Here is an interview with one of our favorite local Artists. Hollie from Blueberry shoes
Tell us a little about yourself, your shop and what kinds of things do you make?
Hi there! My name is Hollie May, and I'm a dabbler in all things artsy and crafty! I like the sound of a "Crafter" more, so I usually call myself that. But ultimately I'm an Artist. My specialty is in illustration (black and white) inspired by history, fairy tales and anything else that moves me.
The crafty side of me creates head pieces that make you feel like a woodland nymph, or a feathery princess or a bubbly bright bow'd girly girl! I like to create pieces that emote and have an aura about them. So when my customers put on their accessories, they feel special and powerful.
I'm also a writer, who loves to write poetry, stories and blog. Blogging is one of my favorite things in that it helps others, inspires and satisfies my heart all at the same time.
I'm 25 yrs old, married to a cute Irish Boy and living in South Florida. We are saving up to move to California in about a year! I'm from Canada, born and raised…so I feel I will be more at home in the nature there. Though I will miss the crafting community here in South Florida!
How did you come up with your business name?
Hmm, it was quite instant actually. I knew I wanted to open an Etsy shop and that I wanted my biz name to very much represent me. Growing up in Northern Ontario we picked blueberries as a family, and it ALWAYS made me feel so happy and whole. I'm a major gardening freak, and obsessed with nature-and my ultimate are blueberries. I bought a pair of really cute shoes that we're blueberry blue and I took a picture of them in the grass. It hit me. Blueberry Shoes.
Who or what inspires you?
This could take a while so I'll keep it to the most important things. Above all nature and the idea of nymphs, mermaids, fairies dwelling there in secret. Medieval history. Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Stevie Nicks, David Bowie, the 80's, hippies, longing and sadness, innocence, sarcasm and love.
When / how did you learn?
Most everything I know is self taught. It was just passed down from mom and dad in my genes. I did take an oil painting class, which was a ball, but it wasn't really for me. I love the idea of teaching oneself constantly. So that's what I do.
Can you tell us about your creative process.
I usually know right away when I'm in the mood to MAKE something. I go to my craft area and stare at my closed boxes of materials, etc. Then I think. Then I open them, stare and take out what moves me. I lay out a big blanket on the floor (my favorite way to create) and plug in my glue gun, or thread my needle and just take out ALL my stuff and start making stuff. I'll usually churn out about 5 good pieces that are sellable.
For drawing it's very different. I'll get in a mood of discomfort, sadness and longing. That's when I know I'll draw something great and it will level out my emotions. I always draw by the computer, because that's where my music is. I'll play whatever song feels perfect, on repeat and draw until all the longing is gone. It usually takes about an hour. But it feels like an instant. It's really the perfect example of getting in "the zone".
Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?
I hate machines. I hate the idea of them. I like classic things. Knowing women before me were making things with their hands, centuries ago, really moves me. It's real, it matters, I just love that.
What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That every single thing I make is made from the deepest of my heart. Every piece has an idea, a spirit about it. When it goes to someone else, a piece of me is with them. Everything I make is an extension of my dreams, ideas and vision.
What's the best thing about what you do? And the worst?
The best-seeing other people wearing my work and smiling from head to toe! Nothing in the world compares to that feeling. The worst? Not having the organization or space for crafting that I'd like. All in good time though!
What handmade item is your absolute favorite? And where did you get it?
The quilt I lay out for crafting is thrifted and handmade. It looks almost exactly like the one mom and dad had on their bed when I was very little. It calms me and grounds me when I sit on it and look at it. So I'd have to say that!
What do you do when you're not crafting?
Blog, create treasuries, run my Etsy team, Indie Free Spirits, be a wife, teach the bible voluntarily, thrift, attend crafty events, cook and bake artsy dishes, spend time with friends and family, travel when I can, the list goes on!
Anything else?You can follow me and my work here!Blog- http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com
Shop- http://blueberryshoes.etsy.com
Twitter- http://twitter.com/blueberryshoes
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/holliemayartandfashion
Thanks Hollie!
Frances ;o)
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