A Dozen Details with Mindy Tsonas...

This month's artist interview is with Mindy Tsonas, the creative genius behind the Wishstudio blog and the newly launched Wishstudio website. I've mentioned here before how much inspiration I found at the Wishstudio years ago when I first began looking for online what I wasn't finding in eleswhere in my life.

When Mindy agreed to this interview, I was thrilled! I had so many questions that I had wanted to ask her for years. And her answers...well, let's just say that her openness about her life and her process is refreshing and beautiful! I hope you agree...

1) What (specifically) was your dream when you began forming the Wishstudio so many years ago? 

my dream in the beginning was simply to share inspiration within a creative community.  i had no idea then that this endeavor would actually create a community of its own!  i simply wanted to surround myself with like-minded women and offer a place for others to come and share and be inspired.

2) How has that vision changed over the years? 

the vision has grown and expanded in so many unexpected ways.  the scope of the wishstudio has become more dynamic than i ever could have imagined in the beginning.  the offering of workshops, collaborative projects, and having a space where i, along with my community,  can help encourage others to take a creative leap they might not have otherwise is really so rewarding.  this entire project has changed the landscape of my life and filled it with opportunity and so much beautiful energy that now fills my every day.  the parallel journey of creating this space and finding my own creative path has been so incredibly magical.

3) I would think that managing all that goes on in the Wishstudio takes a tremendous amount of organization. How do you manage while simultaneously being a SAHM? 

yes, there is a lot of organization that is involved, but that is part of how my creativity shows up for me - as an organizer!  so the whole process of making things happen in the wishstudio is really joyful second nature to me. 

like all moms, juggling all the parts of my life is often tricky.  but i think about what my life would be without the wishstudio and my amazing creative community and i honestly can't imagine things any other way.  it is a big part of my life that takes a lot of time and focus, but it has also become a part of who i am.  it's not just work that i have to do, it's fuel and a path for me to connect with the best parts of myself every single day.  without it, i know i would not be as present and happy as a mother, a wife and friend so it's a virtuous circle that grows and sustains all the parts of my life.  is tons of work?  yes.  is it worth the time and sacrifice?  with out a doubt.  

4) Can you explain to us how ‘virtual art retreats’ work?

i just wrapped my first ever wish*full virtual art retreat, and it was such an incredible experience.  i wanted to recreate a retreat experience that people could access online and not have to travel and commit tons of time and money to be a part of it.  it was a really a unique and exciting event!  i brought together 14 talented artists to teach all kinds of different studio and creative classes, and over the course of a long weekend we all dived into making art as a fabulous online group!  it was an amazing way to connect and create together, cheer each other on, and meet new creative friends from around the world.  i think this was the first virtual retreat of it's kind and i was so happy to be able to bring people together in such a new and exciting way.  don't miss next year's wish*full retreat! 

5) How do you find such amazing people to feature and/or write for the Wishstudio? 

i get this question all the time, and really the honest and simple answer is i just ask.  most artists are so excited to contribute and share their work.  if your enthusiastic and passionate about your project, chances are they will be too!

6) Have you always been a creative person? How long have you been living a creative life? 

i've always been creative in one way or another ever since i was little, and creativity has always been a part of my life in one way or another.  it hasn't really been until fairly recently that i realized that my creativity could be a way of living, and that it could infuse and integrate my life with everything i love to do!  

7) What type of creating do you like to do in your personal time to relax and unwind? 

i love to make gifts for others.  i've found that when i am most inspired to make something it is because i want to put the time and thought into creating something special and unique for someone else... it's always been my way and how i express extra tlc.  i make cards, tiny pieces of art, collages and photo books, and quilts.  i love quilts and even make them out of paper sometimes when my sewing machine cooperates.

8) How do you fit personal creating time in between being a full-time mom and managing the Wishstudio? 

the time i spend creating for the wishstudio and my personal time creating is most often one and the same.  it all overlaps... when i'm working on wishstudio things, making something as a thank you for a contributor, crafting with my son and playing around with new ideas and supplies, it's all a part of my creative life.  it's not quite so compartmentalized and i fend that is the easiest and best way for all of it to fit in and to flow.  i do have to say that i have an incredibly supportive husband who helps me and encourages me to embrace this life - he knows it's what fills me up and makes me happy.  without him, none of this would be possible. 

