Featured Seller: Prettydreamer

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prettydreamer

Story by prettydreamer

Published on Oct 17, 2011 in Shop

Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Pamela and I live in the rolling hills of southern New Hampshire, surrounded by beautiful trees, woods and open fields. I am a mama of a lovely 11-year-old daughter; she’s my own pretty dreamer. I have a workshop in my home, though my projects tend to spread out all over my house. Most of my days are spent entertaining various ideas for Prettydreamer. I studied sculpture and typography, among other things, at Cooper Union in NYC. I have been fortunate to work as an artist in number of different fields most of my working life.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I love spending time with my daughter. We have a great time just figuring out how things work or making something from scratch. I can often be found in the kitchen and I love cooking. I enjoy spending time in garden, observing how things grow. I have stacks of books all over our home. And I love road trips.

What would be the title of your memoir? Why?
Because I Could. It’s sort of a triumph for an idea to actually become something more than just a thought.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I love working with nature-based materials. They are genuine. They hold a history of what they once were, how they grew, even the place and time they came from. I see myself as an artist within the natural world.

What does handmade mean to you?
It’s such a thrill to figure out how something is made. I love that there is an individual and “hand” that is left in the work. And of course, I definitely admire the spirit  inherent in something made with love, excitement and dedication.

How would you describe your creative process?
While designing my classic line of toys, my thoughts turn to traditional woodworking techniques that were used to make the real counterpart. I believe that a child understands this authenticity, even though they may not be conscious of it. The truthfulness of the design and materials gives power to the imagination.

If you could peek inside the studio of any artist, designer or craftsman (dead or alive), who would it be?
There are many, but if I had to choose just one, it might be Sam Maloof. I love that the rocking chair he made is still a tree.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
It’s not easy to choose one. I have several boxes, here and there, with all sorts of little things: paper elephants, little creatures, quirky people made of sticks, even a pair of cardboard flips-flops made by my daughter. I cherish these little things because they were made in moments of exuberance.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
I clear up my work tables and bench to make room for another project.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
Entertaining new ideas that have still to arrive. Traveling to unknown terrains. Laughing with friends and my child about all the times we’ve had.

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