ClayCatShop's Blog

Incredible Artists, Wonderful People: Charlene Lundgren

2013-03-30T11:01:00.002-07:00

As many of you know, every few weeks I like to introduce you to some of my favorite people & artists, this month I have the honor of introducing to you, one of my new favorite emerging artists: Charlene Lundgren! :)

I had the pleasure of meeting Charlene through SF Etsy and the SF Etsy Annual Interview Swap! I couldn't be happier with my teammate! :) She is not only a fantastic and highly creative artist, with a rich background that translates into the diversity of beautiful pieces she makes, but also a wonderful person, full of life and great energy!

Besides being a talented artist, Charlene is happily married, has two wonderful children; Sandrena 21 & Ander 24. She also works as a registered nurse and finds time to play with her beautiful dogs.

Here is our interview:

1) Tell us about your background and how influences your work

I was born and raised initially in South Africa in the dark ages of Apartheid. My parents however were English and Swedish, and I feel I have always had a unique perspective on life given the richness and colors of my South African roots and the elegance of my English and Swedish descent.

My work is influenced by who I am; The colors and history of Africa, the lovely headdresses African men and women wore for special occasions and the desire for all people to get along. My creations are very eclectic. I sew, I paint and embroider on silk, I crochet, I make bears and ethnic style dolls, and I make exotic fanciful theatrical head adornments that can be used for special occasions, weddings, or for Halloween.

2) Does your heart tends to lean towards one country more than another, or do you find yourself mixing the cultures in your art?  

I have lived in the USA for 26 years now. Although I like it here, I sometimes feel very much like a fish out of water. South Africans are a unique breed, having a unique sense of humor and culture. I also lived in London, Brussels Belgium,and West Berlin in 1979 before the wall came down. I spent 6 months living in Central France working for Club Med as a Costume Designer when I was 24. However I have lived in the USA and raised my children who are now 21 and 24 here and I think this is probably more my home than anywhere.

It was in Berlin where I worked as an au pair and lived with the former costume designer of the Burg Theatre in Vienna. I had never been to art classes and she sent me to art classes and taught me the basics of costume design. When I first came to the USA I went to college at worked in the theatre doing costume design. I took this skill back to Europe and worked for the Club-Med in Paris and Pompadour designing and making costumes. I also worked on some shows in London.

3) You mentioned that you would like to open various etsy shops to display all of the things your love to create. Would you mind sharing what is it that you enjoy the most? why?  

My work is very theatrical and spiritual in nature. I love to dress up and wear costumes. I love to create things that have meaning. I am not a materialist so that is important to me. I always have. I Love fiber, and textures, and color. I love the intricacies of designing a gorgeous piece of clothing. But I haven’t had much time to do anything with raising two children and going to nursing school when they were little and then getting my Bachelors degree at age 51.

My silk Dreams: I find very meditative and soothing. I start with a piece of plain white Charmeuse or Habotai Silk, upon which I create my design. I then paint , quilt and embroider the design and back it with different sensuous materials, silk, velvet, cotton, chenille,or flannel I create Prayer shawls, scarves, baby blankets, spiritual shawls with inspirational messages on them.

Crowning Glories: In July of last year, I broke my ankle, which allowed me sometime off work to create.

I decided to make one beautiful thing everyday, and I made these exotic headpieces. I would get an idea in my head and just disappear I made over 70 head-pieces in 3 weeks. I sewed, I glued, I painted and I beaded. This fulfills my creative and theatrical need. I made hats, wedding crowns and theatrical head wear of which some were very reminiscent of my youth in South Africa.

Wedding crown: This is a Princess Bride Wedding crown that I made for a lovely young Bride named Rachel who commissioned this from me.

Wrap Rascals: The truth is I love to do many different things. My grandmother taught me to crochet and I think of her every time I crochet a hat or a scarf. But I try to put my own touch, a theatrical touch to everything I make. I call these creations.

Bare souls and Bottled Souls:   I love to make Bears – a dear friend gave me a bear he made and it got me going. But that is another ETSY store. I have not found the time or place to create bears since I opened my Etsy store. I hope to open another store towards the end of this year.

I also make dolls called bottled souls, in the spirit of African Tradition of making dolls out of used bottles and recycled pieces such as old socks.