9) You recently launched the Wishstudio website. Can you tell us a little bit about the process of getting that up and running? 

creating the new home for the wishstudio was a tremendous amount of work and took a huge amount of time and heart, not just on my part.  i had the help of a fabulous team, christine castro of darling design and brianna privett of utopian.net. 

i had a pretty good idea about the vision for the new website, but christine was really the one to take all my ideas and inspiration and turn it into a well designed and beautiful virtual space.  the design process took about 3 months which entailed shooting photographs (the wishstudio homepage is a photo i actually staged and shot at my kitchen table!), sharing and fine tuning design ideas and layouts and getting the final pages created.  it was then brianna's job to take all the flat page designs and create all the moving parts to the site.  it was really exciting to see it all come together and be brought to life! i adore my new home. 

10) What made you want to create the website in addition to the blog…or was that always part of your vision?

the need for the website evolved organically over time. our community and all the collaborations that were happening was the driving force behind dreaming bigger for the wishstudio.   when i began working on bringing the wish*full virtual art retreat to life, which was part of that progression, the need for studio space where the workshops could be shared was what really ignited the idea for the entire wishstudio concept - that it would become an actual (virtual) place that you could come and visit, sit in the cafe and chat, take or teach a class, meet up with fellow creatives and gather inspiration and creative resources.  it was modeled after a real brick and mortar artist's community that i was once a part of and that i thought the wishstudio would exist in.  

11) How does your strong belief in the importance of creativity affect you as a mother? 

creativity is such an important grounding force in my role as a mother and in the relationship i have with my kids.  i nourish, connect, dream, and believe through my creativity, so that is in everything i do as a mom.  we don't necessarily make things all the time (though there have been many days when having creative time has saved the day!), but i find that the simple definition of creativity - to make something where nothing was before - every act can be an act of creativity and a way to move through the world expressing beautiful bits of who you are.  creativity is the tool i use to navigate my way through even the toughest days of motherhood.    

12) What does success look like to you?

for me, success = happiness.  if i am happy in what i do and with who i am, then that is success to me.  it's not about the money or the accolades or the accomplishments, it's about connecting with my authenticity and helping others to discover theirs - as a mom, as a wife, as a studio director.  i have the opportunity to be successful every single day!

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I hope you enjoyed hearing the behind the scenes nitty gritty as much as I did! {I'm a total sucker for that type of thing!} Please do pop over to the Wishstudio, have a good look around, and please do tell Mindy that I said hello!

A Dozen Details: Artist Interview with Brandon Lyon...

I just love doing these artist interviews! I now have a perfectly good excuse to ask my favorite artists a bunch of random questions about themselves!

I have been a fan of photographer Brandon Lyon's work since I first saw him on Flickr. He has an incredibly charismatic style which resonates through all his images. They are crisp and fresh and I could literally look at them all day! 

So many of my photographer friends are women. I was incredibly excited that Brandon agreed to be interviewed because, in addition to really loving his work, I had some questions I was dying to ask a male in the business. His answers confirmed how much I admire him and his work. 

 

1) When did you first fall in love with photography?

I had always had a real interest in photography.  Throughout high school I was always in awe of what my friends were doing in their photography classes but I was always a bit nervous to pick up a camera of my own and try, I thought I would make a disaster out of it.

It wasn’t until about two years ago that I met a now good friend of mine who specialized in portrait photography.  One day she handed her Nikon D300 over to me and said “why don’t you try?”.  I think it was at that moment that I knew this was what I wanted to do.

2) What gear do you use and what can’t you live without?

I actually don’t use a whole lot of gear when I shoot.  I have a Nikon D90 and I mostly shoot with my 50mm.  I think that lens would be the one thing I COULD NOT part with.  I love that little guy, he makes my pictures look purrdy J

Aside from that, it would be hard for me to live without Lightroom and Photoshop.  Half the battle is processing and at least for me, not being able to utilize them would take away that certain ‘emotion’ that I like to put in my work.

