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Story by
artstew,
weirdwolf
Published on March 6, 2009 in This Handmade Life |
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MP4 | Youtube | Blip.tv | Subscribe in iTunes
(music by Michael Chapman, Steve Gunn, The And Group, animation by JuliaPott)
Back in the 1970s, Holly Stewart, aka Artstew, was a single mom trying to raise two daughters. Holly decided to forgo art school to support her family, ultimately paying the bills and gaining respect within her Oklahoma City community by becoming a police officer. Even as she put in her time with the force (15 years!), she was always drawing.
It wasn't until Holly quit the force and moved to Kansas City, Missouri to attend — and subsequently work at — the Kansas City Art Institute that she discovered the world of art beyond drawing. When she found silk screening and dispersion dying on polyester, everything else fell by the wayside. Holly came to a place where her high powered job, with all its perks and money, kept her from expressing herself as an artist. That's when she gave up everything to make her art.
Holly spends her days in her funky, cozy apartment in the Midtown - Westport area of Kansas City, her cat Chicken by her side, as she experiments with dying polyester. She couldn't be happier.
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Artistic Endeavors series | Mixed Media Art Category | Fiber Art Category | FAST Team
89 comments Login to add your own!
norajane
redyellowandblueink
Fabulous fabric work. Awe inspiring use of the breadth of techniques here-amazing.
mirajolie
Absolutely fantastic - makes me grin from ear to ear! Beautiful, beautiful work.
baconsquarefarm
Loved reading your story and watching the video~ I stumbled upon your shop perusing etsy for items that were orange when making a treasury. Hearted your shop and fell in love with your scarves and colors, just something unique about all of your work. Neat you are following your heart-passion for art and designing.
katiearms
AwApplesauce
I loved the video. It's nice to hear about an artist's real background and why they choose to do what they do. It was a lot more satisfying to me than "I'm from etsy! I'm magically successful!"
glamasaurus
horshid
wendybirde
I loved this video! I really feel these bring you so much closer to an artist, and Holly, I love you art!
glasfaden
Inspiring video & story and beautiful work! Thank you for sharing!
niTeBecOmEsdAy
FrucciDesign
Elizaveta
Wow! Holly is an inspiration. Her strength and passion for her art and her journey speaks volumes!
weirdwolf
Holly and I had a terrific time shooting this video! I wish I could have added so many more moments, like when Holly goes on about how much she loved being a cop because of the beautiful uniform she got to wear or her own interpretations of the amateur art that she collects. Such a witty and inspiring woman!
meganaker
pambranchdesigns
Great story. I quit my job as a lawyer to pursue my jewelry and art as a career. I love reading about other's artists' success stories. My best to you.
azuredandelion
karivintageornaments
Love the video!! My mom was also single mother making teddy bears raising 2 children!
missbatch
Wow, Holly is truly inspiring and this video beautifully illustrates that fact! Thanks for sharing.
beyeler
VintageinBohemia
lros2002
Slowshirts
I loved this handmade portrait! Way to go Holly, keep up that internal vibrating!
emgollie
I wish this woman was my aunt. Well articulated and beautifully shot.
paperdesign
soulflower
sadlyharmless
the way she spoke about her passion was really inspiring. thank you so much holly!
redyellowandblueink
Artstew I had to come back and watch the video, you are awesome and many of the things you said about art and making really resonated with me. I am so happy for this handmade portrait.
uncharted
bhangtiez
JesseMosher
This was great , It is inspiring and well done . Keep having these Video interviews .. Looking forward to the next one .
Congratulations Artstew- Holly , Good luck , and all the best .
slidesideways
Seriously great story, so inspiring and such awesome stuff. Truly beautiful!
ClaudiaLord
LouAnnsdesigns
What a lovely story. I agree you have do what it is you really love to do in order to be happy. What's around the corner we don't know, so while there is still time we have to get busy using our God given gifts.
Holly continue making your beautiful art work, you really inspired me. Thanks
eRosasjewelry
I really enjoyed hearing about your process and especially how you got to where you are now. I can really relate to a lot that you said.
Thank You for sharing.
Signs
MyJunkyTrunk
I watched the entire video and I have to admit, it is really wonderful to see someone who is truly passionate about their art and can express it in such a transparent and enthusiastic way! I loved it!