4) when you create art, do you create it following your soul or do you create with the end user in mind?   

Intrinsically I feel this intense spiritual need to create things that have meaning that inspire the purchaser, or receiver to live a fuller life. I married a Jewish man, and when my children had their Bar/Batmistzvahs, I took it upon myself to make their prayer shawls. I painted on silk, and embroidered them, and filled them with symbolism for their own characters and for them to live fuller meaningful lives. I embroidered Hebrew letters that had hopes and wishes for their future. I even tied the Tzitzit – and the praises were overwhelming I realized I had to make something out of this to touch all people.

I created the name – ‘Mindful Presents’ for my shop because I want people to give from the heart. To be in the present and to give mindfully.

5) Do you find any challenges as an artist?

Yes I do. I am brand new to all of this. I used to make things for people. I was inspired by the receiver and now I have to imagine people who might benefit from my work. It is much harder when you don’t know who the gift is intended for.

Aside from my education in Berlin and my theatrical background I have had no formal training, and although I think of myself as quite computer literate, social media has taken off and left me with a lot to learn. I need to create my own website. It is hard work to network and work as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care, and keep up with all the new ways to promote oneself. I also have to be in the right space and time and sometimes with the kind of work that I do, I am just not in the space to create and have to wait for the inspiration.

6) Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration is either theatrical or based in my early roots or from nature depending on what I make.

My inspiration i is also spiritual. I hope deeply to have people wear my creations and feel that they were made from the heart. I hope to inspire, and remind people they are beautiful, remind them to breathe, to live life fully. I am inspired by the person for whom the item is intended. I am inspired by love, by the seasons, by fun. I am inspired by the desire to live life to the fullest and not be afraid of what people might think of you. Some people would never wear my crazy creations on their heads, but life is short

Please check out my store for my latest collection of Easter Bonnets made out of …… Placemats… Yes – Colorful Placemats inspired me….

I am always looking for fun ways to create things and As a nurse I see people suffering from many conditions that they did not cause themselves, and I would like people to feel special. I see pain and suffering around me every day at work, I am also so very much aware of how short life is, and how we have to make the best of it. So even if my work is considered ‘ a little out there’ I want people to give themselves license to express themselves freely.

Charlene's links:
Blog: http://www.mindfulpresents.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/MindfulPresents
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/charlitesweb
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mindfulpresents/
ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MindfulPresents

ClayCatShop's New Website

2013-02-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, we have been working on the re-design of our website almost non-stop for the past few weeks, and now that is finally ready, we want to celebrate with you!

What better way than to throw a giveaway, discounts and freebies? :) Yeeesss! we think so too! :)

Exited? we are too! Visit us daily at http://www.claycatshop.com for offers and giveaways until the end of the month!

Look for "Latest News from our Studio" where we will post all the details! Invite your friends, to visit, to follow us in FB and Twitter, blog about us, and we will reward you and your friend! :)

We love what we do! and its a pleasure, to have you all to share our love and passion for clay!

Visit our new site, explore it, and let us know what you think! :)
xox

Adriana & ClayCatShop Team

Cake Toppers: First Holy Communion

2013-02-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

As we dive into March, we start receiving orders for custom & personalized First Communion cake and cupcake toppers.

We make them as “Clay-Peg toppers” (To learn about prices and sizes, visit: http://claycatshop.com/services/our-services-cake-toppers/) Using wood-pegs as our base and personalizing them with clay and acrylics. These are a fun and sweet mini-portrait of your child, a great way to preserve memories.

This year I decided to explore an idea, and turn a simple cup-cake topper into a rosary keepsake box. We love the result! What do you think?

To order please send us an email. We would need pictures or very accurate descriptions of your child and dress/attire, wanted-by date and any other details you might think are important.

xox
Adriana

Incredible Artists, Wonderful People

2013-01-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody! Happy & Wonderful New Year 2013! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break and started this year full of new dreams, goals and ready to make each one of them come true!

Its been a while since I blogged about my favorite artists and what a better way to start the year than with this post! This time I go back home, at least virtually, to my dear Venezuela, to interview one of my favorite teachers, persons and ultimate accomplished & talented Artists!

Meet Ivan Salgrero Curiel, Venezuelan Cartoonist, Industrial Designer, Painter, Sculptor, Teacher, Poet and Musician.

