What you like to go by: Valerie
When did you start your shop? January of this year
Is this your only job? Nope--secretary by day
When did you realize you had this talent? Made my first assemblage at age 7, when my dad gave me an empty matchbox and told me to see what I could do with it. Pasted scrap fabric and a shoe buckle on top of it, and I was hooked!
Where do you find your inspiration? Inspiration comes sometimes from the objects themselves. At times they seem to have a story to tell. I'm devoted to Juxtapoz and Hi Fructose magazines--the artists and images jump start my own creativity.
Who has been the most supportive of your work? My husband of 21 years is my muse and the most supportive of my work. He provides a constructively critical eye, and doesn't let me fall into the "it's all crap" trap.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet? Wish it was just one thing! Want to start an e-magazine as a resource
to people who have rabbits. Want to continue to raise awareness of
animal rights issues. Want to start a "meals on wheels" type service
including vet care for pets of people who are elderly/shut in.What are your other hobbies? Other hobbies include learning to play cello, writing fiction
What are your words to live by or favorite quote? Favorite quote: "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."--Diane Ackerman
Where is the farthest you have traveled?
Farthest traveled was to Alaska growing up as a military brat. Would love to return one day!
• A self taught creative person who made her first mixed media assemblage piece at age 7 using a matchbox, old fabric and a shoe buckle
• Fortunate to have had amazing animal companions from childhood, including 5 rescued rabbit fur kids
I create from:
• Passion to inspire people to think more about how animals are treated
• Hope that once inspired, people will want to know how they can make a difference
• Expectation that people who want to make a difference, given the tools to do so, will make the world a more humane place for animals
If you would like to learn more/do more, here are some places to start.Listing of companies that don’t test on animals.
Info on factory farming/compassionate eating choices (please be aware that there are some graphic images on this site).
