As a member of the Jen-eration, I have long been interested in all things Jennifer. I am fascinated by our notions of our individuality even though we are all just one of millions named Jennifer. I am fascinated by why I have often have had a best friend named Jennifer, as if we were some long lost twins. I am really fascinated by our stories of how we all ended up named Jennifer…I was named for the main character in the movie A Love Story. But most importantly, I am fascinated with our collective force in culture and society.

Artist Jennifer Koshbin was also interested in the Jennifer phenomenon, but from an artist’s perspective and as a result coordinated the exhibit Jen11. Jen11 is a commentary, by Jennifer on Jennifer. There are 11 contributors all named Jennifer, of course and more info can be found here.

In addition to coordinating Jen11, Jennifer is a talented artist in her own right. You may most recognize her paper-covered resin deer heads, but she is also an illustrator and creates assemblages among other things. She is most currently exhibiting at the Flight Gallery in San Antonio, Texas for a solo show and her latest work includes a large scale, blind-embossed print - entitled - Cannot See.

I am very pleased to be sharing my interview with a Jennifer who I am super proud to be sharing my name with. Please enjoy and leave some feedback…especially if you are a Jennifer!

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

The business that is most recognized is my shop Ruby’s Lounge - named after my daughter, Ruby. Here I create (close to life-size) paper and resin animal sculptures, like deer, moose, and an occasional beetle. It was the right timing in my life to start a business on Etsy, and luckily it took off nicely. Otherwise my focus in on my fine art.

Turn the crank and listen!

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

I draw inspiration from mixing “low-tech” with a modern feel - old books, and illustrations, my tandem bike, minimalist vintage design, animals, seashells, as well as a whole host of artists past and present. These artists can be writers, visual artists, performance artists, musicians, etc. And of course my sweet kids raphael and ruby, and my bookish philosophy professor husband, are my biggest influences, day-in, day-out.

3. Share something completely silly about yourself?

We like to introduce my 10-year-old son to really dated late 70’s, early 80’s music, and watch him fall in love with it dancing around the house singing to himself for months. Someday he may hate us for it. Right now, it’s Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing…small town girl, living in a lonely world…

courtesy of UPPERCASE

4. Tell us about the Jen11 project.

In the last few years I noticed that so many current artists I admired share the name Jennifer. The exhibition was born from both a serious curiosity and a simple novelty. Not only are the extreme number of Jennifer’s unprecedented, but in the business press Jennifer has become targeted as The Jennifer Demographic or Jen-eration. The show can be understood as a unique experiment or as commentary, by Jennifer on Jennifer. The exhibition left artstream Gallery, now at UPPERCASE Gallery, then on to Composition Gallery this fall.

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

Of course, Indie Fixx! And a few other artsy design blogs like Design Sponge, Craftzine, Oh Joy!, FFFound!, Art Addict, try-har-der, and I like shopping locally or at Etsy or Ebay.

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

Sure! I have a few new pieces on my website including a blind embossed print that can be seen here . I also have a sound project happening. It’s a year-long phone number anyone can call, toll-free. You’ll hear a continually changing, wide-variety of talented artists - Lo-Fi Toll-Free - 1-888-REFARM -1. Call anytime, or visit www.refarmspectacle.blogspot.com.

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I’m just starting the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and a variety of art history books. It’s hard to read much with little kids running around your ankles!

Listening to Langhorne Slim, Bon Iver, First Aid Kit, Bright Eyes, Elliott Smith & Nick Drake.

Today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with super talented jewelry artist Yayoi Inada of Yayoi Forest Jewelry.

Yayoi, who studied jewelry design at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is a Japanese born Brooklyn transplant and she creates timelessly stunning metalsmithed jewelry pieces. She works in 14K gold or sterling silver and specializes in hand etching techniques and detailed wax carving. Her collections are influenced by her appreciation for organic shapes and natural beauty.

Read more in my interview with Yayoi below.