Please give us a short bio, where you are from and when did you knew you wanted to be an artist & discover your talents?

Since my early days my parents noticed my hand's "uneasiness" and what I did with them. My first show was at age 9 in the YMCA a foundation that existed in Caracas. I taught myself art from there until it was time to have the greatest privilege I've had on the art world, because my son is my life's privilege ... what I mean is that I had the very great opportunity to learn with the greatest Pedro Centeno Vallenilla, (RIP) with whom I started drawing in a marvelous anatomical study, and color serigraphs and many more things with Carlos Cruz Diez. Later on, with a multifaceted artist who lived here in Caracas many years Secundino Rivera a Spanish maestro ... and from there to here, it has all been a mix of feelings, color and passion.

I am an atypical type, in many ways, I'm a gentleman as few, I'm a student of the quintessential things and a top student until I graduated as an industrial designer (IDC's 2nd promotion). I was born on a crazy day that is the sum of a few minutes and seconds left over of every year, for that day is not accurate, and is added every 4 years to our calendar, yes, I was born on February 29th, 1968 and have seen my birthday only 11 times! but that's not good! LOL, to turn 4 years all at once!

Can you tell us about your work, Painting, sculpture? what message do you want to communicate?, what is behind your art?
Behind my art ... there are compilation of good and bad experiences, ideas and things I saw, lived, good examples that guided at times where I could not see the artistic light.

I describe my work in order of importance, what I do more and what I do least … Mainly I am a cartoonist, a specialist in the human anatomy, muscles and bones, I am also an skilled painter (my mediums, acrylics & oils) and a sculptor dedicated to stoneware, flexible molds and resin casts. I am also a musician and "maker of voices", I used to have 22 voices, however, not today! LOL! now I'm only 16 due to some vocal cords conditions. Lastly I am an industrial designer, since here (in Venezuela) everything comes already made, there is no market for innovations, and no place for our ideas. However there are some products for the packaging market and three-dimensional pieces.

What inspires you? Are there any influences?

Inspiration is something serious and delicate, it plays good things for you if the energy is positive, but it can also give you negative vibrations, which could leave a good lesson. We should take the everyday things and see a way to reflect them with originality, but certainly the things you live, affect what you do in any field. It is up to us to be smart and to know how to handle this sensitive balance, and make sure our work is not charged with a bad aura or too much sadness, as colors will always reflect our inner mood.

What are your challenges, dreams, goals?

My dreams are to finish 4 or 5 things I'm missing from the list of "100 things you should do before you die" LOL! Artistically speaking speaking, I would love to get to the Art Basel, or to a museum that I haven't visited yet with my artworks, at least in my country. I would also like to finish writing a couple of books that have been on the making for a few years, one of which is a reflection of the mind of a character like me, a painter, a musician, an sculptor, a complete artist, a cook, a designer and maker of things, while being the father and mother to a son who is now 21, and who is a guy with good values, but irreverent as few. The other book is about drawing techniques and art.

How would you describe your art world & creative process?

My art world is a world marked by my own experiences, and the creative process is like a program of sensors and feelings working together with an intellectual part, that makes a difference. I'm not only a painter or just an sculptor, but an integral artist, (as I have been told countless times! hehe) You just have to have a balance, like Leonardo da Vinci once said: "put the intellect in your art because without it, you have no artwork" ...so I am full of sensations and feelings in a logic and a thematic way that works for me.

Any advise for aspiring artists out there?

My advice to any aspiring artist is this: Do not try to innovate anything, everything "grand" drawing wise, painting wise and sculpture wise, has been done. Don't do crazy things, nor believe that any three strokes or a squirt of ink makes you an artist.

To become a true artist you need to achieve some degree of maturation and studies, to know yourself enough to be authentic, and to have good influences and inspirations, use time wisely, ideas do not always come easy, however if you sleep and dream of something good, make sure to write it down.

Thank you very much dear Ivan!, its been wonderful chatting with you about your work, your roots, inspiration and plans. I am honored to have you as a friend, and wish you the very best in your plans and goals, as well for our Venezuela! :)

xox
Adri

To learn more about Ivan and his art, visit him online at:
http://www.facebook.com/ivan.salgrerocuriel
http://ivansalgrero.com/
http://la-paz-caracas-venezuela.artelista.com/

Cyber Monday Sale!

