There’s nothing like a crafty lady armed with
whimsical creatures and a sense of humor.
We’re really excited to introduce you Rosalee Kicks from SundaeMatinee. She’s bringing her beautiful
creature creations from her lab in Philly to downtown Scranton for Arts on the Square.
Have you always been an artist?
I'd have to say that
I'm more of an inventor than an artist. It kinda started when I was a
tiny person. I have always had the knack for transforming discarded items
into new found treasure.
Do you have a
background in textiles? How did you get involved with this type of
art form?
I do not have a
background in textiles but have always had a love of fabric. My mother
introduced me to the world of sewing at a young age and always encouraged
creativity. She never had an issue with me dragging home a piece of dusty
"junk" from the thrift store or flea market. My mom hated
throwing anything away-- she always felt that you could find a purpose for
it. I guess this rubbed off on me... I kept finding the vintage frames
when I would go out thrifting and thought they were awesome! The older
picture frames have so much character and detail. A light bulb went off
inside: I should frame fabric! But not just any type of fabric...
just like the vintage frames, I wanted to transform the fabric into something
new. Most of the creature portraits I make are made using vintage fabric
remnants-- an old shirt becomes a bear... a blanket becomes a fox! I love
giving old things a new adventure!
What types of pieces
are you bringing to Arts on the Square?
I will be selling
creature portraits, adventure pillows, treasure chest jars, message on a
bottles, creature ornaments and a sprinkling of other sweet stuff.
Do you have a favorite piece? Best Seller?
Hmm... it’s hard to say. I sincerely
love all of my creatures that are created in my lab. Bunny Holly is close
to my heart. He was my first creature creation and kind of started it
all. One of my best sellers is probably my Fox creature portraits.
Tell us a little bit
about your creative process?
I scour the world for
frames and find most of them at flea markets, thrift stores, and old ladies
homes! As for fabric-- I have been extremely lucky to inherit much of my
fabric collection from my grandmother's sister that recently passed away.
She had a ton of fabric spanning from several decades which has really brought
character/personality to my creatures. I really try to match the
creature/fabric to the frame. I feel the vintage frames really add
personality to the creatures.
Process: After
giving the frames a bath, I typically will know instantly which creature I
would like to see inside. I will then cut the fabric, mount it (sewing),
and then frame it in my lab in Philadelphia. Each portrait is
then giving a short bio; this provides the buyer with info about their creature
and how to care for them.
What do you like best
about participating in events like AOTS?
I really enjoy finding homes for my creatures
and interacting with the customers. It is fun to hear the plans that
customers have for my creatures. I also have a satisfaction knowing that
I kept a frame out of the trash... I am happy to see them be repurposed and
given a new adventure: one day they were displaying an old prom picture
or a portrait of HELEN... today they hold a turtle or maybe a robot that will
surely bring a smile to someone's face.
Do you have any other upcoming events?
Yesssssssssssssss!
Yesssssssssssssss!
Aug 29/30th - Brooklyn Night
Bazaar, Brooklyn, NY bkbazaar.com
Month of September - South Philly Comics, Philadelphia, PA facebook.com/pages/South-Philly-Comics
Month of October - Nice
Things Handmade - Philadelphia, PA facebook.com/nicethingshandmade
Nov 5th - Urban Craft Fest, Reading, PA urbancraftfest.com
Dec 6th - IndieMade Craft Market, Allentown, PA indiemadecraftmarket.com
Is there anything else
you would like our readers to know?
Sundae Matinee is very
excited about the show... and hopes to see you there!
Follow Sundae Matinee:
Facebook: facebook.com/SundaeMatinee
Tumblr: sundae-matinee.tumblr.com
Instagram: @sundaematinee
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