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

Yayoi Forest Jewelry. I hand-make gold and silver jewelry and sell them to boutiques and jewelry stores.
About five years ago, I gave my earrings to my husband’s collegue as a birthday present. Her friend, a boutique buyer saw them and wanted to purchase them for her store. She bought some of my collections, and later she recommended me to do tadeshows to expand my business.

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

Beautiful memories and beautiful things around me.

3. Were you an arty craftsy kid?

My mother used to make dresses for my sister and me when we were kids. I started mimicking what she was doing just to pretend as if I was a grown up. I made some dresses for my dolls out of my father’s expensive shirt and I remember my mother was freaked out.

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 guitar, I don’t know how to play, but I feel like I might need some music there (and I expect to learn how to play a guitar myself because I have a plenty of time on the island.)
My sister because she would work hard with me to survive.
My husband, he gives us laugh.

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

Blogs:
I read Design*Sponge everyday. And I read a lot of Japanese girls’ blogs. I just want to know what they are up to. You might enjoy this one with her illustration even if you don’t read Japanese.

Stores:
Both of these stores carry local designers in Brooklyn. Catbird & Smith and Butler.

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

I am working on holiday collection, men’s collection and bridal collection all at the same time.

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

reading:
I’m about to read Haruki Murakami’s newest novel 1Q84.

watching:
The Fall

And I just love, love Project Runway, can’t wait their next season!

listening:
Linda Lewis’ album
Reach for the Truth: Best of the Reprise Years 1971-74

Her inimitable voice (literally) is beautiful and inspiring!

Before I got tied up with family this week, I planned this interview with Rikkianne Van Kirk of Chakra Pennywhistle for today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx.

I first featured Rikkianne last year when her money bag clutches and wallets came onto my radar screen at Indie Fixx headquarters. Her folk art style really speaks to me (as you probably know if you read this blog regularly) and I also love that she repurposes fabrics as well as using organics fabrics.

Please enjoy the interview!

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

My business is Chakra Pennywhistle.  In my shop, you will find eco-friendly soft furnishings coupled with unique recycled goods.

I have always enjoyed art in all of its forms. I started out in performance art, eventually going through countless other mediums (collage, painting, knitting, felting, etc…), searching for my one, true passion. Ultimately, I received a sewing machine as a gift and never looked back. I recently took a screen printing course and I think that I have finally found my calling.

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

My business is an extension of my life. I enjoy art. I enjoy hunting for art/design books, thrifting for vintage goods, and creating. I try to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle and my family and friends are the same exact way. My business and my personal life seem to blend well with each other. My husband, daughter, and grandmother are constant sources of inspiration. I am also obsessed by both folk and outsider art. I just finished reading the book, The Folk Art Tradition: Naïve Painting in Europe and the United States. The author, Jane Kallir describes folk art to be a “catchall category for misfits – wallflowers at the dance of western civilization.” I swear, I have read that sentence over and over! Amazing!

4. What 3 things can’t you live without?

Coffee, music, and Etsy

3. What other types of crafty stuff to you do?

My summer goal is to get into embroidery.  I found this lovely project on the Elsie Marley blog.  Simple, functional, and portable!  Perfect for summer.

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

I love to read my best friend’s blog, shopursula. Ursula’s style is impeccable and she is so down to earth!  I am a blog addict.  You can find my regular reads on my blog.  I’d have to include Indie Fixx, as well!
As for shops, I thrift.  Tucson has an amazing selection of thrift stores.  I buy all of my clothing from thrifts and most all of my home décor and housewares.  I must share my daughter’s latest thrift find.  She couldn’t live without this hat.  It was a dollar!

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

I just added printed dishtowels to my collection.  These are unique in that they have a dual function.  I wanted to keep them ultra simple for the kitchen.  They are also large enough to use as a quick and easy apron.  I was hoping to achieve form and function with these!

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I wish that I had time to read more novels. I currently read lots of art and design books, blogs, and magazines.  Presently, the book that seems to find its way in my hands on a daily basis is Margaret Kilgallen:  In The Sweet Bye & Bye.  Also, I have an online subscription to Selvedge Magazine, which is always a treat!

