Artist Profile--Tammy Vail

For our last artist profile, we are featuring Tammy Vail. Tammy is one of those sparkling characters who always has the whole room laughing. Her playfulness carries over into her artwork with pieces that are lively, colorful and always very creative.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

The mediums I use are anything I can get my hands on. Of course the paints, pencils, and all the wonderful things offered in the stores. As they say, I have spent more money saving 40 percent at Michaels than any other place! I also turn to nature, I dry flowers, seeds, peach skins, leaves and whatever looks fun. I carve on avocado seeds, I string seeds, I include sticks in some collages.

Tammy's found object wall gate:

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

If someone were going to get started in the art adventure, I would advise them to pick up a crayon with their tiny little hand and scribble up the phone book before Mom could stop you. Each day of your life, do something, even if it is a little picture of a bird. Advance throughout your life, trying everything that comes to you. Search out the rest. Take classes, place yourself around other artists, and look for the beauty and wonder in every object you see.

3. A perfect art day would look like_________

a cool sunny day in a beautiful retreat room full of my wonderful friends, and totally trashed tables full of paints, papers, and tons of pieces of stuff.

I would be there for most the time, but go to my own room to create some things alone in the quiet.

Bracelet made from paper beads:

4. Do you have dedicated studio space?

I have a wonderful studio in the bedroom our girls deserted after college in their search for fame, money, and a guy that looks like a Calvin Kline underwear model and has a PHD in tenderness. My studio is light and airy, with windows on one wall, and lots of room. It is my sanctuary.

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

I love the forest, especially in a beautiful lodge by a big noisy river. I love the peace of the country in the fall, with fields of spent pumpkins and a convention of crows there to help clean it up. I love the city, with shops full of things I can buy, or look at joyously. I enjoy everywhere when I feel good, and hey, even if I don't!

A fabric book:

6. What inspires you?

Life inspires me, Nature inspires me, my wonderful friends inspire me, the wonder of all things on this earth, the ocean, the sky, storms, blue birds, a tornado that tears up the earth, but doesn't hurt any one inspires me. Guess I'm kinda easy in that area!

7. I still struggle with_____

I still struggle with the fact that I just can not understand written instructions, or math well. Hey, I just don't get it. I need to see things. I can figure out and do most anything by looking and making the directions myself.

A recycled, hand-painted chair:

8. I'd be lost without__________

my glasses.

9. Favorite dessert?

hey let's list the ones I don't like, the list would be shorter. The best of course a hot fudge sunday with chopped almonds, lots of fudge on the bottom and the top

of the dish is required. I even love it when the last little bit melts and runs together and I can scrape it out of the bowl with my spoon and break the etiquette barrior.

One of Tammy's mixed media books:

10. What's on the horizon?

everything of course.

That concludes our series of artist profiles. You can see all of them in the tab up at the top of the blog. After the first of the year, we will begin a series of studio visits to show you where our members create.

Artist Profile--Suzanne Reynolds

Our featured artist this month is Suzanne Reynolds. Suzanne is one of those artists who tries a lot of different media and seems to master everything. Whatever she delves into, her work has a wonderful polish to it that we all admire.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

Given my crazy collection of materials and supplies, you'd probably conclude there are few mediums I haven't played with. My favorite would have to be fabric, though. The most satisfying feature is that it can be manipulated or embellished to create things that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I love to use vintage fabrics as well as modern prints from current designers. Other favorite mediums include wire, beads, and metal findings for creating jewelry; ephemera and old photographs for collage, paint--and a new one for me, paper clay. After taking a workshop with Rogene Manas I'm intrigued by the way it can be worked to give the effect of carved wood.

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

If you find yourself falling in love with fabric, own a good sewing machine and know how to use it. Take classes and workshops from artists whose work speaks to you. Don't be afraid to try something new! Browse the library and book store shelves for ideas. The internet is an endless source of information--blogs, websites, Google--but don't let it take up too much of your creative time.

3. A perfect art day would look like__

It would involve a class of some sort, or play date with art friends. Throw in a gallery visit or shopping break, good coffee, food, and music...that adds up to a pretty perfect day in my book.

4. Do you have dedicated studio space? Give a brief description of where you work.

I'm fortunate to have a large space above my garage but now it's serving mostly as a storage room and I'm not spending much time in there. It needs a major "re-do"! The sewing machine and cutting mat are currently set up in the dining room and I have some bins for various projects that help keep me organized and make it easy to work in any area of my house.

