Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Getting to Know...Corinne of Daydream Art Studios

Another feature of another great FAMEr...
What region do you live in?
Grand Rivers, Kentucky- A small resort town in western Kentucky bordered by two lakes. We were even named one of the most romantic places by Cosmo a couple of years ago! Very pretty and lovely, especially in the summer time!

What kind of items do you create?

I make jewelry, both fun and kitschy types and also modern, one of a kind gemstone jewelry. I also paint and create mixed media art.

How long have you been creating?
As long as I can remember! Even as a child, I would spend hours in the yard with a sketchbook! I sold my crafts when other kids sold lemonade, and even had a business selling handmade personalized leather key chains when I was in the 6th grade.

What are your creative influences?
Some of my favorite painters are Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, but I try to stay current and am always finding new painters that I am inspired by. I have tons of artist friends and like to think we all inspire each other to try new things. A lot of my art is inspired by music I listen to while I work and the beautiful area I live in.

Do you work outside of the home/studio?
I have a part time job out of my house placing exchange students in host families in the area. Its very rewarding and interesting. My main job is my art, and I am saving up to remodel the outbuilding on our property into a respectable studio where I can have children's art classes and affordable workshops.
If you could be in someone else's studio or kitchen, whose would that be?
My mother always said "we're Irish, and the Irish aren't known for their cooking." Our family joke is that if its frozen, that's our "old family recipe." So in some kind of rebellion, I learned how to cook. I love it, and would probably stay in my own kitchen. But, if Paula Deen wants to come over and show me a thing or two, she's always welcome here! I love butter!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What are your goals with your business?
I hope that in five years, my studio is complete and I am teaching again! There are no after school programs here and want to fill that need. I also home school my daughter and would love to have art classes for other home schooled kids in the area.

Do you sell wholesale?
Not currently, most of my work is one of a kind and I just haven't ventured into this yet. I'm considering looking into it, though.

Where else can your products be found (name B&M stores or internet urls, including your own)?
I have my own website, http://daydreamartstudios.com/ as well as a daily blog, www.daydreamartstudios.blogspot.com I also show and sell my paintings at the PAPA Gallery in Paducah, Kentucky.

Are you a member of any organizations or have any affiliations?
Paducah AreaPainter's Association (PAPA), and Bluegrass Etsy.

What is your education as it pertains to your craft?
I have a degree in Art Education, and am always learning and educating myself. I have an addiction to art dvds and books.

Pick one product and describe it briefly and how long it takes to make a certain item in your store.
My newest favorite is the Shell and Freshwater Pearl bracelet. (Picture attached) I made this with shell slices, so the shape is modern on the outside, very geometric, but also very organic. I'm super interested in taking geometric shapes and contrasting them with something very natural. I also added freshwater pearls that I work together so they move and dance as the wearer moves. I also threw in some faceted cut Czech glass beads for some subtle sparkle. It took me a few hours to get this bracelet just the way I wanted it, but was very happy with the results.

Check out Corinne's Etsy site: daydreamartstudios.etsy.com
Make sure you take a look at her "kitsch and rock and roll" section - it's so fun!!

1 comment:

Kelly Drill said...

Great feature! And I love that gorgeous bracelet.