Tell us about your artwork.
I’m Jane Markham. My woodworking specialty is creating boxes that highlight the grains & patterns found in our Northern California Claro Walnut & English Walnut. These unique specimens are over 70 years old. As I band saw & plane each piece, the natural beauty becomes apparent. Each part of the box make-up calls for its own artistry as features come out for the legs & fronts and backs. My joy is picking the choicest boards for the dramatic tops.

Describe how art is important to society.
Everyone has artistic qualities. Our natural world is a pallet of possibilities. Art brings us closer to these joys & allows us to explore creations that expand our world.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I worked with my late husband for many years as I learned everything I could about our wood shop. When he ascended 15 years ago, I had wonderful tools to work with, a huge canopy of wood, & the inspiration to continue our legacy of bringing beautiful Walnut back to a new life for another 50 years. I have progressed so that I feel confident my work is ever evolving.

Has your style changed over time?
My style has been refining over the years, as I mostly work by myself with occasional help. I can create pieces that come together beautifully–each part complementing the others. My Walnut is a never-ending source of amazement when the grains are exposed. My boxes are smaller now & I highlight remarkable pieces of the wood: ‘Fiddleback’, with its undulating waves, the heartwood of English Walnut, & Black Walnut Burls that show amazing patterns.

What superpower would you have and why?
My many years of teaching have blossomed as I impart growth and positivity to all I encounter. My superpower would be to extend my nurturing hands and self to the larger world, helping others realize their potential and fulfill it to improve their lives.

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Read Jane’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
I’m Jessi Brooks and I am an artist who specializes in metal artwork. My creations are a vibrant celebration of recycled metals, bright colors, and playful themes.

Describe how art is important to society.
Art enhances our surroundings, bringing beauty and inspiration to our lives. It stimulates creativity and innovation, influencing other fields and driving societal advancement. In essence, art is a vital thread that weaves together diverse communities, promotes cultural diversity, and enriches the human experience.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my life as an artist is the ability to connect with others through my work. Seeing the emotional impact my art has on people, whether it evokes joy, introspection, or empathy, is incredibly fulfilling. Art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, creating a shared experience that unites individuals from all walks of life.

Has your style changed over time?
Over time, my artistic style has evolved as I experimented with different materials. From traditional mediums to mixed media, I incorporated found objects and recycled materials, bringing new energy to my work. The interaction between materials and subject matter became essential, allowing me to convey messages effectively. Embracing unpredictability, I embraced imperfections, growing resilient. This exploration pushed my creative boundaries, leading to exciting discoveries and an ongoing artistic adventure.

Describe your dream project.
My dream project would be a large, interactive sculpture in a vibrant public square. With its colorful design and unexpected surprises, it beckons passersby to engage. People of all ages gather, creating a shared moment of joy and wonder.

What superpower would you have and why?
I would really love to fly~ my why… b:c it’s AMAZING!!!!

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Read Jessi’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
I’m Jane Welles. I paint landscapes in oil and sometimes gouache. I get inspired by painting outside, setting up my easel on the spot, plein air. I like to do small studies on location and if they have potential, I will do a larger version in the studio.

Describe how art is important to society.
For me, as a landscape painter, it is important that art makes a connection for people with the outdoors. Studies have shown that being in touch with nature is beneficial for people’s mental health and well-being. There is beauty all around and paintings can definitely display that.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am an artist who takes her work seriously and I am constantly trying to grow and learn. Painting for me is a form of expression of how I feel about the landscape. It is a lifelong journey, I have so many things I want to paint, and I wake up every day looking forward to what I will get to create.

Has your style changed over time?
My style has gotten looser over time. I started in watercolor, but I wasn’t entirely happy with it because I felt I was painting like the old paint by number kits. I have worked with pastels which I liked most because of the richness of the color. But I like painting in oil overall the best because of the color and texture it offers.

Describe your dream project.
A dream project would be to open a gallery in Carmel or Montana, or on a smaller scale, do a painting for the White House Christmas card.

What superpower would you have and why?
I would love to be able to fly, it would be so fun to watch my shadow skimming along over the ground! Also, I could fly into remote locations to paint.

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Read Jane’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
I’m Judy Butler and I create whimsical fused glass. It frequently includes animals in whimsical situations.

Describe how art is important to society.
Art is the essence of a society. Without Art there can be no society. It helps us understand who we are and provides context.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am a full-time artist. My primary medium is fused glass, but I also love painting on glass with enamels- which is then fused into the glass. Working with glass is my passion.

Has your style changed over time?
Initially I created plates and more functional items, however I have gravitated towards creating images with animals. When I look at my early work, I am also aware that it has become more refined.

Describe your dream project.
I would love to do more art for hospitals. I imagine people being able to smile when they see my work – even when they are in a challenging situation.

What superpower would you have and why?
I do have a superpower – it is being able to make people smile when they see my fused glass.

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Read Judy’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
My name is Therese May.  My art is Handwoven Textiles: Original wall hangings, table runners, scarves, shawls, baby blankets and dishtowels.

Describe how art is important to society.
Art inspires creativity in the artist as well as in society. It can arouse joy and move the viewer to tears, so ultimately art can touch people emotionally. It helps us expand our world view, community engagement and cultural competence.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I am passionate about fiber, color and merging them into something special that a customer values and enjoys. I pursue new ideas by taking classes, learning from other weavers and piling my yarn into mounds to decide on colors and patterns. I stay curious.

Has your style changed over time?
My first projects were hilarious. Too much yarn, not enough, miscalculations and projects that were discarded. After weaving for 25 years my math skills have improved, my color theory is more coherent, and my enjoyment has increased.

Describe your dream project.
My dream project is one that I love and has no mistakes!

What superpower would you have and why?
I need a superpower to help me with winding the warp and threading the loom because those are the aspects of weaving that are the most time consuming.