By Regina Connell.
You know how obsessions build, especially online. (Yes, you do.) You look once. Look again. Go back to the place you saw the piece, click around, come back. It’s a little like stalking.
That’s kind of how I felt about Angela Schwer’s modern, romantic, polymer-clay sculptures: they got thoroughly under my skin when I first discovered them when we curated a store on Etsy.
I kept thinking about them; the way I knew they were solid, but looked like they could move. The way they looked delicate, but also strong. I found myself wondering which wall could house my collection of little white flowers. Or maybe sea urchins?
What blew me away when we finally met was that this incredible work came from an artist just starting her career, and that the polymer-clay beauties that haunted my memory and browser cache were baked . . . in the oven of her kitchen in suburban Windsor, California.
But as we sat around her kitchen table, Angela didn’t surprise us in the least: she’s as dreamy and delicate as her pieces, and as wise, down-to-earth and scrappy as any maker with a happening career needs to be.
Kids rule much of her day, though her husband takes on the twin tasks of sounding board and shipping manager as the need arises. (And it does, often. The day we visited, a large stack of boxes lined the wall, ready to go to UPS.)
Over coffee (interrupted only by some very earnest seniors in their Sunday best distributing extremely condensed versions of the Bible), we talked about getting creative with what’s at hand, the thrill of vanquishing your inner critic, and the magnificent adventures that come from putting one foot in front of the other.
How did you start? You know the quote, “A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it?” (It’s by Jean de la Fontaine.) Well, when I grew up I always thought I had to have a degree to make money, and as a result, I put my desire to make art aside, taking the safe route, or at least the road I was expected to travel. It took me up to the very last month in college to declare a major (environmental planning). But then I ended up turning what could have been a simple project into a pretty elaborate piece of art and making it somehow fit the assignment. This was where I first tried my hand at clay, and loved it!
And how did that turn into your decision to open a store on Etsy? Frankly, I have an impulse control disorder. I find that sitting idle for too long just makes me crazy.
So I needed to keep my hands busy, and I decided to buy a box of clay one day after seeing some cool sculptures in a magazine. I thought I would see what I could do, and if nothing came of it, well, at least I’m still keeping myself engaged.
When the clay started taking on a life of its own, I started to wonder what I would do with all these objects and pieces. Maybe I could sell them rather than let them collect dust. It was in March of last year that I decided to put them up on Etsy, and I’ve had the chance to make some amazing custom requests for people that I might not otherwise have done.
Talk about your process. I use polymer clay. I have two different blends that I mix together. I originally started with just one clay, but I found it wasn’t strong enough to withstand the tumbling around it often takes in shipping. So I found a more durable clay that, when mixed with the other, gives the right balance between strength and flexibility.
I use almost anything that gives me the texture I’m looking for. I even have an interesting shaped mascara wand I use and despite their complaints, a couple of my kid’s kitchen toys. Whatever gives me an imprint I’m happy with, I add it to the collection. But otherwise, I mostly sculpt with my hands. As the case with the flowers, my palms make the veins on the bottom of the petals.
Do you want to start working in kiln-fired clay? Definitely. Working with a kiln is a whole other beast that I would love to spend more time with one day. At this point in time though, I’d love to see where polymer clay takes me.
How did you start doing tiles? I just happened upon the tiles and started to make them. I know there’s a woman who does larger versions of textured tiles that are kiln-fired, but my budget only allows me to use what I have, my kitchen oven and a baking sheet.
What’s it like to work with Etsy: do you build up relationships with customers? Yes, I definitely build relationships with other artists in the (Etsy) community. It’s also great to bounce things off them when I’m in a bind that has to do with the business end of things. I find everyone to be genuine and helpful. Besides, we’re all just trying to do what we love. As far as customers go, I’m lucky enough to have repeat customers. If they’re coming back, I’ll take that as good news.
What’s your biggest order? I am currently working on a custom installation of pods for a penthouse in LA that will span two walls. I’m very excited, it’s a direction I would love to continue going in. Also, there is a restaurant with about 18 pieces scattered across their dining room. I have yet to see it in person, but I’d love to someday!
Where’d the name of your store, DillyPad, come from? My kids, Lily and Davis, and let’s be honest, this place is more their pad than mine.