3) You’re excellent at self portraits! Many of us have such a hard time making ourselves the subject. How do you get into the SP groove?

Oh geeze, it was rough to start taking SP’s.  I was of that mindset “I’m a photographer, always behind the camera never in front.” But what really helped was starting my flickr 365.  Since that was really the whole point, I had to be the subject.

Now I really enjoy taking them.  It’s nice to be able to dress up and do a quick modeling shoot just like that!   Plus I have learned so much from taking pictures of myself.  Lighting, composition, color, pose…it’s truly a wonderful workshop to sharpen your technique.

4) There has been a massive boom of women photographers. As a male artist, how has this changed the industry for you? 

I know!   I think a good 80% of my contacts on flickr are female.  To be honest, when I first got started I was always surrounded by or inspired by female photographers.  So that’s always been rather normal. What’s really fun to see is some of the male photographers that I stumble across because it’s such a gear shift.  I notice that the different sexes go about photography in very different ways and it’s really inspiring to watch both sides.

5) Do you think this boom of women photographers is helping or hurting the art of photography?

Helping!  I would never consider the expansion of art a negative thing.  Women photographers are fantastic and like I said we go about photography in different ways.  Women look at the world differently than guys do, I would say they look even more closely.  Women pay attention!  They pick up on things that I would for instance overlook. 

It’s great to get that other mindset, to see the world through their eyes.  I love it.

6) Do you find it an advantage to you to be a male amidst the ever growing population of female photographers?

Only when I post pictures of my abs! TOTALLY KIDDING Hahaha.  You know, I never try to compete or try to feel like I should have an upper hand in the field.  I take photos to capture the world that I see and I just hope that I can share that world with the people around me.

I think it makes for an interesting dynamic when you have a female and a male going out and taking photos together.  Different ideas are shared.  I love more the collaboration than trying to feel ‘superior’.

7) How do you think your vision differs from that of women in your field?

I’m not sure if I could pin-point it to one specific difference.  In fact I would hope my vision differs from everyone’s just as I’m sure they would want the same.  Three people could take a picture of the same flower at the exact same time and get different results. 

It’s our own visions that allow us to stand out and be unique and I just try to stay true to myself and  capture what I would like to see.

8) You have an amazing way of capturing your subjects. How do you get your portrait clients to look so relaxed in their photos?

Aside from that fact that I am blessed with some amazing friends who don’t mind me sticking a camera in their face I ALWAYS always try to keep my shoots simple.

I’m not a puppeteer. I don’t move your arm this way or that way.  I don’t make you sit at a 90 degree angle and tilt your head 45 degrees to the left with one eyebrow raised.  That’s too formal for me, too cold..to staged.

When I do a shoot, I turn my camera on and just start taking photos.  I let my model get comfortable with their surroundings.  I try to capture their mannerisms, their natural stance.  I talk to them.  About their day, about their life.  The only way you can get genuine portraits is if you let your models be genuine.  When that happens, their natural beauty shines through and your photos are going to be ten thousand times more organic and real than anything contrived.

9) Do you have any formal photography training? What has been the single biggest help in your learning process?

No formal training.  Everything has been trial and error (and there has been so much error haha). 

Flickr has been my best learning tool to date.  I’ve made some amazing friends and we’ll get on instant messenger, throw ideas back and forth…compare gear, tips, tricks etc.  I have learned so much from just browsing through the flickr explore pages and seeing the work that people produce.  It’s such a joy to have.

10) Where do you go for inspiration? And/or where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere!  Really, everywhere.  I’ll be reading a book and a commercial will come on with some attractive model and I’ll want to take a photo like that.  Magazines, sunlight, food, conversation, music!  If there’s something I love, I want to try and capture it in picture form.  There’s so much of it everywhere.

11)  What are three words you’d like people to use {either now or someday} to describe you and/or your photography?

Simple, charming and good (one can dream! hahaha)

12) What does success look like to you?

If you are happy, you are successful.  At the end of the day if you can smile, you know you’re doing it.  You’re in it, you’re there. 