2012-11-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.claycat.etsy.com

Happy Shopping!!!

xox

Adri

Happy & Wonderful Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

2012-11-22T08:10:00.002-08:00

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have"

~Frederick Keonig

Today & everyday, I feel very happy & grateful for all the wonderful blessings in my life. For my dear family & friends. For the road traveled & the one ahead. For Life & everything in my days.

Thank you! Thank you all for being there!
It is truly wonderful to do what I love, and to share with you all, my love & passion for polymer clay Art.

xoxo

Adri

SF Etsy is ready for the Holidays

2012-11-15T19:50:00.002-08:00

Shopping season is here! Can you feeling it in the air?

This year let's again Shop Handmade & Give Art! :) When you buy handmade, you are giving an item that was designed and skillfully made with love and dedication. Best of all, its likely you can have it custom made, adding that personal touch you cant find in big stores.

'Tis is the Season San Francisco Etsy team is sharing coupons with everybody, go on etsy.com and type SFETSYHOLIDAY2012 to find wonderful sales and unique items for you and your loved ones.

Bellow are four great coupons:

10% OFF everything at our shop: ClayCatShop

10% OFF everything for the creative at heart in AmberThreads

FREE Shipping at EkoJewelryDesign beautiful sterling silver jewelry
(Eko's coupon is: SFETSYHOLIDAY12)

FREE Shipping at Dorklandia for fun and cute gifts!

Happy Shopping!
xox

Adriana

Our Etsy Shop is ready for Halloween!

2012-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Even though "time" this year seem to have gone by faster than ever, we were able to create new art sculptures and unique cake toppers for Halloween.

Meet our 2012 Green Witches:

Our Vintage style girl witch:

An all time favorite, Frankenstein and his beautiful bride:

A Midnight Owl:

A very sweet and dangerous girl, Mrs. Dracula in a gothic pendant:

And a Very cute Day of the Dead Bride, awaiting her groom.. this item is not on our Etsy shop yet, but will soon be. If you would like to order it, send a message to: info@claycatshop.com info@claycatshop.com

Made to order and fully customizable Day of the Dead Sugar skulls:

For more visit: http://www.claycat.etsy.com

xox
Adri

Stay tuned for an interview with a wonderful Venezuelan artist, Ivan Salgrero coming in October! :)

Eve's Duality

2012-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Eve's Duality or a woman's duality is a piece that was brewing inside my heart for a long, long time. As a woman, as a wife, as a mother and as an artist, I have felt throughout the years the forces of love, responsibility, dreams, goals, needs, wishes, among many others, pull my heart in many directions at the same time.

Eve's duality symbolizes all this and more, it represents the strong nature of women, and how we face life everyday, the decisions we make, our choices and our dreams.

Here are a few pictures of the clay painting process:

xox

Adri :)

Polymer Clay Gallery Show at VOX Sacramento :)

2012-09-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

As "VOX Sacramento presents: Polymer Clay" comes to an end, I would like to once again thank Lala Ortiz for organizing this wonderful exhibit. It was a wonderful experience and an honor to showcase my art among so many talented artists.

Bellow are a few pictures of the opening night.

Some of my polymer clay paintings

with my talented friend Lala Ortiz :)

With Laura Serrano :)

Offers are in, plans in the making and dreams coming true... what else can I wish for? :)

Happy & Wonderful week dear friends! :)

Adri
xox

Vox Sacramento presents Polymer Clay Art

2012-08-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

Proud to share with you all that in August 2012, ClayCatShop is participating in Vox Sacramento Polymer Clay Art Exhibit!

ClayCatShop's "Aloha Spirit" & "Eve's duality" paintings

Clayville California and other polymer clay artists will be showcasing the diversity of one of the art world's newest mediums: Polymer Clay.

If you are near by or plan to be in the area during the month of August, please make sure you visit this great exhibition, where you will find sculpture, jewelry, vessels, masks, and functional art objects.

This is a very exciting opportunity, and I am very happy to be able to exhibit some of my art work among talented Polymer Clay artists!

