Scrapbook Retailer Magazine Interview With Dee

Here is the interview from Scrapbook Retailer, presented here for those who do not get the opportunity to read trade magazines:

What is your favorite medium and why?

In school I loved silk screening and watercolor the most. My fascination with the printing process, combined with the endless blending of colors from water-based pigments eventually led me to a career in rubber-stamping art.

What are some of your sources of inspiration?

Each day I find my creativity sparked anew by the rainbow palette of colors around me - the beautiful designs in everyday life like a bee on a flower, a decorative piece of clothing, the placemat in a restaurant, the shadows on a tile floor, God's awesome landscapes and so much more. No matter what the hours ahead are to bring, there is an inner peace that cannot be matched when taking time to create. My passion for stamping inspires me to share with others the balance it can bring into a hectic world. It inspires me to communicate with my friends at the end of the day, and it inspries me to reflect in a daily journal. I cannot imagine life without creative expression.

How do you begin a new art project?

I usually establish the parameters by things like: a TV apearance or other sponsor, a Christmas segment, a scrapbooking demonstration, teaching techniques to an international class, etc. I'm always on the lookout for any new products to enhance the never-ending possibilities of rubberstamping. I look at a blank piece of white paper as an adventure that can go any direction my imagination takes me.

What's your favorite art category?

Designing in every sense brings me joy, whether it's a new rubberstamp, a project, a presentation, or a store layout. I love what bold color and design can do.

Do you like to communicate through your art?

Yes! With the rubberstamp as a design tool, anyone can create successfully. It's so much fun to teach how color can personalize a project to fit any occasion.

Why do you think people like your art?

Most comments focus on my bold solid designs and the clarity of the water colored images. Rubberstamp art creates joy and fun not only for adults, but children too.

What are the most important things in life to you?

My love of God and family are first and foremost for me. I have also been blessed with a great education, and I look forward to each day and what I can give back by creating and communicating through art.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Each day is another chance to create with color and design. The challenge is to balance work time with free time and to stay focused on what's important. My goal is to work to live, not to live to work.

What is your greatest success?

My Master's in Art from Stanford made it possible for me to be able to do what I love for a living. It has created worldwide oportunities for me to teach and share my passion.

What are your goals in life now?

I want to spend quality time with my family while continuing my love of art, teaching, and traveling. A dream would be to design wearable art, which is a natural extension of my bold rubberstamp images. I look forward to someday visiting Australia, New Zealand and China - countries I have not seen.

This issue also featured Dee's four page calendar featuring the popular Duets that work anywhere. They should give some idea of their versatility. The calendar gives retailers ideas for best serving their customers. Here are two of the pages. We just folded back the magazine, and quickly scanned. Click on each to enlarge and to see the facing pages for each.