Today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with painter and ceramic artist Heather Braun-Dahl of dahlhaus. After graduating with a BFA from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Heather opened dahlhaus with the intention of sharing art that shares connection and community within an urban, modern setting. She is a talented parinter and ceramist, so she decided to share both types of work through her studio. I am just featuring her ceramic works todaythough, you can see her paintings here.

Learn more in my interview with Heather below.

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

My business name is dahlhaus or dahlhaus art and for the most part, my business refers to my hand-made ceramics and pottery.  As a  ceramic artist and painter, I officially launched my business in 2007 as a way to bring both of my art practices together under one ‘roof’ or website.  While I had gone to art school and been making pots and painting for many years, I applied for a self-employment program to help jump-start the business side of things.  It was kind of like a grant that helped me go from part-time/hobby to full-time artist.

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

Art Nouveau textiles, wall-paper designs, or tiles always inspire me in terms of colour combinations, pattern and design. Sometimes I’ll be inspired by my customers who may ask for an item as an up-coming gift.  If it fits with what I’m working on, I’ll start drawing sketches and then I’ll make some extra samples to test the market with.

I do live in a beautiful city (Vancouver, Canada) so between the mountains, the ocean and the city itself, I am inspired to create just by the view out my window! And of course my supportive man and 2 boys keep me inspired to keep at it!

3.  What’s better all the money in the world or all the free time?

I’ve often said the more money you have, the more you have to worry about.  Sure, there are lean times when I’d jump at the cash, but more often I’m wishing for more time not more cash.

4. What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

People who don’t say what they mean, mean what they say.
Potential opportunities that sound to good to be true, and they turn out to be just that.

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

I have been loving the Saint Verde Digest blog for very inspirational photography pairings.  There really are a number of great blogs out there—Smarts and Crafts, Poppytalk Handmade Artists, Lovely Design, just to name a few that I regularily follow.

I read Dwell Magazine and I, when I do shop, I head out to some local indie stores in my neighbourhood, such as Room6 or Favourite Gifts.

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

My new slip-cast bottle vases are a new venture for me this spring! Each one is glazed a little differently and they have been super popular for gifts at just $34 each.  They are available through my etsy shop.  I’m also gearing up for my first solo ceramics show at the BC Gallery of Ceramics here in Vancouver during the month of July.

7. What are you reading, watching, listening to?

I’ve been reading The Wind in the Willows to my kids.  I finally got out to see Slumdog Millionaire the other day.  I have been loving a lot of Canadian music these days: ‘City and Colour (Dallas Green)’, ‘Daniel Lanois’ & ‘Fiest’ just to name a few.

So, the Art Star Craft Bazaar is this weekend, May 30th &  31st in Philadelphia. Organized by Erin Waxman and Megan Brewster of the Art Star Gallery & Boutique, the Bazaar is one of the premiere indie crafts shows. Started in 2006, I’ve been to every one of the Bazaars, either as a vendor or a shopper, and Erin & Megan always choose a diverse and eclectic mix of indie crafters, designers and artists. I will attending this year as a shopper and I am so looking forward to discovering some new talent as well seeing some old favorites!

What: Art Star Craft Bazaar- over 100 indie vendors will be displaying their wares.
When: Saturday, May 30th from 11-6pm & Sunday, May 31st from 11-6pm
Where: Philadelphia, PA @ Penn’s Landing Great Plaza - on Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street (click here for directions)

I interviewed Erin and Megan about the Bazaar and their shop (both brick & mortar and online) for this week’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx.

Art Star Craft Bazaar 2008 banner - photo from Something’s Hiding in There

Art Star Gallery & Boutique

1. Tell me about your shop & gallery & how you got your start.

We carry handmade work by emerging artists from across the country, as well as a handful of international artists. We have also begun working with specific artists to develop limited edition artist products. We like to carry a variety of price points to reach all ages/economic backgrounds. We think that art should be accessible to everyone. We also like to encourage our artists to develop affordable product lines as an extension of their higher end artwork. For example, we work w/ Portland based artist Kurt Halsey who is primarily a painter, to create calendars, prints, glasses, ect. that anyone can collect.We both graduated w/ BFAs from Tyler School of Art in the late 90s. After graduation we found it difficult to create our art while also paying the bills. We both dreamed of opening our own gallery/boutique someday. We started off by organizing a series of small craft shows, which were very successful. We found that there were so many artists in a similar position that we were in. We felt that it was the right time to take the risk & open up our own venue. Art Star opened in November of 2004.