Show Opening night: Saturday, August 11th (4:00pm - 9:00pm)

Where: Vox Sacramento, 1818 11th St. Sacramento, CA

I hope to see you there! :)

Living my dreams...

xox
Adri

Polymer Clay in Paradise

2012-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

I first heard of Polymer Clay about 17 years ago. Back then I was working with Plasticine in Margarita Island, "painting" island scenes and island life with it. The tourists loved it, and I discovered my life's passion.

Its been quite a long time since those days, and as I meet more and more wonderful polymer clay artists and even plasticine artists, I am always marveled when I get to meet someone who shares the same love for "clay painting" as I do.

This year I was greatly surprised to discover a wonderful artist while vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii. Her name is Jean Bullen, her work is beautiful. She brings to life island scenes with color mastery, polymer clay details and love! As my kids said: "you can almost feel the waves in her beach scenes, and hear the waterfalls"

Not only is her work truly amazing but her personality as well. It was a pleasure meeting her and chatting about our love for art & polymer clay.

Next time you are in Oahu, make sure to contact her, and take home some of her beautiful island scenes that are sure to bring a smile to your heart for years to come. :)

Her contact information:
Jean Bullen
www.kinisclaycreations.com
email: Hookili808@yahoo.com

Aloha dear friends!

xoxox
Adriana

Incredible Artists, Wonderful People: Helena Bogosian

2012-05-01T19:08:00.001-07:00

Returning to our monthly digest of my favorite artists, this month I have the honor of introducing to you one of my favorite artists in the clay world: (drum roll) Super talented HELENA BOGOSIAN! :) :)

Helena is an award winning artist and illustrator. From her books to the magazines that feature her work, her passion for clay comes alive in her beautiful and colorful pieces! Her illustrations are fun, educational and full of wonderful details!!!

Here is our Interview:

-When & how did you discovered your passion for clay?

I loved working with clay when I was a child. I used to make little figures out of modelling clay.

It was such fun to be able to make something I could play with too.

-What do you prefer plasticine or polymer clay?

I use polymer clay for my illustrations. Because it can be baked, it is more durable and easier for me to take on school visits.

-What would you consider your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is photographing my work. It took a long time to learn how to do it. I still struggle with it every time.

As far as sculpting goes, sometimes I tend to second guess my work. I have trained myself to let it be and accept it the way it is once I am done.

Sometimes, what is in my mind doesn't look exactly like the piece and I can get caught up in trying to get the two to match.

I have learned what I envision and what I actually create are related, but are two seperate things. A harmony of sorts I suppose.

-Is there anything you dream of doing and hope to try one day in the world of clay?

Recently, I have started making art dolls. I am a big fan of the art form and wanted to contribute to it.

Your dolls are not only adorable but sublime art pieces!! Thank you very much Helena for sharing with us your wonderful artwork!!! :)

To learn more of Helena and her amazing work, visit her website: www.helenabogosian.com
Or her Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/Helena-Bogosian-Illustration

xox
Adri

Spring 2012 - A break from clay and a fun family trip!

2012-04-25T11:23:00.003-07:00

After what seems more than a short break from our clay, we are back working on new orders and scheduling new projects! :) However before life sets back in, I want to share with you some of our latest news and impressions.

My dear family - March 2012

For Spring break and to attend a family event, we went to Madrid, Paris & Barcelona! It was amazing!!! :) Not only being there, but being able to spend time with my family and celebrate the birth & baptism of our newest family member was very, very special!!!

Traveling is one of the things I enjoy the most in life, there is no better way to learn about other cultures and get deeply inspired!!! :)

Some pictures of Madrid...

Parque del Retiro :)

The best tapas

El Prado

Le château de Versailles...

on a very very very cold day!!!

Paris, la plus belle ville du monde...

Cool Love lockets!!! :)

delicious macaroons!!!

Best Crêpes!!! Nutella & Grand Marnier!!!

Barcelona, una de las ciudades mas simpáticas de Europa...

The wonderful colors at St. Josep Mercat:

Yummy Paella!

My dear friends! :)

After such a WONDERFUL trip and feeling 100% renewed, grateful and inspired its clay time again!!! :)

Stay tuned for a new and amazing interview with one of my favorite artists: Helena Bogosian next week!

xoxo

Adri

Be the CHANGE...

