of artists, and have a great deal of respect for many different ones.  Right now we’re looking at a lot of unknown artisan’s works ~ old, old artifacts from ancient times to around about the Middle Ages.

    Tugboat Printshop

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    We were reading baby books and we always read the daily newspaper. We listen to a lot of Bluegrass, Woody Guthrie, Carter Family, etc.  And Led Zeppelin. And Otis Redding. And we have the NPR classical station on all day long in our kitchen calm room.  We think our new little girl, Ayla, likes Harry Belafonte, but who doesn’t?

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?  Well, it’s beyond time to get our operation out of the house.  We are focused on finding a separate studio for Tugboat Printshop ~ a place where we can host events with other artists, maybe have workshops, and hire helping hands. We’re also really excited about new projects in the coming months…bigger woodcuts in the works!

    Visit Paul & Valerie of Tugboat Printshop at Booth #61 at our upcoming ASCB!

     

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Janell Wysock

    photo by Rene Micheli

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
    I finally got around to college by age 25 and went to Moore College of Art and Design.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    Those attending the Bazaar will see light weight knit sweaters with blocks of color that can be worn on a cool evening at the shore or layered artistically all year round.  I will also have handwoven and netted scarves.

    Sweater by Janell Wysock

    What materials do you work with?
    Yarns that are made out of wool, rayon, silk, metallics are my favorites.  I blend them sometimes to create unique color stories and you may find them crocheted, woven, or knitted.

    by Janell Wysock

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    I create my work using both a fine gauge and bulky knitting machine as well as the floor loom.  The process starts with a cone of yarn and a pattern I have developed that gets set up on either machine and a lot of hand work techniques to bring it all together both in finishing edges and decorative details.

    the artist's studio

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    I do spend a full amount of time producing my work and handling the business side of it -Monday thru Friday, 8 hours a day.  But I also keep a constant income flow going from local neighborhood weekly cleaning accounts that I service, as well as photographing everything from other designers work to peoples head shots and my favorite, weddings.

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    Some of my favorite international artists are Friendreich Hundertwasser, Kurt Schwitters, Arline Fisch, Sheila Hicks, Janet Echelman, and Haas&Hahn.  Favorites I have studied with are Lewis Knauss, Deborah Warner, and Michael Olszewski,  and my favorite local folk are Karen Henderson, Rebecca Landes, e Bond, Darla Jackson, Donna Quinn, Termain Smith, Brienne Rosner, Rene Micheli.

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    I am listening to Deadmau5.

    wool crocheted over a rock by Janell Wysock

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    In the next ten years I would like to have a production line that is viable and be able to also create large scale outdoor art pieces.

    You can find Janell at booth #99 at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Angie Mason

    Hello Gorgeous! The lovely Angie Mason


    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?

    I went to Parsons New School for Design in NYC where I studied illustration and fine arts.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    I have a nice selection of treats! I will be bringing everything from “Wearable Art” such as jewelry, t-shirts and hand bags to my hand painted plates, art prints, original paintings, drawing and sculptures. A nice selection with a price point for everybody.

    a sample of goodies that you will see at our upcoming ASCB!

    What materials do you work with?
    I like to mix things up and will use anything and everything. I do have a large focus on painting which tends to be acrylic or oil. I also like to create sculptures of my characters in sculpey clay & then paint those. I have dabbled in photography, video and silkscreening. I feel as a creative person it only helps having a wide scope of creative materials and methods to bring my ideas to fruition in which ever way best suits a particular idea.