My Ugly Kitty at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

2. You guys have been pretty successful, both with your online shop & brick and mortar, do you have any wisdom to share about running a successful indie biz?

We work all the time on promotion & marketing. We spend a lot of time brainstorming about creative & affordable ways to get our name out there. You can never get lazy about it. We also think it is important to keep doing events to get people into the shop. It is also necessary to keep the shop/website fresh w/ new items coming in regularly. Also, instead of viewing like-minded businesses as competition, we often collaborate w/ them. We are extremely selective when it comes to curating the shop & our customers have come to appreciate & trust our aesthetic. Quality is very important to us - all of our items are very well crafted.

I Like it Too Too at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

3. What is the Art Star Craft Bazaar and why is it awesome?

The ASCB is an open air market, which includes over 100 juried artists/crafters from across the country. We view the show as an extension of our shop & it is also a great way for us to discover new talent. We think it is important for artists to network & become a part of the art/craft community at large. This is a great event for that. Like our gallery/boutique, the ASCB has developed the reputation of being the city’s most cutting-edge craft fair. When jurying the show, we look for innovation & quality. What we like best about this show is that it is even more accessible to the general public due to the location. Penn’s Landing Great Plaza is such a great venue for the event b/c it attracts tourists, families, & people who may not necessarily come to our gallery. It exposes our little indie craft world to Philadelphia at large.

Journals at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

4. Do either of you make & sell your own goods?

Well….we started off w/ the intent to make & sell our work in the shop, but reality soon set in after we opened Art Star. The shop takes up almost all of our time, which is okay b/c we both look at it as an art project. We dabble though. Erin makes clothing & jewelry. Megan makes all sorts of things.

Sycamore Street Press at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

5. What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?

The best thing about it is meeting all of the amazingly talented artists, many of whom have become our good friends. We feel that in some small way we are helping their art careers. It is so much fun opening up a new shipment of artwork - it’s kind of like Christmas!

The worst thing is turning down artists. We have to be very selective & often times artist work just doesn’t fit in w/ our aesthetic.

6. What blogs and mags do you guys read and what shops do you shop at, besides your own of course?

Design*sponge is the only blog that we read regularly. We just don’t have the time to look at all the amazing blogs out there. As far as magazines go, we like Bust, High Fructose & Readymade. We try to shop locally as much as possible. We love Lost & Found, Bus Stop, Omoi, AKA records, Brickbrack books………

Laura Blumenthal at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

7. What’s new in the shop?

Toddler T-shirts by Sweet Pepita, tons of new prints by Kurt Halsey, new clothes by Nicole Styer, onesies by Cisco Griffin….We also have new prints by Jen Corace coming in soon.

8. What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.

Independent in every way. Independent in how you run your business & your approach to creating art.

Cutesy But Not Cutesy at the Art Star Craft Bazaar - 2008

I’m really pleased to be sharing my interview with Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Studio for today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx. Michelle is a fabric designer extraordinaire and you can find her work for sale in her Etsy shop. She also creates and licenses fabrics for Henry Glass Fabrics.  The Dogwood Collection, which is sold through Henry Glass, is one of my faves. You can see a quilt made with Dogwood below. Michelle has also started a new venture called Cloud9 Fabrics, a collaboration with Gina Pantastico to create and sell organic cotton fabric for the quilting and crafting community. Their first collection is actually up for preview here, so cute! Finally, if you are a regular reader you know that Michelle is a regular Guest Blog contributor here on Indie Fixx.

Now, on to the interview!

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

My business name is Cicada Studio (Etsy Shop). These days my focus is entirely on textile design and manufacturing. I actually started Cicada Studio as a side project for myself while in my full time job as a textile designer/design director in NYC. It began  as a graphic arts freelance business. As time went on it sort of morphed into greeting cards and gift items. Eventually, I came full circle after quitting the 9-5 job and now I do textile design again.

