Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I grew up in Cleveland, lived in Portland for 10 years, and have been in Los Angeles for 21 years. It’s not where I’m from that affects my work, but rather trying to grow my popcorn business while working as a 5th grade teacher. This began as me simply trying to make caramel corn for outdoor movie night with friends on the driveway during the pandemic. Little did I know then that it would turn into a business.

A hidden talent I’d take it?! How do you define success as an artist?
I think there are three kinds of success, the most important one in my mind, being the sense of pride that comes with creating something that turns out just the way it was envisioned. The other two successes are external, one being the validation of others loving what you’ve created and the other being the financial success of having created something that people want to purchase.

Well put. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

I’ve only been making popcorn for a couple years now, so I don’t really think it has helped in other areas of my life. I do think however, that it’s my lifetime of experiences and values that has helped in my new business. For one, I realize that I have to be patient. That though success can happen overnight, it is usually the result of persistence over a period of time. Second, I truly understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. In what seems like another life, I was an Ironman Triathlete, during which time I balanced being a new father, my job, and a second job’s worth of training. Finally, I have learned to welcome failure. I know that each time something does not go as intended, I am one step closer to things working out.

Yes, most times failure can push us towards success. How have you developed your skill at your craft?
I have exactly zero culinary training, which means I have developed my craft through reading and by trial and error. In some ways, it’s quite freeing. With no prior knowledge or preconceived notions about how it’s supposed to be done, I’ve been free to experiment and figure things out for myself.

Very true! What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The initial problem was not really knowing what I was doing. Now, the hardest part is scaling back all the things I want to do, due to the fact that I’m a one-person operation with a full time job.

A true entrepreneur! How has your style changed over time?
Initially, I was only going to make original, sweet popcorn flavors. I was going to reimagine/reinvent gourmet popcorn and offer the world something totally unique. But as I learned early on, people love certain popcorn flavors, so I quickly adapted my vision. I still make unique flavors, like Churro Crunch, Vanilla Butter, Chocolate Jalapeño, and Everything Bagel White Cheddar, but I also make the best version of popular favorites, like Sea Salt Caramel and Cheddar Ranch.

YUM! What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best part is creating something that tastes amazing.

What’s your favorite flavor that you’re created, and why?

My favorite popcorn flavor is Chocolate Jalapeño. First, I love that it is an unexpected combination and that it is unique (I haven’t found any other popcorn company that has it). Second, I love that is has a Willy Wonka like effect, in that you first taste chocolate and about 8-10 seconds later you get a slight back of the throat heat from the Jalapeño.

Well we can’t wait to see you in person this November 18th & 19th in Pasadena.

Where to see more of Sweetzer Gourmet Popcorn:

Website | sweetzergourmet.com

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I was born in Kansas City, although my upbringing was a bit different than most kids. Both my mother and father are both from a small village in Croatia and I grew up in a bilingual household ... which also happened to be a small (non-commercial) farm.
We had chickens, sheep, cows, rabbits, a duck and a fully stocked pond. I love animals. So I tend to draw animals a lot.
I think growing up on a farm likely helped put a soft/organic spin on my art.

Very cool! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I always wanted to be a Disney Animator growing up ... so good 'ol Walt was definitely an artistic/professional hero of mine.
Nowadays though, I always find myself gravitating toward artists with a unique voice and a specialized craft/medium ...
I think 90% of the accounts I personally follow on instagram are tattooist.
I find fineline/detailed tattoo art so inspiring that I actually started teaching myself how to tattoo just before COVID hit.
I have been told countless times that people think the artwork on my leggings are tattoos and I have had a handful of customers reach out asking if they could get my art tattooed on themselves.
Hopefully I will be able to dive into tattooing more in the future.

