Kellie
Margit
Whimsy is found in the details that make you step back and
The majority of my creating is done when I am at my
say “Wow, I never would have noticed that.” If I am working
photography sessions: where I have the couple stand, how
on invitations with a couple for their upcoming wedding I ask
I have them pose, what I have them do. Then, my creative
them all the details about their relationship. I then use these
process continues into the editing, which helps to tell the
little tidbits to make their invitations completely unique to
story and share the emotion of the moment.
them and the love they share.
Kellie I am definitely an early bird! I do my best work as the sun
What surprises you the most about your creative process?
is rising, tea in one hand, sketchbook in the other, and my adorable beagle pups (Ginny and Brutus) snuggled up on either side of me.
Avé Every time I open the kiln, there’s bound to be a few surprises. Ceramics is the type of medium that you have to roll with the punches, and most of the time I welcome the surprise.
Ann Marie
How do you decide which creative ideas to develop? Avé Mostly I follow my gut. Some ideas are so loud in my brain that
I’m always surprised when something “works” because it often
I can’t function well or think of anything else until I try it out.
ends up being unexpected. When a piece takes a turn and is
Some ideas aren’t so practical, so I save those for quiet months.
not what I planned.
Margit
Ann Marie Half way through an idea! There have been so many ideas
Creativity can strike anywhere, anytime. I can be driving down
that I start and scrap once I realize it just won’t work. Other
the road that I live on and the light can be falling just right on
ideas I push myself to begin, thinking it won’t be great, and
a certain spot that I've driven past a million times...but, this
then become pleasantly surprised when I’m fully enthralled. I
time, it catches my eye and makes me stop short in awe.
haven’t entirely figured it out yet.
Kellie
Margit
What surprises me most is when an exciting project becomes
It is hard deciding on which creative ideas to develop; so many
difficult. This usually stems from my need to make everything
present themselves to us every day. This is when having a
perfect, or trying to fit in too many details that may end up
business partner is helpful. We are always ready to listen and
overlooked or not understandable. In these moments, I'm
share our latest creative thoughts, and from there we hash
thankful to have Margit by my side to help me step back and
out the details and decide if we should move forward with it
reevaluate my true intentions.
or not.
Kellie
Where and when do you do most of your creating? Avé I like getting to the studio first thing in the morning to survey
I do a lot of work based on the feelings and emotions that I associate with the ideas. If something just feels right, I’m pretty motivated to get the ball rolling and get my ideas on paper.
where my pots are in the cycle and do the more repetitive, labor intensive work first. My most creative part of the process happens after lunch, whether it be trying a new form or doing all the decorative work on my pot.
Ann Marie I work best when the house is quiet and I can put on some music or a good podcast. With 2 young boys this usually takes place while they are at school or at night after bedtime. The less distraction the better, so I often find myself cleaning the space I’m in before I start working. continued on page 71
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