Joining our 2017 Jackalope Pasadena Jury panel is Kay Yee.  We're excited to have Kay help us continue our goals with promoting the highest quality handmade artisans.

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

Education: BFA from California College of Art, Oakland CA (majored in Crafts & Metalsmithing) MFA from CSULB in Long Beach (majored in Metalsmithing, jewelry, and Crafts)

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Mentors: Roger Baird was my inspiration when I began my studies in the Bay Area in the early 70’s.

But Alvin Pine an early educator of metalwork who many of the current teachers in the area have studied metalwork with in the 60-70’s have worked with him.

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

I would say that my position in the jewelry/crafts area has been that of an educator. I had taught for over 30 years at Pasadena College, and am now a Professor Emeritus. At PCC, I developed the Jewelry and Crafts certificate and program. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

My two great interests are traveling to see archeological sites and studying crafts (historical & contemporary)

June Schwarcz was a enamelist and metalworker for the the Bay Area that created beautiful timeless electroformed enamel vessels that continue to inspire me.

Harlan W. Butt another metalsmith/enamelist teaches in Texas. He makes hollow ware that  incorporates cloisonné enamel and silver accents.

Carol Webb, an artist who incorporated bi-metal (of copper & silver) with photo etching to make graphic jewelry.

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

There is nothing like being a maker or a craftsperson. The gratification of problem solving through creativity is a creative zone of accomplishment.

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

The quality of the creativity and craftsman.

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

I am honored to join a group of jurors who wish to help promote unique quality handmade products to the community.

Q: Share some of your own work with us:

1. Copper enamel & silver vessel
2. Copper & silver enameled bowls
3. Sterling and enameled brooch

We can't believe we're already into our third year with Jackalope.  Thank you to everyone who's been there to support us along this journey.  

We're looking forward to everything that 2017 has in store and are looking forward to sharing all of that with you soon.

Pasadena Spring 2016 started the year off strong with record Jackalope attendance!

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We got a chance to help pups in three different states.  It was a really great experience working with The Pasadena Humane Society, Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, and Arizona Humane Society this year.

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We added a bunch of really fun workshops to all of our fairs! We love getting the chance for attendees to become makers themselves and to experience the process behind a handmade item.

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We participated in Small Business Saturday in Arizona!

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We made our way to the historic McNichols Building in Downtown Denver for the first time.  What a great building in a beautiful part of the city!

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Jackalope received mentions in over 42 different stories throughout the year!  We even managed to make it onto television with KTLA, Arizona Midday, 3TV, and Fox 10 News!

You can view some of the footage here:  https://www.youtube.com/jackalopeartfair

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AND... we met a TON of awesome handmade artisans from all across the country!

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We can't wait for what's in store this year. 
Bring it on, 2017!

1. How would you describe your style? 

I strive for a balance in my work. My style is loose and somewhat raw without being too messy. Thematically my work expresses feelings of isolation, loss, and grief balanced with innocence, hope, and strength.  If art can make people feel less alone, and more united in our existence, I believe it is successful. 

2. What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by dreams, animals, nature, dance, music, dolls, colors, patterns, and beauty in general. People inspire me who stay strong and positive despite the debilitating challenges that life can deliver. I'm also inspired by people who live boldly, often going against societal norms in order to express their personal truth, and give voice to those who have been marginalized.   

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I'm the most creative when I can let go of fear about the outcome of a painting, or the fear of messing it up. When I can work in a state of freedom, my creativity flows.

4. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You will see many original paintings ranging from very small to large, as well as a large selection of prints. 

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

I coolest artistic tip I have received was in my early months as a painter, I had a short conversation with an established artist friend about the background of a painting on which I was working. He described the background as being responsible for creating the world in which my character would live. This incredibly simple, and yet obvious, idea revolutionized my understanding of the backgrounds in my work.

Find out more about Jen Herling at: http://www.jenherlingart.com/

1. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

My floriculture art and décor has two avenues. One is living plants and flowers, the other is preserved and dried plants and flowers. My living plant and flower décor is unique because it draws on floral art from other countries and cultures. For instance, my hanging gardens are inspired by a Japanese floral art. I often add a twist to make them my own though; like building hanging gardens out of grapevine balls. My preserved décor is even more unique. I haven't found anyone who makes anything like my décor in vases, lanterns, and birdcages or mini-scenes in magnets. The use of preserved and dried materials can be really trippy as it looks living, but it's not. 

