Busy Mind ~ July
by Kate Tsamourtzis
Hey, Hi, Hello!
If you're new to this newsletter - welcome! The point of this monthly read is to get to know my work a little better, get the scoop on upcoming events, expand your knowledge of other local artists and all the cool stuff they do, and get a glimpse of what it's like to join events and share art.
Summer is in full swing! Not as many markets. Cool nonetheless.
I've been loving the monthly "Art in the Moment" live painting residence at Jordan's Jungle in Pawtucket, RI. It's a gift to be able to take time to sit in a beautiful spot and put in a good chunk of time towards a few projects. I appreciate the people I've met through this experience, as well as the friends and family who pop in to simply catch up. Definitely worth the "leap" of trying something new. I hope I can expand on this.
Next Jordan's Jungle "Art in the Moment": Saturday, July 19th 10am - 3pm. 545 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket, RI.
I'm preppin for Wickford Art Fest! It's coming up quick. I work on more than one piece at a time... it's always been my process.
Currently in the stage of reminding myself to embrace the chaos of having a bunch of pieces in progress and a quickly approaching deadline. I'm going to be pushing to get this next "wave" of work done over the next few days. There will be late nights and questioning why I do what I do, how I do. (I do this every year). But it also feels great to get over this stretch and start seeing pieces wrapping themselves up around the same time. Come see!
Wickford Art Festival: Saturday and Sunday, July 21st and 22nd at Wilson Park in Wickford, RI.
Two big projects wrapped up in June. These two were in such different areas of focus, that switching between them felt like mental break from the other.
The first was a "Goblin Games" t-shirt image collaboration for an in-house strongman competition style event at Providence Barbell Club. Local artist Ashley Svendbye and I styled each goblin to represent each coach of the gym. We kept it roughly inspired by the whimsical cartoon style of Adventure Time.
The second was a mural! My husband asked why I haven't painted our walls. Now it'll be a matter of time before he starts to question why exactly he put that idea in my head. I'm eyeballing my office...guest room...maybe a hallway... stay tuned. There was no official plan beyond crisp lines and natural shapes. I worked on it in bits, then dedicated one whole day to painting it all out. The room feels better and I love the unique touch. If you have a blank wall - let me know!
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FEATURED ARTIST - HOT FLUFF
Hello! I’m Erica, the artist behind Hot Fluff - a joyful jewelry brand! Inspired by nostalgia and play, my wearable art features miniaturized, often food-themed designs that look good enough to eat. Completely handmade using unique materials, I transform familiar subjects into colorful, whimsical pieces with satisfying textures. Hot Fluff celebrates the inner child through jewelry that’s as playful as it is eye-catching. I love for my work to intrigue and delight, lighting up faces as they lean in for a closer look!
I live in southern Rhode Island, working from my at-home studio. I sell my work at in person events, online, and in a few local shops! Getting out and sharing my work with a vast passionate audience is so rewarding. Blowing customers' minds with my work never gets old and is hands down the best part of what I do!
Every piece is completely handmade by me, using a variety of materials such as precious metals, clay, resin, wood, foam, and paper. Hot Fluff pushes the bounds of traditional jewelry with an inventive process that maintains a standard for lightweight, durable designs. Shortcake earrings are sculpted in clay, detailed to look as fluffy as sponge cake or as intricate as a strawberry slice. Non-clay designs are cast in custom molds to capture textures such as salt-covered fish crackers, jewel-like gummy bears, waxy candy corn and squishy soft cheese puffs. All ear wires are shaped from solid sterling silver or 14k gold fill wire. I also offer a range of keychains, bag and phone charms. And I'm hoping to get into necklaces and maybe even bracelets soon!
My current endeavor is starfish studs, made from clay and studded with beads. I've also been working on miniature rubber rain boots.
Instagram: @hottfluff TikTok: @hottfluff Website: https://hotfluff.shop/
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TIPS FOR STARTING ARTISTS
You're not alone! Or crazy! All artists experience various mental blocks of different degrees and timing.
Perfectionism
Not every piece is your masterpiece. Explore making your work without judgement or fear of making mistakes. If you are criticizing yourself constantly, you paralyze the process. Listen to your intuition and meet ideas with curiosity. Growth comes from experimentation, not perfection.
Comparison
Seeing other artists can be both inspiring and intimidating. Social media creates feelings of inadequacy. Focus on your progress. Remember social media typically only shares the highlights of someone else's experience.
All-or-Nothing
Imposter syndrome is the worst. It's super common. Don't dismiss your wins. No matter how small, they are progress. Don't avoid trying something because you feel like it won't be the best of what you can do. Keep creating.
Fear of "Wasting"
Procrastination is a beast. It's easy to focus on other projects out of worry that the project actually needing attention wont turn out how you hoped. Practice is never wasted. Every drop of paint or line is a moment of skill building.
Every artist wrestles with these thoughts.. no matter how long they've been in the scene. The key is noticing when they show up and choosing to keep creating anyway.