August 30, 2013

Giveaway! Artist Interview: PioneerArtisanworks



This Giveaway is for the US and Canada only!





You can find more information about Joe and Macy on the following sites:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest 
Etsy 

Shop Name: Pioneer Artisanworks

What you like to go by:
Joe & Macy

When did you start your shop?
June 2011

Is this your only job?
I (Macy) quit my short-lived job as a part-time grocery cashier to stay home and run this shop. It makes me so happy to pour everything I have into this creative outlet. We both dream of someday making art and furniture from home for a living. Right now, Joe works full time as a commercial plumber, using the monotonous hours spent digging ditches and working under buildings to come up with creative ideas. Every evening and most weekends, we work together on making these ideas come to life. I always seem to have paint up to my elbows these days. ;)


When did you realize you had this talent?
We're a 20-something couple who love brainstorming and creating together. We've joined our talents and the result is this little shop full of whimsy and fun. It's a great excuse for date night. ;) We've both been creating things since we were kids.

Where do you find your inspiration?
The idea for a metal flower was born on our 2nd wedding anniversary. Joe was working as a welder at the time, and we had no money for gifts. He took scrap metal from the trash at work and welded them together into a black rose. It was the perfect blend of grunge and sweetness, and the sweetest gift I've ever received. (We recently celebrated our 6th anniversary!)

Who has been the most supportive of your work?
Our families and friends have been extremely supportive!

What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet?
We'd like to reach 500 sales in our shop!

What are your other hobbies?
I (Macy) love painting, drawing comics, photographing my pets, and playing the piano. Joe enjoys making medieval weaponry, playing guitar, video games (Skyrim and Call of Duty), typing furiously on his typewriter, and sketching new ideas.

What are your words to live by or favorite quote?
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." -Howard Thurman

Where is the farthest you have traveled?
I (Macy) have been to the Dominican Republic, and I'm not sure that Joe has ever been out of the states. Joe is part Greek, and we are saving our pennies (quite literally) to go explore Greece together someday.