Meet Lisa Edwards from Edwards Galleria...
I was lucky to be born to an artistic father, who
encouraged my creativity and allowed me the freedom to express myself starting
at the age of 3. My grandmother was a fine seamstress, whose skills I admired
greatly. I took all that I could learn from them, along with my desire to
create beyond the norm and hone my skills into what they have become today.
Growing up in New Jersey has provided me with
many life experiences and the ability to share cultures of many ethnic backgrounds,
all of which I have reflected in my style of art. Although my art may not be
for everyone, I create what I see and feel, bringing a style all its own.
2013 brings many new challenges and adventures.
Up until October of 2012, I have been balancing both a full time company and
exhibiting through out the State of Ohio with Edwards Galleria. I can now focus
all of my energy, creativity and time into Edwards Galleria and finally bring
my dream to its fullest extent. I will always travel exhibiting in shows, I
love meeting new people and the travel. Although, within the next two years I hope to
add a permanent location where my customers can come and see me. I have
been traveling Ohio doing shows for seven years. I believe May will make my 5th show with Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows.
Some of the greatest compliments are when someone
says, “Well, I’ve never seen anything like that before.” I pride myself on the
individuality of my work. I only create one of a kind pieces; I do not
duplicate nor make prints. Simply, I am thankful that every day I get the
opportunity to share a gift from God that I have been blessed with. The message
behind my work is to see beauty in everything! Be unique, be original...be you
and no one else!
Meet Carol Wass from Studio Wass...
I
am a practicing commercial real estate broker that spends every spare minute in
my thrown together studio. I am a first time "Nana" to my
grandson Charlie (now 11 months old). I am married to my wonderful husband
David and we have 3 children, Caroline (husband Andrew), David Jr. and
Robert. We currently reside in New Albany, Ohio.
I
have been an artist nearly all my life. In high school, I spent a lot of my
time in the art department. Upon graduation, I received a scholarship to
attend CCAD (Columbus College of Art & Design). I went for one year and
then got busy with life; I shelved my talents for quite some time.
Every
couple years my creativeness would pop out. Several years ago, our daughter was
getting married and she asked if I would help design her wedding invitation. That
did it! Now I cannot seem to stop getting new ideas out of my head!
I
keep a small journal with me all the time so I can sketch things or write down
ideas. My only real issue with being an artist is that I just never seem
to have enough time. I can spend hours in my studio and lose track of
time. I hope I can keep at this for as long as my fingers and eyes
will let me.
I
like trying new things and as with any art given some practice, it
always gets better. I love drawing, watercolors, polymer clay, paper
crafting, jewelry and most recently I have been experimenting in wire work.
Meet Michelle Whited of OH, Button!...
I'm a seamstress, artist, crafter, and theatre
maker. My education is in graphic design, and by day (and many nights), I help
run Available Light Theatre, a Columbus-grown theatre company focused on
creating new and original work. I've been sewing for about as long as I've been
talking; I was raised by a long line of crafty, creative people. This will
be my second Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show as a vendor, and third as a shopper!
I've been working specifically with buttons for
about 2 years. It started with the greeting cards. I made Christmas cards with
buttons, and fell in love. From there, my button collection grew from a jar to
a box, sorted by color, size and shape. Now, my collection is massive, and I'm
constantly experimenting with new ways to use buttons.
For me, creating and crafting is my
outlet/stress reliever. After a busy work week, my favorite thing to do is sit
down in my workroom and play with buttons. I draw inspiration for the work from
everywhere. Mostly, the materials inspire me, from the buttons themselves, to
the reclaimed fabrics I use for my sewn items. But, sometimes I see jewelry in
a store, or on a person, and think I could create something similar with
buttons.
Most of my family is creative. I have a
grandfather who is an amazing woodworker and another who was a singer. My
grandmothers were excellent seamstresses, and many of my aunts and uncles are
artists, either drawing or painting, crafting, sewing, or performing artists.
My father is more artistic than he would admit; he helped me create a lot of my
booth displays. Probably the most influential, however, is my mom. She made a
lot of my clothing growing up, including my prom dresses. She also decorated
cakes, made dresses, and fixed sewing machines for people all throughout my childhood.
She's the one I call when I need help thinking through an idea (and when I'm
having issues with my sewing machine).
My creative process usually begins with the
materials. For jewelry, I start with a pile of buttons that I think look
beautiful together. Then, I start wiring them together, letting the buttons
inspire the outcome. For my sewn items, it begins with the fabric. I use only
reclaimed fabrics, and scraps from other projects. If I don't like something
half way through, I take it apart and start over. It's not uncommon for me to
tinker with a new design for hours until I get it just right.
The message behind my work is about beauty in,
and story behind, the unexpected and common things. Buttons are so simple, and
they're everywhere. We hardly notice them most of the time. But some of them
look like little jewels. And, my favorite buttons to work with are the ones
that have a story. Like the jar of vintage buttons passed on from my
grandmother, who sorted through them with me and told me which garment each
button came from. Most vintage and reclaimed materials have a story, whether we
know the story or not. The beauty and stories surround us. I think we should
embrace that more.
Meet Carol Crawford...
I am retired
from a local insurance company. My husband and I have two adult children and
two grandsons. I am from Pennsylvania originally and relocated to Ohio in 1986.
From the time
that I was a child I have always enjoyed crafts. Today, I find that
crafting gives me a sense of satisfaction. When I can take a piece of fabric
and with thread turn it into a unique creation, I find the process to be
delightful and good for the soul.
My father was
skilled at taking odds and ends and turning them into wonderful results. Also, he
wanted to have his own business. I was always intrigued with his talent. I like
to think that I have carried on his talent and also that I have brought his small
business goal to fruition. I am somewhat
like a sponge. I have a tendency to soak up ideas from many sources, ponder
them for a while and then see how I can turn them into my own unique craft.
In five years, I see myself continuing as a small business entrepreneur in the local
community. I am a one-person operation offering one-of-a-kind handmade
items at very affordable prices.
I craft with fabric primarily and try to offer something for everyone. When participating as a vendor in shows, I thoroughly enjoy chatting with customers and providing insights on how I make my items. Likewise, I listen to customers, and I value their suggestions.
2013 Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, May 11th 2013, 10:00am-4:00pm
St. Agatha's Parish Hall
1860 Northam Rd
Columbus, OH 43221
For more information, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator at info@avantgardeshows.com
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