September First Friday Crafter - Cathy Parmelee

Local Artist:  Catherine (Cathy) Parmelee 

How long have you been in Juneau/Alaska?  

Alaska since 1981; Juneau since 1991. 

 

At what age did you know you wanted to be a Crafter/Artist?  

Since I was very young; I started playing with paper dolls at probably around three-years-old. I ruled myself out as an artist because I don't draw very well. Over the years I engaged in several craft genres--tole painting, painting ceramics, crocheting, cross-stitching, quilting, etc.--but when I discovered mixed-media collage I felt like I had finally found my niche. 

 

Please explain your favorite materials and how you discovered them?  

My all-time favorite material is paper: scrapbook, ephemera, handmade, etc. A couple of years ago I stumbled upon an issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine, and to me, the pages spoke volumes of possibilities. It is amazing what people can do with just paper, scissors, and a good adhesive.

 

Where do you find your inspiration? 

Sometimes from other mixed-media artists; sometimes an image will grab my attention; sometimes a phrase, especially from a vintage novel, will speak to me; and sometimes it's simply a color combination. I love color!

 

describe your favorite crafting environment (music, tv shows, wine, friends etc.)?  

Gosh, I have no idea. For now, I'm stuck with a huge old office desk and credenza stuck in my garage. The advantage is I can shut the door on the mess I make while creating, but I really would like a more inspiring environment. On one of those few nice sunny days I'm apt to take some stuff outside and work at a table on our covered deck. Then my view is mountains and flowers; I like that. 

 

Other than crafting what do you do?  

Taking care of my family, reading on the quick, and art consumes all of my time. 

 

How could people find your work online?  

http://cparmlee.blogspot.com ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/22815284@N02/ ; http://www.cparmelee.etsy.com/ ;http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/cparmelee ; www.mailartworld.com; www.atcsforall.com

 

In five years where would you like to be? 

Somewhere with sunny summers. But I've been saying that for a long time. Artistically, I'm always trying to learn, grow, and stretch. So who knows where that will take me!