Emporia grad, First Friday Intern and Artist
What do you make?
I make canvas and/or fiber wall art out of yarn, thread and misprints from printmaking!
Where and when did you learn your artistic abilities?
I attended ESU and had a lot of support from my advisor James Ehlers and my family and friends.
What inspires you or sparks your creativity?
I hate to waste anything that is made from art, so when making prints, there are often misprints or "duds." I didn't want to just toss them in the bin so I decided to reuse them and turn them into something I would love!
What projects are you working on now?
Right now I am continuing my body of work that utilizes my own misprints and those of my classmates. I take the prints and shred them, then blend them in a blender after being soaked in water. It makes a nice paper pulp which I then "cook" in waffle irons! I use these alongside yarn and other fibers to fill my canvases with colorful, chaotic art!
What is your day like? How much do you sleep? What is your work schedule?
Sleep is for the weak! I would say I get roughly 6 hours a night while I'm in school, but after graduation maybe I will get more. I currently have two part time jobs as well!
How many hours of creative work do you do in a day?
I would say on a good day about 5. A bad day only 1-2.
What is the first work you ever sold, and for how much?
My first piece would be one that was in my recent senior show, it was titled "Espresso over Corral" and I sold it for $35 to my mother.
When you start a new piece, where do you begin? What is the first step?
I kind of just jump right in! I never really have a set idea in mind, rather than a few I pick and choose pieces from. I do decide what materials I want to work with but that's about it!
How do you know when you’re done with a piece?
I just have a feeling, when I place a certain element on the canvas I can step back and say, "This is perfect!"
What music do you play when you’re making art?
I alternate between The Lumineers and Spanish rap! A broad spectrum but it depends on my mood. Each piece I create is done during a different mindset. If I am angry my work is chaotic, or if I'm happy it is methodical.
Is there a meal you eat on repeat when you’re working?
I absolutely love potato wedges if I'm in a hurry, but if I have time to cook I enjoy a hearty meal of soyrizo, rice, corn and beans, and some tortillas.
What is the weirdest object in your maker's space?
I would have to say I have a plaster cat door stopper that is missing an ear.
What’s the last thing that made you cry?
The realization that I graduate soon and I'm the first in my family to do so.
What are you reading right now?
“The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kapur.
What’s your favorite artwork by someone else?
The classic "Lady with an Ermine" by Leonardo da Vinci.
Favorite thing about living here?
How friendly everyone is downtown at the shops, and how open and accepting they are about artwork for First Friday! I haven't lived somewhere that has something like that.
Where can people find your work?
I am on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat! I do updates frequently on Snapchat and Instagram. I have a link to my portfolio on my Instagram bio, but it is in need of an update! Snapchat shinerenee Instagram & Twitter Caddy__Whompus