Color, Texture, Thread and Fun!

Random Facts About You?

I am an artist that hates having her hands dirty.
I could eat fish every, single day.
I think I am hilarious.
I like old people a lot.

What got you started crafting?

I started creating and crafting because I stunk at it! So between copious amounts of ice cream, a great sense of humor and a kamikaze sense of determination, I persevered to create!! My husband worked nights in St. Croix, Virgin Islands and I made the ugliest art known to mankind every night. But since I was in the middle of no where and very limited with art supplies I started to recycle canvases, use papers and found objects and now I see art in every single object. I found out that when I tried really, really hard and took my craft very seriously, it sucked. SO, I have a childlike, frenzied & joyous attitude towards art, now. It can't be wrong!!

What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration is the human spirit. I have a mother with Alzheimer's Disease, demented crazy brothers and a cast of sweet old people in my husband's family. It is a plethora of information and stories I love to use in my art.

What have you made recently?

I began a journal about my struggle with my Mother's Alzheimer's Disease and because I couldn't find support groups or someone to talk to, my art journal became this fabulous outlet. I started offering Art Therapy Journaling classes for free at area nursing homes for families dealing with this kind of heartbreak. I am certainly not a counselor (Woe be to the person taking any of MY advice) but I know the joy and healing that art can bring to a weary heart.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I started selling hand painted glasses, plastics, wood, trashcans, you name it items at craft shows all around my area. I bought my paint your own pottery store in 2006 and have branched out into clay play, ceramics, painting, mixed media and journaling. My shop is called Arts Unlimited Gallery in Wilson, NC

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

When something is made by the human hand, who that person is becomes a part of that piece. It makes me laugh to see those knitted toilet paper covers with the plastic doll attached to it. Or a giant macrame'ed plant hanger. People have crafted for ages and the quirkier the craft is, the more I know I would like the person who created it!

Find Me

Location
Wilson, NC

Email Address
Tammi Barnes

Personal Website
http://www.Arts-Unltd.com

Store Website
http://www.Arts-Unltd.com