ArtBizJam 2014

Well...we are doing it again!

Our first ArtBizJam workshop, held last September in Destin, Florida, was such a success! We are thrilled and excited to announce the plan for the next one happening on October 1st to the 5th!

We had such an amazing group of women who participated in our maiden voyage last fall! We bonded as a group, and still share lots of info and laughs in our Facebook group. Here are some captures from last year's event!

The next one should be even better. Our goal is to give the people who join us an amazing, fun and very useful experience. We learned a few things last year to help us to do an even better job this time around. I hope that you will check out the website for all of the details. If you sign up before July 10th, you save $100.00. Come join us this time! It is a great gift to yourself and your business!

The Art of Food - MadHatter's Tea Party

On February 28th, at The Carnegie Gallery in Covington, Kentucky, my creative partner in crime, Kelly Armstrong, and I participated in an extremely cool event called "The Art of Food." Pam Kravetz, who I adore, was the creative mastermind behind the creation of a "MadHatter's Tea Party" themed performance piece.


The Art of Food (2014) from Golden Hour Moving Pictures on Vimeo.
Each artist created a head to toe look for their character. Kelly and I chose "The Cheshire Cat." We created a pieced sweater coat, t-shirt and skirt from pieces collected at Goodwill. Kelly created all of the splendid fiber jewelry. Our muse for our character was Iris Apfel...an extremely cool fashionista, who is always dripping in pattern, bangles and beads.

Our model, Cate Dean, was absolutely perfect for the role!

The show began with a troubadour leading the whacky cast of characters into the gallery, strumming and singer a wonderful song. Most of the models were either actors or dancers, They were in character all throughout the evening.

It was a delicious mix of color, pattern, music, aromas and playfulness. The runway was the tea party table.

Kelly and I...and my daughter Kenzie, also created 6 of the chairs surrounding the table. We used a very old, very cool "Alice in Wonderland" book for the central imagery on the chairs.

The experience was just spectacular! Loved every minute!!

Starbucks Mural: All we need is paper, cardboard and tape...

My firm started as a traditional graphic design firm in 1987. We did everything from branding to packaging to environmental graphics. One project that was lots of fun was a mural for a local Starbucks near the College Conservatory of Music on the University of Cincinnati's campus.

We were asked to represent the different areas of study in this department including Dance, Opera, Theatrical Set Design, etc...

We split the full mural into panels and each person in the office worked on 2-3 panels.

 

 

I created a paper material chart for everyone to follow. It was coded with numbers and letters to help show which paper would go where.

This guide, below, was a thumbnail sketch of what the mural would potentially look like. It was the coordinating reference for the chart above.

We created a dimensional paper sculpture made of paper, corrugated cardboard and tape.

We then had the whole piece photographed and made into large vinyl wall paper to be installed in the store interior.

We had tons of fun working together to create this image...and the students love it because it is a reflection of what they are studying.

Illustrator's Market Interview

Illustrator's Market "celebrates the diverse markets and styles that illustrators work in." It provides "interviews and illustrative images from those working in the field of art". Patti Gay, the author of the Illustrator's Market blog, asked me to share some of my inspirations and art process as an illustrator. 

Read below for the interview or see the original post on the Illustrator's Market website here.

 

 

How did you become an artist?
I was shy growing up and I was drawn to anything creative. I have loved to draw, paint and make things since I was a little girl. I began taking private art lessons when I was 7 and learned to use pastels and oil paints. I took art all through high school and then got a degree in Graphic Design from The University of Cincinnati (which is an excellent program and allowed me to co-op at various places all through college.) I started my own design firm in 1987...just 3 years after I graduated.

 

 

Was there anyone that influenced you in becoming an artist?
I won a ribbon for a painting I did in a local art fair when I was around 6. My Mom saw that this was what I loved to do, so she enrolled me into the lessons when I was 7. There were several architects and painters in my family history, but not in my immediate family. Art was just something I was naturally drawn to.

 

Is there one or more artists whose work is an influence?
I am an extremely curious person, so I LOVE looking at beautiful things...all the time. I am influenced by many, many things. One type of art that I LOVE is folk art...especially Outsider Art. I also love art created by children. I am drawn to things that are whimsical and somewhat naive.

 

What inspires you?
I love going to antique flea markets and finding amazing ephemera or old books. I love Pinterest...it is what I turn to when I can't sleep at night. I am inspired by my artist friends. I am inspired by artists like Paul Klee, Matisse, Modigliani, and Picasso. I am inspired by fabrics from around the world...(I have a passion for pattern and texture.) I am inspired by new mediums...I love to learn new things and play around.

 

 

Would you like to share your work process?
My process changes with every collection that I create. Sometimes, I am inspired by words, sometimes, it is a new medium to try. I often start with a theme that might relate to a vintage art style. I also, sometimes start by making something 3-D. I suppose I get bored easily, so I mix up my process all the time.

 

 

Are there links where more of your art can be seen?
I recently started a blog that lists a few of my manufacturing partners...www.lorisiebertstudio.blogspot.com...My design studio also has a website....www.studiolika.com.

 

 

 

What types of markets do you create for?
I create for several markets...gift, home decor, tabletop, fabric, baby and garden.

 

 

 

Do you do other things regarding art like teaching?
I will be hosting my first workshop, along with 3 other artist friends this September 18th to the 22nd in Destin, FL. The website for the workshop is www.artbizjam.com. I am VERY excited about this. I hope to do more in the teaching area.

 

 

Do you pursue other creative interests like writing or music?

I love to write, but I mostly write for my licensing collections. I also love to cook, especially baking.

 

 

 

Where can your art be seen?

It is mostly on product. I may start selling my original pieces at some point. I wrote a couple of books early in my career as a graphic designer. I may go back to that along the way...I have a few ideas.
 

 
What do you love best about what you do?
I feel incredibly blessed that I get to create EVERY DAY!! It is what I am passionate about. I also love when I can give some of my products to friends and family. They get so excited. Several friends text me when they see my products out and about. They are very supportive. I also LOVE the community of artists. It is great to get to know like minded people and share our creative lives. Just like doing this interview...I was honored to be asked to tell a bit about my story.