2012-02-21T15:57:00.001-08:00

Let's be that creative spark, that ignites positive change! :)

xox

Adri

ClayCatShop's Calendar 2012

2012-02-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

A Colombian Chiva :)

2012-02-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a Colombian "Chiva"? These super colorful & rustic buses were once commonly used in Colombia for rural transportation, they carried people, livestock and merchandise. However they are now known as a symbol of the Colombian culture and little by little they are being replaced by newer, faster and safer methods of transportation.

Their typical colors are the yellow, blue and red stripes of the Colombian Flag. Like an artist canvas, they can be decorated with swirls and intricate designs. Last year I was challenged to make a special one for a dear client. Little did she know I would make her as the driver! :)

This was a very fun project, full of little details and color! Here are a few pictures of the process:

One of the things I love about Latin America and the Caribbean are the colors that talk about the rhythms of the countries, their wonderful people and personalities!

Happy Weekend!!!

xox
Adri

All the pictures in this site, Claycatblog.blogspot.com are protected under copyright law.
Copyright © 2012 ClayCatShop™

Happy Chinese New Year: Year of the Dragon

2012-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

“Xin Nian Kuai Le”

On January 23rd 2012, Chinese people all over the world celebrates the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. While Dragons are mythological creatures feared by westerners for their power, in Asia the Dragon is seen as a symbol of good fortune and a master of authority.

Among the many predictions out there, this year is thought to be a year of courage, prosperity, love and cooperation that will bring changes and good fortune, so let's cheer to that! :)

If you live in the California Bay Area, on February 11th, you can enjoy the Chinese New Year parade, in San Francisco's Chinatown, which boasts the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia.

龙年吉祥 (Lóng nián jíxiáng!)
Good Luck in the Year of the Dragon!

xox

Adri

Its all about listening to your inner voice.. :)

2012-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

Only when I decided to follow my heart,

and make my dreams a reality is when I found my true bliss!

Happy Weekend everybody! :)

xox

Adri

Copying is NOT Flattering!

2012-01-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

As a professional Graphic Designer and Polymer Clay Artist I am shocked to see how many of my artist friends are being "copied", so it seems only appropriate that I write about plagiarism, which unfortunately seems to be growing exponentially, as we all share our art with the world!

To become a Graphic Designer we go to a University, we there learn about design, but also about good practices and unethical issues such as this, however to become an Artist, and I mean, a true serious artist, you might just have to follow heart, discover your passion and express yourself in all your creations.

It’s very upsetting, to say the least, to see somebody ripping other people's hard work. Artist creations are very personal; and artists give a part of their heart & soul, when producing them.

Do you want to be an artist? Inspiration is NOT copying other artists ideas or expressions. Find your inner light and be original! Gain respect by showing respect!

From the moment I decided to turn ClayCatShop™ into a business, I registered my trademark. All of my creations and designs are fully protected under copyright and trademark laws. But even if you don't own your trademark, as long as you are the original creator of something, you are the copyright holder. And copyright laws are very clear and apply all over the world.

From Wikipedia: The copyright holder has the right to be credited for the work, to determine who may adapt the work to other forms, who may perform the work, who may financially benefit from it, and other, related rights.

We need to educate the community and keep an eye for each other :)

Happy-Creative and positive week everybody!

Adri
xox

Incredible Artists, Wonderful People: Bettina Welker

2012-01-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! :) To kick off 2012 with great energy, and continuing with my monthly digest of inspiring artists, I have the honor of introducing to you the amazing and incredibly talented Bettina Welker! She is not only a wonderful polymer clay artist and great teacher, but also a graphic designer! :)

Her work is known, admired and respected all over the world!! Her pieces are fun, dynamic and perfect to wear any day and time! Her strong design skills are obvious in all her pieces, making them an instant fashion statement.

I had the opportunity to be her student at the European Clay Carnival and she is not only a very talented artist but a terrific teacher!

Her class was fun and highly creative! :)

Here is our interview:

Hi Bettina, when & how did you discovered Polymer Clay?

Actually I did know Polymer Clay (in the form of FIMO) when I was a kid, but money was short and I never got a chance to actually use it then.

In late 2003 I was looking for a material for making kitschy snow globes as a gift for Christmas and I stumbled over Polymer Clay again.

I was amazed over the possibilities this material had to offer - and looking at all these great pieces of jewelry made from pc that I found in the internet, I decided to skip the snow globe project and I did jewelry for Christmas.