You’ve been blogged about all over. How does that make you feel? I’m still a little in shock that people are so receptive to my pieces. I have lived for so long with a ‘don’t try because you might fail’ type philosophy. It’s the worst thing ever and I do not recommend it! However, this last year has completely changed the way I live my life. Now it’s more of a ‘the more failures, the more chances for improvement’ mentality. But deep down, it’s still a little strange to hear compliments. We’re our own worst critics!
And your inspirations? Nature. When I go outside for walks, my kids and I are always finding really cool rocks or textures in flowers or seed pods. And the ocean: I could spend hours by the beach finding all sorts of things I would love to replicate.
Talk about the juggling you obviously do. Well, that’s definitely a work in progress. Once the kids are off to school, I get a few hours to catch up and play, but after noon, it’s a multi-tasking nightmare. If I can manage to get a few things made in the morning and packaged at night, it’s been a great day.
What’s next? I’d like to make a huge succulent wall panel. That’s one of those future projects that I’m itching to get time for; hopefully in the next few months I can get started. Also, I’d love to do more custom installations.
Who would play you in a film? Oh! My best friend says Zoe Deschanel because she’s kind of quirky and weird but still likeable. I happen to think she’s right about the weird part, but my taste in humor is way more crass than we can talk about.
Name some things that define you. Clay (Did I really just say that? Yes, I do love it though). Coffee (I drink it all day long). And definitely books (even if it’s only 10 minutes before bed. I like to imagine the mini-world of the characters I read about wonder where I am if I don’t read every night.). David Sedaris, Wally Lamb, and I have to say The Poisonwood Bible (by Barbara Kingsolver) is one of my all time favorites.
When are you happiest? When I’m with my kids, family . . . we’re all kind of goofy cheese balls. That saying about keeping your life with just enough dysfunction to give your kids a sense of humor . . . that about sums it up. But truly, they are my heart and soul.
Details
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DillyPad
All images of finished work courtesy of Angela Schwer
Editing by Regina Sarnicola
the work is exquisite and extraordinary…but please, Angela, don’t bake polymer clay in the same oven you use for cooking your food. no matter what they protest on the packaging, it simply isn’t safe.
i’d suggest to get an old oven and keep it outside of the house for firing purposes. those vapours that will inevitably waft about are harmful and the stuff that invisibly clings to the oven wall as it cools will be released [into your food] next time it’s warmed up.
….i don’t mean to sound like an eco-nazi, just trying to be helpful
Indiana,
You have a VERY valid point, and in no way are you an eco-nazi.
I am in the process of doing exactly what you said, having an oven installed in the garage. It’s always been in the back of my head that it just doesn’t feel right sharing my curing space with my food. As an environmental major, I am with you 100%.
What a lovely interview with an extraordinarily talented young woman. I adore her work – so organic, soft, gentle, seductive. I actually wonder why she feels the need to move to clay? In sincerely hope that it’s not because there is a “craft” stigma attached to polymer clay – that old bugaboo is quickly falling by the wayside! Brava, Ms. Schwer. I’ll be sharing this with Mosaic Art NOW followers.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for the kind words. I actually was interested in working with a kiln vs. my current home oven/polymer clay only because I wanted to try my hand in teacups, bowls, and home decor of that nature. I do love the polymer though, it picks up texture better than anything I’ve worked with. It would most likely be something I could see myself doing way down the road when I’d like a new challenge or adventure. For now, I’ll stick with what I love.
All the best!
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Something is eschew here.
I want to point out how important it is for creative media, whether it’s bloggers, magazine editors, etc., to represent work appropriately. Which is to say, before you attempt to ‘inform’ anyone make sure you have your facts straight and that you know a thing or two about what you are sharing.
Secondly… I want to express my concern for the lack of responsibility on behalf of the creative media for representing work that is not original as original. By which I mean, it is partly our responsibility to the artists we write about to hold up a rule of ethics that says ‘Stealing isn’t nice.’ Blatant theft of creative designs and ideas is not right… Creative theft is constituted by using another artist’s style and designs as your own and crediting their origination to yourself, especially when you plan to profit from that style/design. This is wrong, and I find it repulsive that people with creative authority would present this as an appropriate practice.
I would expect much more from this blog in particular. I am greatly disappointed.
I must admit, being my first interview, and as a stay-at-home mom working to make things that I enjoy, I was taken aback by the response of readers. I would like to address a few concerns people have taken with my work.