We could definitely see that! How do you define success as an artist?
Success has two meanings for me ... If you are able to make a living through art, that is a massive win.
But more importantly, does the work satisfy a need to create. Sometimes when your passion becomes your job, the passion fades.
I have worked creative jobs in the past that were incredibly unfulfilling ... drawing things that other people wanted me to draw vs. drawing things that make my heart sing.
True success is a balance of both. Being able to feel good about the work you are putting out while also paying rent on time =)

A true balance challenge! Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

I haven't been posting much Etch A Sketch art as of late, but for a while I was going live nightly on TikTok and there is a super weird sense of calm to Etch A Sketch with a large audience knowing that you cannot erase as you go along. Etch A Sketch art is a very unique form of meditation for me. It's one of the only times where I can zone out, focus on what is in front of me, and not let my brain stress about 700 other things simultaneously. My personal insta and tiktok profiles share a lot of my etch a sketch art and both can be found at @chriztinamarie

We will have to check that out! How have you developed your skill at your craft?
I have been a visual artist for as long as I can remember. In being mostly self-taught, my technique has slowly evolved over the last 30+ years and I am constantly learning and trying new things. I started with 100% hand illustrations and paintings. Over time, I had to learn how to recreate my artwork in photoshop for it to be print-ready. That has been quite the evolution. Being mostly self-taught in photoshop puts me at a bit of a disadvantage because I do not know most of the shortcuts and tricks to finish a project faster ... but I approach my photoshop as though I am illustrating on a sheet of paper or painting on a canvas. I think that gives my work a bit more of a familiar/organic feeling vs perfectly crisp clip art. (Although that is not to say that I wouldn't welcome a couple tips/tricks and shortcuts now and then, lol)!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The balancing act between what I want to draw vs what I think will sell.
Sometimes, I want to draw things that aren't so commercially appealing and I am not sure if I can invest in the cost of production to bring it to life. It's hard to put what you want to do on the back burner to instead work on the things that you think would be more popular/salable.

Also, and I am sure a lot of other small business owners can relate to this: I find it hard to magically find inspiration the moment that my schedule finally allows me to draw. Lately, 95% of my time revolves around administrative/operational/management tasks like bookkeeping, licensing, customer service emails (oof), permits, photoshoots and photo editing, writing email newsletters, working on the website, running production, etc .... I have about 3,197 hats to wear and it can be very hard to juggle all those things and then flip the switch when time allows for the creative process. More often than not, I find myself wishing I had a business partner who could manage a lot of the not-so-creative operations so I could focus on my art and what really makes me happy. A girl can dream.

A true entrepreneur! How has your style changed over time?
WERKSHOP Collections have evolved a lot over the years. I used to focus on single/large billboard style artwork on the leggings but have slowly shifted toward smaller details and mature styling. It's been a slow evolution though, because I have been trying to maintain a recognizable brand identity. The biggest shift in style has happened within the last year with the introduction of my Featherlight Collection. The Featherlight collection of leggings, bells, skirts, shorts and tops is the biggest change that WERKSHOP has embraced since I founded the company 9 years ago. WERKSHOP started as just Capri Length Triathlon/Compression leggings and has evolved into a full lifestyle brand over the years.

Very cool. What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Honestly, the best thing is being able to express what I feel/think in a way that can be shared with others even if I am not in the room with them. I imagine it is about the same feeling for all artists: musicians, writers, sculptors, etc ... we feel something, see (or hear it) in our head, and then get to share it with the world. I couldn't imagine a life without being able to share that side of myself.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Oh gosh, what a hard question! There is no way for me to pick one single item as my favorite ... but I will say that my new bicycle length shorts (with pockets) are my current obsession.
I wear them literally every single day. My favorite print out of the eight I have created so far would have to be the new Pit Viper. The print is also available as an active skirt (also with pockets) which is definitely my second-most worn style for the last few months.

Cute! Anything special you’d like to share?