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

I've been in the Portland area for 21 years and can't imagine living outside the Pacific Northwest--we have everything here. I enjoy visiting our National Parks and exploring cities with lots of charm--and art, of course!

6. What inspires you (or are there recurring themes in your work)?

I'm inspired by nature, graphic design and illustration, fabric, old stuff, religious objects and images, and my artist friends.

7. I still struggle with_______

managing time for making art. There are so many distractions in day-to-day life. I often have difficulty finding time to be productive. And I'm a hopeless dreamer.

8. I'd be lost without_______

the desire to make things.

9. Favorite dessert?

A naked slice of cheesecake is simply divine.

10. What's on the horizon?
Well, I never want to stop learning so it will be interesting to discover what captures my imagination next. I'd love to make loads of quilts, travel more, and play a lot.

See more of Suzanne's work on her BLOG .

Artist Profile--Robin Olsen

This month I'm posting my own profile--Robin Olsen. I started Portland Art Collective 8 years ago after moving to Portland from Calif. It was one of the best things I've ever done! I am thrilled to have such a wonderful group of artist friends for continual inspiration and support.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

I love painting and stitching and pretty much focus on those 2 things. I like to work intuitively, but I also want a piece to have good design principles when it's done. I love that I can paint fast and furiously but then make as many changes as I want. I might do the first painting in a couple hours, but spend the next 2 months making changes until it all feels right. I'm always trying to find that line between freedom and control. It's much harder to make changes after I've spent a lot of time hand stitching pieces together in fabric. But I love the meditative quality of slow hand stitching.

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

Don't wait for the perfect time, place, class, materials, just start. I started painting after reading Michele Cassou's Life, Paint and Passion. At the time I had 2 toddlers and a tiny laundry room to paint in. Every day I put on a Magic Schoolbus video for the kids and spent 30 minutes painting. I used cheap paper and kid paints. Every painting went into a stack, not to be looked at again. I think it's really important to have time to experiment, play and find the joy in what you do, without expecting great finished pieces. Later I took painting classes and was then ready for the sometimes tedious exercises like value scales.

There are so many different ways to learn, find what works best for you. When I started in mixed media, I loved taking classes at big retreats where I was energized and inspired by all the novelty. Now I find those events over stimulating and prefer to work and learn in solitude. I love online classes and books for that reason. A few favorite books that come to mind--Stitch Magic by Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, Expressive Drawing by Steven Aimone, and Creative Illustration Workshop by Katherine Dunn.

3. A perfect art day would look like_________

Any day when I wake up with a creative spark and no obligations is pretty nice. Ideally, I'd wake up and go to a Nia class. Have coffee and an oatmeal scone at Baker and Spice, then head home to plunge into art projects. I'd be at that stage when ideas are flowing and I lose track of time. I'd alternate between painting for an hour or two, then sit and work on stitching for a while. I'd head out to a great dinner probably at Apizza Scholls or Por Que No with my family, and they'd be intensely interested in everything I did that day. An evening walk and a luscious dessert would round out the day.

4. Do you have dedicated studio space? Give a brief description of where you work.

One of the features that sold me on our house was a nice size daylight basement for studio space. It wasn't entirely finished when we bought it, so I was able to choose cork flooring which I love because I often stand when I work. I have my easel set up in front of a window. And an area designated for fabric work. My studio is more functional than beautiful.

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

I feel very lucky to live in Portland! My favorite place to visit is New York City, and I go as often as I can. Theater, museums, great food--I never get tired of it. I love to walk from one end to the other and absorb all the sights on the streets.

6. What inspires you (or are there recurring themes in your work)?

I am inspired by artwork that has a spontaneous energy to it such as graffiti and outsider art. I used to teach children's art classes and love the exuberance in their work. I get lots of inspiration from ethnic textiles and art. And I find big cities very inspirational.

7. I still struggle with_________

My moods. I wish I could wake up feeling creative everyday, but sometimes the funk sets in.

8. I'd be lost without__________

This probably makes me schizophrenic, but my alone time AND my family and friends.

9. Favorite dessert?

Anything chocolate, but nothing beats a warm chocolate chip cookie loaded with nuts and an ice cold glass of milk.

