Mandee Adams and her paper creations show just how much she is enjoying life as a whole. She has found a deep seated love for family and has combined that love with her art. And it shows! After you become acquainted with Mandee during this interview, visit her shop. Explore the love and happiness she puts back into her art.
Enjoy!
How did you get your start in the world of art?
My earliest memory of anything artsy was when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I drew a picture of a Holly Hobby doll sitting on a shelf, and my Mother made such a big deal out of it that I found myself constantly drawing after that. In High School, I attended a special art school on a full scholarship. I didn’t think I belonged there (there were some amazingly talented people in my class) and felt out of place from day one, but I learned a lot about myself and where art should come from. Today, my passion is no longer for charcoal or acrylics…I’m addicted to paper!!
Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
I can’t say that I have a particular ritual, but I do HAVE to have a fresh cup of hazelnut coffee and music playing.
What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
I definitely prefer the creative process. For me, there is an incredible collection of decisions that need to be made based on the effect I see in my mind’s eye. The final creation rarely ever comes out the way I originally intended, but it’s the excitement of getting there that has me obsessed. You must love the final creation if only for the process.
Enjoy!
How did you get your start in the world of art?
My earliest memory of anything artsy was when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I drew a picture of a Holly Hobby doll sitting on a shelf, and my Mother made such a big deal out of it that I found myself constantly drawing after that. In High School, I attended a special art school on a full scholarship. I didn’t think I belonged there (there were some amazingly talented people in my class) and felt out of place from day one, but I learned a lot about myself and where art should come from. Today, my passion is no longer for charcoal or acrylics…I’m addicted to paper!!
Do you have a ritual you perform before you start creating?
I can’t say that I have a particular ritual, but I do HAVE to have a fresh cup of hazelnut coffee and music playing.
What do you like best, the creative process or the final creation?
I definitely prefer the creative process. For me, there is an incredible collection of decisions that need to be made based on the effect I see in my mind’s eye. The final creation rarely ever comes out the way I originally intended, but it’s the excitement of getting there that has me obsessed. You must love the final creation if only for the process.
What are your favorite art media, tools and supplies?
I will always use some sort of ink on every layout. Pigment, chalk or dye…it doesn’t matter. I’ll rub it here or stamp it there, but you’ll always find ink on everything. As for tools, I gravitate towards anything that I can use to distress. I love it when something looks handled and loved.
When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
I rearrange and reorganize my studio. A fresh view usually inspires, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll pick up a magazine and look at the advertisements. You can get some amazing inspiration from advertising layouts.
What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope my art expresses the type of person that I am. I always try to make everything well, balanced, and harmonious. I want people to feel “good” when they look at one of my creations.
I will always use some sort of ink on every layout. Pigment, chalk or dye…it doesn’t matter. I’ll rub it here or stamp it there, but you’ll always find ink on everything. As for tools, I gravitate towards anything that I can use to distress. I love it when something looks handled and loved.
When a creative block happens, what process do you go through to get the creative juices flowing again?
I rearrange and reorganize my studio. A fresh view usually inspires, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll pick up a magazine and look at the advertisements. You can get some amazing inspiration from advertising layouts.
What do you hope your art says about you?
I hope my art expresses the type of person that I am. I always try to make everything well, balanced, and harmonious. I want people to feel “good” when they look at one of my creations.
What is your greatest dream and greatest fear as an artist?
My greatest fear is not being able to create at all. It’s such a big part of who I am. I always leave a little bit of myself in each creation, and I do it willingly because it’s what I love. As for my biggest dream, well, who wouldn’t want to be published? I would love to see a little piece of me in print!
What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goals in art and in life are basically the same…staying happy and in love. Billy Joel once said: “Know what you love and do what you love. If you don’t do what you love, you’re just wasting time.” I’m not going to waste any time.
Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies.
I was born in Maine and still reside in the little town I grew up in. No matter where I go, I’m always drawn back to the home that feels “right”. I’m a SAHM to three beautiful daughters and married to an amazing man. Other than my addiction to paper, I can’t get enough crossword puzzles (I do them in pen and NEVER cheat), hazelnut coffee (I drink at least two pots a day), and antiquing (I love the hunt for that special something). My philosophy is to laugh at least once every day, so humor is a big part of my life. My three year old has some killer knock-knock jokes!
Do you have more than one Etsy shop and/or other online shops?
I only have one Etsy shop, but I have two other online shops and a blog.
http://reveriecreations.etsy.com/
http://reveriecreations.shophandmade.com/
http://reveriecreations.1000markets.com/
http://reveriecreations.blogspot.com/
To see more Etsy Paper Street Team artisans visit http://etsypaperstreetteam.blogspot.com/
My greatest fear is not being able to create at all. It’s such a big part of who I am. I always leave a little bit of myself in each creation, and I do it willingly because it’s what I love. As for my biggest dream, well, who wouldn’t want to be published? I would love to see a little piece of me in print!
What are your goals in art, and in life?
My goals in art and in life are basically the same…staying happy and in love. Billy Joel once said: “Know what you love and do what you love. If you don’t do what you love, you’re just wasting time.” I’m not going to waste any time.
Tell us a little bit about yourself – where you grew up, your life now, other creative pursuits, other interests and hobbies.
I was born in Maine and still reside in the little town I grew up in. No matter where I go, I’m always drawn back to the home that feels “right”. I’m a SAHM to three beautiful daughters and married to an amazing man. Other than my addiction to paper, I can’t get enough crossword puzzles (I do them in pen and NEVER cheat), hazelnut coffee (I drink at least two pots a day), and antiquing (I love the hunt for that special something). My philosophy is to laugh at least once every day, so humor is a big part of my life. My three year old has some killer knock-knock jokes!
Do you have more than one Etsy shop and/or other online shops?
I only have one Etsy shop, but I have two other online shops and a blog.
http://reveriecreations.etsy.com/
http://reveriecreations.shophandmade.com/
http://reveriecreations.1000markets.com/
http://reveriecreations.blogspot.com/
To see more Etsy Paper Street Team artisans visit http://etsypaperstreetteam.blogspot.com/
thanks for following me! i worked at hobby lobby my senior year of college to pay for room and board..great minds! ;)
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Happy Pink 4th! gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty creations! Came by to wish you a Happy Pink Saturday and enjoyed seeing your art work.
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila :-)
Good Morning Happy Pink Saturday and 4th of July. Loved your post. Very beautiful creations. Please stop by and say "hi" as I would love to have you visit. I signed up to follow your Blog, and would love it if you do the same. I want to come back and visit. Country Hugs, Sherry
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by to see your Pink Saturday post.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a great day.