    "Some Magic Left In Me" & "The Sun" by Angie Mason

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    Just about everything I do is D.I.Y. – from hand pulling shirts with silkscreening to hand painted plates and original paintings and drawings. To describe the process a bit, all my ideas start in my sketchbooks then grow into individual projects whether they are painting, a necklace or anything. They are all created in my in home art studio. I have no assistants so my hands and eyes touch and see everything going on… my cat likes to think he is an assistant in my studio but I haven’t quite found a purpose for all the toys he brings to me as gifts.  Sometimes he gets carried away with them but I will not go into any more detail than that. 😉

    hand painted plates by Angie Mason

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    I have balanced my life so far creatively and financially by working both as an exhibiting artist (which is the part I love but does not really pay my mortgage) to a more grounded financially, yet still highly creative path, as a fulltime illustrator/designer during the day where I have worked at dot coms and publishing houses. Currently I have been freelancing for my own L.L.C. but I am always looking for new opportunities for both sides of my creative life. Also to note currently I am focusing on preparing for a solo exhibit this July 7th in New York City at Sacred Gallery.

     

    the artist's studio

    Who are some of your favorite artists?
    I have always adored the surrealists such as Remedios Varos, Leonora Carrington, & Dorthea Tanning. I also have always been drawn to Botticelli’s works which I was able to see 2 of my favorites at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy in 2009. That really was an amazing trip – getting to see so much history, it filled my mind with inspiration.  Another I always loved is Hieronymus Bosch – I have a print on canvas of his Garden Of Earthly Delights hanging in my bedroom and to this day it’s one of my favorites.  It’s always different when I look at so many lives and characters existing in those 3 worlds! I also enjoy a lot of works from the 1400 and 1500s. One last one to mention here, I just love Grant Wood. I find his works (not so much his portraits of people but the landscape works) to be so magical! Ever since I was a young child I always imagined climbing into and living in the painting ‘The Midnight Ride Of Paul Revere‘ painted in 1931. Also, look up his drawings of haystacks and horses – they are wonderful.

    the artist's studio (view 2)

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    Now with having a smart phone I find I read a lot on there – mostly random life hacker type articles or NPR newsy articles on their which is probably killing my eyes. Musically I am enjoying the new Magnetic Fields as well as Grimes, We Are Augustines and Cold Cave are some bands in a recent mix I have created. I grew up loving music and still do. Recently while painting I was listening to Stars Of The Lid and Zoe Keating BOTH AMAZING to paint to.

    T-Shirt by Angie Mason


    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    I would like to see it continue to grow into a more lucrative venture that is able to sustain itself. I would like to continue to exhibit my art in various places hopefully allowing me the opportunity to travel to interesting places while doing so. I also would like to expand into licensing my artwork, it is untapped ground which I would like to get more involved in. I basically am looking to find balance in this modern world that revolves around money sadly but allow me the comfort and freedom to be able to produce and create my personal visions. I have been very fortunate thus far and just hope doors keep opening or at least appearing so then I can try to open those doors to see what new adventures lies behind them.

    Visit Angie at the upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar!
    www.angiemason.com 

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: James Singewald Photography

    James Singewald

    Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study? 
    I went to The University of the Arts(’02) in Philly for my BFA and Maryland Institute College of Art(’10) in Baltimore for my MFA.

    What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
    Framed/unframed photographs of Philly and Baltimore. I’ll also have a few copies of my self-published book, Old Town, East Baltimore, for sale.

    Photo by James Singewald

    What materials do you work with?For the past 4 years I’ve been shooting primarily with a 4×5 view camera and using Fujichrome Velvia slide film. I scan the chromes and print with high quality Epson printers on various types of archival paper. Most of my earlier work from Philly was shot with a 35mm Pentax K-1000 or my Hasselblad, and some 4×5 as well. I also shot mostly black and white film for my early work and more recently have switched to color.

    photo by James Singewald

    How are your items made? Describe your process.
    For the work I’ve been doing in Baltimore the past few years, photographing entire blocks and streets, light is very important. I’m documenting entire blocks by photographing each building individually or in pairs. I try to photograph buildings during the time the sun sets on them. I find that a combination of good light and the saturated color of the Velvia slide film creates a glimpse or feeling of what the mostly dilapidated buildings were and could be. It portrays a sense of history and potential. I also conduct a lot of research about the history of these places, what they looked like and used to be, why they have declined and been neglected for so long, and what the future holds for them. I plan on combining all of the photography and research in to a book or possible series. I approach this work as though I’m building an archive of city blocks as several companies and photographers did roughly 100 years ago before urban renewal and the decline most cities experienced for the past 50-60 years.

