FEATURED ARTIST :: asherjasper

 

This week's Featured Artist is Vicky of asherjasper.  Having 2 little ones at home, I am always looking at amazing handmade baby and kid-related goodies on Etsy.  I recently came across Vicky's shop and just had to feature her incredible and absolutely adorable work!  After perusing her shop, I just want to take every adorable little creature home with me... I mean, for my kids, of course.  ;)

.......................... the interview .........................

A random fun fact about yourself:
I'm from England and met my husband on a painting trip in Italy when we were both 23. We now live in California with our 2 boys Asher and Jasper.





The first 3 random words that pop into your mind: shape, move, pretty

Any guilty pleasures?
I'm a complete chocoholic. I cannot have it in the house or it will be gone in seconds.

If you could be any place in the world right now, where would it be?
right here wherever I am.

(Ok, now onto business)
How would you describe your work?
Fun and happy needle felted sculptures and toys.

How long have you been at it?
I started in October 2008 when I decided I wanted to felt something for my friend's children.

So for you, is it an innate talent or practice makes perfect?
A little of both. I have drastically improved my skills over the past year just by needle felting for several hours a day - but my ability to design a product and my complete obsessive compulsive personality are innate.

From where/how do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. I pull from a 'kawaii' sort of style and I like simple clean design. I often think, "What would my boys enjoy," or what would I have liked for them when they were babies. I often make some of my most successful toys from custom requests.I love it when customers give me an idea of what they want and I make it come to life.

What was your most memorable creative experience?
When my art teacher gave me a huge box of oil paints that he found in the back of a closet to use at home when I was about 12 years old.

What do you do when your inspiration and creativity is tapped?
Hasn't happened yet :P I just look around and there's something else to explore.

What is your formula for success?
Dedication to your craft, perfecting your product, bright clear photos and great communication.

Was there a moment when you realized that you'd achieved success?
Yes, when I had to close my store 3 times in about 3 months so that I could catch up on orders.

Any advice for those having a bad case of artist woes?
Search around on Etsy, Flickr, go to the library, go for a walk and something will just jump right out at you!

When not hard at work on your designs, what would we most likely find you doing?
Playing with my kids Asher(5) and Jasper(2). I love to cook and am often found in the kitchen preparing something. I am also addicted to the internet. Love listening to TED talks and KCRW's This American Life.

In a parallel universe where you are not an amazing artist, what would you be?
A biologist.


What are some of your favorite etsy shops?
sarahclemensclothing, pirilamporiscado, yellena 

What's at the top of your etsy wish list?
Anything from Sarahclemens ;)

Any suggestions for my next featured artist? 

mamaslittlebabies I've always found her store really interesting.










And, as a fun tribute to my inner psychologist, what might this be?  
A tunnel









.......................... end interview .........................

Vicky, thank you so much for taking the time to share your work with us!  :)