Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in the arts world? 
First and foremost, I am an illustrator. I believe deeply in the transformational power of honest and vulnerable representation. My background is in art therapy; a career I decided to put off until later in life, but I use my own art making practice to process, and specifically my relationship with myself and my body. 

I also co-own two creative businesses; an art studio space called Allmost, providing accessible creative space and community for creative entrepreneurs and artists in MidCity, Los Angeles. And a retail collective in Silverlake (Allright Collective); where we provide a brick and mortar infrastructure for local makers and artisans to sell and grow their independent brands. Both of these businesses give artists and creative entrepreneurs a platform for growth in Los Angeles, which I believe is incredibly important for the future of my city.

Illustration by Theresa (@reesabobeesa)

2. What/who is your biggest inspiration? 

I am most inspired by the people around me. Incredible makers and creative entrepreneurs who are creating the world they want to see. And this city!

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

I love the sustainability and unique and honest perspectives represented in goods made by hand, or dreamt up by artists. I don’t want to be told how to be and what to want by an advertising agency; I am most excited by products and imagery that is reflective of honest human experience.

Allright Collective in Silverlake

4. Where do you see yourself in 5+ years? 

Doing what I’m doing now, but working less and making more. 

5. Anything you want to see more of in the arts world in the future? 

I believe that we can change ourselves and our world through representation. I want to continue to see more bodies and more humans represented in the art world.

6. What is the most important feature in an artist’s application for you?

I think an artist’s purpose and intention is most important - I love to see that someone’s brand is authentic and meaningful to them. I will also be looking for sustainable supply chains, and production practices that support other local independent businesses.

7. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Jury? 

I am looking forward to seeing some new artists and brands! And shopping for our store as well :)

8. Where can we find more about you? 

My favorite part of the internet is Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesabobeesa/

I also have a website: http://www.theresabaxter.me/

Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?  I’ve been drawn to creating and promoting handmade creations from a young age. When I was younger, I’d go to work with my mom who was a graphic designer and worked in an office full of women owned businesses. There I’d sit under her desk and draw…sometimes on the walls… and make things from everyday objects. I was incredibly fortunate that the designers, architects, and other professional women in the office would buy my colored paperclips and eraser sculptures and show me what it was like to support each other and the joy of having someone want something made by hand. This feeling of community around creation was present through my college experience where I studied theatre – the art of creating what you need because there’s never enough in the budget to “just go buy it.” I also started working for an American craft artist/ gallery at that time and fell in love with the idea of art being accessible for anyone.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is my mom,  Ann, who is the other half of Period Six Studio. She always taught me that people, no matter how different, have shared experiences and their stories are worth listening to and retelling. 

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)? A few of my favorite things… polka dots, rusty things, my dog Malcolm and husband Toby, Gilmore Girls, Broadway musicals, and a beer & chocolate combo to top off a day of bump skiing.

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement?  My favorite part of the handmade movement is seeing how people who where displaced from jobs in the recession or found that there were no jobs for them out of college have carved out places for themselves. By taking nontraditional career paths they’ve had to build upon what lights them up. I feel privileged watching aritsts grow and change and feel honored when they trust us to tell their stories.

5. What is the most important feature in an artists application for you? For me the work itself is the most important feature. The joy, thoughtfulness and attention to detail is all reflected in the work itself. That being said, make sure there’s good pictures to represent it in the best light.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in joining the jury panel with Jackalope? I am excited to join the jury panel to meet other people who share my passion of the handmade and to see the scope of what people are creating!

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.   

Studio Colfax

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.