whimsical women interview #2

 

today i have the pleasure of introducing you to a fellow houstonian--and someone i have an abnormal amount of bizarre similarities with.  (for example: we don't like to talk on the phone, we love butterflies and power tools, and must at all times sleep with a fan for white noise!) Jen DeDonato is a full-time artist and mom to two boys, not to mention the founder of colorfly studio!

 

she will be joining me at the women of texas art show at mariposa studio this month and i'm thrilled to see her art in person {finally}! jen's artwork is featured throughout this interview and she has graciously offered a giveaway to whet your appetite for the upcoming show! but we'll talk more about that later...first, let's meet august's whimsical woman:  jen dedonato!

 

as i leave behind my old blog, the year of discovery, i'll ask for one thing you've discovered in the last year?

I would say what I've learned this year is not to take your health for granted. I've been really sick for exactly one year and it's been hard on me. Waking up every day and feel good is something no one should take for granted. A not so serious discovery is that I've discovered I love pedicures! Nothing better then to look down and have happy toes looking back at you.

how do you bring fun into your life…anything you do regularly that makes you feel like a kid again?

Go carts! It’s been awhile but I love riding them with my boys. I am blessed because I have a wonderfully fun family and friends. We go to plays, sing-a-long movies, theater, day trips, art exhibits, new restaurants, street fairs, festivals you name it we will find it and enjoy ourselves.  

 

how do you maintain balance in your life (IF you do), between creative endeavors and the other parts of your life?

I have to break my day in half…in the morning/afternoons I work on art and then late afternoon/evenings I have to tend to home and family. This schedule is easy during the school year because my boys are gone but it’s much more difficult during the summer months because we keep crazy hours.

what does community mean to you? could you describe a community of which you're a part?

I am a part of a great art community here in Houston. I have been surprised how everyone really sticks together and helps each other. What I’ve experienced is that it’s not competitive and crazy. The monthly artist market I am part of (First Saturday Artist Market) is great because all the artists are so helpful.

  

what is the BEST costume you've ever worn?

I love handmade costumes and the best one I ever wore was done by my friend’s Mom. She made me into static cling. It was awesome because it cost nothing! All my clothes matched and then she put socks, pantyhose, shirts and such all over me. I don’t have a picture but I wish I did.

if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? and who would you take with you?

I would go to Egypt hands down. I have always been intrigued with the history and to see the pyramids up close would be amazing to me. I would take my husband because I would love to have that experience/memories with him. Plus he would have to tell me which direction to walk.

tell us something about yourself that only a few people know…

I have to sleep with a box fan. I have to take it with me when I travel. I won’t take it on planes but if I could get it into my suitcase I would consider it! My son’s doctor suggested it to sooth my son because he was a screamer baby but in the end it ended up soothing me. It’s the sound I guess that makes me feel comfortable and cozy…can’t explain that one.  

and last, what's something you've been working on…or an upcoming project you want to share with us?

 I am working on soldered pendants with my artwork in them. I am really excited about them because they are just cool beans! Also, I am illustrating a wonderful book that a friend of mine wrote. It’s super clever and creative.

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one lucky winner will receive the above 8x10 print on wood block

to enter the giveaway, you'll need to either:

1. comment on this post, answering the question: what makes you feel like a kid again? OR

2. comment on tomorrow's flashback friday post

i'll choose the winner from the comments from both days (and yes, you improve your chance if you comment twice!) and announce it on monday 8/16.

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thanks so much to jen for visiting the playground...if you're loving her artwork and can't wait to see if you win the incredible giveaway, you can peek at her etsy shop here. i'll leave you with one of my favorites...