Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Lisa Occhipinti

For this week’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview I interviewed mixed media artist, designer, teacher and author, Lisa Occhipinti. She’s probably best well know for her glorious book mobiles, but those are really just the beginning chapter of this talented artist. Lisa has been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Bust, Marie Claire and now on Indie Fixx! See and read more below.

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

I use my name, Lisa Occhipinti, for my business, but also have an etsy store called ShopHouse. I am a painter, book artist and author as well as designer and instructor. I sell my work through galleries, art consultants, direct commissions as well as Etsy. I have been making art my entire life.

What are your inspirations in your art and life?

My art and my life are one and the same and I gather inspiration from everything around me, as it suits my particular predilections: the shape of a tree limb against a silken sky, a certain fabric pattern on a dress of a woman passing by, a delectable sentence on a page. Certain things will simply strike me like a gorgeous chord strummed out of silence.

Do you have a mentor? If not, who would your dream mentor be?

My mentors are many women who have come before me and set a pace with their unwavering commitment to who they are and their work, art or otherwise: Simone de Beauvoir, Ray Eames & Louise Bourgeois.

When did you get your start and what made you decide to take the plunge?

I have been making art since day one, so it was the only way for me to go as I continued on my path of living.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?

There have been many things over the years that are milestones. The most recent is the launch of my book, The Repurposed Library, which has so far been met with much positive press and enthusiastic feedback.

Share 3 things that you are crushing on right now from other indie artists/crafters/designers.