Hello all! I could pull the modesty card but I plead the 5th. I've had my Ambassador snapshot sitting in the Muse draft for a few weeks and here today to share up my self interview with you. I'm not only an Ambassador but also beyond honored to be asked by Sandra Evertson to lead the team of Ambassadors from the start as the Ambassador Team and Social Media Coordinator.
I am always inspired by things around me and make time each day for art....living in the motto to “find inspiration everyday everywhere”. When I am not creating, I am usually jotting down ideas to create later back in my art studio. I have a strong passion for the arts, lots of creative spirit, and fearless in working with new products and techniques. I have been published several times in print and online scrapbook magazines, featured multiple times on the Paperclipping Roundtable podcast, a class contributor for Studio Calico, and several manufacturer design teams including Prima Marketing Inc. My niche of art lies in the scrapbooking arena, however, I venture into the mixed media world with touches of jewelry making and home décor art.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
I work full-time as an Audit Manager. Yeah, go figure. My right brain vs left brain is always in constant motion considering my paid profession is night and day opposite vs the arts. I typically travel about three weeks out of the month with my work. Most of my travel these days is domestically in the Southern states of USA. However, in the past, I used to travel a lot internationally all over Europe. However, my true passion is the arts and will always be strong in my heart. Many ask me how I juggle so many tasks but honestly I’ve always been a multi-tasker, highly ambitious, and overachiever.
What are your favorite materials to use when you create?
I hoard, breathe, and inhale stamps. From rubber mounted stamps to acrylic stamps, they are my true love. I cannot count the number of stamps in my stash. I’ve purged many stamps and some how more find their way home with me. I could not live without my 'go-to' ink, Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black. It is truly the best of black inks and perfection for stamping.
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
As an artist, I am always on the lookout for inspiration. All sorts of inspiration – texture, colors, packaging, billboards, catalogs, magazines, music - the sprinkling of subtle references to the people I encounter and the moments I experience on a real and daily basis. I keep my handy Midori Travelers Notebook with me all the time to jot down my inspiration from title work to catchy phrases to pivot a project once back in my studio.
What is your signature style?
The ‘element of surprise’ all in the details! I cringe at the thought of setting myself into a set mold as vintage or modern. I want to break the mold and combine the two in one project! Typically, my projects will include an ‘element of surprise’ where the observer will take a second glance and see details not captured in the first glance. Perhaps my profession as an auditor in being finely tuned to details flows through my art in the details of capturing the mood, colors, and textures in my art. Some of my projects are very clean and minimalist. Other projects I create are involved with lots of texture and techniques. However, I always strive to bring the details into my projects to really ‘take you there’ in emotion and depth.
What is something your friends probably don't know about you?
I come from a strong line within my immediate family with an innate talent to draw. My father, mom, older sister, and I can draw. I LOVE to draw portraits/people. I should really blow the dust off my drawings and share up around here, eh?!
I took an advanced art studio class, just for fun, as an elective in university aside from my business major. The art professor asked me why I was wasting my time majoring in accounting instead of pursuing an art degree. Then, I answered that I don’t need an art degree to be an artist. True story. I suppose accountants and auditors are not supposed to be artists too. So, perhaps I'm classified as a rarity.
Also, I studied classical piano for 12 years (starting at the age of 6) and love love love live orchestra music. I love to close my eyes when I play the piano because truly the classics 'take you there' in an intense and powerful way.
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
Jane Austen. All of her literature completely wraps around my inspiration. I have been known to watch on repeat her films 'back-to-back' while creating. Perhaps it’s the era, the language, the conversation but I am completely absorbed in her period of time.
What is your favorite quote?
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Leave the fear behind! Don’t feel you need all the bells and whistles to make an elaborate piece of art with the RELICS & ARTIFACTS®. Just choose simple paints, relics and create! Easy peasy! The relics are truly like a magic within themselves to work with any medium. Leave intimidation at the door and go for it!
Her Anthem, Mixed Media Necklace | Created by Wendy Morris-Saponaro
Connect with Wendy on her social media.
Blog: Life. Paper & Soul.