Faith Folk Cafe Welcomes Cindy Mayfield of Yapping Cat Studio!

GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED
Each comment left on this article and also on Pam's blog post about this feature will be placed in a random drawing for an original ATC (Artist Trading Card) made by Pam Warden on 9/23.

I'd like to warmly welcome Cindy from Yapping Cat Studio. Accomplished at lettering, painting and creating the most beautiful things with paper, buttons and bits of silky ribbon... she also stitches the sweetest birds you've ever seen. I frankly and accidentally (sorry C) picked an awful time for her to have to deal with being interviewed, as she is co-hosting Paper Cowgirl Retreat starting this Friday in Texas with the Fabulous Jan, Tina and a few other wonderful artists. But she hung in there and graciously gave the interview for us. (On a personal note...Cindy has become to me one of those blog friends who you've never met in "real life", but feel you've known forever. Her mother, Carolyn, sadly died from cancer Jan. 19 of 2008, yet only a few months later Cindy was one of the first to reach out to me when my little sister was diagnosed. She has cheered us on through these difficult months, always there in an email saying, "Oh, Honey...I know...I'm praying.")
And now, I'd love you all to meet my dear friend:

Cindy Mayfield

What is your favorite medium and/or tools to create with and why?

I bounce back and forth. Today it’s paper, paste and vintage. Tomorrow it might be paint and canvas. Or maybe felt and beads. Although truth be told, I enjoy painting, but my passion right now is paper. Especially creating little books. Dabbling in many mediums just seems to be my nature. I’m a Jill of all trades…I’ve done a little book illustration. I did wholesale for about five years (with painted glass and such), and now I’ve discovered paper arts. So, I’m pretty fickle when it comes to any one medium.

~Hand Painted and Lettered Nest Tray~by Cindy

What is your favorite time to make art and where is your favorite place to do so?

I used to be a night owl. But as I’ve gotten older and have fewer hormones (big grin) I’ve become an early bird. Plus I have two cats that like to wake me up at 4:30 am to feed them. Most mornings I go ahead and stay up and stumble bleary eyed into the studio to work for awhile. I’m fortunate in that I get to use the extra bedroom in the house for my Studio. It still has a twin guest bed in it, but rarely does anyone ever visit anymore! (All my nieces have gotten to grown up). So, I have a whole, junky little space that is all my own.
I used to share an office with my Sweet Hub…but he says I’m too messy and he booted me out! LOL.~Beautiful Paper work~ by Cindy

Do you have your own space or are you at the kitchen/dining room table????

My own space. I have a funky, faux treatment on the walls, old chandi and old shutters. Lots of my favorite things in the way of decor. It’s very me. I’ve actually heard my Sweet Hub apologize to someone for having to sleep in there. LOL. It’s the kitty’s fav room in the house as well.

Do you like to create in silence or with music in. If music, name some of your favorites.

It’s silly, but I can’t listen to music too much. Then I start dancing…singing (BADLY). Mostly old 80’s/90’s stuff, but I like a few new things as well. Since I can’t paste and dance at the same time, I mostly, listen to the dreaded talk radio. I tend to let it be just a background noise. And many mornings…I just listen to the quiet.

Where can we see your work?

I put a lot of things on my blog at Yapping Cat Studio and I have an Etsy, and Flickr. I recently signed up to do Glitter and Grunge. And a lot of my work is in a well-known local gift shop/restaurant.

~See, I told you...Cutest Stinkin' Little Hand Sewn Birdies~ by Cindy

What are your dreams and goals for your business?

Sigh. I’ve long since given up any great dreams of fame. LOL. Seriously, to just enjoy what I do. It always thrills me when someone “connects” with one of my pieces. When I can see the joy on their face. I like the idea that something I created can make someone else happy. I do hope to grow this year, of course, I think any artist does. One day I would not mind doing some design work, or to return to illustration. But for now, I’m content to just create and play.

Who was your biggest female influence in your life?
Please tell us about her.
~Carolyn~ Psalm 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd..."

My Mom (Carolyn) was my biggest cheerleader. She always encouraged me. Was always so positive about whatever I was creating at the time. We had tons of plans to do something together once she retired. At one point it was a small shop. We later changed and had played with the idea of creating greeting cards. She loved to write and I love to draw. We had planned to call it “A Mother’s Heart and a Daughter’s Hand”. She was so very creative and she loved to do flower arrangements and home décor. I miss her everyday. And I have to say other artists have always inspired me. Loved all that Mary Engelbreit’s done. Got to meet her once, could NOT believe I was actually breathing the same air she was. It was pretty awesome. And so many others, Cecily Mary Baker (flower fairies), Dena, Tracy Porter, Susan Branch and the list goes on and on.

How do you manage family and your art business?

Since it is just me and the sweet hubby, I have to tell ya, it’s pretty easy. Although, sometimes he does not understand my need to go into the studio at 4 a.m. LOL. But I manage (most days) to stay on top of the laundry…but vacuuming is whole other story. LOL. He is very encouraging as well. Says he looks forward to the day when he can just collect MY paychecks. LOL.

What advise do you have for others just starting out?

Don’t wait. Practice, practice, practice. Develop your style and know the direction you want to go in. Be it design or paper mache’. Once you’ve got it nailed down, get yourself out there. Don’t let fear strangle you and keep you from doing anything at all.

How do you see your faith in Christ connected to your art and creations?

I believe that my creativity comes from God. My ability to draw, or to create is a gift that I’m honored (and always a little awed) that other’s appreciate. I like to think that in those early, morning hours of quietness and creating that God is putting me in the direction that He sees fit. A lot of times, scripture will work itself into my art, or be the basis for a piece itself. As for my favorite scripture... the Psalms.

"Thanks for featuring me...I really appreciate it."