My intention to create with polymer began as a need to keep my hands busy (quite literally, as I have a disorder). I did not begin making sculpture in an attempt to copy anyone else’s work. As those who work with polymer know, textures, and texturing tools are a part of the trade. My inspirations come from nature. Trying to replicate a flower pod or piece of coral I found laying on the beach. Some of my designs come from just playing with clay and clay tools to find a form I like, and going from there.
Heather Knight is a well-accomplished classically trained artist, her work speaks for itself, and her prices reflect not only her classical training and experience, but also the immense overhead associated with ceramic working. Let me say, I regret ever having said her work is outrageously priced, and do wish the retract that statement as I now clearly understand the overhead and quality of her work sets the cost. Ceramic is more durable than polymer, and can withstand a little more abuse than polymer. Polymer costs less and the overhead is practically non-existent. This is the main reason I am able to work polymer only, as I do this more for enjoyment and as a hobby, than to run a business. This said durability is one of the main reasons I do hope to work with ceramics one day. If I could make what I like and be sure that they will withstand the elements, as with most kiln-fired clay, then that would be great. However, at this time I am enjoying polymer, and can not cover the costs associated with kiln-fired clay.
I love what I make, and I use nature (as many artists do) as my queue for my creativity. My work is my own. My designs are thought up by me (although I do NOW see that Heather and I share a similar tile), and many of my designs are personal requests from customers that I am happy to create, as well as my own personal visions. I spent the day at the beach yesterday and noticed a new tile design I would love to create (a sort of mussel/clam design), however, upon this firestorm, I just looked up one of Heather’s tiles to find a similar design that I had in mind. Needless to say, I will not be making that afterall, and will continue to create tiles/flowers that I believe to be of my own design. As a note though, I would like to add that artists (typically working in similar trades) do sometimes have similar inspirations for their work. Personally, the ocean is my inspiration for tiles, as well as succulents. I will stand by the statement that I create what comes to me naturally and organically, not through replication. Heather Knight’s work is gorgeous, what she does is unique and creative. That said, my work is my own creative property, and I have not stolen “creative property” or created blatant theft in any way. I make what designs come to me, not through vulturing through other peoples work to copy it, and I am frankly offended that anyone would assume that.
I believe Heather Knight is an amazing artist, and I adore her work. She and I have similar taste in design and style. It is not unheard of two artists in the world to have similar taste. However, I will add that it never was, and will continue to never be, my intention to make items that look like hers. Her work is her own, my work is my own, and I stand by that.
Thank you.
I just wanted to say that I love your designs. I also love that you chose the polymer clay to work with. I think it gives it a very clean and defined look, something I admire.
I hope you continue to work in what you love and good luck.
Thank you for the kind words Jennifer. I really do love polymer, it is unique in that it can take on textures pretty precisely. The trick, and adventure, is in finding the perfect texturing tool. As long as my hands need work, I’ll continue to use polymer.
All the best to you and yours.
I just also realized, Angela, that you may not realize that what you are doing is in fact breaking the law. As artists in this country copyright law is established so that our creative work is protected from the minute we make it. You don’t need to register with the copyright office to protect your original designs. The law is set up to protect them automatically. (For other artists reading this, it still is a good idea to register work with the copyright office if you fear this situation as it will save you a lot of time if you ever find yourself in litigations over infringement.) You just need to prove that they were your original designs and that someone has stolen them directly. I don’t think that would be hard to do in Heather Knight’s case as she is a very established artist and business woman.
Under the law, Angela, Heather Knight has the authority to take you to court because what you are doing is illegal. You might want to consider that.
Illegal? I was unaware that Heather had a stronghold over making square plaque designs. My designs are my own. My stinging tentacle sculpture was made without any knowledge of Heather’s matchstick sculpture. Warning to artists, this is the kind of mess you are faced with because you love the look of plaque designs on walls. Whether they are your own thought up designs or not, do your homework that someone somewhere in the world with an established reputation does not share the love to create anything in the same genre. I mostly make flowers, that is where I started, the squares came later, and I enjoy making my own succulent clay ones too. I began making the sealife squares. Apparently there is only one person in the world allowed to make a square tile. Please!
Yes, Angela. Illegal. You might consider speaking with an arts attorney yourself, as you are clearly uninformed about the laws regarding business, design, and professional arts. You could get yourself into a whole lot of trouble if you continue this way.
And I’m sorry you are struggling with the concept of “first come first serve.” But that’s how copyright law works- period.