If anyone out there is reading this and likes my art/clothing, I would be forever grateful if you checked out my website and came to visit my booth at the upcoming Jackalope Art Fair. As a small business, I sincerely appreciate the support more than words can say. Without a big marketing budget, I rely mostly on word-of-mouth and always strive to treat our customers like family. Welcome to #teamWERKSHOP! Thank You!!

Well we can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Eagle Rock Werkshop:

Website | www.werkshop.com

Instagram | @werkshop

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I grew up mostly in Georgia, but was originally from California and always had it in my heart. Being homesick created a forlorning that improved my imagination and love of art even more. 

How did you come up with your company name?

The name Rosamond belongs to my late grandmother and is a tribute to her. Her paintings made a big impression on me as a child and they continue to make me feel connected to her.

Love that, speaking of inspiration, who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I’m inspired by Matisse, Van Gogh, and the Art Deco era

How do you define success as an artist?
Contentment. We all love validation from others, but if we’re not happy with our own work, it will show.

Very true. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

It has always helped me emotionally, getting me through sadness and anxiety.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?
About a year ago I first learned how to use a laser cutter and graphic design at a high school I used to work for. After learning basics, I quickly fell in love and bought my own laser cutter and began practicing. Prior to that, jewelry-making in particular was completely new to me as an art form.

It is always fun learning a new skill, keeping our brain active! What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Definitely learning and improving in graphic design has been the hardest part. For laser cutting, graphic design works best over traditional drawing and I don’t necessarily think of myself as a technical person.

How has your style changed over time?
Prior to laser cutting, I briefly made jewelry with polymer clay, which is a completely different medium, so my style has had to adapt as each medium has its strengths and weaknesses. I also have a lot of interests, so I go through phases of creating novelty pieces and then elegant pieces, so I expect I’ll still go back and forth between these styles and continue to evolve.

Keeping it fresh for you as the artist I am sure helps with the creativity. What’s the best thing about being an artist?

That people can understand you through your art. We express ourselves through art and we can feel a connection to others through art. 

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

My favorite item I’ve made is my cloud earrings. They’re very whimsical and fun, which best represents me.

Beautiful! We can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Rosamond Street & Co.:

Website | https://www.lumierevintage.com/rosamond

Instagram | @rosamondstreet

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I grew up in New Jersey near Philadelphia so we had the opportunity to go to the Philadelphia Museum to see art. My dad made it a point to take us and talk about art. He’s an artist and so was my grandmother.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I am a big fan of traditional artists like Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. And more contemporary artists like Shepard Fairey, Barbara Kruger, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.

How do you define success as an artist?
Being successful to me is being authentic and creating work that brings me and others joy.

We love that! Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Art is definitely an outlet for me that helps with my mental well-being. I enjoy using my voice in street art and contemporary art for things that matter to me. I hope I can create work that inspires others and creates a sense of unity overall.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?
Being self-taught I love trying new things through trial and error. That’s how I’ve discovered my style along with finding mentors throughout my journey.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The process has evolved over time and since I’ve started to take my own photos, adding photography to the mix adds another layer of time to the process.

Loving the mix of mediums! How has your style changed over time?
I started creating digitally and moved into physical work. So it’s been using all my tools to create work and challenge myself throughout the process to find what I really want to focus on.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

I love the art community and meeting collectors. People that really get what you’re doing and support it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

The Maya Angelou mural that I created part of the protests in 2020 in Hollywood.

Beautiful! We can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Amy Smith:

Website | https://www.amysmith.art/

Instagram | @amysmithart

How did Stray Cat Alliance get its start?

Stray Cat Alliance started 21 years ago with one homeless kitten named Chloe. One cat needed care and support in a time when none was easily found. One cat was the catalyst of over 150,000+ lives saved over two decades. Today, we are still going strong and saving more lives than ever before. Every cat we save is a reminder of a time when cats and kittens were overlooked and is a recommitment to our mission of ensuring every cat is safe, healthy, and valued.

Where and how does the rescue get involved when saving a cat? 

