Tell us who you are and how you got your start?

I'm an illustrator in LA working in animation- I've probably designed that animated show you love! My favorite professional projects are Bobs Burgers and Over the Garden Wall. I wanted to branch out and start making my own brand of illustrated items and I'm loving the creative satisfaction.

I had been working designing characters and products for major companies (Disney, Cartoon Network, toy brands, Paul Frank) and I thought: I want to make my own merch! It was really empowering and creatively satisfying to make items inspired by all my favorite things. The best part is connecting with other people who want to geek out about the same stuff!

Very cool. What is your favorite part of your maker process?

I love taking a sketchbook doodle of something I think would make a fun pin design and turning it into production art and then having the physical item in hand within weeks. It's so fun to make wearable items: I think pins and patches are the funny T-shirts of today: a way to show your personality on your sleeve (or jacket, or hat, or backpack!)

What inspires you to create?

I make items that are inspired by all the things I love and think are fun: pop culture, music, scary movies, silly movies, animals, California and junk food! My art is bright, colorful and happy: I hope it makes you smile!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

My full time job is art directing for a primetime animated TV series, so I make my personal art after work and on the weekends. It keeps me staying creative by constantly making stuff. The holiday season is definitely my busiest time of year as my pins and patches make great gifts!

Great stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have two new tote bag designs debuting at Jackalope this year- I worked with a new production partner to make these and they are so much fun! I have one with a California Love theme and one with spooky Over the Garden Wall art. You can always use a nice tote bag at a craft fair to carry all your other purchases.

Very True! What do you love most about Burbank?

I worked at Cartoon Network for many years and I dig the vibe in downtown Burbank! There's always something fun going on and a big creative community to support it. Can't wait to see you!

What all will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I have a large collection of pins and patches as well as art prints, stationary, tote bags and greeting cards. Its fun! It's bright! It's happy! It's a whole vibe!

Anything special you’d like to share?

I love being a part of the Jackalope Fair! I've done other craft fairs and I think Jackalope really shines with the assortment of vendors and the organization of the show. I'm excited to see everyone out on San Fernando Road this December.

Find Miranda Dressler Illustration at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: www.mirandadressler.com

Instagram: @mirandaright

Matty Miller

How did you get start?

Creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a creative household, I was surrounded by artists, makers, and opportunities to express myself. My artistic business has evolved over the years, but the core themes of beauty, making, and teaching have remained constant. I believe that art is essential for enriching our lives and connecting on a deeper level.

That is so true. What inspires you to create?

 I'm inspired by the natural world and ecology... I love being in quiet, remote spaces in nature where I can look and listen with presence, and daydream. I also love to research! I love learning about native plants, regional mythology, folklore, culture, you name it...

What is a typical studio day like for you?

It's hard to say what a typical day in the studio is. I wear a lot of hats for my job so it could be anything from painting new work, sending off commission sketches, teaching private lessons, or packing orders. An ideal day in the studio starts slow with some journaling and a cup of coffee, and ends with standing back and taking in the view on a painting's progress.

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

I love finding a flow state as I paint, the feeling of being completely absorbed in the moment. I can access an ethereal and meditative state of mind, and there's a magical quality to the process of transforming ideas into tangible works of art.
I also love the personal connections I make with my clients when creating custom pieces. It's incredibly rewarding to bring their vision to life and create art that resonates with them and their values.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite works are my original paintings. Original art has a special essence to it that's transferred through the love and hours spent creating it by the artist. 
At the moment my favorite piece is called Meadow Sentinel. It captures the serene beauty of a meadow, with a graceful deer adorned with flowers and quilting patterns. It's a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of peace in our busy livesI

Meadow Sentinel

What do you like most about Arvada?

Arvada is such a great blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. The community is super friendly and supportive of the arts. Also, Yak and Yeti is one of my favorite restaurants!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, you'll find a selection of my original works, art prints, and a brand-new line of silk scarves. They make amazing gifts and I can't wait to share them.