Also, doing something for a year does not constitute an original style or secure your ownership of these designs. Heather Knight has been working in clay for at least over a decade, Nancy Monsebroten for over three decades.
You, Angela, are clearly in the wrong- ethically and legally. I find it even more disgusting that you lack any form of humility. That you feel no embarrassment for this mistake is telling enough of your character, so do not presume we as commenters and artists have no concept of who you are. You are making yourself very well known.
Wow! This is so sad that you have your panties in a twist about this young woman creative art. Thank goodness Nature can’t blog we would all get a scolding or may be she would smile and be flattered that we appreciate
her beauty.
It sounds like she is taking food from your table. Can’t we all just spread
love and appreciation for one another?
It’s one thing to be influenced, to admire someone’s work, to have a similar style, and it is altogether another to be exacting in your “interpretation”. The objection is that your work is not “similar” at all, it’s flagrant copying ! I’m afraid, it’s quite clear a line was crossed, you have left the land of ‘similar’ and are deep within the borders of Heather Knight territory, and that is why people are responding so vehemently. To put it very simply; it is wrong. A line was crossed. Most artists (I suspect even with those with disorders) who respect creative IP, who respect themselves, search ways to deviate from all other artist – to be original at first glance – ESPECIALLY away from those that make similar work. I’m with Jesse and respect her comments. I also suspect that since Etsy has taken down the story entirely, they may be in agreement with the issues as well.
Total lack of responsibility/integrity by all involved.
I am very sorry you feel that way about my work. While I admire Heather’s work, in no way do I copy, or have intended to copy any of her items. I enjoy making the tiles. I suspect in the world of clay, there are other artists who also work with texturing their “tiles.” In response to the “copy” you ascertain, the only one that is similar to hers outright is my stinging tentacle tile, which I created after wanting to imitate the actual stinging tentacle creature, not after following her work (which I have had no time to do). Has no one in the history of art created art around ocean or nature as an inspiration? I think you are very mistaken with you assumption, and you have only opinion, as you do not know my work, and my motivation, and my creative process. Although I do respect your opinion in art (everyone has one), the is not only one artist working with clay and only one artist who makes texture tiles, and one artists who can claim creative control and ownership. Like I mentioned, I did not outright copy, and am through trying to explain to naysayer that these ideas came from myself. I happen to like the square shape to display my clay formations, and I will continue to make what I love, and what comes to me.
As you have opened this forum up for debate about your work, Angela, I will leave another comment directly for you.
Once you begin to create a business from your creative work, it becomes your responsibility to stay abreast of the work of contemporaries as best you can so that you do not infringe on the creative property of others, either knowingly or unknowingly. The excuse of “I didn’t know” or “some artists’ styles are just similar” is not responsible, and it is neither an appropriate nor valid response to this criticism. I think you will see, if not now than eventually if you continue in this industry, that many, if not most, people who have serious respect for art and design as a profession would agree with me on this point. If you ever wish to be taken seriously as an artist or a craftsperson you need to think hard about this situation and figure a way to learn and grow from it. It seems you also could also stand to learn how to take responsibility for your mistakes, intentional or not, and how to apologize as well. For when you have spent more than a decade developing an original style and striving to make a living from it, you will hope that those who infringe on your own creative property have enough sense to know when they’ve stepped out of line and enough decency/humility to say they are sorry.
I am familiar with the designs of both of these artists and can safely say there are distinct differences between the two of them, not to mention targeted demographics.
There is a smoothness and look that I love from Heather Knights pieces, and while they are very modern with a certain appeal. Angela Schwer’s pieces are centered around flowers for the most part and are textured quite distinctly different from the material to the overall aesthetic. I love the her numbered dahlia flowers, baby love figurines, lace ornaments among other things including the succulent tiles. I would agree with Angela that creative inspiration comes from many places starting from nature to even magazines. No one has a patent on these things and even when scrolling through Ms. Knights shop I see she draws inspiration from magazine clippings to natures debris. I think when you are buying handcrafted art like these two talented ladies showcase, you are also buying their story. And while, Ms. Knight’s story is from a disciplined background of art, quality and technique… Mrs. Schwer is a person I can simply relate to, and for that I am sold.
Thank you Erin, you are very kind. I’m happy to hear you notice the difference between polymer, as I’m more drawn to polymer myself, simply for the way it picks up texture so nicely. There are so many people working with clay that I admire and are inspirational, but I just hope to create something more my own. And i will admit, the hunt for the right texture or imprint is just so much fun too!
