How would you describe your style? 
I would describe my style as wiggly and colorful.

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I'm a big fan of artists such a Sam Bosma and Zac Gorman.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
I suppose my line quality is the most unique thing about how I draw. It's Dr. Seuss-like sometimes, but I can't say that it looks that way by design.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
Fun and interesting characters inspire me. I look for a lot of my inspiration nowadays on Pinterest.

When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative right after I return from a comic con or art show. Seeing other peoples work and career trajectory is very inspiring to me.

What is your creative process like?
My process usually goes like this: Scribble something in a sketchbook, then scan it into my computer and toy with it endlessly until I'm happy with how it looks.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
The best artistic tip I've ever received was to do lots of figure drawing. If you can draw the human figure you can draw almost anything.

Where can we learn more about you?  
You can learn more about my work at charliebink.com

I will only be selling my game Trekking at the show, however here are some of my art prints for your viewing pleasure:

Shop Trekking the National Parks at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on April 16th & 17th at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix.

Meet Jackalope Phoenix Vendors, Barclay & Co.  - creators of Spine Wallet.

How would you describe your style?  
I would say our style is sleek, modern and minimalist. We use titanium because it is strong and light.

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I look up to my brother, Caleb Barclay. He is an entrepreneur and designer with a passion for making Arizona great.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
We started a little over a year ago and at that point we had most of our process done outside. At this point I am happy to say we have brought almost all of it in house, including the deburring, anodizing, lasering, and blasting. We are able to offer custom pieces at reasonable costs.

What is your creative process like?
My creative process involves a lot of failure. There is so much to learn when it comes to anodizing and lasering titanium. Typically it starts with some frustration and end with a result I am happy with(hopefully)

Where can we find out more about you?
www.barclayco.com

Shop Barclay & Co. at at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on April 16th & 17th at Steele Indian School Park!

Where does your inspiration come from?

    I'm inspired both by nature and myths, I love travel and adventures.  When working on paintings and art I try to integrate that experience of adventure or the unknown with touches of home and nature.  When sewing I create or choose textiles that reflect my experiences or ideas.  I create wearable art, I find things I enjoy and talk about them or integrate them into my pieces.  I guess I'm inspired most by everyday life, any my work is a reflection of the 'things' I find valuable.

When do you feel the most creative?

    I feel most creative when I'm creating. I usually need to be alone, sometimes with music, and then remind myself what inspires me, if there are recent images from a trip we took or thoughts I had while traveling, I look at my journals, research images and get to it.  I find that when I'm creating, I completely lose track of time and can stay up all night just drawing or sewing.  I think painting is my favorite which is why I paint each silk screen by hand instead of using photo emulsion techniques, it's what separates my tee shirt fonts apart from other designers.  Each and every shirt is screened with my bare hands and handwriting.  There is something magical about creating with our physical bodies, don't get me wrong digital has it's place too, but you can feel the love of something handmade. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

    I have my blog hawksandhoney.com  where you can find out more about my everyday life and projects, adventures and thoughts.  I'm all over the place, I like to keep busy and the blog is a space for me to document all things worth sharing. You can also find me overgramming on Instagram @jenniferlindschutsky.com where I post too many photos of my favorite people, places and things.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as refined rustic.  Meaningful, authentic and raw jewelry that embodies the handmade feel without being “rough." 

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?          I can’t say that I look up to any one particular artist.  I’m moved by so many creative mediums.  Photography, ceramics, drawing, painting.  When the artist is good at eliciting raw emotion, I’m drawn in.  There is something incredibly inspiring about someone with that ability.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?             There are definitely lots of handmade jewelers out there. What makes my work unique and my own, is that it comes from some unnamed place within.  I’m compelled to create from my own emotion with the intent to resonate with someone else who has that “me too” feeling when they see/read about one of my pieces.  Many of my pieces are connected to a sentiment or a story, and I do my best to share that when I present the piece.

What sort of things inspire you?                                                                 Is it too contrite to say that I’m inspired by life?  By living this messy, beautiful life?  I’m inspired by the rawness of it all.  The beauty of joy, love, happiness, sadness, visceral pain. 

Where do you look for inspiration?                                                              The landscape of my native home, Arizona.  The desert is the perfect embodiment of beauty with a raw edge.  Like a captivating cactus washed in the the glow of the unrelenting sun and peppered with thorns sharp enough to draw blood should one get too close. The juxtaposition of the desert’s prickly beauty and unforgiving way.  It’s as if she says “Here I am.  Beautiful exactly like this. Take me or leave me.”  That’s about what I strive to show in my creations.  “This is me…real, raw, unforgivingly as I am. Take me or leave me."