2. What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

My art is inspired by my love of flowers and obsession with bright and beautiful colors. I don't know how I would perceive the world if I didn't fill my life with color, vibrance, and the natural world. The goal of my art is to give these things to others. Almost everyone who comes into my art booth instantly starts smiling. I love that. It makes me smile in return. Those reactions and interactions are what drives me to continue my work and fuels my inspiration to seek out new materials, colors, and compositions.

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I feel creative when I'm determined. I don't wait for creativity to come to me. I set my day's goals, sit down, eye up my materials, and I find creativity. It usually comes easily because I love the materials I work with and I know my final products will light up someone's day and hopefully their home.

4. Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

I will be debuting Green Lady Gardens Marketplace!  Products include pillows, towels, clutch purses, bags, and other home decor items printed with my pressed flower art.

5. Where can we learn more about you?

www.GreenLadyGardens.com!

Anything you'd like to add that I didn't ask....?

I was not allowed to go to art school. Instead, I did business at CU, which was boring and uninspiring. I hated it. Over a decade later, after doing a Fulbright, working in law firms in DC, and going to grad school for conservation in Montana, my husband and I moved back to Colorado for me to get a job. I couldn't find one and I can't sit still. My husband told me to go for it: play with plants and be an artist for a year. If it works, great. Do it a second year! If not, at least I tried and I'd have some good stories to tell after a year of art fairs. So far, year one has been a hit and it's on to year two!

How did you start in the Handmade community?

Urban Baby Co. started out as a simple craft idea. At the age of 9, I saw Anne Geddes "Children's Collection" and fell in love with the colors, the cute costumes, textures, and her out-of-the ordinary compositions. My mom must have seen my interest because every January I would get her calendar and frame the old ones!

I took what she did visually and composed unique and cheeky sayings that usually brings a smile to someone’s face. Couple that with fabric, stencils, and quality organic baby onesies, and you’ve got Urban Baby Co. It was something I did for fun that ended up turning into a full-time business. 

I think my mom still has a number of Anne Geddes dolls in her basement...

What or who inspires you?

As an adult my inspirations come from clever conversations, art, nature, big cities, and sarcasm. My designs cover a broad range which opens doors for all kinds of people whose lives are touched by a baby. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

I'm constantly asking myself, "what would be something fun?" and "what would I want my baby to wear?" If I'm excited and can’t stop thinking about it - I go for it. I'll play with colors and designs until it's perfect. Something so little as to changing the font to reflect the mood or the tone of a phrase turns it into an artful piece.

People that shop in the handmade community appreciate the thought process behind my designs.  You won't see them at big chain stores and if you do, please note that they were probably copied by another manufacturer (ha!).

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Big holiday surprises with unique designs, colors, and hip vibes! I'll be bringing: organic baby onesies, baby headbands, organic adult tees, and family sets. I'm excited to participate with Jackalope as this will be my first year!

How did you get your start in the Handmade community? 

I grew up in a creative household.  My aunt was always tinkering with quilting and ceramics, and my mother tole painted.  She taught classes and had booths at craft fairs, there was scarcely a home in the small town I grew up in that did not have a piece she had painted.  I loved sketching, painting, and took sewing classes throughout my childhood, but it wasn't until I was in my late twenties that I really started to explore my own creativity.  While in college I found myself a starving student, unable to afford a birthday present for my niece.  She wanted nothing but a Justin Bieber doll.  I had a few supplies lying around the house, $3 later at my local fabric store, and The Phina Project was born.

What or who inspires you?

My Grandma Sweet Anne has always been my source of inspiration.  She was a strong, caring, and sometimes inappropriate woman that was quick to smile and loved to garden.  She taught me the power to do what I love and not worry what others think.  While she is my inspiration, my husband is my driving force.  He believes in me when I don't believe myself.  He is the one who has encouraged me to really insert myself in to the handmade community.  I had been making dolls for friends and family for 5 years and had an Etsy shop that I didn't ever do anything with, until he talked me in to doing my first show.  I have been pushing myself and my business ever since.

When do you feel the most creative?

Without fail, I have the most brilliant strokes of creativity when I am driving and can't write down my genius thoughts.  The calm of the road is a sort of meditation for me (when, of course, I'm not cursing traffic).  It is the time of day when I am alone in my thoughts without a million other things I should be doing.  I turn the radio down and let my mind wander.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I have been making cloth dolls for about 7 years now.  It hasn't been until this year that I have pushed myself to better my design and expand my capabilities.  You can expect to see unique, somewhat quirky dolls that range from 10" to 21".  Each doll is handmade and unique.  I have a pattern that I loosely base each doll upon so they all have slightly different personalities and looks.  With simplistic faces they have something of a Waldorf appeal that inspires imagination.

