It’s been a while since I’ve introduced someone new in my Meet the Maker series, but here we are!
I first came across Giraffes and Robots a few years ago at the Providence Flea. Their tagline is “Art that makes you Smile”, and it is perfect. It was the bright colors and whimsical subject matter that drew me in, and indeed, I had a smile on my face the whole time I was looking at them.
I met up with the owner/artist a couple weeks ago, to see more of her work, and find out a little more about her and the work she does. Here are some images, and then some follow up information, below:
Could you tell us a little about you, and your business? Who are you, and what do you do?
I am a scientist and an artist. I own an art studio called Giraffes and Robots where I make pop art that makes you smile.
I love creating art for a living and enjoy every aspect of running my own business.
What are some of your major influences? Do you see any of these reflected in your work and products?
My biggest influences are pop art, retro design from the 60’s and 70’s, toys, packaging design and the colors orange and yellow. My art is almost exclusively a combination of orange, yellow and red because these sunshiny colors make me happy.
Some of my favorite artists are Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Ed Emberley, Dick Bruna, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein because their art is full of joy.
If someone wanted to purchase your products, how can they find you, in person, or otherwise?
I have a studio/gallery at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket where you can see my full range of art prints and paintings. A selection of my pop art prints are also available online www.giraffesandrobots.etsy.com and at West Elm, Providence Picture Frame, Craftland, Stock and Cluck.
If someone was thinking about taking their creative work, and turning it into a business, what’s one piece of advice you could give them?
Do not be afraid of making mistakes. You will make mistakes and you will learn from them. Mistakes have a bad reputation in this society and I feel that fear of making mistakes inhibits and limits people. Mistakes are a pathway to discovery and without mistakes, there is no learning. Owning your own business is fun and it is so worth it!
Anything else you’d us to know?
One of the most exciting similarities between science and art is the attitude that both fields have towards making mistakes. In science and in art, mistakes are not something to be afraid of as you learn early on that there can be great new discoveries behind unexpected missteps. Not being afraid of the inevitable i.e. making mistakes, gives you unlimited freedom to discover new ways of doing things. So, free yourself and make mistakes!
If you have a chance, head out to see Giraffes and Robots, either in their location, or at an upcoming event, or online! They make the perfect gift of art, that’s sure to put a smile on your face!
Dawn