This week, I chose Ruth from Cape Cod- a painter, bookbinder, and all-around artist. I instantly adored the whimsy, color, and quality of her work. Check out her etsy shop at
http://www.meowstro.etsy.com/.
Bookbinding is a craft that I think most people are unfamiliar with. How did you get into bookbinding?
I've always had an interest in books, fostered by my mom who is a librarian. When I went to college I discovered a class called "Artist's Books" which explored a variety of alternative and traditional binding methods, including accordion books, Coptic binding, altered books and different printmaking techniques. I was most drawn to traditional case-binding techniques (basically this is how all commercial books are made) and ended up doing two semesters of independent study on case binding after the Artist's Books class. I was fortunate enough to be invited back this past March as a "visiting artist" for the class and I taught everyone how to make miniature books.
What is generally the inspiration for your artwork? I love how your pieces are colorful and simple at the same time- how did you arrive at your personal style?
I have a difficult time with the concept of "Style" - when I was in my art thesis class I worried that I didn't have a very definitive style unlike some of my classmates, whose work you could identify simply by looking at the colors or ways they made brush strokes. Working on my own, however, I have started to see a style emerge on it's own. For my journals I'm inspired by the materials I work with - I have more Japanese Washi paper than I know what to do with at the moment! For my miniature books I was initially inspired by visiting an exhibition on miniature books (they were very popular in the late 1800s in particular) and thinking "could I do that?". My latest drawings are very whimsical - I'll admit I love fantasy novels with dragons and unicorns and drawing fantasy scenes is kind of like being a little kid again (only I am better at drawing). I like to keep everything cheerful and upbeat - some might call it art for art's sake, but I'm ok with that.
Do you have a "day job"?
My day job is working as a barista full time at a local indie coffee shop. I really love it - I've gotten to meet a lot of cool people there, I hear the talk of the town and let's not forget the free drinks! I've gotten good at latte art too - working at a coffee shop has always been something I secretly wanted to try and it's just as much fun as I imagined. Plus, I go to work at six but that means I'm out of work at one, and have the whole afternoon to work on art.
Describe your creative environment- sounds, smells, times, etc.
I can't stress enough the importance of having your own space to create in. You don't need to have a dedicated room, although that's nice - right now I have a large worktable with a shop lamp attached and on it are projects in various stages. Having a space you don't have to clean up every time you aren't using it, or share with anyone means that anytime you're struck with the urge to make something you can just sit down and do it! I tend to work on art in the afternoon, and I like to have music playing - particularly the album Sandinista by the Clash.
