Fabric is LOVE!
Hi there! I'm Mara. Let's get the formal stuff over with first:
My educational background:
BFA in Jewelry/Metalsmithing and Art History from the U of I, Champaign.
MA in Costume Studies/Decorative Arts from NYU.
Most of my classes were at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I've also worked at different galleries and museums, have seen everything from ancient tribal clothing to Madonna's pointy bra, and have experienced several different kinds of art techniques from blowing glass to painting watercolors. I've also done a lot of travelling to other countries , and picked up many costumes and textiles to reuse in other ways. Designing and sewing are my passion, and I get my inspirations from everyday life!
My mom used to make clothes for all us kids (three of us), and the whirr of a sewing machine was our white noise. I always liked to make things, encouraged by my mom. When I got to high school, I knew I wanted to be a designer, but did not want to take the traditional path. I started making dresses for my barbies, based on prom dresses in Seventeen magazine.
I studied to be a museum curator but after working in museums for a few years, I realized I would rather design and create clothing and accessories rather than conserve or study them.
As time went on, I decided when I moved back to New Mexico, I was going to design and create clothing! I enjoy making new creations and have branched out into cosplay and BJD clothing. Although they have been around for a while, BJD are new to me.
Feel free to ask about any kind of creation you have in mind!
