Meet Once Upon A Storybox
Carey Appel | Once Upon a Storybox
Where are you from and does that affect your work?
I’m originally from Los Angeles, but it is Ojai, California that inspired my art. We raised chickens there and my love for them combined with my love of miniature sparked this endeavor.
Aside from Ojai; who/what is your biggest influence in creating?
My BIGGEST art influence is Virginia McCracken – a Santa Barbara artist who creates miniature scenes in vintage cigar boxes with luscious art backgrounds and handmade animals and accessories.
How do you define success as an artist?
“Success” as an artist is the ultimate satisfaction of placing your art in homes of patrons for whom it resonates. That being said, success is also achieved, I think, simply in seeing how people are enchanted by what you design/make.
What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?
The hardest part of the creation process for me - - is incorporating a bit of whimsy, or the unexpected, into each storybox. Because it’s easy to go for what is aesthetically pleasing. But it must be more than that. It must tell a story within the storybox. With a quote, or a scene, that reveals something else that may be going on . . . .
How has your style changed over time?
My style has gotten more sophisticated . . .I’ve begun making my own wooden doors, stucco, and stone, incorporating my love of old doorways. Additionally, the intervention of AI allows me to design more intricate interiors to make a more 3-dimensional background to the miniatures in the scene.
That is so fun! What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?
My favorite is a real toss up – but I love this one because of the bougainvillea climbing the windows and the chick peeking out from the inside . . . I love the color combo. It has sold; but I will work on another!
Very cute and colorful! What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena is special to me. I had a home store (Salutations Home) there for many years until I retired to Ojai in 2015. I love the gentility of this charming community – it’s art, culture, beauty, historic homes . . parts of Pasadena remind me of a bygone era from my childhood.
Catch Once Upon a Storybox at Jackalope Pasadena on April 27th & 28th, 2024.
Website: www.onceuponastorybox.com