Stray Cat Alliance has many programs that focus on lifesaving. One of the most successful programs is Safe at Home. Safe at Home empowers community members to serve as foster care givers, playing an integral part in saving animal lives. At the South Los Angeles shelter, Stray Cat Alliance community engagement counselors intercept people, before kittens and cats are impounded, and mentor and support them as fosters, providing training on all aspects from bottle feeding through adoption. We also supply all food and medical care. This is one of the few programs of its kind in the United States. It shouldn’t be. We would like to expand to as many communities as we can.

That is amazing. What is a typical day like working with the rescue?

Stray Cat Alliance is an incredible lifesaving team, from cat care, through the clinic, to our admin and program staff. Each day is full of hard work, dedication and lots of love that helps us achieve our lifesaving goals. We are very grateful for our donors, supporters, fosters and volunteers, too!

How do you define success as a non-profit?

Success is being able to save a furry life everyday and finding them a forever home.

Yes, love that! Does your work with Stray Cat help you in other areas of your life?

You learn so much about rescue, spay/neuter, cat care and medical care while working at Stray Cat Alliance. It's wonderful to be able to provide this experience, knowledge, and support to friends and family.

What is the hardest part of your job with Stray Cat Alliance?

Refraining from wanting to take home every cat and kitten that we save!

That would be hard! Can you tell us more about the process behind adoption and fostering?

Stray Cat Alliance Adoption Program:

Stray Cat Alliance's adoption program provides foster and forever homes for cats and kittens found on the streets through their Trap / Neuter / Return (TNR) program, impounded at the shelter, or from hotline requests for support when cats are faced with being taken to shelters or abandonment. Many cats from their other programs feed into their adoption program. Each cat and kitten receives veterinary care (spay/neuter, vaccines, testing, check-ups, microchips) until a permanent, loving home is secured.

Stray Cat Alliance Foster Program:

Whether your home is small or large, you live alone or have other animals, we have cats and kittens who need your help and will thrive under your care. We rescue nearly two thousand cats and kittens every year and rely on our fosters to help us care for them until they’re adopted. The more fosters we have, the more lives we can save.

Website page for adopting and fostering with Stray Cat Alliance: https://straycatalliance.org/adopt-and-foster/ 

Do you have a favorite story or moment from the rescue?

We recently rescued the cutest 8 week old kitten who we named John Belushi. He was on IV fluids, antibiotics and in oxygen for sever upper respiratory infection and pneumonia. After several weeks of critical care with our team, our litte fur-angel made a full recovery. He began walking, eating and breathing on his own. We never gave up on believing in little John Belushi. That is our lifesaving mission.

Any additional success stories we can share?

THIS STORY REALLY WARMS OUR PAWS! 💜

A big-hearted ❤️ community member went to the local shelter looking for help and guidance with two kittens that he found.

He had zero kitten supplies and purchased cat food from the closest store in order to put a little food in their bellies.

We told him that we would provide him with supplies and food if he was willing to foster the kittens 😻 until they are adopted, so he wouldn’t have to worry about purchasing supplies.

This is a photo of the community member holding our @CatalystPet donation because it is lightweight, and he was already carrying a few other cat supplies home on the bus. We asked him if the donations were too heavy for him to take, and he said, "He would manage!" What a sweetheart!

He was so grateful for our help and left confident that the kitties would be cared for with our support. We are never not amazed by how resilient and kind our community members can be. They go above and beyond to seek help for the kittens and cats, and we are very grateful to help!

Mellow & Alaska 😻 are available for adoption! Apply to Adopt from Stray Cat Alliance: https://bit.ly/adopt-sm

This is why your generous donations to Stray Cat Alliance are so important. Please consider donating from our Amazon or Chewy wish lists:

Amazon: https://a.co/a3MAeMQ

Chewy: https://bit.ly/3lcKhy6
Donate to our current lifesaving campaign, Kiss a Kitten this Season: https://bit.ly/kissakitten-ig23  

That makes us smile! We can’t wait to see you in person at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Stray Cat Alliance:

Website | straycatalliance.org

Instagram | @straycatalliance

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I am proud to be Mexican American and I feel deeply rooted to my Mexican culture. My family is from Jalisco Mexico where I have been able to travel since I was a child. My love of leather and design combines my Mexican culture with the artisanal art of leather tooling.

