How did you get started with your art?

I got started painting in 2005. My husband spent 4 years fighting for disability through social security and in 2005 we finally obtained it. That meant a check for four years worth of disability. He wanted art supplies to keep him busy. I asked him if he minded if I got some watercolors because I was interested in learning them. He said to go for it. I ordered watercolors, paper, brushes and some books. I taught myself watercolors and four months later did my first fine art show. My style changed about ten years ago. (There’s a blog article on this on my website)

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the process is watching the pigment in the water travel and mix with other colors.

We can definitely see some clear themes in your work, but where does your inspiration come from?

Nature inspires me to create. I enjoy painting animals and flowers, with a particular focus on endangered animals as well as sea life.

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

A typical day in the studio includes me getting up at 630-ish, working on a sketch or making a list for the day. At 7:20 I leave to take my boys to work/school, run any errands I need to and return home to work on the painting or to knock out my list of todos. Which could include augmented reality work for my paintings, or coloring book, inventory and ordering, or sublimating some of the merch I have.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

My favorite item that I created is an animated augmented reality piece. A painting that comes to life with an animation after scanning a QR code.

Very Cool! What do you enjoy most about in-person events now that things are picking up again.

I missed talking to people the most at in person events.

Us too. What will you be bringing to Jackalope this September since you are driving out from California?!

I will be bringing some pretty cool original paintings to Olde Town Arvada as well as hand sublimated items like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs, puzzles, tumblers, coasters and stickers, greeting cards and of course Fine Art Prints. I will also be bringing Augmented Reality Art that has embedded videos and/or animations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I do custom work both painting as well as augmented reality. So think about the wildest thing you’d like to see and let me create it!

Where to see more of Water + Ink Studios:

Website | www.waterplusink.com

Instagram | @waterplusink

Why do you create?

My mission is to bring healing energy into the world and to spread light, joy, and happiness to people through my art.

That is great- what inspires this creation process?

Metaphysical sciences really inspire me. I am very intrigued with the healing powers of color and organic materials such as rocks, crystals, and glass. I also am very inspired by geology! I wanted to be a geologist when I was in college but I could not pass the lab tests. I have realized all these years later, that the concepts of geology (strata and minerals) are at play with my compositions and material choices.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the maker process is allowing the hand/brain connection to work with my materials. As I'm not able to render into a drawing what I may see or feel from memories, dreams, or ideas, I "channel" while I'm working and am always delighted with the outcomes. It is very freeing to not have strict constraints on designs or ideas!

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

I like to spend 2 hours early in the morning before the family wakes up in my studio. I've always been a morning person and this early morning time sets me up for a balanced and happy day. I put on my full spectrum light for some light therapy and insert my earbuds to either listen to a guided meditation or music. I do work part time, so on the days I am in my home studio after my morning charge up and ensuring the family is sorted and ready for their day, I then spend several hours creating back in my space. I thoroughly enjoy looking around at my materials, thinking about designs and combinations, and bathing in the creative energy that my studio provides.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

This is a rather difficult question to answer as I love everything I make. I will answer with the most meaningful piece, which is a sculpted mirror called "Dad's Amend." My dad is a mythological figure in my memory now, and while working through a 12 step-program for alcoholism, one of the most freeing and powerful amends I made was to my dad posthumously. He called me "Hummy" and I created this mirror with a hummingbird to honor that nickname. I worked through years of hurt, trauma, abandonment and was able to release decades of negative feelings and reached a state of forgiveness and peace.

What do you love most about Minnesota?

There is something very soothing about the farmlands, rivers, and lakes of my home state. I love driving along the bluffs along the Mississippi river and always look at the strata lines and the curves of the river. I admire the lines, colors, and textures of the landscapes here in Minnesota. I particularly love when I am visiting my parents and family in Winona, a lovely town on the Mississippi River. My favorite thing to do when home is to take a boat ride along the backwaters of the Mississippi and look for birds and sunning turtles on logs. It is these simple pleasures that fuel my creativity.

What do you enjoy most about in-person events?

I am new to the festival circuit! I have done two shows this year and won a "Festival Favorite" award in both shows. What I have really enjoyed is the happy energy that people have when visiting the shows. I give away "magic rocks" to booth visitors and the smiles that leave my tent are priceless.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Oooh! I'll be bringing all sorts of magical and sparkly mirrors, healing pendants encased with gemstones, copper and gold, some garden art, and a big bowl of magic rocks.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I am super excited to be part of the inaugural Jackalope Art Fair in Minneapolis. We have such a great creative space in the Twin Cities and people really appreciate artists and festivals. I anticipate an amazing turn out and a super fun weekend - October is a favorite month of many Minnesotans, including myself. The location is fantastic and I know I'll attract more friends and family who may want a craft beer!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Shelley Beaumont:

Website | www.Shelleybeaumonthealingmosaics.com

Instagram | @shelleybeaumontartist

So tell us, do you have a story behind your company name?