10. What's on the horizon?

More of the same. I'm experimenting with painting on wood. I'm working more and more with reclaimed fibers--bits of old linens and handwork, the more worn and frayed the better. And I'm looking forward to warm weather when I can dye a new batch of recycled fabrics.

You can see more of my work on my blog http://robinolsen.blogspot.com

Artist Profile--Jennifer Campbell

Our featured artist this month is Jennifer Campbell. Jennifer is our resident organizer who always amazes us with how much she gets done without even flinching. Her organizational skills are essential for keeping track of all the tiny vintage pieces she collects for her wonderful jewelry and art objects.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

I love creating found object jewelry pieces from vintage tins and clock and watch gears and watch faces. I started creating my heart pendants (known as Heartwings) 4 years ago. As they progressed over the years I have moved forward from originally attaching pieces with E-6000 to using the microfasteners that I use today.

I’ve always enjoyed creating with recycled items which really works with this Steampunk style (watch gears and parts) which is a combination of Victorian and science fiction (think Sherlock Holmes or Time Machine). Its fun dismantling old pocket watches and clocks. Being able to recycle the movements of unworking timepieces along with combining the microfasteners and watch fasteners and charms is just heaven.

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

Blogs are a great way to keep up with your favorite artists and any classes they may be teaching (either online or in person). I suggest taking a workshop at a local art shop or at an art retreat. Books and magazines, of course, are wonderful for inspiration as well as ideas.

And, just get in and do it! It’s a process to enjoy and make the most of.

3. A perfect art day would look like_________

One of my “artist dates” with myself. Road trip! A visit to an antiques market or flea market accompanied by the music of Il Divo. Making fabulous finds on this treasure hunt, and having fun negotiating with the dealers. A back roads drive (maybe through wine country) on the way home, stopping in a little town for lunch at a café the locals frequent (beer and wood-fired pizza). A few stops on the road back at antiques shops and a cup of tea when I arrive home along with creating a Soul Collage card to honor the day I’ve had.

4. Do you have dedicated studio space? Give a brief description of where you work.

My main studio space is my garage. My vintage tins are on shelves where I can see them and be inspired by the graphics and colors. I don’t mind creating a mess out there and many months of the year I can leave the garage door open to bring in the fresh air and sunshine (especially in the summer).

Another space I use is my dining room table. I have an armoire where I keep the “art supplies of the moment” and my favorite books that inspire me (vintage jewelry assemblage and Steampunk).

My other favorite space is my inspiration space which is my living room.

I’ll sit with a cup of tea and have a view of the canals of Venice (the mural I painted on the wall), my newly landscaped front yard, my favorite books right there – fabulous!

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

My favorite place I’ve visited is Venice, Italy. I love to wander the streets along the canals, not caring if I get “lost”. I mean, really, how far can one get lost there. Venturing into a tiny shop and talking with the proprietor who has owned the shop for 50 years, coming upon a fantastic museum, eating a gelato, an espresso at 4pm and dinner at a local restaurant where you are an “old friend” by the time you’ve been there only twice. Nate Berkus says to “live wherever in the world you want to be”. And my home reminds me of Italy.

6. What inspires you (or are there recurring themes in your work)?

I’m inspired by my treasure hunts through antique shops or flea markets (whether here or in Europe). I never know what will strike as inspiration. I’m very inspired by the fabulous women artists of Portland Art Collective. I love being part of this tribe! I think a recurring theme is “vintage”, creating something from items with a history to create an item looking for a new history.

A favorite antique market in Venice:

7. I still struggle with_______________

Giving myself time with ME. What with working with my organizing clients in my business, The Art of Organizing, and building my creativity coaching business, Life in Colour Creative Life Coaching, I have to make sure to put myself on the calendar. The time I take for reflection, meditation and play and seeing my friends is priceless.

8. I'd be lost without__________

My belief in the Law of Attraction and the power of the Universe…and

my artist friends in the Portland Art Collective, they are so inspiring to me and I treasure any and all time I get to spend with them. And, of course, my friends of many years, as well as my sister and cousin.

9. Favorite dessert?

I adore freshly-made cannoli (especially the ones you can get in a little bakery in Boston’s North End). And anything chocolate.