VedaArts
wonderful story! there is something about fabric and the tactile nature of us having to be around it and make with it to enrich our lives and clothe our bodies and of course enchant our eyes!
citydetails
Holly, Watching the video I could feel your joy! You are a truly inspiring woman. Kudos to you!!!
PetDrawings
filigreelamps
MetroGypsy
CASTCOUTURE
so very inspiring, thanks for such a cool and honest video :)
EllaPhantePhashion
topsyturvydesign
I loooove that you quoted "some lady on Judge Matheson" for your motto.
You are an absolute delight Ms. Holly!
FAB portrait!
DewberryVintage
You Go Girl! I loved your video! You're story inspires, as does your work! Thanks for sharing :)
mothdesigns
holly, i so enjoyed watching this and mostly listening to you talk about your work--it so clearly shows that your passion for art is your heart's truth. thank you for sharing! love it.
mloartwear
Holly, your sense of colors and design is great.
Really like the video to see your background and where you are now, very interesting and inspiring!
OliveSomeday
TreeHuggerStudio
I love your story and how by telling it you inspire so many.You go girl!
VictorianInspired
voleurdebijoux
metrostation
Very nice work love the idea of printing on vintage fabrics such unique designs!
blackeyedsuzie
Lovely work, Holly & Tara! Thanks so much for sharing your work!
eireguitar
Beautiful work, and the name of your cat is hilarious. Kudos to you for following your bliss!
sewlutionsbyamo
I thoroughly enjoyed this. You are so alive talking about your art and are a true inspiration.
LittleGreenSquirrel
Love, love, love it! Thanks for sharing this inspiring story! I'm going to watch the video again so I can memorize that motto! So true!
bellasparty
PipocaHandmade
ooty
copabananas
what an amazing woman! thanks for sharing her colorful and inspiring story!
KellesKitchen
judygovintage
Awe inspiring story, awe inspiring work! A great share to remind all artists in every vein.
jenkennedydesigns
What a neat story and video. I think many esty sellers can relate. This is the great interest behind the handmade art...you can't find that in a department store!
Iammie
singinglittlethings
pennyspug
Rhiannon228
This story made me cry, when she said, "I gave everything for art." I can understand completely why she did that. Beautiful work.
vivikas
Holly, your story is beautiful and your love for art just inspired me so much!
Wonderful!
StudioCherie
Thanks for posting in video format, what a great way to discover a lovely artist!
MagpieMine
GoldhawkPotteryEtc
Loved this video - her color and enthusiasm. Great story, and I will share!
popsiclestick
Could you please find more of these engaging, interesting, smart, beautiful artists and keep these coming? This is our own little Etsy This American Life - much love and thanks!
shadethatlamp
PhineasandLou
This is such a wonderful video with such a wonderful feel! I am so moved and inspired by Holly :)
kinchi
What a beautiful, wise and moving artist! I loved this video, it's truly inspiring.
wehofer
That is a beautiful life. I am so happy when I hear of people doing what they absolutely love every day. Thank you for the happy cry.
obi1
What an inspiring story! Made me want to get up out of my office chair and go home to make something...
sisply
eclecticmoi
Enjoyed watching this video soooo much!!!
You are a such a Gift to the world Holly, I loved watching your creative process, and seeing the joy in your face as you talked was so lovely :)
anflorence
A wonderful story and Holly you are a true ispiration for any artists and not only , in fact youare a wonderful person and mom , anyone can tell from the way you speak and from your story.
I love your art and the passion you pursuit with.
Thank you
Alessia Nencioni
hakalah
Hi Holly,
What a beautiful and REDEMPTIVE story, in every way. You could start a "Salvage Army" - for consideration. Have you considered making a book with your story and your art combined? We were created by the Creator to create, and how you exemplify this. I was so inspired by your story. Never stop, is all I can say. As long as you have breath left, NEVER STOP.
janiesmash
really really enjoyed this.
If i had more than two thumbs... they would be up too!
foxtrailgeneralstore
I really loved this video. It was very inspiring! The work is very interesting.
cathydarling
Hi Holly,
I loved hearing about your art and your progress to get where you are today. I loved your creative approach to your art. Very awesome and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing.
shushop
MimiBoutique
I just love her energy. It was inspiring to watch such creativity and positive attitude and love for her work and the process.
youmeyou
shawndrathea
I love to hear the story of other artists.It is so inspiring.The joy she finds in her work is contagious!
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