When my nephew was little he couldn't pronounce my name (Sarah) and instead would say Aunt Rah-Rah. Eventually everyone started calling me Rah, so I thought Eye of Rah was very fitting for my art business.

Cute! How did you get your start?

It all started while I was living in the Panamanian jungle back in 2017. I brought a travel-sized watercolor kit with me, because it had been neglected in a pile of art supplies that I told myself I would use "one day.” I finally woke up one morning in my jungle hammock and decided to stop putting it off. I sat down and created my very first watercolor piece. Nothing spectacular, but it made me feel alive. That piece somehow survived the jungle critters & humidity, and I still have it in my studio. If it weren't for my jungle experience and the beautiful people I met there, I would not be the artist I am today. It was the place where my soul was found. And my soul only wanted one thing - to create.

That is so fun, what an awesome experience! Safe to say the jungle provided the inspiration you needed.

My experience living in the jungle is such an inspiration, even these years later. Really being out in nature of any kind inspires me.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

There are tiny finishing touches & details that go in at the end of the process that really tie the entire piece together. They are so small that no one would know that they are the power behind the piece, the reason it works as a whole image. It's like a little secret I get to keep with each piece.

What about a favorite item you have created?

Right now I'm really digging my new hemp buttons. I have a sunflower and a coneflower at the moment. They have this cool vintage look to them, and they're the most sustainable button in the market right now! One of my goals is to lessen my business's ecological footprint, and these products definitely help!

Hemp Buttons

Take us through a typical day at the studio for you?

There kind of is no "typical" day in the studio for me, which is why I love it I think. I will say there's always music playing and numerous dance breaks throughout my creation process. I do like to take time in the studio to reach out to new customers to chat, not to pitch my sell but more so to make a connection with people, to help build that great Colorado art community.

What do you love most about living in Colorado?!

How hard it is to be bored here! There's so much to do, from festivals and street fairs, to countless outdoor activities & so much live music!

What will you be bringing with you to our Arvada fair?!

I'm going to have some of my Colorado Wildflower series originals, tons of prints, stickers, pins, and a brand new series of originals as well!

What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again?

Getting an idea for where my art is going - it's nice to know who my art & part of my soul is living with when it leaves my booth.

Thank you Sarah! Anything else you would like to share?

I'm currently working on a watercolor & ink series based on my jungle experience that I hope to share with all of you soon!

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Eye of Rah Art co.:

Website | https://eyeofrahartco.bigcartel.com/products

Instagram | @eyeofrah_artco

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

I've been making art since I was 16, some 30 years now. I hold a BFA and an MFA in fine art and I keep a studio in West Hollywood. I don't think there has really ever been a time that I wasn't making something. 

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

I have a love affair with bunnies, cocktails and ephemera. Each piece of art tells a personal story from bits of my life and experience. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

My husband inspires me. He is the smartest, most lovely human I have ever known. 

4. What is your creative process like?

I make "paper" first, sourcing ephemera that comes from my past. Then I decide what rabbits fit the best. 

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

The best tip I ever received was that it is the artists only job to produce and to leave the criticism to others. 

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Lots of bunnies and cocktails in cool acrylic frames. Loads of handmade flowers. Color and joy. 

7. Where can we learn more about you? barbie5x5.com

1. How would you describe your style? 

I strive for a balance in my work. My style is loose and somewhat raw without being too messy. Thematically my work expresses feelings of isolation, loss, and grief balanced with innocence, hope, and strength.  If art can make people feel less alone, and more united in our existence, I believe it is successful. 

2. What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by dreams, animals, nature, dance, music, dolls, colors, patterns, and beauty in general. People inspire me who stay strong and positive despite the debilitating challenges that life can deliver. I'm also inspired by people who live boldly, often going against societal norms in order to express their personal truth, and give voice to those who have been marginalized.   

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I'm the most creative when I can let go of fear about the outcome of a painting, or the fear of messing it up. When I can work in a state of freedom, my creativity flows.

4. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You will see many original paintings ranging from very small to large, as well as a large selection of prints. 

5. What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

I coolest artistic tip I have received was in my early months as a painter, I had a short conversation with an established artist friend about the background of a painting on which I was working. He described the background as being responsible for creating the world in which my character would live. This incredibly simple, and yet obvious, idea revolutionized my understanding of the backgrounds in my work.

Find out more about Jen Herling at: http://www.jenherlingart.com/