The Commission newsletter goes out every two weeks to community members, city council, local businesses, artists, and arts organizations, and is subsequently posted to our website, https://burbankarts.com/artist-spotlight/.
The purpose of the interview is to use storytelling to build connections among community members and to raise awareness of local artists and their work!
1) Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I am a full time crochet artist and designer. I’m also a caregiver and apt manager.
2) How did you first become interested in art?
I started crocheting at the age of 6 almost 40 years ago. I was taught by my late great aunt Alberta. While she was alive I never thought I was good enough to make anything. After her passing in 2011 I picked up a hook and started watching you tube videos. I started off with hats/berets with crochet flowers attached to the side and after a while I thought I have to change this up! Why? Because First, we live in sunny Southern California and second, it’s way too hot. So I decided, let’s crochet beachwear and jewelry! Now my specialty is crochet earrings and after creating and selling various crochet Patterns and teaching classes I realized that art can come in so many forms and fashions and this is considered fiber art. I love creating accessories out of yarn, fabric, or anything I can crochet up!
3) How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art is eye candy! It’s an experience and an adventure! When people see that what I create is something far different than what they are accustomed to or what they feel crochet is, it makes you feel proud to be an artist, it helps to expand peoples mindset and and that anything is possible with a little bit of imagination!
4) If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Explore options! Play with color, texture and look beyond what the eye can see. Use your imagination to see the beauty in it. You will be surprised and what you really see!