And I didn't stop working with this amazing material ever since.

Would you mind sharing where does your inspiration come from?

Oh, the big question:) I cannot really answer that - I guess if you walk through the world curiously with eyes open then inspiration can strike you at any moment.

You see a shape or a color or a pattern and your creative mojo just starts going. This can be everything for me - architecture, nature, paintings or just a walk through the hardware store ... And sometimes I sit down just to clay a little and it happens ... even got new ideas just by cleaning up my studio;)

How much of your art is influenced by your graphic design skills?

Well, I guess very much. When I was a design student I had to go through one year of Walter Gropius' Bauhaus "boot camp" (http://bauhaus-online.de/en/atlas/das-bauhaus/lehre) where students receive a basic training in the properties of color, forms and material.

It was a tough year instructed by the very strict but genius Oskar Holweck, but I will be always grateful that my school offered this base training. So, as a trained graphic designer I'm equipped with a lot of knowledge about shape, spaces, color, composition and such.

Color mixing and combining color comes easy to me. I never use color recipes to get a specific hue. I just start out with the base color and mix in other colors until I get what I want.

The shapes and patterns in my jewelry are most of the time very geometric and I always try to feature the unique properties of polymer clay as an art material in my pieces.

Is there anything you would like to try in clay that you haven't explore yet?

Good question. I'm sure there is but I don't really have a plan. Well, from time to time I think about diving into sculpture a little bit more but I always get carried away by creating this new piece of jewelry that pops into my mind, you know? ...*g*

You can find her amazing work here:
http://www.beadworx.de
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beadworx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beadworx/
http://www.craftartedu.com/polymer-clay/category-230?filterModel.searchKeyword=Welker

Thank you dear Bettina for your time and for sharing your wonderful art with us! :) I hope to be able to see you again real soon!

Love, hugs and again Happy Wonderful New Year 2012!!!

xoxo

Adriana

Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year 2012!!!!

2011-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2012!!!

As we welcome the new year, and we reflect on the one that comes to an end, I must say I'm very grateful and happy for the laughs and the tears, for the lessons learned and the lessons taught, for all of ClayCatShop's accomplishments, and even for that one project that didnt turn out great, for all the dreams that came true and those who took new shape, for my dear family, my good old friends and the new ones, specially for the ones I met at European Clay Carnival in Germany, and for all of you who share this wonderful space with me!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!

I wish you all a year full of love, health and blessings!!! Let's all make 2012 a truly magical year!!!!
Fulfill your dreams and follow your heart!!!! :)

xox

Adri

Christmas time is here! How do you celebrate?

2011-12-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

As we make family plans and I sculpt Holiday Gifts and Christmas items, I wonder: "How do you celebrate the Merriest of Seasons?"

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayCat

Clara & Nutcracker (made to order)

After 12 years in the USA, I have come to love, admire and respect this wonderful country, and I love how after Thanksgiving the whole country turns into the Holiday spirit! ...Yes, I must confess, I also love the sales and all the shopping of the season :D

Pier 39, San Francisco, California

However, Christmas time in my home, has to be Venezuelan style! :) with traditions from my childhood, I hope to teach my daughters about my country and my culture. My Venezuela (the one I grew up in) was once a very nice country, filled with laughter and happy, wonderful people.

We celebrate Baby Jesus Birthday and prepare our homes to welcome Him on Christmas eve. In most Venezuelan homes you will find a Christmas Manger.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayCat

Our holiday menu consists of Hallacas, Pan de Jamon, chicken salad and Pernil! We also have turkey, Pineaple Ham, Panettone and even Apfelstrudel, yes, our menu is as rich as all the wonderful immigrants who made Venezuela their home and shared their culture.

Hallaca Pan de Jamon (Ham Bread) Venezuelan Holiday Meal

Music is a very important part of our tradition. The sounds of gaitas and aguinaldos make my heart beat to the rhythms of sweet memories of my beautiful country.

All this mixed in with family and friends is an unbeatable way to make Christmas the best time of the year! :)

I hope and wish your Christmas Season is filled with Love and Peace.

a very small part of my family celebrating Christmas in Fl.