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

"Someone else is always going to do it first, faster, and better than you. Don't let that stop you from being that person to someone else."

How would you describe your style? 
I would call my style magical realism because it brings you in and out of this reality. A little magic mixed with some science makes an extraordinary universe. I am inspired by the abstract expressionist painters such as, Wasily Kandinsky and Cy Twombly, along with ceramics Martha Russo and Christina Bothwell. 

When do you feel most creative?
Early, early in the morning!

What is your creative process like? 
I start in the potter's wheel, almost always, with a hunk of porcelain. Once I throw a perfect cup, bowl, vase, plate, etc., I "ruin" it, or rather I alter it, so that each one is completely unique. After throwing, I add a pocket for resin castings (if it will be a resin piece). Once the bisque firing is done, I freely paint on my crystalline glazes (and other glazes) however I feel will look best for that particular piece. Then, after the crystalline firing is done I go back with gold and mother of pearly lusters and fire for the last time. Finally, if the piece will be a resin encased piece, I will spread my insects the night before and then pour resin the following. 

What sort of things inspire you? 
I am inspired by astrophysics mainly, specifically the origins of life via the death of stars and atomic theory. I combine this love of the universe with the harmony of all matter-- the stars, the beetles, the plants, the rocks, the humans, the clay are all made of the same initial matter present at the birth of the universe. My work explores the interconnectedness of all these things and more, so that users can feel a connection to the cosmos and feel they have a piece of the universe in their hands. 

Where can we learn more about you?
I am kind of new to the web, so I have a start up website and Instagram that I try to update regularly. Instagram is the best bet for updates on me and my cosmic creations! 
@kelseysstarstuff

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
Customers can expect to see many more exciting insect encased cups, bowls, and brooches; crystal encased ceramic pieces; and lots of crystalline glazes, gold, and mother of pearl lusters! Check on my Instagram leading up to Jackalope to get an idea of what to expect at my booth in December. 

How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I started in December of 2015 and basically taught myself how to make candles.  With only a couple instructional books and no one showing my the ropes, there was a lot of trial and error and definitely costs that came along with those mistakes.  But with repetition, I got better and better until I created a quality product, which was eventually turned into a concept for the business that I have today!

What or who inspires you?

Generally speaking, other entrepreneurs and small business owners who are successful definitely inspire me to achieve great things. I always look for inspiration from other creative individuals who are not afraid to take risks and think outside the box.  When I decided to start a business, i knew that I had to be unique and different in order to be successful.  I enjoy meeting people who love to go against the grain.  More specifically speaking, the inspiration for the collection of candles is mostly what I personally perceive as a cool looking and good smelling product.  I try to put myself in the customer's shoes, while also trusting my gut instinct on what makes a product work.  70% of my customer base is female, so I have definitely learned how to look at things from a woman's perspective and subsequently market my brand appropriately. 

When do you feel the most creative? 

I feel the most creative when I am either sitting in a coffee shop with my earbuds in, or when I am sitting on a plane traveling somewhere.  I rarely purchase the WIFI on the plane and solely use that time to just focus on writing down ideas in Microsoft Word.  Good coffee, good music, and traveling are keys to creativity for me!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

My product is unique, different and will make a great gift!  The scents in the collection are perfectly accurate to their description and definitely surprise some people! I can't wait to be a part of the Holiday season.

What is the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

Break the rules!  Don't break the law, but break the rules.  It's impossible to be a maverick or true original if your always following the "rules".

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as eclectic and contemporary. I like going beyond the boundaries of whats normal and think outside the box to accomplish designs that are beautiful and bold; designs that help people make a statement. I admire artists like Joan Miro, David Hockney and Zaria forman. And I admire designer Carolina Herrera and designer house Hermes.

What makes your work unique?

That each piece I create and design, whether it is one of my paintings or one of my handbags, has my very own mark of boldness through the art I create, where each one is a one of a kind. My techniques and my composition of colors, shapes and volume are not conventional yet inspiring. I am a pioneer, always pursuing the gift of uniqueness in everything I do, which is transplanted in my artwork.

What or who inspires you?