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

I try to keep it simple in both. I try. I’m not always successful- especially in life. I’m influenced by nature, mid-century modern and art nouveau when it comes to my style, but I find that for whatever the project is destined will also help me determine a style. For example, my work for the quilt market is different than my work for Cicada Studio, but both are, in their way, distinctively “me”. Color is very important- balance, too- and consistency. I often work in collections and not on individual pieces. Even though I aspire to “simplicity” I find I put a lot of work into something that in the end might appear effortless.

3.  What’s better all the money in the world or all the free time?

Well, technically, if I had a lot of money, I’d probably be able to afford a lot of free time. There is no easy answer to this, because having money means stressing less about the everyday stuff and being able to support my whims, while having free time means I can unfurl my talents and dreams (’course, that usually requires a bit of cash!)

4. What are some of your biggest pet peeves?

I’m sure I don’t want to come off as a curmudgeon because I find too many things can irritate me for many reasons (not all of which are valid or sane), but I’ll put a couple out there: loud, messy eaters, long lines at the store, pessimism, the sound of rubbery, sticky squeaking, a messy desk, a messy kitchen, a messy living room, a messy bathroom…

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

I subscribe to over 100 personal/creative blogs, so it’s impossible to highlight only a few. But I’ve been hooked on Modish Biz Tips lately- and Swiss Miss- and I like our local Rahway Rising blog to see what’s happening in my town’s redevelopment efforts.

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

Not much is new in my shop these days, though I did just create a new print called Forsythia that I’m very proud of. What’s REALLY REALLY new for me, is my new business venture, Cloud9 Fabrics. I’ve teamed up with a former colleague to design, manufacture and sell 100% organic cotton fabrics to the quilt and crafting market. It’s a huge investment of time, money, energy and it’s worth every bit of it.  Our first collection, My Happy Garden is due to ship in September. I’m also developing my 3rd licensed quilt fabric collection for Henry Glass & Co.

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I hate to admit this, but I just have to out with it- I don’t read. I just can’t. I have no time and if I do, I will most certainly fall asleep within 2 minutes of opening a book. The last book I read fully was Harry Potter. I actually do SKIM through many business related books for morsels of goodness and inspiration: Craft Inc and  A Girl’s Guide to Running A Million Dollar Business most recently. I listen to all sorts of music all day long, but I always fall back on my faves which I can listen to over and over: Goldfrapp, Muse, Keane, Neil Finn to name a few. I’m addicted to Law & Order: Criminal Intent, especially those episodes with Vincent D’Onofrio. Otherwise, I don’t watch much TV (unless you count iCarly, which I seem to catch daily because of my sons). American Idol is something I try not to miss and am happy this is the final week (go Adam!). We’ve been renting Mad Men, which is brilliant. I can’t even tell you what the last movie I saw was… I’m sure I liked it, but I just don’t remember!

Today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx interview is with Jennifer Ramos of  Made By Girl (Etsy Shop) fame as well as the blog by the same name. Enjoy!

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

My business is called Made By Girl (Etsy Shop). I create note cards/greeting cards & prints for the home. I got started a few years ago making coffee tables, under the same name (MadeByGirl) and then switched my business over to what I’m doing now (paper goods). The switch was due to the high overhead costs of the tables and because I wanted to go in a greener direction. I work with recycled paper, bio-degradable cello bags & most of my prints are screen printed onto Earth-friendly paper.

2. What’s the best and worst about what you do?

The best is the sense of fulfillment I get at the end of each day. Watching my business grow, taking orders to the post office, seeing orders come in, posting on my blog….these are all aspects of my biz that I love! The worst is when I overwork and then realize I neglected my boyfriend or dogs. I am now scheduling my days more appropriately so this won’t happen.

3. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

Inspiration is all around me. I think my work & tastes in art have evolved quite a bit since I first started my business. A lot of the designs I came up with then were inspired by events in my life at that time. Now I think I am more at ease with myself, my life & my home and that shows.

