Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Jennifer Maestre

For today’s  Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview series I interviewed artist Jennifer Maestre. Jennifer creates sculptures, jewelry and now lamps (see the end of the interview) from colored pencil bits. You can see more of her work on her website and in her Etsy Shop.

1. What’s the name of your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?

My business name is Jennifer Maestre. I make sculptures and jewelry out of pencils. I’ve recently been experimenting with some ideas for lamps. I attended Mass College of Art, and upon graduation, decided to try and make a go of it as a full-time artist.

2. Share some of your inspirations.

I’m inspired by sea urchins, the drawings of Ernst Haeckel, patterns, textures.

3. Who are 3 of your favorite artists of all times?

That is always a tough question to answer! But, I’ve always loved Ancient Egyptian Art, Odilon Redon, and Bronzino.

4. What three things would you want to be able to have if you were on a deserted island? Beyond the basics of survival.

A radio (so I could listen to music and news), my fiance, and art supplies.

5. What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?

I don’t really have a list of blogs that I consistently read, but if I had more time, I would really like to delve into Datais Nature. I used to get American Style & Sculpture magazines, but realized I just never had time to read them! I do subscribe to Analog Science Fiction and Fact though. As far as shopping,  most of mine is done at hardware and art supply stores. I don’t spend a lot of money on anything but my art. If I’m looking for gifts, I buy at craft shows, or try to find handmade gifts online.

6. What have you recently been reading, watching and listening to?

I just started A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. I’m a fan of Project Runway, Mad Men and So you think You Can Dance. As for music, I’ve been listening to Fairuz and Steve Earle quite a bit these days.

7. What’s new? Any products or projects you’d like to share?

My lamps (seen above) are the newest project, but I have to squeeze them in between making sculptures and jewelry. I also want to make a chess set someday out of pencils, but who knows if it will ever happen.