Member Interview - Ametista
Let’s start by telling us a little about yourself.
Carrie - I’ve expressed myself via art in one form or another most of my life, drawing, painting, music, graphic design, jewelry design and now clay. I love it because of all the possibilities it affords. I’m married to a great guy and we have three amazing boys, 11 and two 7 year olds. All my boys (including the big one) are creative in some way so it’s a fun house…a very colorful and loud, fun house.
Kathy – I’m originally from Texas. I have one boy (11), he’s best friends with Carrie’s 11 year old, that’s how we met. I enjoy doing just about anything crafty. I started out scrapbooking, then got into jewelry designing and now as Carrie mentioned above clay! I do have a huge passion for photography, and I’m hoping to expand more on that sometime here in the near future.
Do you have any words of advice for beginners besides practice, practice, practice?
Carrie – Yes, #1. Network with others who practice your particular craft…the benefits are immeasurable. Since Kathy and I joined PCAGOE, we’ve received feedback, ideas, encouragements, challenges and incredible inspiration. #2. A friend and fellow artist once said to me “Make what you love, not what you think will sell and people who love what you do will buy it.” #3. Play with your “scrappy bits”! (Translation - leftover clay) Sometimes I get the best ideas while using my scrappy bits. I think it’s because I’m not so worried about wasting it, I can be more carefree with my creation.
Is there a website or blog page you would like to share? www.AmetistaDea.blogspot.com.
Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
Carrie - Mostly self taught or through books and online classes…LOVE the internet!
How has the internet impacted your art?
Carrie – It allows us to do what we do from home and that’s huge cause between Kathy and I we have 6 boys that need supervision! Two of which are hubbies, but that’s still six males that need supervision! So with the internet we take classes, buy supplies, research, advertise, network and most importantly, sell our wares…pretty dang cool. Kathy – I second that one!