4. What three things can’t you live without?

How about 4??  My Mac, My iPhone, My bf & my female boxer, Darla.

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

I read so many blogs & it changes….but I will name a few:

Delikatissen, decor8, coco + kelley & decorology.

Clothing shops:
Forever 21, Rhapsodielle & Guess.

Furniture:
Home Consignment stores, Etsy, Antique stores & Target.

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

My newest work:

Love Pattern, Butterfly Fab Prints & Blogs & Tea Print.

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I always watch CNN- everyday. Flight of the Conchords & Sex & the City re-runs of course!
Reading: City Chic: a modern girl’s guide to living large on less by Nina Willdorf.
Listening to: Killing the Blues - Alison Kraus & Robert Plant.

A little late, but it’s still Wednesday here…or at least for another 30 minutes…so here is today’s edition of the Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx with Emily McCoy of Daisy Dog Studio.

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

My business name is Daisy Dog Studio. I design the patterns on teapots, mugs, cookie jars and other porcelain pieces, as well as paint, sculpt, print & photograph my favorite things!

2. What are your inspirations in your art and life?

My dog Daisy (who passed away a year and a half ago) was my muse! I painted and sculpted her in a variety of her typical poses. She was a rescued pit bull who was such a sweet soul, she made us soooo happy! I also love visiting museums, Central Park and botanical gardens for inspiration for painting and creating an variety of work.

My life inspiration are groups like PETA and people like Ingrid Newkirk. I’ve been an animal rights activist since I was 19, and have been vegan for the majority of my years for the animals, the environment & my health. I use my business to help educate people about factory farming and animals in laboratories by including literature on these vital subjects in my shipped orders as well as offering them to anyone who comes into my shop space.

3. What things can’t you live without?

My serious answer is a healthy planet! Most people don’t realize the biggest thing we can do to help the environment is to give up animal products. Our food choices have a bigger impact on global warming than what kind of car or truck we drive. That’s not PETA talking, that’s the conclusion the United Nations came to!
My less serious “things I can’t live without” would be Candle 79 in New York City (the best restaurant I’ve ever been to!) my books about my favorite artists (everyone from the Impressionists & post-Impressionists to Frank Lloyd Wright to Jim Henson) & my Columbo DVD’s!

4. Do you have a favorite type of cookie and do you have a recipe you can share for it?

I love the vegan oatmeal raisin cookies from City Bakery here in New York. You’d have to ask them for the recipe! You can take most any recipe for cookies or cakes and make them vegan by replacing the butter with coconut oil or soy butter, replacing the eggs with egg-replacer and substituting soy, rice or hemp milks for cow’s milk.

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

My favorite blogs are The Girlie Girl Army for a variety of green fashion & living tips and The PETA Files for the latest news from the front lines!

The best magazines are the English home magazines. They focus more on rural and small businesses and craft-type homethings. The American home magazines seem somewhat beholden to their advertisers in their “Editor’s Picks” and are somewhat repetitive in the looks they represent. I enjoy fashion, but won’t pick up a fashion magazine because they insist on including fur in their layouts and in their advertising! They should follow the compassionate lead of the environmentally-minded Stella McCartney who has proven you can be fashionable & responsible!

My favorite newspaper, an endangered species, is the New York Times. I always skim the travel section and read Maureen Dowd whenever I get the chance.

My favorite shops are Pearl Paint for their endless selection of all types of art supplies, Patagonia for all their recycled & recyclable clothing, Mooshoes in New York City for fun vegan footwear and bags, and Whole Foods for their great selection of yummy animal-free foods!

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

I’ll be coming out with block-printed tablecloths, tea towels and pillows in the near future! I’ve really been into printmaking lately and want to expand into other fun items to brighten up your personal space (while using organic cotton and recycled paper as well!)

7. What are you reading, watching and listening to?

I’m reading Skinny Bitch (yet again, it’s that good!) and listening to This American Life on NPR through their podcasts! I’m always watching The Muppetshow and Columbo with my 8 year old daughter, and fellow artist Rose!