You know that feeling when you are in the middle of a shoot, you snap a picture and you go back to preview it to make sure everything looks alright?  The image pops onto the screen and everything just came out perfect.  You are just so giddy you run over to your model and shout “Oh my gosh look!” with a huge smile on your face. 

That’s the feeling of success, knowing that I’m doing it.  Doing what I love.  I am going to chase that feeling around forever because there’s no other point to life except to do the things that make you happy.

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Do you not just love him??? You can find more of Brandon on his blog, his Flickr stream, and you can purchase prints in his print shop.

Thanks so much for being a part of this series, Brandon! It was so fun having you!

A Dozen Details with Kim Klassen...

I'm very excited to introduce you to the second artist I had the privilege of interviewing for our Dozen Details series. Kim Klassen is a breath of fresh air, a ball of positive energy, and a wonderful artist. She is constantly in motion with her hands in a plethora of creative endeavors at all times.She began her creative journey as a painter and now works in primitive art. She has since fallen in love with photography and has quite an eye. Not only that, but Kim has also just come out with her very own pack of photo textures, is teaching an intro to Photoshop e-course, produces many how-to videos with regards to both painting and photography, and has a few other collaborations and on-going projects as well. I was so excited to get "the skinny" {playing off the title of her e-course} on Kim!

1) How long have you been living a completely creativity infused life? Did you ever have any other profession besides artist?

My creative life started in about 1992. We moved into our antique home and things just kind of grew from that point forward. Before that, I worked in a Canadian dept store, in the men’s department. i loved creating the displays , you know… mannequin set up and stuff. but I never actually drew or painted til I started in 94. I don’t think I’ve really looked back. It’s not a choice… it’s part of me, like sleeping, eating or breathing….. I have to create.

other than working in the department store, I spent a year as an education assistant at our local elementary school.

That’s it…..

2) Where did you learn to paint?

I am self taught… I tend to get an idea in my head and just have to learn how to do it. Sigh…

3) What led you towards primitive arts?

I’ve always loved old things… that’s why I love prims…and because we live in an antique home, primitive art just fits so well in our home.

4) You have recently fallen in love with photography. What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

Oh dear, that’s a tough one… I love photographing stills and nature. I love photographing old abandoned buildings as well though. I think if I had little ones around like you, meg… I would be photographing them all the time. I wish I “knew” photography when my kids were little. But perhaps, someday, I will have grandchildren to follow around with my camera.

5) How did your background in painting help you to create your new line of textures?

Oh my I am in love with creating textures. I think because I create worn, weathered art… the texture creating was pretty easy and felt so natural.

6) Do you apply the same or different principles when layering paints on your canvas and layering textures on your photos?

The process is actually quite similar. Layer, sand, layer sand… when painting… layer, layer mask, layer, layer mask… in photoshop.

7) What would you tell someone who is intimidated by working with textures? Any ‘try this first’ advice?

Oh I say DIVE in…

It’s such an artful experience…very expressive. I have a couple of how to vids on my site that show you how to get started… it’s awesome…. ♥



8) What gear do you use for photography? What is your favorite/most used lens and why?

I have a Nikon d90. I have several lenses. But, my most fav is my 50 mm f/1.8… however I am dreaming of the 50mm f/1.2 that’s apparently releasing soon….sigh… I purchased a sigma 50mm macro… and it’s AWESOME. I find myself wondering what I did without it. I also have a 35mm f/1.8 that I use for photographing my art and portraits as well. Then there’s my zoom lens. I use it a lot while photographing abandoned buildings and nature.

I have to stop myself from always wanting bigger and better. It tends to come with the photography bug I think. :)

9) What are your essentials for painting?

Oh gosh, pine boards, canvases… I’m crazy about golden paints these days… must have crackle medium, gel medium, oh and tim holtz distress ink… oh and gel stain…. Brushes and more brushes…. I’m a supply addict. I am blessed to get free brushes and paints from some of the companies…. So my stash is HEAVENLY…. :)

10) What do you do when you’re in a creative slump?

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a slump….but that’s most likely because I was in a slump for about 2 years…. It was really quite painful. But when I finally came out of it…. WOW… explosive…. I’ve been on creative fire ever since… it’s been almost a year since that awful slump… may it never return.

creativity can’t be forced. It must flow…

11) What are three words that you hope people do or will use to describe you and/or your work?