Find Matty Miller Studio at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

www.mattymiller.com

Facebook

Instagram: @mattymillerstudio

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I'm a first generation Puerto Rican, my parents moved from the island to mainland America. I recall late nights of my father playing Bomba with his friends when we would visit my grandparents. He even showed me how to play the barril de bomba. Bomba is music and dance developed by West African enslaved ancestors as a form of self expression and resistance against plantation oppression on the island. This is why music overall is a large part of my process of creation, it takes charge of what colors or energy I put into my pieces. My Great Grandmother always had cats visiting the back of her home, so it felt magical seeing them come and go- the scene still sticks with me. Lots of large leafed plants in the back and cats peeking in to see if food is served. I think this is partly why I'm obsessed with combining cats with floral motifs. Along with my father taking me to see El Yunque National Forest, one of my favorite plants I encountered there was the Mimosa Pudica. It's a cute plant that curls in itself when touched! Since then, I've had a deep fascination with nature and mishmash that with my love of color and nighttime vibes.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
Impressionism, Puerto Rico (specifically at night, and nature themes), Retro Anime (Sailor Moon, city pop themes etc), Surreal Horror (Middens, Ib etc), Vapor Wave, decora, collage, reliquaries, folklore, superstitions, Astronomy/Biology

Your inspiration seems to be everywhere! I love it! How do you define success as an artist?

I'm not sure. I'm still learning as an artist and there's so many forms of "success.” I don't think I've reached that point for myself.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

I hate the sketching process. It's my least favorite stage of art creation. I try to jot down the idea quickly, focus on shape and mood in mind- then go in with color as soon as I can.

How has your style changed over time?

My work used to be more focused on reality and background heavy, now it's far more surreal with aspects of reality injected in. I'm a little happier with the process of how I make art now. It's become more enjoyable with how I think about a piece and how I arrange the composition.

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

The "Dreams.exe" sketchbook! I love huge, fluffy clouds ( The clouds in Puerto Rico and East Coast are glorious! I miss them after moving to the West Coast).
And I like using colors you can see on those cool NASA photos of nebula, so I combined those for the sketchbook cover. The "Dreame.exe" cause I want it to remind anyone using the sketchbook to have fun engaging with creativity and imagination.

“Dreams.exe” sketchbook

That is so cool! What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green it is here! There's a lot of variety in vegetation, great diversity of people (I don't feel out of place), and there's a lot of excellent local food joints!
I'm incredibly happy to be in a place that cares for small business.

Definitely one of our favorite parts too! Anything special you would like to share?

I'm a huge fan of pokemon! I collect pokemon cards and make my own themed decks as a hobby!

Find Cosmicloak at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.cosmicloak.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/cosmicloak

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

Nathan Eigenfeld of EigenVisison

I currently live in Colorado, but am a avid road warrior. It’s a part of my process, I am on the road 5 months out of the year. Living in the mountains helps me connect with nature and feeds my process. One of my favorite artists is Mark Rothko, known for his outstanding color block images. I’ve tried to channel his style into my photography. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me is making people feel- anything, it doesn’t matter - awe, inspiration, emptiness, loneliness, despair, hope, love - whatever. Color seems to simplify feelings.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The hardest part for my creation process is the alone time. Many of these images have been created on multi-day backcountry wilderness treks while alone. That’s where I can let myself create the best and let my intuition guide me. Despite it giving me a sense of freedom, overcoming physical challenges alone in the wilderness can be daunting, and yet, it is ultimately rewarding as well.

How has your style changed over time?

My style is always evolving, but I have certainly settled into a minimalist style, emphasizing empty space. It has been fulfilling to have people identify with this.

What’s your favorite image that you’ve created, and why?

One of my favorite images I’ve created is my silhouetted image of Joshua Trees. It was at a time when I was unsure of my process and was struggling to “Be Myself” - which I’ve named the image. I shot it during a brilliant pink sunrise just off the road in Joshua Tree National Park in December of 2021. I absolutely love how the silhouette emphasizes the quirkiness of the trees, all different and disjointed in their own ways - they have no issues being themselves.

And finally, what do you love most about Pasadena?

Having attended Pasadena fair last spring, I fell in love with the energy of the downtown - a destination for such a diversity of people. Californians love their art and are not afraid to buy things on the street! Selling photos of pure wilderness in a city setting is rewarding and can even feel like a sort of ministry to me, reminding people of what’s ‘out there’ beyond the concrete and hustle and bustle. I am looking forward to this Fall’s market!

