Today I am featuring another wonderful artist: Sara, from Tie Dye by Sara. I asked her a few questions, so that we can get to know her a little bit better. Here's what she said:
1. If you were to pick one thing that inspired you, what would it be?
My kids inspire me the most. The first shirts I tie dyed were for them. Their faith in me is amazing.
The youngest one is 7 and he knows that if it's 100% cotton, I can dye it. So, he finds stuff at the store and says "Mom, I like this. Can you tie Dye it for me, please?" He likes the item, but thinks it would be so much cooler if I "fix" it.
My oldest is 13 and is great for when I feel like I'm in over my head. He is very adept at reminding me that not everyone likes my stuff, but that doesn't mean I've failed.
2. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
Umpqua Dairy's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
3. What are your favorite mediums to work in?
I use Procion MX fiber reactive dye, so I work with 100% cotton and occasionally rayon.
4. How long have you been an artist?
I've been doing tie dye since March of 2007, so a little over three years.
5. If you could go one place in the world, where would you go and why?
I would definitely go to Ireland! Ninety-eight percent of my ancestry is either German or Irish. I guess you could say Ireland calls to me.
6. What is your favorite quote and why?
"It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not." Andre Gide French critic, essayist, & novelist (1869 - 1951)
"You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything" ~Ginger Rogers [1978]
7. What is one word of inspiration you could give to another artist?
It's a bit more than one word. "Get out of your own way."
I've had several "experiments" that didn't turn out how I wanted, especially in the beginning. In tie dye it's all 'experiments." Yet, when I quit letting my fear of failure run my 'experiments' and decided to let the customers decide; those were some of my most popular pieces. That left me to try and figure out how to make that "mistake" again.
Thanks to Sara for taking a moment to share a little bit of herself with us. She can not be reached until Monday because she is a part of a craft festival.
