Creative, curious and nurturing, Louise is TCL’s heart and soul. She makes jewelry, picture frames, cards, and more. With a keen eye for crafting, Louise is irreplaceable at TCL. She not only sells her products here, but she’s also a part-time employee and dear friend.
When and how did you begin sewing/painting/designing/etc.?
I started drawing as a kid. My father was very artistic and he inspired me. Actually, both sides of my family had artists. In high school I was an art major and had a fantastic teacher (Ms. Rosen) who mentored me. Our first project was to present our full names in an interesting way. Ms. Rosen complimented the composition of my piece in front of the class, and I was hooked.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in Flatbush. I went to Midwood High School.
What did you study in college and what school did you go to?
I went to the Traphagen School of Design in New York. I started with fashion illustration and then focused on fashion design.
How did studying fashion influence other artistic endeavors?
Oh, everything. It’s all related. It’s all looking at how colors and fabrics work together. One assignment we did in college was to go to Bergdorf Goodman and write down everything we saw in the window. At first you’d write down “mannequin” and then you’d start looking at everything on and around the mannequins until you were writing about shadows and so on. It really taught me to pay attention to detail.
How did you make the transition from fashion to crafts?
I worked in the garment center, and then I stopped working to raise my children. How did I get into crafts? Oh I don’t know… I think I was inspired by a friend who was making cards, and then I started making them, too.
Do you work another job outside of making and selling your products at the Craft Lounge?
I work in The Craft Lounge part time, and I teach art classes to seniors.
What is your creative process like?
Usually, I get inspired by something I see. Whatever I look at in life just inspires me… I pay attention to the details in life. I’m always on the lookout for something interesting. What really sums me up is: life is just all about details.
Where are some odd or atypical places or things you draw inspiration from?
Sometimes looking at nature, just looking at how things are grouped together inspires me.
An abundance of colors stands out in your work. How does color play into what you make?
Colors are very important. I can’t really do anything for a guy. It just doesn’t come naturally to me. I like soft colors—pinks, lavender…
What is your favorite medium to work in?
Right now, I love felt. It just feels so nice in your hands. I love working with paper. I think working with paper forces you to be more creative. Making cards is very rewarding for me.
Do you collect anything?
I collect so many things. My favorite collection is Roseville Pottery. It started over 30 years ago, on a trip to Missouri.
Which part of your daily routine brings you the most joy?
Good question… I guess checking in with my kids.
What is the most rewarding part of being an artist?
The most rewarding part is the actual doing. Coming up with an idea and seeing it change along the way and take shape. I also love to see the look on Susie’s face when I show her something new and she really likes it.
What is the most difficult part of being an artist?
A couple of things: parting with something I’ve made that I really liked… not having enough time to do all the things I’d like to. Ideas get in my head, and then life gets in the way.
Speak Your Mind