Catch EigenVision at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Website: www.nathaneigenfeld.com

Instagram: @eigenvision

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I’m originally from Seattle, Wa but I relocated to Los Angeles 16 years ago. I still spend about 2 months out of the year there and consider it to be my other home. I grew up mushroom hunting, making forts in the woods and looking for gnomes in logs so I would say that I am quintessential “cottage core” through and through and it shows in my work.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

You wouldn’t know it from the pieces I make for people’s homes but I love Jean Dubuffet, Cy Twombly, Phillip Guston, Ellsworth Kelly, I could go on and on. Currently my favorite living artist is Carole d’Inverno. With tufting what most influences me is the yarn itself, and whatever music I happen to be listening to at the time.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success to me is getting up everyday and creating something. Love it, hate it, don’t care, but you made it. It’s daily engagement, endless curiosity, constant seeking and ongoing dialog with your artistic self.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?  

Tufting is my second act as an artist. I’ve been a musician my entire life and that has always been where my focus as an artist has been. I’ve always enjoyed painting as a hobby but up until now that was my extent as a visual artist. The month before the pandemic began and we all started staying home I had released a solo record. But suddenly I couldn’t play shows, couldn’t promote it, etc. After that record I was feeling fairly burned out as a musician as it was, but with the isolation of the pandemic I just stopped writing. I stopped hearing melodies. I became disillusioned with being a musician. At that time I had been doing some punch needle for fun and I really loved it. Then I saw a tufting video. I was immediately mesmerized and knew I had to try it out.

From the first moment I picked up a gun I knew I had found my thing. I never thought there would be anything that I would engage with and love as much as music but tufting completely consumed me immediately. The truly wonderful thing that has happened through exclusively tufting and pouring all my energy into that, is that my music has started to come back to me. I’m hearing melodies and little lines of music again. And most importantly, I am wanting to play again. Having taken all the pressure off and engaging daily with something I love so much is bringing me back to my first love, music.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I work every single day. I am constantly trying new ideas and I am failing as well as succeeding on a regular basis. In tufting you are kind of on your own. As time goes on there is more and more information available to tufters but when I started it was incredibley hard to find help. This is why I have opened up a tufting school in L.A.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

That I am just one person. I wish I could clone myself! What people see of tufting are usually sped up videos of tufting and snippets of trimming but each piece really takes a long time to finish. The act of tufting is about a quarter of the entire process. The glueing, backing and trimming take the majority of the time and even a small piece like a mug rug can take me hours to do.

How has your style changed over time?

I started with just doing very cute pieces like kawaii style fruits and flowers. At the same time I was making a lot of paper cut out style pieces for a more “sophisticated” design appeal. So it was kind of 2 sides of my personality being represented from the start. As I’ve developed I am still working with both sides but on a much deeper level. If I make a cute mushroom or fruit rug, now a ton of shading is involved and I’m pushing to have more and more of a 3D effect in every piece. For my more “sophisticated” work I am playing with textures like crazy. On average I use 3 different kinds of tufting guns on each piece so that I can play with depth. I’ve started doing some monotone pieces so that the texture is the main focus. It’s really exciting to see where I’m at now compared to where I was when I started. I can’t wait to see what I’m doing a year from how.

What’s the best thing about being involved in the arts?

For me it’s the act of improvisation and the mystery of what will result from being in the moment. Whether it’s tufting designs without any planning or creating music on the spot, I love the thrill of just going for it and tapping in to exploring who I am as an artist at that exact moment.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I love my carpet bomb clock a lot. It makes me smile whenever I see it. Doing that piece really leveled me up when it came to shading and creating a 3D effect. Plus I love that it’s mixed media with the wires sticking out and the clock’s lights.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I have recently opened a tufting school with classes from beginner to advanced levels so that people can learn the art of tufting easily and with support.

Catch Tuft House LA at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival this June 3rd & 4th

Web: www.tufthousela.com

Instagram: @tufthousela

Tell us a little more about Novel. What is your mission?

At NOVEL School of Art, our mission is to give disabled artists the tools they need to build thriving careers in illustration that are exciting, dignified, & tailored to suit their lifestyle needs. 

When and how did you get started?

I started this business during the COVID-19 pandemic to gain a sense of control in uncontrollable circumstances. As the world became more unstable and more isolated, I wondered how artists with disabilities would navigate this “new normal”. How would the pandemic affect their futures? How could I help disabled artists thrive in a post-pandemic job market?

