Artist Interview Series-Nina Maniscalo

Are you a full time or part time artist?
I am a part time artist with a full time artist's attitude. I have to put it that way because I have never been able to make a living from art alone, so I do many other forms of work to make that happen. Somewhere along the way... about fourteen years ago... I got married and became a parent, and that took up a lot of time. The good thing is that as my children grow older I am afforded more time to create art, yet I still work part time to help support my family and my art.

Is there a business name and how did you come up with it?
Yes my business is called Blue Lotus and this is how I came up with it...

It had been a while since I'd been painting furniture on my own and thought it would be nice to have a logo, and ID so to speak. My name is really a mouthful, and I wanted to have some way to identify my art that would be easier, so I started to brainstorm. After filling 5 or 6 pages of a notebook with little sketches, I then called my friend Kathy to run the ideas past her. She was very helpful in pointing out the flaws in most of my ideas and what I was left with was the Little Blue Lotus that I shortened to Blue Lotus. I then painted an original image of the Blue Lotus that is used to create all my promotional graphics. The Blue Lotus image comes from Tibetan Buddhist Art. I am influenced very heavily by this art and the philosophy.

Are you self taught or academically trained?
I am academically trained, but I like to think that part of my training is self taught as well. I received my degree, a BFA in Painting at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, but I don't think that my receiving of that document somehow made me an official artist. I believe that becoming an artist is a process that begins with an aspiration to want to become one, followed by many years of working toward that goal. I continue to grow and refine my artistic tools through both formal and informal training.

What is your description of an artist?

This description is as difficult to define and intertwined with the concept of "What is Art?" There is no universal opinion of what art is. So from my point of view, art is something that calls to the viewer. It shines and sparkles and draws us into it, while raising questions and telling us stories. Art is rarely boring and needs to please someone, be it the creator or the audience. Art can express a vast array of emotions and attitudes.

So what is an artist?

To me, it is someone who spends most of their time either thinking about or creating art.

When did you first call yourself an artist?

It was some time after I'd left school and lived in the real world--the world where I needed to make money to afford rent and food etc. I had worked in many venues that were not art related and others that were. Regardless of these things, I continued to keep sketch books to draw and to paint. I realized after a while that no matter what I did to make a living, in my heart it was the art that mattered.

Did you have or would you like to pursue other careers?

As I mentioned in the previous question, I have worked in many venues. Some of which were: prep cook, salad chef, house cleaner and cell painter for an animation house. I found my way into computer animation for video and continued on that path for about 11 years, until I became a mom. Throughout this span of time, I continued to make art, usually in the evenings or on weekends. What I see in my future is something that will relate more closely to my art and somehow include it. I'm very interested in interior design and helping people visualize things, I want to be a visualizer for hire.

In what way does your art make you feel vulnerable?
My art doesn't really make me feel vulnerable, well not too much anyway. Maybe I used to have doubts about my abilities, but over time I was able to see a pattern emerge in the creative process, one which included making mistakes and throwing some things away. The cycle always comes back to finding something I like and am happy with. I don't really do any art that would expose myself so to speak, but there is always a feeling which is hard to pin down when I begin of an art piece, in which I think I'm not sure of what the outcome will be. Will it match my inner vision... or will it take on a life of it's own? I never know for sure... so I just keep on creating.

In what ways, if any, are you trying to make your business more earth friendly?
I began in the last couple years to use Low and No VOC paints, I still have a little of my older paints left but not much. For finishing products occasionally I use a water based polyurethane but more often I have been using a polymerized linseed oil with beeswax which is non toxic. It feels great when I clean my brushes in the sink, that what is going down the drain will not harm the environment.

What is your current project?
Currently I have been creating mirror and picture frames using reclaimed base board wood. I paint them with interior house paint. I create color patterns and textures on them. The current series I have been working on is influenced by Tibetan Buddhist Art. Many of these patterns are simplified representations of the basic elements like fire, earth, water, air and space. I also enjoy making these patterns come alive a little. I do not try to make them perfect... rather I like to see them dance on the painted surface with a bit of irregularity.

What is your next project?
I look forward to collaborating on some furniture pieces with Anne Steinle. She has given me a few chairs and stools to work on, some of them she has some specific Ideas about, and the others I will come up with the inspiration. I'd also like to some more paintings on canvas. I began a series of studies called "Shiny Things" and hope it will lead me somewhere.

Where and how can I find your work?
You can find my work currently at the Belle Mellange Gallery. Also I'd be happy to speak with you about commissioned work. My phone number is 607.227.5770 and my email address is maniscalco4@verizon.net

Artist Interview Series-Ann Steinle

Belle Melange emcompasses multiple artists who all bring unique talents to our store's collection. We've decided to give our readers a little insight to each of our artists and what inspires them. We begin with Anne Steinle...

Are you a full time or part time artist?
I've had a residential upholstery business for over 25 years, but it was not until about 16 years ago that the real artsy work started being produced as well.

Red-Winged Blackbird Pillow

Is there a business name and how did you come up with it?
Yes, my D.B.A. says it's Littlestone Fabric Works, but I now call it Littlestone Designs. Littlestone is how you translate Steinle from German to English.

Ring-Necked Pheasant Pillow

Are you self taught or academically trained?
On-the-job training is the only (and best) way to go in this business!

What is your description of an artist?