That’s a tough one.. ummmm… sincere, warm, creative


12) What is your definition of success?

Living a truly creative life…. Dollars or no dollars…. Truly creating is the only life I want to live.

 
Isn't she just amazing! Aaaannnddd...Kim is generously offering up a GIVEAWAY of one of her awesome texture packs to one lucky reader!!! All you  have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. Comments will be closed on Friday, April 23rd at midnight and the winner will be announced on Sunday, April 25th.
 

 
You can visit Kim at her blog, her Flickr stream, or her Etsy shop. And you can see her blog featured in the upcoming Summer issue of Artful Blogging magazine {yay, Kim!!!} and her photography featured in the current issue of Stampington's Sommerset Life magazine {yay, again!!!}.
 
Thank you, Kim! It was so nice having you today!

A Dozen Details with Barb Stellmach...

I am fascinated with the lives of others. The details behind an artist's life and work are like getting to see how candy is made! I'd like to introduce you to a new feature here at Life Set to Words which will allow you to take a peek into the lives of some very inspiring artists. Each month I will ask one inspiring artist to share a dozen details about his/her life. I hope that these interviews will inspire you, encourage you, and inform you about artistic living!

Our first Dozen Details is with the incredibly talented photographer/jewelry maker Barb Stellmach of Ginger Lee Photography. Barb is a dear friend of mine and a true inspiration. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to get a deeper peek into her creative life...

~1~ What made you first start looking at your camera as something more than a snapshot shooter?



I suppose it was when I began selling jewelry online a couple of years ago. I wasn’t getting the results I wanted with my point & shoot so I did a few art fairs and raised enough money to purchase my Nikon D60. Also, after discovering the flickr community, I realized photography was a way to express myself and my interests.

~2~ How did you learn more about photography and using a dslr?

I did a lot of googleing. I also refer to the website digital-photography-school.com and have purchased a book for my specific camera. I’ve also learned a lot through flickr. The people that I’ve formed relationships with are always there to lend a hand with any questions I may have. Honestly, before I was involved with flickr I didn’t have a clue as to what textures, dof (depth of field), bokeh, and conversion even were. I still have SO much to learn.


~3~ What’s in your camera bag?

I guess I don’t technically have a camera bag. I usually just throw it in my purse if I’m going somewhere. However, I do use a few different things. I have a Nikkor 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lens that came with my camera but rarely ever use. I also have a Tamron 90mm f2.8 macro lens that I love and it’s probably on my camera about 90% of the time. I recently purchased a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 that’s great for everyday use and still produces that beautiful blur that we all love. I have a Nikon SB600 speedlight flash that I occasionally use as well as two batteries. I also use a vintage Kodak Duaflex II for ttv (through the viewfinder) shots as well as a recently purchased vintage Argus Cintar 50mm that I’m really excited about. Note to self… must buy film!

~4~ What kinds of things do you like to photograph?

I’ve really taken a liking to food photography. It would be so fun to take pictures for restaurants and food magazines. Bon Appetite… are you reading this? :) I also enjoy still life photography, thanks to you Meg. I love all the details that go into setting up a shot. The colors, the props, the backgrounds…. you can really tell a story through such a picture. Simplistic and portrait photography is also something I’ve delved into that I really enjoy and I’m looking forward to experimenting with it more in the future.



~5~ You also make jewelry. How did you first get into that?

A good friend of mine taught me how to make earrings for the bridesmaids in my wedding. That was only three years ago. Like photography, I’m completely self taught and had mostly made things for myself until I realized I wanted a new camera. Knowing my husband wasn’t going to buy me one, I decided to sell online and do art fairs to earn some cash. I realized this is truly what I was made to do… sell my jewelry to people who can appreciate somebody’s craftsmanship. Art fairs are SO FUN!

~6~ Where do you look for and/or find inspiration?

For me inspiration is everywhere. Lake Superior has inspired me to create unique, one of a kind jewelry. The food I eat and my household decorations have inspired me in my photography. I’m inspired by nature, magazines, blogs, flickr… Everyday someone posts a new photo where you think, “I wanna do that”! So you set up your shot, grab your camera, and put your own unique spin on it. It’s a lot of fun!