I think your work definitely speaks to your heritage and we love that. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? 

I have a specific love of Chicano art and the beauty of the bright colors used in Latino art pieces.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success is being able to provide pieces that are enjoyed and appreciated by others.

That is a great perspective. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

It brings me joy in supporting the artisans that we work with and efforts to keep this art form of tooling alive.

Very cool. How have you developed your skill at your craft?

By connecting with artisans and collaborating and sharing ideas. 

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Sourcing the raw materials and creating enough product to meet demand. Inventory issues.

How has your style changed over time?

The designs of the handbags have changed to keep up with trends but the tooling has remained traditional to keep the cultural authenticity.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

My latest design! See below:

What do you love most about Pasadena?

The transformation of how the city has invested in making old town better and their support of the arts.

We can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Ciselè Handcrafted Leather:

Website |www.cisele.net

Instagram | @Cisele2019

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I am originally from Italy.  I was brought up with a strict Catholic background, and though not religious now, I do use those images to represent spirituality, irony, and faith.  I was raised by a single mother. Having moved from a small town in Italy to a large city with so much diversity, I was struck how multi-cultural Los Angeles is and how that move changed my worldview, and continues now to help shape my art.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? 

My art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my worldview, and flashes in my dreams. I have always studied artists in all genres and throughout history. I do not have a particular artist that influences me, I think all art and all artists influence artists, and that is how it is with me my art. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

I believe it is being able to move people with my art. The greatest pleasure I get as an artist is watching people talking about my art and discussing the meaning and what it evokes in them. Success is stopping people in their tracks and them reacting to the piece. 

That is a great perspective. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

It is therapeutic and extremely rewarding. It allows me to put on paper my emotions, my thoughts and my point of view. 

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I have painted since I was a child. As an artist by nature, I have dabbled in all mediums, and have explored many different styles.

How has your style changed over time?
I started doing oil on canvas, and my style was surreal and dark body images. Now, my art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my world-view, and flashes in my dreams. I find mixed media collage is the best medium to express myself now.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Finding time in my extremely busy life. There is nothing hard about the actual process, it’s the business side, the marketing side and the promotion that is hard for me. I love all aspects of creating art and sharing with others.

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I spend hours finding images that match my imagination, train of thought or dreams. Then I find colors that compliment the images, and spend hours rearranging, gluing and painting over and around those images to create the final image I want. Sometimes it takes days, or a week, and sometimes a full day, but I do not rush it, but let it flow naturally.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is the ability to show anything you want. With every person that sees it will have a different reaction to it, and I love seeing the different reactions and interpretations of it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Holy Cow is my favorite piece. I am an animal rights activist, and this piece represents how sacred, pure, spiritual, gentle, and kind a cow is, and it expresses that it is a sentient being, and should be revered, rather than exploited. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Pasadena and Burbank?

I will be bringing some of my original work, some limited editions, open editions of my most popular art pieces, as well as products such as greeting cards and tote bags of my art.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

My goal is that my art sparks conversations about diversity, women's issues, fame, community and hope for our planet, fellow humans, and animals. 

Love that. We can’t wait to see you in person this April 29th & 30th at Jackalope Pasadena AND at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival this June 3rd & 4th.

Where to see more of Laura Ward Art:

Website | www.lauraward.art

Instagram | @lauraward.art

How did you come up with your company name?

The name D’s Cookiesss was simple, when you’re having a party and not sure what to bring, you bring “D’s Cookiesss” but also its my initials :)

How did you get your start?