    Photo by James Singewald

    Are you able to make your work full-time?  If not, what do you do for your day job?
    I work part time at the Maryland Historical Society in the Imaging Services Department where I am responsible for the photography and digitization of items in the collection as well as fulfilling reproduction requests and permissions for patrons.

    Photo by James Singewald


    Who are some of your favorite artists?

    Camilo Jose Vergara, Harry Callahan, Bruce Davidson, Bernd & Hilla Becher, Ed Ruscha, Edward Burtynsky.

    What are you reading/listening to right now?
    Not in My Neighborhood, by Antero Pietila.
    Spaces of Hope, by David Harvey

    I’ve been listening to a lot of MF Doom, Jay Electronica, Madlib, and my usual 90s hip hop collection…

    Photo by James Singewald

    Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 10 years?
    Always a tough question, but I’m hoping the work I’m doing now will lead to similar projects and increased press or awareness of what I’m doing and why. I hope to have a steady balance of work and grants coming in to support my work. I’m increasingly interested in topics like urban history and planning and how you bring a devastated city like Baltimore, Philly, or Detroit back to life.

    Photo by James Singewald

     

    http://www.jsingewald.com/
    You can meet James & buy his work at this upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar!

  • Introducing DC Ice

    We just got in some great original pieces by Minnesota based artist, DC Ice.  I was curious to learn more about her.  Check out my interview below.

    "27, A Following" by DC Ice

    Art Star: Where did you grow up?  Did you draw as a child?
    DC Ice: I grew up in Rochester, MN in an old stucco perish house on top of a hill. Surrounded by trees, exploring in my backyard and picking wild raspberries was my favorite pastime. I have always loved creating art.  One of my very first memories is of painting with my mom.

    AS: Did you go to art school? If so, what did you study?
    DC: I have a BFA degree from The College of Visual Arts. My major was illustration.

    AS: What mediums do you work with? What is your favorite?
    DC: I work with acrylic and oil paint, colored pencils, pen & I sew critters called “scary dolls.” Recently I have been enjoying drawing with razor blades on scratchboard. I constantly change up mediums which I feel keeps my art fresh.

    "My Tea Tastes Like Dirt & Old Fruit" by DC Ice

    AS: DC Ice is such a cool name! Is it your real name or do you just use it for your work?
    DC: I was born “Dawn Candace Silvernagle.” My parents never just called me “Dawn” though, they always called me “Dawn Candace.” When I went to college and introduced myself at “Dawn Candace”… well, everyone just started calling me “DC.” I married a guy named Nick ICE. Sooo, DC ICE is actually my name.

    AS:  You have illustrated 6 children’s books.  How long have you been doing that for?
    DC: My first book was published in 2006 and I have been doing it ever since.  When I was little I remember trying to copy the artwork in books I liked.  Now I get to create the real deal. Really exciting. I am currently working on a book called “Can a Pig Swim?” by Thomas Rush.

    books illustrated by DC Ice

    AS: Do you work as an illustrator full time?
    DC: I DO! And I love it. I also get to take care of my niece and nephew a couple days a week. Their little creative minds are a joy to be around.

    AS: How much does children’s book illustration inspire your own art? Have any specific illustrators influenced your work?
    DC:  I think Edward Gorey has been my biggest influence because he illustrated adult themes in a children’s book format. My art is a bit grim like his. I adore his work. Other artists that I love include Julia Pot, Owen Gent, Lizzy Stewart, Anne Faith Nicholls, Evan B. Harris… just to name a few.

