FEATURED ARTIST

Vintage fabric eco-friendly clothing by Laura Fauna!



"I have been sewing my whole life- I can't remember a time when I wasn't making things. Mostly I make clothes, but occasionally a stuffed animal or two. I love working with vintage fabrics and knits- I sew full time out of my apartment here in Louisville, KY."

FEATURED ARTIST!

" I started crocheting almost 2 years ago when my mom gave me a “Learn to Crochet” book for Christmas. Being left-handed made it a little difficult because I had to flip the instructions in my head, but I was immediately hooked. I started making hats and selling them in my Etsy shop along with jewelry and other handmade goods inspired by the surf lifestyle. I love making things and am always learning new crafts, but crochet is my favorite medium. It lets me work with color and texture in an almost sculptural way.

I met Katy at an event held at BBC a few months ago. I was drawn to her table filled with wonderfully unique items, and we struck up a conversation. I mentioned I crocheted and she said “Can you make hats?” I have been in the Female Art Collective ever since, and it has been a great experience. Katy and Mary are awesome to work with and are truly committed to making the FAC successful.

I really enjoy going to the FAC events. It has given me the chance to see how people react to my hats, which allows me to understand what is working and adapt to what people want. Being a part of the Female Art Collective has really helped me grow as an artist. I have several new hat designs in the works, and I plan on expanding into fingerless gloves, bags, and maybe even crochet jewelry! "


Aww! We love you, too, Jami! & your husband, Jason! He's definitely part of the FAC as well!


Jami is a wonderful example to new handmade business owners and new artists with the Female Art Collective. She is always offering us a large selection with the same quality and Sunset Surf feel. Her pieces have done so well! I remember looking around the first BBC event and seeing like 4 of Jami's hats sitting pretty on heads in the crowd. She is currently working on new projects for the Female Art Collective and is taking part in our expansion. We've been really blessed to have her support and talent!

Female Artist Feature:: FLAPPER GIRL

Flapper Girl’s Christine Blystone spends most of her time either combing through vintage treasures at antique malls and thrift stores, or expressing her creativity though sewing, embroidery, and jewelry design. The Pacific Northwest native brings these two passions together at Flapper Girl, Blystone’s line of cute, retro, and well-crafted designs that are inspired by fabulous second-hand treasures and life in lovely Portland, Oregon.


Cupcake Pin Cushions


Tulle Hostess Apron


Red Ruffle Bottom Knickers

Female Artist Feature:: LANY DEVENING

I'm browsing through Etsy one night with my husband... We come across a print of a small child shooting lazers from his eyes into an owl. My mind is blown. The artist is Lany Devening. I email her right away, asking her to be a part of the Female Art Collective. She's new to Louisville and is more than happy to be involved.

So I go to meet Lany... Picturing her as possibly having a shy darker demeanor... At least some outward signs of her dark sharp humor that her artwork omits.

I walk into the coffee shop and look around. I'm looking for two things, this image of an artist I haven't met and a huge box. In our email conversations, she assures me "I'll be carrying a huge box full of art". Huge box (check). Dark and mysterious artist... No. Here sits Lany with a beautiful smile, long sandy brown hair, original (BUT) cheerful style, and no chips on her shoulder what-so-ever. Now this is mysterious, and I go on talking to her for over an hour and a half just to get to the bottom of who she is.

She's intelligent with a clever sense of humor, very open, very knowledgable of the human mind and its relationship with life. She's brought prints and wood mounts and embroidery. She goes on about the process of each piece, everything has a back story.

We come to a house... it's on fire. & I remember many of her prints where there is smoke climbing up the stairways and circling in around people and animals. It brings this huge relief. The past year of my life felt that way, the way of something so destructive creeping in and everything else around it is seemingly picture perfect. Now I'm not saying that's the point she's getting at, but she's pulled me in for sure. And that's definitely the thing about art, it puts words to pieces of our lives that we fall short to describe or grasp fully.


And again with her embroidery of a house on fire with rainbows emitting from it. This piece being a labor of love taking her up to 6 months to make.

Then there are my favorites... Where she's used old family portraits as inspiration. This boy seems to be smiling behind those eyes, but you can't tell if it from a playful thought or a devious little plot... It has a Village of the Damned feel to it. I'm creeped out and in love at the same time.







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Q & A ::

What drew you to art therapy?

I feel kind of like art therapy found me. I was working in a group home and a co-worker that had volunteered at the state psychiatric hospital gave me the number of her supervisor. One thing led to another, and she became my boss. She is an art therapist, so getting to work in the field is what convinced me to merge my favorite things- art, psychology, and working with people.


What does your art do for you personally?

Art makes me sane (when its not driving me crazy!). The process is so addictive, and the finished product never ceases to amaze me. I love printmaking so much because adding that final layer is like opening a present.


What drew us to your art was it's playful dark side. What do you think contributed to your unique style?

I've always been drawn to scary movies and books. I loved Nancy Drew mysteries when I was little, and I LOVE the Twilight Zone. There will never be a more perfect show. My art has definitely been influenced by these things. I am also so inspired by old family photos, so if I'm going to incorporate the two interests together, it needs to be with a little humor and color.


You master different media and techniques, is there a new medium or technique that you're itching to try?

Lately I've itching to do some ceramics. You would think my previous experience would deter this itch, but I'm just so jealous of people who can throw beautiful functional pottery on the wheel.


What are some of your favorite things about your new home here in Louisville?

I love my fireplaces and huge windows and all the space. My dog is a big fan of the sunshine too.


What are some of your favorite experiences during art school, art therapy, or shows, etc. ?

My favorite experiences have all been about meeting new people and seeing what they make. If its in a gallery, school, or even a hospital, sharing artwork with others is always the best!