~7~ You are a busy mommy! How do you fit creativity into your day?

It’s hard, especially now that the baby’s more mobile. If I’m lucky I can get some jewelry made/take pictures while the kids nap or while Maria’s playing and Ginger is busy chewing on something. :) After the girls are in bed, I often make jewelry while watching TV. I’m also very thankful for such a wonderful husband. He’ll happily watch the kids so I can go out on a photo walk/drive or take some still shots. He’s a real big help around here and I seriously don’t know how I’d manage without him.

~8~ You recently began selling your prints and jewelry on Etsy. Many of us are looking to take our hobbies to the next level. What made you take the leap?

I had every intention of sticking with it the first time I started selling on Etsy, but I quickly realized that the pregnancy of my second child was kicking my butt, so I decided to close up shop. Now that things are back on track, I knew I wanted to do more art fairs this summer and needed a place where buyers could find my artwork all year. Although it’s hard to get noticed on Etsy, it’s easy and affordable and I didn’t think twice about reopening. I mostly sell prints online because it’s less time consuming and with two little girls, time is not something I have a whole lot of. I do hope to keep some jewelry pieces in the shop at all times. I love the preparation of an order. I package everything with love and I’m a big fan of details. Picking out fabric and sewing the jewelry bags, finding ribbon to match, the earring cards, the thank yous… it all makes a difference. Your buyers (myself included) appreciate a nicely packaged product.

~9~ Where else do you sell your art?

I currently sell jewelry at Wintergreen in Duluth, MN. and I’m working on some pieces for their store in Ely, MN too. It’s a winter clothing boutique that makes all of Will Steger’s expedition wear. I’m hoping to sell in more stores here in Duluth as well as out of state. As I’ve mentioned, I enjoy doing art fairs over the summer and autumn months. There’s a few in Duluth and one in a neighboring town that I’m crossing my fingers I get accepted to. I’ve also sent in an application for a fair in St. Cloud, MN. which is roughly 3 hours south of Duluth. It should be interesting to see how other cities react to my products.

~10~ What advice do you have for someone just starting out in photography? Jewelry?

Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions has definitely worked to my advantage in the recent months. Practice is only going to make you better. Don’t be afraid to step out of your box either and try something new. I quickly realized that selling jewelry was a tough market because it’s everywhere. I knew I needed my product to stand out from the rest and I believe I’ve achieved that by using Lake Superior rocks in my designs. I hope that it’s the same story with my photography.


~11~ What are three words you’d like people to use {either now or someday} to describe you and/or your photography?

fun, creative, inspiring

~12~ What does success look like to you?

I suppose I consider myself a success in some regards. I’ve produced a product that people like and because of it, I’ve been able to reimburse my husband for all of my supplies. I’m not the type of person who usually finishes things. My goals are always changing, as are my interests, so to achieve something like that is a pretty big deal. I’m pretty happy with where I am in my teeny tiny business. I’m able to enjoy the summer art fairs without feeling overwhelmed, and at the same time sell a product that I enjoy making. I’d hate for something I’m so passionate about to become another chore. So I guess success to me is taking something you love doing, sharing it with others, and making a small profit. However, if I ever do experience success on a larger scale, I’ll welcome it with open arms.

And now for a special GIVE AWAY!!!
For two very lucky random drawing winners, Barb is generously offering up one of her 8 x 10 Where's The Love prints as well as a Lake Superior rock necklace {shown above}.  All you have to do to enter is take a peek at Barb's Etsy shop and tell us which is your favorite item in the comments on this post. You have until Friday, March 26th at midnight EST to enter at which point two names will be randomly selected for these two amazing prizes. I have both a necklace handmade by Barb and prints from her shop and I can testify that she is a quality babe and her goodies are awesome! Enter, tell your friends, blog this...and we'll announce the winners here on Sunday, March 28th.

Until then, you can visit Barb at her blog, on her Flickr stream, or at her shop {where she happens to be having a buy two, get one free sale going on}!

Thank you so much, Barb! We have loved learning these Dozen Details about you!!!