I began teaching 4 talented artists in the comfort of their homes, & realized that I could help them start their careers without needing to wait for the world to return to normal. I turned my client’s work into toys, party supplies, & sticker packs, watching as their confidence grew! For the first time, they saw themselves as professional artists.

Who / what are your biggest artistic influences?

I’m inspired by dreamers with a passion for lifelong learning! My biggest influences are renowned art agent Lilla Rogers, author Elizabeth Gilbert, & my childhood favorite- Tomie de Paola. 

How do you define success as an artist?

I feel like you’ve found success as an artist when the menial, difficult parts of your work are worth pushing through, because you know that what you’re doing is in line with who you are and how you’d like to see the world.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

My art helps me keep a sense of wonder. It’s a form of self care when the world feels dark, and reminds me that we are capable of making magic.

How has your career and art developed?

I was fortunate enough to receive a full tuition scholarship at Art Center College of Design, where I majored in Illustration. In my senior year, I interned at the Tierra del Sol Foundation as an Art Instructor for disabled adults. That experience set me on a long, LONG journey to where I am today.

What is typical work day like for you?

A typical day can include up to 3 classes with individual artists in their own homes. I usually arrive with a trend board related to the seasons, and we'll brainstorm product ideas together. "What would you like to create next?" It's a very collaborative process, and the client always has the ultimate say in what they'd like to create. Our goal is to help each artist develop a body of work & a brand that can be included in the broader mainstream markets so that the world doesn't restrict them to the title of "outsider art". They are fantastic, capable artists deserving of professional opportunities. We're very excited to work with Jackalope again!

That’s so cool - honored to have you join us! Do you have a favorite item that you sell?

Our hand painted wooden gifts are a crowd favorite! Every artist in the program has come such a long way with their fine motor skills and attention to detail, and their imaginations really shine when they create something like a set of nesting dolls, a wish box, or a wooden book purse. Some of my artists struggle with visual impairment, but with some accommodations like a magnification light, they've made huge strides in craftsmanship! I can't wait for everyone to see what we've made together.

So excited to see what you all have been working on in person! What is the hardest part of the creation process?

I overthink a lot, and can sometimes shame myself into making work that isn’t who I am in an attempt to appear more “professional” and worthy of financial investment. It’s funny though, because any time I do that, the piece winds up failing completely. When I trust that I am enough, as my authentic self, that’s when my pieces succeed and resonate with people.

What’s the best thing about being involved in the arts?

The best thing about being involved in the arts is helping people manifest dreams that they thought were impossible. Artists can get lost in the illustrious details of their own vision, forgetting that there are big, boring, painstakingly practical steps they need to take to make big things happen. I love being there to support people through the emotional gravity of those steps, since those are the moments when you’re likely to talk down to yourself and question your dream. Keep going. Your dream can be real!

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena feels like a peaceful moment paused in time, away from the hustle & bustle of LA. I love that I can get to all my basic needs within a 5 minute drive, and I’ll probably never leave this place.

So well said. Anything special you’d like to share? 

As artists, dreamers, and lifelong learners, we are in the business of hope. Keep working towards what ignites your inner spark.

Catch NOVEL School of Art at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!

Web: www.novelsoa.com

Instagram: @novelsoa

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I grew up in St. Joseph, MO, studied video production at Savannah College of Art and Design, and moved to Burbank in 1998 to pursue a career in editing.  I’ve always enjoyed taking existing material to create something new, whether it is film footage or the earth itself.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

I bought a 3D printer soon after they became accessible to hobbyists and was excited by the idea of turning things I had created digitally into real objects.  At the same time photogrammetry was becoming available, which is the process of matching identical points on multiple photographs of an object from many angles and using the data to create a 3D model of it.  The two technologies together make it possible to turn physical objects into digital ones, and back again.

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

Success for me equals pride in what I create. Is this something I like? Does it keep interesting me? Is my family supportive of my work? Sure, money is indeed a factor, but I’ve spent years of my life trying to please others with my work.  Now, I get to do it for me.