10. What's on the horizon?

Building my creativity coaching business, Life in Colour Creative Life Coaching (oh…did I mention that again?) I’m having a fabulous time coming up with creativity exercises that will move my clients forward with their creativity.

In April I will be training to become a Soul Collage Facilitator, so be on the lookout for my upcoming Soul Collage workshops!

I’ll also be working on my Etsy store so I can sell my found-object jewelry online. Currently my assemblage art and found object jewelry can be seen at Schafer Studios in Beaverton, OR (www.schaferstudios.com) and at Rock Your World Gallery ( new gallery in Lincoln City – 1423 NW Hwy 101 – 97367).

And on my plate right this minute is having my yard landscaped to create my own little inspiration space in the front yard, complete with a fire pit, the sound of water and gorgeous plants to combine with found object art.

See more of Jennifer's artwork on her blog.

Jennifer Campbell CPC

Life in Colour Creative Life Coaching

lifeincolour.net

jennifer@lifeincolour.net

The Art of Organizing

"Working with you to create an organized life"

theartoforganizing.net

Artist Profile--Judi Stack

Our featured artist this month is Judi Stack. We always enjoy Judi's dry sense of humor, something that often carries over into her artwork. Many of her pieces have a story behind them, often one that leaves us laughing.

1. What are the main mediums you use? What do you find satisfying about them?

When I paint, I like to use acrylic. It not only dries fast, but the clean up is less toxic than

turpentine products used with oil paints.

“Repurpose, reuse, recycle” is the theme of most of my other work. I will use anything I can find to

make shadow boxes, jewelry or collages. I collect all kinds of junk and some of it finds its way into my

work. It’s really “play,” not work.

2. If someone were going to get started in those mediums, what suggestions would you give?

The more art I see in books, shows, museums and galleries the more I realize that all people can make art. My advice is to pick up what’s at hand and paint it, glue it, carve it, write about it or dance with it. Just do what makes you happy and forget about anyone else. There are no rules.

3. A perfect art day would look like_________

On a perfect art day I usually visit about 9 art galleries in a row and then fall into bed thinking about all of the

ideas I have and wondering how I can live long enough to try them all.

4. Do you have dedicated studio space?

I have a basement room that is crammed full of work tables and boxes of junk, paper, paints, glues, fabric and tools, I have some stuff in the storeroom and I seem to have expanded into the basement family room which doubles as a guest room. I keep the guest bed made up and a big sheet of plastic over it so I can lay projects on it to dry. Because I am a very messy person I need lots of flat surfaces. My husband once told me that 6 tables of unfinished work were too many.

I have all of that room, but my favorite place to work is my big dining table. The light is lots better there and when I see a project constantly, I sometimes finally get it finished.

We don’t invite company for dinner very often, it’s just too much work to carry all my stuff back downstairs.

5. Favorite place you've visited or lived?

I have traveled in China , Japan , England , Ireland and Europe . I loved it all, but my most difficult time was when I studied Chinese in Northern China in 1994. I was almost the oldest student in my group and the living situation and high humidity almost drove me bonkers. I lived through it and achieved my goals so it was all worth it, even the $56 it cost my husband to send me a jar of peanut butter and some toilet paper. I’m sure things have improved a lot since then. I’d really like to go back to see.

6. What inspires you (or are there recurring themes in your work?

I am fascinated with the Hubble picture from space and reading about modern advances in physics. I am also a student of comparative religions and spirituality. I am a Christian who left the church after forty-five years in the same congregation to seek my own spiritual path. I am always looking for the place where science and religion come together.

7. I still struggle with:

Throwing out junk, (otherwise known as treasures) is extremely difficult. As soon as I send something to a charity, I see someone else who has made art with just such an object.

8. I'd be lost without:

I would be lost without glue and double sided tape. When someone asks me what kind of glue I use, I reply, “All of them.”

9. Favorite dessert?

I am pre-diabetic and have given up sugary desserts. Sometimes I will have a little piece of bitter chocolate with my cup of coffee. Coffee with cream is my main treat.

10. What's on the horizon?

I'm wondering what I can make out of this stuff I just bought at Goodwill.

I am much happier since I stopped sending my stuff out to try to jury into shows and just participate in the annual PAC sale only. I am deliriously happy when someone actually buys something I have done. It is SO much fun. And it is so much fun just to be in a room full of PAC friends and their art.