1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

Hmmmm, that's a tricky one. I've made things all my life I guess, I was raised by 2 artists so it's always been around me. Not to say all who are raised by artists become artists, but I fell in love with it. I went to school first at DU then CU Boulder for my BFA in printmaking and BA in Religious Studies. I loved printmaking and textiles and that sort of led me into fabric. For my BFA show I made the 2 outfits my Great Great Grandparents were wearing in these photos I had of them. They were made out of paper. I made the paper, dyed it sepia to match the subjects, printed the fabric textures like lace and twill, and sewed the garments on a machine. I was really interested in textiles in general and sewing seemed to be the best way to integrate texture and pattern into every day life, so I started making clothes. Poorly.

I decided to go to NYC because doesn't every girl interested in fashion, or anything for that matter? haha. I got my Patternmaking Certificate from the Fashion Institute of Technology and stayed for another year before moving back to Denver, where I discovered the Denver Design Incubator. They were sort of in a state of flux, as they had just moved locations, lost some members, etc and I submitted and was accepted to be the Creative Director there. I put in place, (with a wonderful team of badass ladies) new pay structures, a few more specialty machines, staffing, and we did some cool workshops. It was a wonderful experience and I'm so happy they are still a resource available in Denver for young designers, but my sister decided to open a shop, so there I went, to open Studio Colfax.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration?

Oh gosh so many. I just saw the exhibit of Georgia O'Keeffe's wardrobe at the Brooklyn Museum, and damn she was amazing. Such a pioneer and so firm in what she was doing. I guess they call that prolific, it's what I strive to be in my work. My dad is also a big inspiration. He's had such a commitment to his art through the years. He is always experimenting outside of his medium which I think is so important for an artist, to keep a fresh perspective, to integrate something new, unknown.

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)?

My dog Emerald Louise is the most wonderful thing in my life. Animals really teach you unconditional love, it's such an awesome lesson for humans. I love yoga, Iyengar yoga. The teachers and community in Denver are the best and the practice makes me so focused in my life.

Broad City, my god when is it coming back? I dream of making something for Ilana to wear, or Abby. They are some funny and talented ladies who can inspire us to just do us.

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement?

That it's personal. It's about connecting to a person who put their energy and straight up blood and sweat into creating something unique. Creating something that then goes on to live a life, be worn, used, carried into a new world. I always think about what I've made, and where it's now been.

5. What is the most important feature in an artists application for you?

I like a good story, but PHOTOS! If this is the only way I can see your product, it's got to be well lit and not have a busy background. Show it's use, it's life, it's character.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in joining the jury panel with Jackalope?

I love discovering new artists. Meeting people who are doing different and meaningful work in the world is really what we need right now. There's so much talent out there and I love to support that.

Meet Denver Juror: Rebecca with Studio Colfax

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