My baking adventure began during the pandemic. I was unable to work at my job due to school closures so I kept myself busy by baking. Chocolate chip cookies are my all time favorite so I got to work and perfected the BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie; that was just the start. My kids encouraged me to put myself out there and share my cookies with everyone! So here we are today with D's Cookiesss, I hope you enjoy my baking journey with me!

I bet your kids enjoyed being taste testers! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of this baking journey has been creating in the kitchen. There so many variations of cookies and endless mix ins that you can create almost anything from a simple cookie

What / who is your biggest influence?

My biggest baking influencer is my mom. She has been baking her whole life and always had a special traditional Italian dessert to make for every holiday and season.

Very sweet! What does success mean to you?

I define success as a baker when someone is tasting my cookie for the first time and it leave them speechless!

Always a good sign! Does baking help you in other aspects of life?

Baking definitely helps with my stress levels. Gives me a way to forget what’s going on and focus on creating my next cookie..

Can you give us an idea of what you will be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing all of my favorite cookies with me. Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, Peanut Butter, Rainbow, D’s with Nuts, Oatmeal Raisin, and I always have a cookie of the month that will be a surprise.

YUM! Anything special you would like to add?

My Cookiesss are not your typical cookie, these will definitely satisfy your cookie craving

We can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th, 2022 in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of D’s Cookiesss:

Website | https://dscookiesss.com

Instagram | @dscookiesss

How did you get started making honey?

My grandmother was a beekeeper and never did I imagine to continue her legacy. We had the opportunity to invest in beekeeping and I fell in love with the bees and the whole process of saving them. It became more about the bees then the outcome of the investment. Then as the years past by, we got more serious with the business and we wanted to keep it all natural so we came up with the bee natural honey name. Keeping the essence of the bees and nature and still provide the best honey.

Love the name connection! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the business is to contribute to the world by saving the bees because now I know how important they are to keep us alive. Also, the interaction with the community and knowing that we are doing something good for their health by providing the best local raw honey and hand crafted beeswax products.

I love purchasing local honey, it helps with my allergies. What are you looking forward to in returning to Pasadena?

I love the Pasadena community simply because the good vibes and incredible support to small businesses, I’m so happy now that we are back after the pandemic. I love to see people smile when they try our honey and products.

Are you bringing anything special to Jackalope this time around?!

We will be back with our most popular honey, the orange blossom honey, that’s Pasadena's favorite honey.

YUM! Anything special you would like to add?

I like to share that when we have struggles in our business we just go to visit the bees and they gives us energy to keep going. It’s amazing how hard they work and how passionate they look when taking care of the queen bee and that’s what keeps us going. We love saving the bees!

We can’t wait to see you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of Bee Natural Honey:

Website | https://beenaturalhoney.com/

Instagram | @bee_natural _honey

Can you tell us how you got your start?

Stress and despair! :) No, really! My wife and I were going through a particularly difficult time acclimating to parenting my 8 year old nephew a bit into the transition of him coming to live with us. We were relatively new in our relationship and this was a huge undertaking that required many therapists, specialists, and lots of change. I was working a full-time, middle-management job at the time and was under an exorbitant amount of stress there and at home. Have you ever had one of those end-of-your-rope, you’ve tried all the talking and prayers and breathing and coping things, and there are simply NO MORE TRICKS up your sleeve moments of despair? This all seems like such a simplification of what was really going on, but it was that kind of debilitating chaos. 

One night back in 2014, I lost it. I was alone in my room after a particularly difficult evening. It was dark and I was just sobbing everything out in a mess of hyperventilation and tears - the really ugly kind of crying. I was at a complete loss and out of nowhere, this wild energy came up and it was like my body was moving without me. I found myself grabbing for random things - a tv tray, a stack of scrapbook paper, paints, scrapers, and brushes. The next moments are all a blur as I literally pushed all the energy into painting these feelings.