Feliz Navidad!

xoxo

Adri

Mine-Mine-Mine and the fantastic energy at the Euro Clay Carnival 2011

2011-11-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

A few very busy weeks have passed since I came back from my first ever clay event!

As a graphic designer I've attended many conferences & workshops, but as an artist this was my first, and what an amazing experience it was!

This year, the Europe Clay Carnival was held in Bad Homburg, Germany. I guess this puzzles my friends as they keep asking me, "Why did you go to Germany for a clay event?" Well, I had never been in Germany (so that was an adventure right there), the teacher line up was great!, and I loved the idea of meeting my Artists friends from Europe in person (I already knew many of them on Facebook), plus I have family living in Portugal and Spain (my brother and my sister), so I decided to take two weeks and make it a business/fun-family trip.

Beautiful & wonderful friends, Eva, Anke, Bettina & Donna

I had the opportunity to attend classes by polymer clay artists such as Eva Ehmeier, Bettina Welker, Donna Kato, Leslie Blackford & Kiki (Ulrike) It was wonderful to meet them all and to see how they work, learn techniques and processes! :)

I also need to mention that I LOVED my dear roommate, the international classroom and table friends! You guys rock! :) I miss you all!!!

Eva & me right after winning her brooch

"Mine-Mine-Mine"
or the power of visualization at the Euro Clay Carnival! :)

While at the ECC, Bettina had mentioned how she wanted to win one of Eva's golden boxes and she had said: "mine-mine-mine" and won it! Wonderful!, right? :)

Well, remembering this, when it was time for the raffle on our last night, I went to Eva's table and she mentioned that one of her brooches was in the raffle, so I looked at her and said: "I call it, its MINE, MINE, MINE!" we both laughed and when the time came for Eva's brooch, I started thinking, "please let it be #4!!! Please let it be mine". Somehow I missed the English translation, as all I hear was "vier", "vier" (it sounds like "feer", which I associated it with five) and I looked at Eva and she looked at me, and I say, Ohhh, I have #4 and put a sad face, but she is signaling YES, its you! and I am like WHAT??? lol it was the most incredible win ever! I jumped out of my seat, went and hugged her, ran to get my prize and couldnt stop laughing & jumping! LOL

Carmen, me & Katarina :) 3 of the lucky winners!

To make things even more fun for this story, my dear friends Carmen from Romania and Katarina from Slovenia also said, "Mine-Mine-Mine" for the wonderful bead-strand and Donna's beautiful pendant! Here we are the 3 lucky winners who now swear by "Mine-Mine-Mine" :)

Almost all the group! Wonderful artist, great new friends!

Europe was great! In Germany I met a long time friend and his beautiful family who gave me an unforgettable tour of Frankfurt!

In Portugal & Spain I got to spend quality time with my dear family!!! I had a WONDERFUL time!! :)...and yes, now I am day-dreaming of my next trip to a fun & wonderful clay event, wherever that might be! :) (I just need to save some money again! lol)

Adriana

xoxo

Incredible Artists, Wonderful People: Barbara Reid

2011-10-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

Barbara Reid

Continuing with our monthly digest of my favorite artists, this month I have the honor of introducing to you the amazing and incredibly talented children's book illustrator, Barbara Reid! :)

Her illustrations are so amazing, that I could spend hours looking at them! My girls and I adore her books! To me, her work is what "painting with plasticine" is all about! I absolutely adore her style!!!

Here is our Interview:

When & how did you discovered Plasticine?

I can't remember a time I didn't like playing with plasticine, I've been having fun with it since I was a kid. I started to use it for illustration at OCAD, around 1979.

Wow! That's 31 years of illustrating with Plasticine!!! :)

Have you ever worked in Polymer clay? Done any sculptures?

I have made a few things with polymer clay, little figures and beads and things but I don't enjoy working with it.

Is there anything you dream of doing and hope to try one day? (like claymations or any project of your own that you have not had time to explore?

I would love to do a claymation film, create a cartoon strip, write a middle grade novel, direct a play, oh the list goes on!

Her latest children's book: "Picture a Tree" started shipping from the Scholastic warehouse just last week! She is touring across Canada during this month (October).

To learn more visit her website: http://www.barbarareid.ca

Thank you Barbara for sharing your wonderful Art with us! Your work is AMAZING! :) <3

Adriana
xoxo