Amazing. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

I’m a lot less stressed over my work. Where else can you work at your own pace, take care of your family, and wake up without a case of “Sunday dread”? Since my wife retired from medicine to join me, it’s created a whole new dynamic.  She helps with the books, the packaging, and even painting custom pieces.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I’m learning how to take what I know and push it further. I’m always improving the quality of my work, learning new ways to redesign and reinforce thin structures, including manufacturing my own special inserts to protect my larger prints from breakage during shipping. There’s always something new to add to my wheelhouse, be it designing new products, like video game locations, football stadiums, college campuses and more!

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Photogrammetry and other capture methods make it possible to create 3D models of places.  Miniatures and dioramas are always fascinating, especially of places you know and love.  They are even more compelling when they have the authenticity of having been created directly from captured data rather than hand modeling.  It's kind of like a sculptural photograph. The most difficult part of the process at the moment is figuring out how to add color to the 3d models using aerial photography as the source.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Doing what I love.  Plain and simple. It sounds cliché but being able to take my technical skills and produce something cool, unique and creative.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

One of my favorite projects was one of my first: a coffee scoop I made by twisting passionflower vines to create the handle and shaping leaves into the bowl.  I created a digital model of it using photogrammetry, made some adjustments, then 3D printed it.  It was fascinating to create an object that was largely designed by nature and formed through a combination of hand craft and computer craft.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena has always been special to us. Before marriage and kids, we frequented the restaurants and shops of Old Town and admiring the Greene and Green architecture. My wife spent a year working at a clinic on Lake and spent several years working on the City of Burbank float for the Rose Parade.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

We’re always open to new suggestions and custom orders. We still have a lot of theme park attraction suggestions but we’re playing with golf course designs, football stadiums, and coming up with alternatives to expensive color printing.

Catch Nanoscapes at Jackalope Pasadena on April 29th & 30th.

See more:

Web: www.nano-scapes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NanoScapes

Instagram: @nano.cities

Maza Guzman

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  

I moved to LA from Chicago in 2018. I think Midwesterners are generally better people than other Americans because we understand the importance of good neighbors; they can help you shovel out your car from the snow, they can lend you an egg when you don't want to leave the house in negative degree weather, etc. So I like to think that my brand embodies that sort of dependable, kind energy.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Star Trek. The Matrix. Lord of the Rings. The Labyrinth with David Bowie. My parents were into sci-fi and fantasy, so I've always been attracted to space and magical lands. I believe we have to imagine a better world for ourselves before we can build a better world for ourselves, so my artistic practices are generally offshoots of my imaginings of a better world. In my version of a better world, art makes you laugh or cry with joy.

We love that. How do you define success as an artist?

If I'm happy with what I make--if it brings me pleasure or pain or whatever I'm going for--and if someone tells me they've connected with it in any sort of way, I'm successful. Art is like our social connective tissue.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Yes. Ever since I was a small child, art has been the way that I learn about myself. Mostly, I learn what it is that I'm feeling. Once I identify what I'm feeling, I can identify what I need, and once I identify what you need, I can heal myself. Art heals me, and it has the power to heal others. Art is medicine.

It can be so powerful. How have you developed your skill at your craft?

When I was a kid, I loved sculpting with baking clay, beading jewelry, weaving friendship bracelets... the list goes on and on. Eventually, once you've picked up a handful of crafting skills, you realize that you can get good at anything with enough practice. Now, when a new medium strikes me as interesting or curious, I tend to take a stab at it. Needle felting has been my most recent stab (no pun intended).

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Believing that no one will connect with it. I'm getting better at recognizing that limiting belief, but it still plagues me sometimes.

How has your style changed over time?

I'm a recovering perfectionist. Also, I'm usually broke. These two conditions make it difficult to feel at liberty to experiment, but experimentation is essential for an artist, and so I think over time, my work has become better and better because I'm less afraid of messing up or wasting supplies. 

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Meeting other artists. There are so many magical humans on Earth, and yet we blind ourselves because we're afraid. Artists don't have the luxury of staying afraid; we have to confront our inner selves on a daily basis. Meeting brave, creative people is such a fantastic reward for being an artist. 

Well said. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?

I think the first thing I needle-felted was a one-inch replica of my step-dog's head, which I then "mounted" on a felted "mounting board." He's a rat terrier mutt with protruding eyeballs, so I used glass seed beads for his eyes. I was shocked at how well I captured his likeness. His name is Mr. Wiggles, but we call him Wigs. "Wigs' Head Mounted" is one of my favorite pieces to date. I have a greeting card now that features it.

