Dixie Bradley: glass & creativity

Here is another interview with one of the artists taking part in the Holiday Art Market ongoing at Artlink: Dixie Bradley.

What inspires you?

I started in photography and did mainly "light paintings" -- cibachrome photograms. From there, I went to oil painting. Then I also got interested in doing collages, since with the photography, I had a number of compositions that didn't work out as well as I had hoped, and they got thrown into a corner to "someday" go into collages. I also have always collected interesting "stuff" when we travel, ie, shells, rocks, hunks of glass, wood, bones, whatever I can either put in my pocket or purse. After a while, that "stuff" was getting to be quite a pile of things and one day, I wanted a decoration to hang on the side of a kitchen cupboard (since I was bored with potholders) and began making three-dimensional assemblages. I also have done some stained glass pieces and had extra scrap glass left, so I would add it to the assemblages. I also have always been fascinated with hot glass work -- loving the shine and texture, etc. So, I took a few glass fusing classes and started making some fused glass jewelry. This seemed like a natural for the Holiday Art Market, since a one-of-a-kind piece can be sold at a very reasonable price.

What medium do you primarily work in? Why did you select this medium?

I'm not sure I have a favorite medium -- maybe whatever I'm doing at the time I find switching mediums helps when I get "blocked".

What do you put in your art that represents you?

I guess that any piece of art that I do represents me in some manner, since every artist is different and will see and interpret things differently.

Do you try to make a statement with your art?

I don't think I consciously try to make a statement in my work -- only that I want to create something that the viewer will enjoy.

What is your favorite aspect of art?

I guess my favorite aspect of art is that something can be made out of almost anything. I especially enjoy doing the collages and assemblages for the repurposing aspect -- artists are the original recyclers.

Who inspired you to be an artist and who are your favorite artists?

One of my favorite artists is, of course, my husband and best friend -- Norman Bradley. He has always encouraged me to keep experimenting and stretching as an artist. Other favorites would be Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Turner, Picasso, Steiglitz, Ansel Adams, Frida Kahlo, etc., etc.,

Marie Gardeski at the Holiday Art Market at Artlink

Holiday Art Market will be open for business Friday, November 19^, 2010 through January 2, 2011 for holiday shopping needs.

Among the artists you'll find Marie Gardeski with her crazy hand soaps.

We have asked her some questions so you can get to know her better.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by segments of stories, overheard and read. I get ideas from occurrences I witness (a boy on a bike, crossing the road with 2 eggs in one hand) and odd/humorous bits of conversation I overhear ("she's the only woman in the world who can eat beef through a picket fence"). Many of the characters I draw are inspired by broken action figures, strange old toys and figurines. And, of course, tiny plastic animals.

What medium do you primarily work in? Why did you select this medium?

Mostly I draw with graphite and colored pencil and paint with watercolors and gouache. These materials allow me to make the delicate lines and soft colors that I love. I also do installation work in various materials including found objects...

Sometimes my artwork later turns into something more like a product... Like Handsoap. Other times I make items for myself that I think will be handy, and end up making more of them to sell, in hopes that others would find it useful as well (i.e. tote bags, wrist zips). Many of my sewn products are made from second hand materials.

What do you put in your art that represents you? Everything.

Do you try to make a statement with your art?

I try to tell stories with my art. Vague tales that can (hopefully) be interpreted in various ways by different viewers.

What is your favorite aspect of art?

I like being able to express myself in a subtle way. I like making things that people might enjoy or puzzle over. I also enjoy developing new ideas and ways of creating images and objects. I like that art is an excuse for me to play.

Who inspired you to be an artist and who are your favorite artists?

I have always been interested in making things. Growing up I spent most of my spare time drawing or sewing or assembling something. My parents have always been very supportive.

Recently I discovered the work of Allyson Mellberg-Taylor which has a delicacy and weirdness that I love. I also enjoy the work of Marcel Dzama, Henry Darger and of course, my husband david birkey.

Tonite, Tonite, Tonite!

Visit Stone Carver, Cary Shafer's Studio

Tonight, Thursday, November 4, 6-9 p.m.

Cary Shafer a nationally recognizes stone carver will give a stone carving demonstration. Join us for this unique opportunity to watch an art form that only a few still do in the United States. There is no charge for this event so mark your calendars. Cary's studio is located at 611 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. To view his work visit www.caryshafer.com