    Illustration by Edward Gorey, from the Gashlycrumb Tinies

    AS: Based on the titles of your work (which are great) & the fact that you illustrate books, I feel like you must have some great stories behind each of your characters. Is this a correct assumption?
    DC: Yes, my characters definitely tell stories. The titles to my art pieces are sometimes ridiculously long though. A few works just finished this month include, “I Concur Claude, It’s a Complex Mystery”and “Greetings from the Abyss Under Your Bed.”  I like illustrating animals with human attributes because I think it is a purer way to portray feelings. I don’t want sex, race and sometimes wardrobe, to taint the onlookers view of the feelings I’m trying to portray. When using animals as a way of conveying a mood, the onlookers perception is less contaminated due to associations that people often create towards people.

    "Fresh, Oblivious & Missed" by DC Ice

    AS: You must have an Amazing imagination to come up with your subject matter.  Where do you go for inspiration? Do you keep a sketchbook?
    DC:  I am inspired by other artists and music, but mainly personal experiences and my past. I always have a sketchbook nearby and keep my old sketchbooks. It’s funny to see how my art transforms through the years.

    AS: Do you plan out a piece from start to finish or is it a more intuitive process for you?
    DC: With small pieces I just start drawing, it’s neat to see what comes to life. With larger pieces though I have an idea in mind and sketch out something really quick to figure out the composition.

    AS: What is a typical day like for you? Do you have a studio that you go to each day?
    DC: Years ago I had a studio in Minneapolis which I shared with some dear friends. These days however, I love having my studio right in my house so I can jump into my work whenever I get inspired. During art school I was told once that there are too many distractions when you have an in-home studio. I go into my art cave in the morning with a cup of coffee, turn on music, and the world fades away for me.

    "Ghostly Noises" by DC Ice

    AS: If money was not an issue, what would you be doing? Would you be focusing more on your art or would you still be illustrating? Or would you be doing something entirely different?
    DC: Illustration is my love. I consider all my art illustration, the paintings, the books, and even the scary dolls, they are 3D illustrations. I enjoy creating my art most of all but there’s something spectacular that I feel when I get handed a book in printed form. Warm fuzzies. I wouldn’t change a thing.

    AS: Any fun projects or shows in the works?
    DC: I am thrilled to have my art with you in Philly right now. This is the first time my art has seen the east.I am really excited about getting my work into Gallery 360 in Minneapolis too. That show opens on March 3rd and will be up for 6 weeks. I also have a show at Frameworks in St. Paul right now. Please visit dcice.com for more show updates and new art.

    Check out our entire collection of her work here.

  • ASCB Vendor Spotlight: Concrete Polish

    Company: Concrete Polish
    Proprietor: Angela Monaco
    http://concretepolishstudio.com/
    Jewelry Studio & Showroom: Concrete Polish
    716 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia
    find her at booth # 3 at our upcoming art star craft bazaar!

    Art Star: Tell us a bit about your background.  Are you professionally trained in jewelry/metalsmithing?

    Angela Monaco: I grew up in Chicago and Cincinnati Ohio. I started school in Ohio studying Psychology.  This quickly made me realize that I would much rather be creating fun jewels with my hands.  I took an evening jewelry class for one of my extra credits that I needed & I instantly fell in love with metalsmithing and expecially casting!  I applied for an artist grant to build my own studio and started my quest as a jewelry designer and maker. I later transferred to the Maryland Institute College of Art to pursue my interest in Jewelry and Printmaking.  While attending M.I.C.A I took a casting class where I first started to create my line of jewelry.  I have always collected gems and minerals and had the idea to start making molds to reproduce them in bronze and silver. That idea never faded away and has become my main focus in design.

    Double Finger Quartz Knuckle Duster

    AS: What made you decide to move to Philly & open up a studio/showroom

    AM: After I lived in Baltimore a few years I decided to take a leap to a new and bigger city. I always felt a great creative energy when I visited and it was time for a change. I love this city and I think it was a perfect choice for me to start my business and open my first boutique.

