Coneflower Creations
Medium/Art Form:
Visual
When and how did you start making art?
I have been making some variety of art or craft since I was in Girl Scouts in grade school.
About five years ago, I was looking for something new to try, and I saw an old wood burning kit in my parent’s basement and taught myself how to use it.
I enjoyed the smell of the burnt wood and the challenge of its permanence — you get one chance to make the image, because the burn can’t be easily erased.
I also liked that I could personalize my art for weddings, anniversaries or other events and give a meaningful gift that I made myself.
I started making custom orders for friends and family and developed my Coneflower Creations business to be able to sell my art pieces to the community.
I like exploring other media besides wood to burn on too, such as cork, paper, fabric and leather.
I recently started teaching woodburning classes through NWTC Artisan and Business Center, which I really enjoy because I can share my skills and love for this art.
What inspires your work?
I get inspired by nature for my content.
I want to capture all of the beauty out there — flowers, leaves, butterflies — there’s such fascinating complexity to it all and it makes for lovely images to woodburn.
In general, though, I was inspired to make art by my late father.
He liked to experience as many creative hobbies as he could find time for and I’d like to carry on that tradition if I can.
He did some amazing wood carving work and was a tremendous singer. He was talented in everything he touched.
How would you describe Green Bay/NE Wisconsin’s arts community?
There is so much amazing art in this area.
I feel it’s a thriving community, due to artists supporting other artists and the vast number of community events/organizations that promote the arts.
Organizations like NWTC Artisan and Business Center and the Art Garage, among many others in the community, provide classes and resources to develop skills and promote artistic growth.
I think we are lucky to have that here.
What is the best advice you have for other artists?
Make art because you enjoy it. If it gives you an income, that’s icing on the cake.
“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”- Kurt Vonnegut
Where can people find your work?
I post all my art and events on Facebook and Instagram and have items for sale on my website. Message or email me for custom creations. www.facebook.com/Coneflowercreations
Instagram @Coneflowercreations
https://coneflowercreations.square.site/
[email protected]