All the best!
After seeing this article I immediately wrote to Regina Connell to say that this work was a copy of an established artist- Heather Knight. I am also an artist and I really do hesitate to get publicly involved because it would be much easier to just watch this unfold, but I do feel that it is important issue that myself and many of my artist friends have dealt with and continue to deal with.
Here are the facts from the interview:
Angela is a beginning artist. She saw work in a magazine and copied it.
“How did you start doing tiles? I just happened upon the tiles and started to make them. I know there’s a woman who does larger versions of textured tiles that are kiln-fired, but my budget only allows me to use what I have, my kitchen oven and a baking sheet.”
Any artist that keeps up with the art/craft world knows that the work that was seen in the magazine was Heather Knight’s, an established artist that makes her tiles in porcelain clay.
In the original interview Angela said the tiles she saw (Heather’s) were exorbitantly priced. This has now been removed from the interview. However in her response to the uproar over the interview, Angela says, “I regret ever having said her work is outrageously priced, and do wish to retract that statement as I now clearly understand the overhead and quality of her work sets the cost.”
Now Angela’s response to the controversy of copying Heather’s work is, “I have not stolen “creative property” or created blatant theft in any way”. Sorry Angela, to quote you, “I just happened upon the tiles and started to make them.” I don’t know what you call it, but I call it creative theft. You saw art work; you copied it and now are calling it your own.
The reason that this has touched such a nerve in the art world is that it hit on every established artist’s fear. The fear is working for years, innovating, establishing a vision and voice and then having someone else copy your work and claim it as their own with no credit given for the original inspiration. Even worse is having that person get publicity for the work, creations and innovations. Add in that the person is selling the work for profit and it is unbearable. Melodramatic, yes, but what we have as artist’s are our ideas, when they are stolen it is soul sucking. It is virtually impossible for a beginning artist to have a group of work with such a cohesive vision.
Angela, as you are new artist, I do feel for you, we all start someplace and that place is often imitating another artist’s work that we admire. I also believe that you feel that you have done this work for awhile and it is your creation. However you are wrong. Your work is all derivative of Heather’s work. Yes, you are making work with a botanical influence, but it is still too close to the work of Heather’s. The only work that I see on your site that I really believe is your creative vision is the little group of “Baby Love Sculptures”. It’s not enough to change mediums and slightly change the look of the work. I agree with Jesse Lu,” it is your responsibility to stay abreast of the work of contemporaries as best you can so that you do not infringe on the creative property of others, either knowingly or unknowingly”.
I am pleased to hear that this is just a hobby for you, because I suggest that you remove all work from and any sites and concentrate on your voice and vision as an artist. If you are going to stay with tiles, go in a completely new direction. You obviously are talented. As Jesse Lu, said, learn from this. You’ve been busted. Have the decency to admit that you did copy the work and then move on. At the VERY least if you do continue on this path, always give Heather Knight credit for the inspiration of your work.
As interviews can not capture the thoughts behind the statement, let me inform you of them. I happened upon the tiles, I liked them, the squares are cool and make a basic base for building off of, as opposed to the round base I had been using instead. II thought I would make some designs that are of my OWN, using this square base, and even rectangles. I would make designs I like, ones that spoke to my style, things I would be happy to hang in my house. Heather Knight provided my inspiration for using a square.
I am just blown away by the gall you have to assume I actually owe anyone an apology. Who do you think you are? Because I have been doing this as a business for a year, what makes you have the inaccurate assumption that I had never been an artist or created before? Your assumptions on my character are all you have, and I am insulted that you think you somehow know me and my intentions better than anyone. I understand that doing an interview puts you up for scrutiny, but the fact that you are disregarding any clarifications I have made since, only leads me to believe that you have one goal, to believe what you want despite my explaining in-depth. The only apology I owe is to Heather, which I have already spoken with her personally, is my comment on the prices. Again, I have since cleared up and admitted that I was unaware of the price associated with her work, and I now understand, and therefore am regretful of that statement. I have since clarified, and at this point, there is nothing left for me to do or say to convince you otherwise, as you have made up your mind prior to all this.
Wish you all the best in this wonderful, critical, controversial industry!