When do you feel the most creative?                                                         Creativity is a fickle thing.  It comes on in waves, and when it does, I simply have to hop on and ride.  I’d be a liar if I said there was any one time over another that has me feeling most creative. I suppose the one common factor is emotion.  Any time I’m flooded with emotion, is a time that the work tends to pour out.

What is your creative process like?                                                             My creative process, possibly in true creative form, is not streamlined at all. Sometimes it’s something someone says that sparks an idea, sometimes it’s the glow of the low hanging sun and the way it seems to drip over the mountains, and sometimes it’s just something crying from within, begging to be let loose. From there, I form the idea, make a mental note of the steps I’ll take, and then I just dive in.  I usually don’t sketch my designs first, and when I do, it’s more of a form of making a note than a “how to.”  Just a way to help me remember the idea.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?                                 Hands down it was “You should always either be attracting or repelling. Be so much yourself, that you are attracting those who are drawn to what you do, and repelling those who aren’t”  It was almost like permission to let those who don’t matter go.  Let them not like me, and still be okay with that. Putting art out there is scary and opens one up to constant rejection.  That advice is the salve I use for those times when rejection stings a little too much.

Where can we learn more about you?                                                       I’d love for you to come check out my website: www.dancingdragonflystudio.com                  

my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dancingdragonflystudio/                                  

and on Instgram: @dancingdragonflystudio

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 

The arts have always been a huge presence in my life. I studied Ballet and Apparel Design in College.  I have had a sting passion for crafting since I was a little one, with a particular interest in Yarn crafts. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

My customers, they inspire me to always strive to do more. They are the reason we introduced Lula School. 

Q; How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

I saved my pennies and opened my dream store in 2003. :-) A collection of thousands of crafters under one roof.  My teaching credentials for Lula School are from personal crafting experience, and passion for craft.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

Some current favorites are Mods Best Friend, Lo & Chlo, Something Blue, Chez Gagne Letterpress, Life is Funny LA.. I could go on and on haha

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The uniqueness and individuality that comes from each piece. It adds a heartbeat to a gift. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 

Passion for their craft & individuality. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  

To be a part of such a beautiful growing community, and to stand by the side of an organization that is helping these crafters to grow and reach their dreams. Such an honor.

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 

On our website lulamae.com and from our IG page :-)

Q. What did you like most about Jackalopes Holiday show and what are you looking forward to in this Springs Event?

A. My favorite part about the holiday show was buying Christmas gifts for all my family and friends! It was really awesome to tell them about the person who handmade the special product they were enjoying so much. This spring, I want to shop for myself! I saw a lot of great home items, jewelry pieces, and yummy treats that I am excited to try. 

Q. What do you gravitate to while shopping at Jackalope and similar events around town?

A. I love things that are different from anything else I've seen before. One of my favorite items is the dinosaur plants from Peabo Pots. How can you not be happy at work if you have one of those cute guys sitting on your desk?! 

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

A. I began Couture in the Suburbs when I was in college as a way to discover the local fashion industry around me. With the recent expansion into art, I hope to make Couture in the Suburbs the single online destination for learning more about the local industry here in Arizona.

It’s a self-appointed position, but I get validation every day through the audience that comes and enjoys the content my team and I feature on the website.

Q. How do you see the handmade community evolving in Phoenix? 

A. I see the handmade community becoming more and more professional. Several artists have been able to transition their craft from a hobby to a full-time career and that is incredibly inspiring.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:

My name is Rachel Malloy and I own Bunky Boutique, a neighborhood shop that has been a Phoenix staple since 2007. Bunky specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans. I live in downtown Phoenix, love spending time with my husband, enjoy reading, exercising, coffee shops, drinking tea, writing and traveling. The ocean waves on a cold day make me feel alive and the energy of cities makes me feel connected to all of humanity.

 Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My Uncle Tim has been my biggest inspiration since I was a child. He taught me that if I can dream it, I have the capacity to fulfill that dream. He was an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer and he will always inspire me to walk through the fears that come with being vulnerable and taking creative chances.

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?   

As a shop owner, my job is to curate a collection of products that are innovative and unique. I have had the honor to develop relationships and partnerships with local artisans and see their growth and the growth of the arts and crafts world in Phoenix as a whole. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Favorite weekend activity - drinking tea and reading the NY Times with my husband Jim

Favorite color - burnt sienna

Favorite animal - kitties

Favorite Broadway show - Hamilton the Musical

Favorite people - my team Bunky family: Lauren, RC, and Ashley

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The people I have met and have had the privilege to work with!  They are hard working and have just the right combination of grit and vulnerability to stick with their passions. I admire anyone that has a vision and knows that one of the most important things to creating a peaceful world is to do the thing that makes you feel joy!  

Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?  

Authenticity. Being a buyer for the past 8 1/2 years has given me a keen eye for knowing when someone's creation is authentic to their vision and self.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?

I'm looking forward to seeing beauty and art from a whole new perspective and to get inspired by the bold creativity of the Phoenix arts and crafts community.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

http://www.bunkyboutique.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/bunkyboutique/

https://www.facebook.com/visitphoenix/videos/10153754105704717/

To celebrate the end of year 1 for Jackalope Arts we thought we would take a look back at this past year through photos! We are so thankful for a great first year and we can't wait to watch Jackalope grow and bring more awareness to the handmade community! 

With Love+Ink from our very first Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Pasadena, CA this past April! 

Our first Denver Summer Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, so much fun seeing our logo come to life! 

We love when the artists embrace the Jackalope and create pieces specific to the show-this Jackalope piece was presented by Becky Designs at our Summer Denver Jackalope Event! 

Eclectic Hoops brought tons of energy to our Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Pasadena! 

Our Holiday Pasadena Jackalope Art & Craft Fair kicked off the holiday shopping season, and we loved having all handmade vendors to shop from, including The Wicked Boheme!

Boxwood Pinball brought the fun to our Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Denver!

Shannon Faber Fine Arts at our Denver Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, these postcards make perfect stocking stuffers!

To help last minute holiday shoppers complete their gift giving, Jackalope Art & Craft Fair made our debut in Phoenix this past weekend! Even though the weather was chilly, all the fabulous vendors really brought their A Game, we love these pieces by The Wooden Nickel!

This year ended with a bang with us being interviewed on Live TV with Fox 10 Phoenix promoting the fair! Thank you Moms Gone Nuts, Savannah Ashley and Be You Jewelry for your support! 

Seeing all these memories makes us anxious for next year and what 2016 will bring! We hope you all enjoy the Holiday season and we will see you next Spring! 

Meet Leah Kiser, of Artifact Fine Art.

I'm a figure painter of characters.  Satirical ideas and dark humor often inspire me, sort of like a cartoonist, but where I feel I differ is in my patience for details. I enjoy falling deep into the visual world to learn how things fit together realistically.

What sort of things inspire you? 

I find inspiration in everyday life.  Silly thoughts will often pop into my mind at inopportune moments and when they make me laugh out loud I start to think about how I can make that idea work on canvas (I have to admit -my kids are helpful in that part of the process). My ideas often seem childish, but the color and composition of my work has a more serious or mature feeling. 

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

I look at paintings by masters for inspiration on composition and color.  Gustav Klimt, Degas, Van Gogh, other impressionist figure painters are usually a good start for me. 

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when I'm alone. I paint in my garage and listen to sort of visceral music while I'm working -White Stripes, Bon Iver, El Ten Eleven, Adel, Postal Service. I like the way the music makes me feel.  It puts me into a creative and active frame of mind. 

I paint because it is therapeutic for me.  I am more of a listener and observer.  Words do not come easily for me, and when I make art I get to develop my ideas and understand the world from my humble perspective.  When I share my hard work with others, I learn that many people do appreciate my way of thinking and the hard work that I do. It helps me feel valid (thank you, fans).

You can learn more about me on my website artifactfa.com

Shop Artifact Fine Art at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on December 12th & 13th at Steele Indian School Park!

• What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own

My skull series was inspired by the Arizona desert and the popularity of cow skulls in home decor. I was searching for a means to combine the two in a creative way to hang in my own home and I think as it was something for myself initially, I became very invested in the creation of the series. The double exposures are unique because they are made in camera, not in photoshop, and the detail in the layered images is amazing. I'm also really happy with how unique each image looks printed on different materials - metallic paper, metal, wood and even fabric. 

• What sort of things inspire you?  

The desert and the southwest have been huge inspirations for me. I am fascinated by the light, colors, shapes, and textures found here. 

• Where do you look for inspiration?

I love to see others create in any medium: film, paint, metal, music, writing, etc... 

• When do you feel the most creative?

Most of my ideas come to me during a good run. I think most runners would tell you that! 

• What is your creative process like?

An idea usually takes time for me to develop fully and to execute completely. I often sketch what I have in mind, I make tons of lists, gather materials and scout locations, and then I just try out my ideas. There can be many test shoots before I find the right elements to create the image I had in mind originally.

• What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

One of my photography teachers encouraged us to experiment and explore because you never know where one small idea might lead and how it may evolve. 

• Where can we learn more about you?  

My website: www.reaganalexander.ca also includes my documentary and family photography.

My Etsy shop: www.reaganalexanderphoto.etsy.com

and Instagram: @reaganalexanderphoto