I know that I feel differently when I work on an art piece. I enjoy my work, no matter what the project, but when it's a true art piece, I look on it as if it were my child... sort of giving it life. Also, it's easy and, frankly, exhilarating to feel that not all the ideas are coming from me, but rather through me sometimes. Maybe this is just how you feel when you free yourself of pre-existing ideas and the barriers of everyday life.

When did you first call yourself an artist?
When I first felt those feelings I just mentioned. But I didn't say it in public until someone else called me one first.

Did you have or would you like to pursue other careers?
I used to do landscaping... I love gardening. But if my body gives way, I've always wanted to operate an employment agency. I've always thought that if people were working at a job they liked, so many problems today would be nonexistent.

In what way does your art make you feel vulnerable?
I've had some clients give me total artistic license with their furniture. I've found that way too nerve racking, so now I at least show them colors... maybe a glimpse of the idea. They are going to be living with the piece for quite some time, you know. I do try to drop their jaw, though. That's just fun!

In what ways, if any, are you trying to make your business more earth friendly?
Well, years ago, I started asking that question about every product and method I used. Over time, I have reduced my garbage from around 5 bags a week to about 1/2 bag by recycling, finding other uses, etc. I try to use as little foam as possible... a petroleum product. I question the actual need for all products available and find that I can easily do without quite a few, silicone, spray glue, silk film (plastic) to name a few. I look for quality existing frames, using what's already around instead of adding more. With unusable frames, I save whatever I can from them for later use... legs, corner brackets, horsehair, springs, etc. It's actually not hard to reduce the amount of waste and toxins we individually put out there if we just give it a little thought.

What is your current project?
I'm always working on a variety of things, but a constant focus now is the Bird Pillows. I'm offering limited editions of some Northeastern Songbirds, a few shorebirds and the Bald Eagle. As another design develops, it will be added, but a special commission of just one pillow is impossible to do for a reasonable price considering the amount of fabric and work in each one.

What is your next project?
Most of my work is commission based, so who knows what that will bring... always exciting! I am looking for the right chair for another big leather piece.

Where and how can I find your work?
All my work, from simple footstools to my remaining Bird Series Pieces, can be found at Belle Melange. Most, if not all, items are shown on the Belle Melange website. Simply call the store (607.277.3782) or my studio (607.277.5119) for purchase information. You can also email me at LittleStone5119@aol.comfor purchases and custom orders.
You can purchase Ann's work on our etsy site starting in June!

Energize Your Home for Spring... One Pillow at a Time!

Spring is the time of year to refresh and rejuvenate yourself and your home. By de-cluttering and updating your rooms with new accessories, you can significantly boost your mood and add just the right dose of springtime energy you need in your surroundings. One way to go about it is through updating your room's accessories.

You don't need to purchase or replace any furniture or spend money on new paint and upholstery. All you need is the right pinch of detail to invigorate a room. Through updated tapestries or curtains, pillows, and even fresh flowers... rooms can take on an entire new life form.

The accent pieces below, which includes Bird Pillows hand crafted by one of our artists here at Belle Melange, are simple to add to any room. I put together the arrangement below to show anybody how simple it is to transform your living room for spring!

These vibrant bird pillows electrify this couch and create an energizing, welcoming and friendly atmosphere for spring. The feathers hand sown into the pillows creates the feeling of being outside, even when you're in!

I found this basket and fell in love with the beading. It's a quick and easy makeover piece to add to any coffee table or side table. The yellow beading really accents the pillows, while the green adds a new touch of color to the room! To make the basket even more functional, fill it with fresh spring flowers, like green hydrangeas (fill the bottom with a shallow bowl of water).

Curtains can change the entire mood of a room! For spring, the vibrant green of these sheer curtains accents the basket while enhacing the yellow in the pillows.

Tips for the Beginning Stained Glass Artist

In the years I’ve been making stained glass, I’ve learned many do’s and don’ts. Some of the knowledge I learned from others, but most of it was just through experience.

Here are a few tips I’d like to pass on to the beginner . . .

Using quality equipment is important. Don’t skimp when it comes to soldering irons, glass cutters, and quality solder. However, popsicle sticks are one of my favorite tools.

Start with an easy pattern. Straight cuts are much easier to cut than curved. Try to keep your pattern under 20 pieces. Once you master the basics, it’s the same process whether you’re making a 20 piece work or a 200 piece work.

In the beginning, work with an existing pattern—there are literally thousands out there. Cutting your glass to match your pattern is important and will save you lots of headaches later on. When you’re comfortable with the construction process, you can create your own patterns.

Pick the right glass. When you first start cutting glass, practice on scrap window glass… it’s cheap and easy to cut. For your first project, try using cathedral glass as it cuts relatively easy. You’ll be tempted to get some of the beautiful opalescent and antique glasses, but it takes a lot of practice to get good cuts.

Follow the safely rules. Always wear protective glasses when cutting glass. It’s very easy for tiny shards to fly through the air and into your eye. Wearing work gloves are good for avoiding cuts, but they can be cumbersome. Just be careful of the edges on the glass. Finger cuts are part of the process, so keep lots of band-aids on hand.

Take Your Time. Make accurate cuts, use your equipment properly and safely, keep your work environment clean and use common sense. By doing so, you will make the process more enjoyable.

The internet is a wonderful source for information on stained glass. Check around and see if there are classes you can take because it can be more comfortable and fun to learn with others. Remember, there is no progress without experiencing failure!

To view our most recent stained glass creations, visit us at our website.