~Lovely Song Tags~ by Cindy

Thank you Cindy for letting us peek into your world.
Please don't use any of Cindy's Artwork without her consent. Copyright laws apply. 9/23/2008
Thank you!

Coming soon...a new featured artist!

I'm so excited, I've got a fabulous artist lined up to interview and feature. I just love her heart and what she creates. She's one of those people that I'd like to know more about and I know you will too. We've certainly had a line up of wonderful Godly women who create haven't we? Adriana, Jane, Mystele, and now..... (keeping it a surprise).
BLOG UPDATE: I HAD SO MUCH FUN CREATING THE NEW LOOK FOR FALL ON FAITH FOLK, THANKS TO POLLY, AT COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, FOR THE "GATE" BANNER THAT I GOT TO PLAY WITH.

Bucket of Blessings,
Pam

Featured Folk Artist ::: Adriana Whitney of Adri's Art

We are so delighted to welcome Adriana Whitney to the Cafe today! I promise you that you'll want to know more about this sweet lady after spending time with her. So, you'll be able to learn more about her by visiting her blog, and I'm sure you'll want to begin collecting her art. You can find her on Ebay , Etsy, and Zazzle! Without further ado...

(photo used by permission. © Adriana Whitney)

* when & how did folk art sweep you off your feet?

I fell in love with art when I was 10 years old. My mom used to work in a museum warehouse. Art going to “El museo de bellas Artes” in Buenos Aires (The Museum of Beaux-Arts) would stop there to be restored, cleaned up, etc.

I would spend hours there surrounded with magnificent works of art. As a child I was in awe of all that beauty, and I wanted to do something like that. I took drawing lessons, and I was the youngest student. I learned how to make portraits using charcoal, pastel and pencils.

The first folk art painting that I saw was the work of Molina Campos, an Argentinean folk artist. My mom and I were great fans of his art. I love a variety of styles but I am always captured by the simplicity and beauty of naïve painting, and, in this season of my life, it’s what I feel drawn to do.

(photo used by permission. © Adriana Whitney)

* what are your favorite mediums and/or tools to use?

Acrylic paints, pencils, charcoal, Loew-Cornell brushes (yes, they are cheap but I love them), deep edge canvases and crackle medium

* what is your favorite time to create?

Night is my favorite time because it’s the only time I get to be by myself, and everybody else sleeps. Being a home school mom with 3 very young daughters doesn’t give me a lot of free time to paint during the day.

(photo used by permission. © Adriana Whitney)

* what are your dreams for your folk art business?

In the future I would like to have my own folk art gallery. I am already making plans and praying about it, but I always have to give it up to God and see what His plans are for me and my family. The Lord did great things in my life, things that I couldn’t even imagine or dream. So His plans are better than mine as Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”

* how do you manage family and your business?

I don’t work that much during the day. I usually work at night when they sleep so they don’t even feel it. If I have to do something during the day I will make them participate or find something else for them to do after I spend time with them.

My husband is very supportive of my work. I think he is my biggest fan, and he helps me A LOT with the house and the girls. My house is always clean, organized, and there is always good food on the table (he likes to cook too!)

* any advice for beginning folk artists?

In the business aspect, I can recommend to check out Val’s art diary art tips. I used them and they were great to start my business online.

In the artistic aspect, you need to believe in yourself, hope for good things but be ready for rejection. Artists deal with rejection very often. When a piece doesn’t sell, a gallery sends you a rejection letter, or your favorite artist snubs you, we take it personally because our work is an expression of ourselves. So you need to find your identity in Jesus and not in your art. If something doesn’t sell, move on quickly, keep creating and pray, pray, pray.

(photo used by permission. © Adriana Whitney)

* tell us about how you've "met with" Jesus through your art.

I have created many pieces guided by Him, inspired by His love, care, power, compassion, and salvation. Even when I paint my ladies, most of the time I try to hide something of His character in the painting, the beauty of His creation, the meaning of the colors or symbolism.

When we create a work of art we are expressing His power (He is the creator!). Look at Romans 1:20. It says that God’s “invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead”.

I know He filled me with my skill (and every artist too), and He cares about art. When God was giving instructions for building the Tabernacle he said, "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs…” So I feel guided and supported by Him.

*would you share a tip with us, please???

I made a video with some instructions about working with crackle medium It is on Youtube, and I also have some fast motion paintings on my Youtube channel.

Thank you so much for having me I hope the best for you.

Adri

***Thank you so much, Adri! I know that I've been thoroughly encouraged by your sweet spirit and dependence on Jesus. I hope those of you visiting today will take the scripture and wisdom that's been shared to heart. God's best to all of you- Himself!

featured folk artist Tuesday!

i meant to have this interview ready today...i'm behind. i've finally completed my behind the scenes fun, and this very special person will be visiting the cafe tomorrow morning. i am so excited to share this interview with you. so remember to stop by tomorrow morning!!!

♥ mystele

coming soon...

the ladies here at the cafe are thrilled to welcome another folk artist to our table. i'm sure you've admired this artist's work before. now we get to learn more about the delightful soul behind the art...to be unveiled on Monday!

in other news, i'm excited to begin working on a new video series for the cafe, just in time for the "giving season"! (hint, hint.) i'm shooting for two weeks time to get it up and running! i'll give you a heads up for sure! take care all!

♥ mystele

Who IS He?

IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE *

IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE
NORMAL CONCEPTION;

IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF
GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN;

IN ECONOMICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW
OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH
TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;

IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE
BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL
BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO
THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;

He is Jesus!

*(This is not a license to drink alcohol or what we call wine at this time in history. The water in Christ's time was very impure and the wine created was mixed with water creating a "grape juice" that was safer to drink. God Himself calls strong wine/undiluted a "mocker".)