Everything came out. It was fast, deeply emotional, and wildly expressive. Truly, it was maniacal and not far off from what you’d watch in a dark film as someone legit goes crazy. Haha I painted square after square - the papers were 12x12” and each became a scraping and smudging of the stress and feelings I carried around every day.

This experience was not only incredibly cathartic, but really surprising because I had never painted before, aside from some furniture in my teens (peace signs and cow print - hello 90’s) and some school projects for compositional study when I attended FIDM in my 20’s for Visual Communications. 

I ended up with 45 paintings. I only just released them on my website shortly before the pandemic hit. I love that there are pieces living on in my collector’s homes and life stories, some all the way in Copenhagen! I’ll have the collection at the show along with newer bodies of work.

That is incredible, so glad you found a way to release those feelings. So what inspires you to create now?
Freedom. Letting go. The state of being. Whatever you are right now, fully accepting that in its most peaceful, purest state. Feeling. Being boundless. Photos of people doing yoga on a cliff. Dancers floating and moving their bodies like water figures so open and uninhibited. Space. Not literal stars, but space to be - that kind of expansion where there are no limits and anything is possible. Musicians lost in melody. Lyrics to a favorite song. People in their elements of passion - enthralled with the process of becoming and stepping outside of themselves. Seeing others tap into that energy. Being totally untethered. That’s the juice. 

Love that. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

Having no plan when I sit down to create. It’s so pure and freeing. I struggle with anxiety and perfectionism; always looking for the “right” and “should” answers out of fear of being wrong. A lot of self-doubt comes with that.  A lot of second-guessing. That internal spinning is chaotic and can be pretty paralyzing. 

 Abstract painting is a space where I’m free from all that. I meet it with no plans or expectations. It’s an honest place, totally surrendered and open. It just asks me to show up and decide; to be present and willing. To listen. It’s an invitation to be seen and be known as I am, without expectation or judgment in any state of feeling I may be in. It accepts all of me. And in those moments, it teaches me to accept all of me. 

I don’t start from an idea or sketch. There is no end in mind. Just a blank canvas or paper on the table next to my trolly of tools and paints. I sit, decide to be open, and start grabbing, letting my intuition and deep love for composition lead and express. It’s a thrill to not know where I’m going. It’s like hopping in the car and driving to anywhere with nowhere to be. Wild and free. I love that.

Very therapeutic. What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I get to paint for hours on end, uninterrupted, in total flow - LIES. :) It’s so boring. haha An artist’s life is as dull as any on the daily. There’s coffee, hot or iced - a very big decision. Then, planning. Lots of research. I have a couple of clients I work with on design, social media, and non-art-related projects that need tending to. There are task-avoidance Pinterest sessions, of course. Emails, calendar sorting, and the like. It’s “office-y” with music playing. 

When I do get to actually create, it’s very focused. Often very quiet. I paint quickly and I paint a lot in one sitting. I guess I’m more of a “session” creator. I’m also pretty neat for an abstract painter. I see artist’s on Instagram who paint so slowly and meticulously or who are the opposite and throw paint at the wall. I wouldn’t dare! I’d be so upset the room got messed up. I am a quiet little mouse when I paint, laser focused and clean; just one mark at a time and building as I go, working on the cheese. It’s a lot of brayer-rolling, smudging, rubbing, ripping, scratching, layering, and uncovering. It’s actually pretty aggressive. It probably looks like I’m just destroying something or making nothing. Like a kid. I have stacks and stacks of work. I’m kind of embarrassed by that for some reason. I feel like a hoarder. :)

Do you have a favorite piece you have created?