“Don’t accept that others know you better than yourself. Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results.” -James Allen
If anyone reading is curious whose work is being infringed… please see the two links below.
Heather Knight {{ http://www.etsy.com/shop/elementclaystudio }}
Nancy Monsebroten {{ http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteEarthStudio }}
Are you kidding me, further proof that artists share similar taste. Thank you!
These styles are not similar to your own, Angela. They are flagrantly appropriated. That you continue to defend your work as merely similar or ‘inspired’ is ridiculous.
Seriously… this is why people go to ‘art school’. We aren’t just learning how to push paint around a surface in class. We’re learning ethics, laws, business practices. Yeesh.
Lame just sad that you would stoop to such levels. I feel sorry that you would not take reasonability for copying other peoples works, which you did! It’s great that you found a outlet but come up with your own ideas!
This is the liveliest debate I have seen on line for a while, and it’s actually great that so many passionate people are a part of this discussion. I am a huge fan of Heather Knight’s work, and can see why someone would be inspired by it. So many artists start by copying those we admire, I know I did. Back a few centuries ago, art students learned by copying exactly the work of well-known painters and sculptors. The tough work for Angela now is to begin finding her own distinct creative voice. She is clearly incredibly talented. I am curious where her work will go after this intese critique.
These are derivative of Heather Knight’s style. Be respectful of the energy she spent in developing that style and marketing it by developing your own. It is the first instruction from every art teacher I’ve ever had.
Wow. How rude. Quite the bully you have here.
Your work is nicer than hers and is more affordable, that is probably why everyone has their panties in a tizzy. Your work is more detailed, defined, and quite honestly more interesting to me.
Angela, she cannot sue you. You do not EXACTLY replicate her work.
That is what you have to do to be sued in this matter.
She can send you cease and desist letters all day long but she has no case.
When people attack others like this for making crafts and selling them online we know things have gone too far.
Personally I think it is all about money, secondly the art.
Back in the 1990′s when I made crafts and sold them at the local craft co-op crafters and artists never acted like this. The greediness that comes with making a little cash and selling online has ruined the craft business to me. It is terrible to see. I remember making similar things to other people at craft shows and we would joke about it with each other not fight.
When people are a loud to threaten others without showing their face it becomes too easy for them to hide.
I just cannot believe the hatred and meanness. They should be ashamed.
sorry that was supposed to be aloud. Brain lapse.
allowed, dang Word.
Ha.
Right on sister!
This is not bullying, Jennifer. I am very upset by this artist’s inappropriate use of another artist’s design. I am not alone in being upset by this. That you find nothing wrong about Angela’s practice makes me question your respect for the arts.
And on the legality issue… an object doesn’t have to be an exact replica to fall under copyright infringement. Even you saying “Angela, she cannot sue you. You do not EXACTLY replicate her work,” admits to the fact that she almost exactly replicates it.
And as soon as you plan to make a living entirely from your “crafts” you can talk to me about how funny it is to have someone steal your designs.
Enough said. I really hope Ms. Knight has taken some action on this. This ought to be a lesson for folks.
Another lesson ought to be for Regina Connell, who has conveniently removed herself from this argument entirely as though she is not subject to any culpability in this situation. I would be ashamed of this mistake if I were her. I would have removed this article and put up a public apology in it’s place. This whole situation is ridiculous and makes me feel terrible about the amount of respect given to artists nowadays.
http://www.clairepalastanga.com/forms.htm
That is all I will say in regard to Heather not saying she has ever been influenced by someone!
Really…just look up Heather’s urchins..and so forth.
Jessie, you are a bully. Get a life. If the so called artists are offended then they will take it upon themselves to address Angela.
Heather’s scallop bowls are reminiscent of the Sylvac vases produced in the 1930′s using natural shapes of shells and flowers either as part of the shape or as a decorative surface. The white outer surface with greenish interior was a particular feature of the Sylvac shells.
The first time I ever heard of Heather Knight is when a few people starting telling me my work was similar to hers. When I visited Heathers site I was taken back by how an artist I never met or heard of could have the same creative thoughts. However what I noticed as I developed my own true artistic language, our works developed in different directions. From this experience I learned to stay true to my own creative voice and I encourage every artist to do the same. It is inevitable we may produce works similar to others.
Thank you Jennifer. There does seem to be stronghold going on in certain mediums. But, like anyone who does what they love, I’ll continue to make things, and if others like it and want to have them as well, all the better!