I would say anything and everything inspires me, all the time. Im constantly inspired by everything that surrounds me. But above all things, the beauty of nature inspires me the most: the glow of the mountains after a rainy afternoon, the translucent pearl white color of aspen trees with their ever moving leaves, the passion of skiers go down the slopes, the snow that covers everything in white, etc. Living in Aspen Colorado, it's very easy to find fresh new inspiration, all I need to do is open the door and go outside.

When are you most creative?

Its funny to say this, but I feel the more creative, meaning that the best ideas come to my mind, when I take a shower or go for a run.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

My creative process is very spontaneous. When I see something that inspires me or I get an idea for creating something that's cool, I either take pictures or write it down and then paint it. I really don't spend much time sketching what I am going to paint, I just go right to my canvas and start doing it when I feel the inspiration is there to motivate me.

What's the best advice you've been given?

Interesting question. It came from my grandmother, a great amazing artist herself. When I was about 10 years old, my grandma told me: "people will tell you that you should take classes to improve your artistic talent, but I tell you never take classes. Teach yourself and discover who you are as an artist and believe it. The rest is for those who need direction. You, follow your passion"

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I will be releasing a new collection of paintings  called "Pow Pow". This collection of paintings will be all about skiers and snowboarders, skiing down the mountain on beautiful, fluffy, powder snow. In addition to that,  I will have my collection of unique handbags designed by me and handcrafted in New York City. Each handbag has an original piece of artwork that I paint myself and they are one of a kind, meaning they will not b e duplicated. So say you buy the handbag called "Jump and risk" with the painting of a skier, you will be the only person to ever have that handbag with that painting. Really really cool.

Where can you be found online?

You can learn more about me on my website garaffagalli.com <http://garaffagalli.com/> and also my Instagram account isabellagaraffa_art and Facebook account GaraffaGalli

1. How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 

Björn's Colorado Honey and BeeCareNature offer local Colorado honey and European-made bee-based skincare featuring beeswax, honey, and propolis.

We are small batch, local, honey producers based in Boulder. Pontus, our beekeeper, grew up in Sweden and learned the practice from his grandfather Björn; the company namesake.

The focus of Björn's Colorado Honey is to provide top-quality local honey produced in our Swedish family tradition. It can be said that Swedes typically enjoy their honey crystallized as this version is smooth, spreadable, and possesses a texture that is not too thick. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy honey, a fantastic natural sweetener. We also offer a traditional version for customers who prefer the fluid variety.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

Björn's Colorado Honey is the only producer in the USA that sells a propolis honey, meant for people who eat honey to stay healthy. Propolis honey was created by Pontus’ father Torbjörn in Sweden and it quickly became a hit. When Pontus moved to Colorado, he couldn’t resist whipping up his own batch. By blending Colorado honey with high-quality propolis extract we boost honey's health benefits. Propolis, an age old remedy made by the bees from tree and plant resins, is known to bolster the immune system and contains antifungal and antibacterial properties.

3. What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

Honey has a unique taste of the land it comes from and Bjorn's Colorado Honey is a taste of the Colorado front range. We are inspired every day by the wonderful open spaces of the front range, the delicate wildflowers and clover that grows on that land, and of course, the honeybees. 

As far as insects go, honeybees are pretty special. They live in amazingly advanced little societies. They coordinate with each other, perform so many duties and they do it all as a team. Plus they help keep our food supply pollinated and diverse, without them we'd have one-third of the food variety we currently have.

4. Where can we learn more about you?  

Our website:

https://bjornscoloradohoney.com/

Our Social Media Properties:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BjornsColoradoHoney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjorns_co_honey/

5. Anything you'd like to add that I didn't ask....?

Pontus, our beekeeper, also chose to import high quality European bee-based skin and oral care products that we sell under our BeeCareNatura line. The producer of BeeCareNatura is a professional beekeeper and pharmacist himself, who understands bees and their benefits, as well as traditional cosmetics production. He is also a long-time family friend of Pontus and his family of beekeepers in Sweden.

BeeCareNatura lotions, creams, and salves leverage the wonders of honeybees, from beeswax to propolis and, of course, honey. The products are mild and suitable for all skin types and are never tested on animals. By placing emphasis on quality ingredients rather than fancy packaging true value can be passed along to our customers.

Our signature products are our Traditional Honey, our Propolis Honey and our Honey and Propolis Handcream. I have included links to those products but I also have images of them below. I also included a shot of all three varieties of our honey, it's a bit more artistic than the other shots, so feel free to use that one. The third variety of honey included there is our Crystallized Honey.