Ok, this is hard for an indecisive. I’m going to go with a painting that I did - it’s not quite a self-portrait, but I feel myself in it and it’s definitely a depiction of how I felt in a moment. It’s called “Franken Feelings” - a black and white abstract of a most-honest face and probably my most common feeling as a sarcastic introvert who is becoming more hermit-like and socially awkward with each passing day; so annoyed with humanity and everything always. Hahahaha it is silly, honest, and it makes me laugh so hard. It’s basically me. <Ok, it’s me.>

I’m also going to plug my tiny art collection because I love it so much!! When the pandemic kicked off, I decided to paint 100 tiny abstracts (or TABstracts as I like to call them). They are 2”x3” and 3”x3” - so small! I became obsessed with the challenge of creating smart compositions in such a tiny space. They are so cute. I love this project because I got to collaborate with my wife, Gina, for the first time in art. She custom-built all of the tiny frames out of our garage. She’s an actual rockstar and I loved getting to see her create alongside me. These will be at the show in April too, and are on my website now. These tiny pieces are pandemic-born and are such a great little punch of inspiration for tiny places, like a bookshelf, desk, nook - I meant for them to bring creativity to folks who are working from home so much more now. We need that. I saved a few for myself and we have them sprinkled all over the house. I really love them!

So cute! Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

Original art, prints, stationery, and gifts. I have pieces in all sizes, from 3x3” to 18x24”. There are framed and unframed options, too. I’ll also have geometric prints available in mini 5x7” up to 16x20” - these designs are digitally created and have a mid-century modern vibe to them. Colorful and playful compositions - some of my favorites! For stationery and gifts, I’ll have hand-painted bookmarks, ornaments, cards, magnets, and other fun work to make a home artful, gritty, and cool. I’m so excited to share them all. Self-expression in a home is so important. 

Definitely, handmade brings a heart beat into a space. What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again? 

Fresh air! And creative buzzing. There is something special about the “shop local” movement these last several years. People are wildly inventive and so brave, right? There are so many amazing artisans and creators. These events are super important to keep that energy alive and thriving. Shoppers are more supportive and encouraging than ever. And they want to connect with makers directly. I love (and have missed) their excitement and cheerleading. Selling online is handy, but it’s just not the same.

Agreed! Well we can’t wait to have in Pasadena. Is there something you love most about the city?

It’s calm and small, but big enough to feel “city”. We love to shop and walk. I’m from Boston originally, so any chance we get to walk the shops with coffee and goodies while cars scurry by is a hit for me, especially when it’s old mixed with new. And Pasadena has great shops, eateries, tree-lined streets. It’s a bit story-book and artisan. It’s cool.

Any final words you would like to include?

Yes! I think it’s important to note that I am a self-taught artist. I have always been a creative, but not a painter. I did go to a form of “art school,” but it was not for fine art and I did not graduate. This is an important message because I think we need to be reminded that living a passionate life isn’t just for other people or for “the schooled.” It’s for us. It’s for you. We are all created differently with varied skills, abilities, desires, and circumstances. This world needs all of it. There is plenty of space from the streets to the classrooms. And life is incredibly short. Too short for our fears and excuses, no matter how present everyday they may be. 

Part two of my “why” story is that 2 years after I discovered painting (and was not consistently committed to it as a daily practice), I learned that I had cancer forming in my uterus. I had a total hysterectomy and needed additional surgery after that for complications. When healed up enough, I returned back to my corporate job for 6 months. Nothing was more clear to me than not wanting to spend the rest of my days puttering around doing something I hated. It wasn’t worth it. I, thankfully, had the support of my family and means to quit. And I did. 

It was and still is terrifying to be on my own, braving days as a full-time artist. But, living for something means too much to me to grind my teeth for nothing. I hope that inspires someone to be brave. To give it a try even when their knees are knocking. It’s hard. But it’s good. And supportive communities like Jackalope bring people together to inspire and be inspired. Want to make butter? Go make your life’s best butter. :) We’re totally here for it.

Also, that nephew I mentioned? He’s now 18 and we officially adopted him, finalized in 2021. This life is one wild ride. 

That makes us smile :) See you in person this April 23rd & 24th in Old Pasadena!

Where to see more of Tobi Beck:

Website | www.tobibeck.com

Instagram | @tobiannbeck