    AS: What types of materials do you use?

    AM:Silver, bronze, and many types of gemstones.  I have a large collection of faceted and natural crystals. I also love chain. I mainly buy antique chain at flea markets or silver and bronze stock chain.

    AS:What is involved in the making of each piece?  Do you carve your pieces out of wax & then cast them?

    AM: I mainly design jewelry using wax. I am either carving or manipulating an organic object that I have made a mold of.  After I come up with a prototype I am happy with, I then make a mold of that and cast it in either silver or bronze.  I can plate the bronze or silver in yellow gold, rose gold, or black rhodium.  If requested I can also cast in solid gold, platinum, or rhodium but I do not keep stock in the store of those metals. I also have a wide variety of gemstones i use.  My favorite are natural amethyst points and smoky quartz.

    a piece in the works

    AS: What is your creative process like?  Do you sketch your ideas out first?

    AM: I mainly work in 3D. A lot of my designs come from playing with the different rubber molds I have made over the years.  I cut them apart and make my own formations that suit a piece of jewelry.  Over the years I have carved a few different ring bases that I re-use with different crystals on top.  For example, I make a mold for a double finger ring with my logo on it that i can use for multiple designs.

    AS: What inspired your current collection?

    AM: My current collection is inspired by the formations of raw crystal growth, like an amethyst or natural quartz crystal. Since i was a small child my Mother and I have been collecting gemstones, crystals, & all sorts of fossils.  My childhood phases never seemed to thin out and now crystals have become the main focus of my design.  I keep finding more and more creative ways to tell the story of why these forms are so attractive to me.

    Ring

    AS: How did you come up with the name Concrete Polish?  What is the story behind that?

    AM: The name Concrete Polish sprung to me one day when I was thinking about what my jewelry represents visually and emotionally.  The pieces I create have a rough and refined exterior, but with a feminine polished touch.  It is a balance of sculpture that creates an edgy yet sophisticated piece of jewelry. Concrete Polish represents that idea of balance.

    AS: Your collection seems to mostly include rings & some necklaces.  Do you have any plans to expand into earrings or other types of jewelry/accessories?

    AM: Yes, you are completely correct.  We have soo many rings here at CP.  I seem to have a small obsession with rings lately. This is of course my mothers fault :). I am working on releasing a new catalog for the spring.  There will be 10 ring designs, 3 bangles, 3 stud earrings, 3 drop earrings with chain, and about 4-5 necklaces.  I am also designing a bolo right now for a friend, which I feel will become a successful unisex piece for a future collection.  Linda Smyth of Topstich Boutique and I are also working towards collaborating on a jewelry line of Rabid Fox and Concrete Polish Jewelry.  Can’t wait!

    jewelry studio & showroom

    AS:Tell us about your storefront.  What do you carry aside from your own work?

    AM:Walking into Concrete Polish you will find a great ambiance of well crafted hand made jewelry mixed in with a warm atmosphere of antiques and taxidermy.  The alchemy-nautical inspired showroom carries all handmade jewelry – 80% of which is made right in the back of the shop and the rest at nearby studios in Philly!  There is a wall of mirrors that hangs to help separate the spaces.  Come and check out what we have made and are currently working on.

    AS:Where else do you sell your jewelry?

    AM: So far my jewelry is showcased in the following stores: Arcadia Boutique,  WERK, Topstich Boutique and our home boutique in Northern Liberties!

    jewelry studio & showroom

    AS: What can customers expect to find at your ASCB booth?

    AM: I have actually completed 3 new ring designs and a few earrings in the last 2 weeks – just in time for ASCB!!! We have been working hard here to get ready for the holiday shopping season. Much more thought has gone into the idea of gift giving.  I will have a large assortment of new necklaces, one of a kind charm bracelets, earrings with pyrtie and quartz crystals. See you soon!

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.