So cute! What do you love most about Pasadena?

The beauty of the mountains! And the fact that Einstein moved here after the war.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I'm a climate activist who’s about to launch an effort to save the world. It's called the Green New Now, and I'm giving away stickers to promote it. Come grab yours!

Catch Mazaland at Jackalope Pasadena on April 29th & 30th.

Web: https://maza.land/shop

Instagram: @undercovergrom

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
I grew up in New Jersey near Philadelphia so we had the opportunity to go to the Philadelphia Museum to see art. My dad made it a point to take us and talk about art. He’s an artist and so was my grandmother.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
I am a big fan of traditional artists like Van Gogh and Mary Cassatt. And more contemporary artists like Shepard Fairey, Barbara Kruger, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.

How do you define success as an artist?
Being successful to me is being authentic and creating work that brings me and others joy.

We love that! Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

Art is definitely an outlet for me that helps with my mental well-being. I enjoy using my voice in street art and contemporary art for things that matter to me. I hope I can create work that inspires others and creates a sense of unity overall.

How have you developed your skill at your craft?
Being self-taught I love trying new things through trial and error. That’s how I’ve discovered my style along with finding mentors throughout my journey.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The process has evolved over time and since I’ve started to take my own photos, adding photography to the mix adds another layer of time to the process.

Loving the mix of mediums! How has your style changed over time?
I started creating digitally and moved into physical work. So it’s been using all my tools to create work and challenge myself throughout the process to find what I really want to focus on.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

I love the art community and meeting collectors. People that really get what you’re doing and support it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

The Maya Angelou mural that I created part of the protests in 2020 in Hollywood.

Beautiful! We can’t wait to see you in person this November 19th & 20th at Jackalope Pasadena!

Where to see more of Amy Smith:

Website | https://www.amysmith.art/

Instagram | @amysmithart

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I am originally from Italy.  I was brought up with a strict Catholic background, and though not religious now, I do use those images to represent spirituality, irony, and faith.  I was raised by a single mother. Having moved from a small town in Italy to a large city with so much diversity, I was struck how multi-cultural Los Angeles is and how that move changed my worldview, and continues now to help shape my art.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? 

My art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my worldview, and flashes in my dreams. I have always studied artists in all genres and throughout history. I do not have a particular artist that influences me, I think all art and all artists influence artists, and that is how it is with me my art. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

I believe it is being able to move people with my art. The greatest pleasure I get as an artist is watching people talking about my art and discussing the meaning and what it evokes in them. Success is stopping people in their tracks and them reacting to the piece. 

That is a great perspective. Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

It is therapeutic and extremely rewarding. It allows me to put on paper my emotions, my thoughts and my point of view. 

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

I have painted since I was a child. As an artist by nature, I have dabbled in all mediums, and have explored many different styles.

How has your style changed over time?
I started doing oil on canvas, and my style was surreal and dark body images. Now, my art is how I see the world and situations around me. They come from my world-view, and flashes in my dreams. I find mixed media collage is the best medium to express myself now.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

Finding time in my extremely busy life. There is nothing hard about the actual process, it’s the business side, the marketing side and the promotion that is hard for me. I love all aspects of creating art and sharing with others.

What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I spend hours finding images that match my imagination, train of thought or dreams. Then I find colors that compliment the images, and spend hours rearranging, gluing and painting over and around those images to create the final image I want. Sometimes it takes days, or a week, and sometimes a full day, but I do not rush it, but let it flow naturally.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is the ability to show anything you want. With every person that sees it will have a different reaction to it, and I love seeing the different reactions and interpretations of it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

Holy Cow is my favorite piece. I am an animal rights activist, and this piece represents how sacred, pure, spiritual, gentle, and kind a cow is, and it expresses that it is a sentient being, and should be revered, rather than exploited. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Pasadena and Burbank?

I will be bringing some of my original work, some limited editions, open editions of my most popular art pieces, as well as products such as greeting cards and tote bags of my art.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

My goal is that my art sparks conversations about diversity, women's issues, fame, community and hope for our planet, fellow humans, and animals. 

Love that. We can’t wait to see you in person this April 29th & 30th at Jackalope Pasadena AND at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival this June 3rd & 4th.

Where to see more of Laura Ward Art:

Website | www.lauraward.art

Instagram | @lauraward.art