The Nature Of: Hydria Illustrations

Today's questionnaire comes from the fantastic Reagan Gore of Hydria Illustrations. Her answers are just like her -- honest, smart, and hilarious. You won't want to miss her on April 7th!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

This question is a weird one for me. I don’t think there is such a thing as perfect happiness. I think every emotion is wonderful and amazing in its own way, but also temporary. Instead I’ll list some things that make me happy.

  • Making my kids laugh till they can barely breathe.
  • Buying/experimenting with new art supplies.
  • When someone asks for a second plate of food I made.
  • Dresses with pockets.
  • Glitter.
  • Road trips to nowhere.
  • Making art with my husband.
  • The feeling of sand between my toes.

Which living person do you most admire?

My husband. He has an unending ability to put up with my shit and still love me. Plus he’s also really funny, and his art/design skills inspire me.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Super soft fluffy toilet paper.

What is your current state of mind?

Open. Open to new experiences and new opportunities. Open to letting new ideas in. Open to change. Just open.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Virtue? Hmm temperance. No moderation for me. I want it all or nothing.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I dislike this question.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Humor. If we can’t laugh together -- byyyyyyeeee.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Humor and realness. I ain’t got time for those fake betches.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Don’t put that in your mouth.
Wtf?
Rad
Son of a biscuit

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

What - art and nature. I was raised by a hippie/artist and some of my earliest memories are sitting on the floor coloring and drawing with my mom. I grew up in east Texas and spent most of my childhood exploring in the woods that backed up to our house.


Who - that’s trickier. Everyone I love is the greatest love of my life. Though I love each person differently I love them all with the same intensity. My kids are easiest to put at the top of the list, right next to my husband.

When and where were you happiest?

I am happiest in the moments I’m in. Where does that happen? It can be anywhere. Going for a walk to the park and watching my kids skip hand in hand. The moments I was in the room for the birth of my best friend’s two kids. Meeting my other best friend in a way that was so random there could be no other explanation than fate. When I wake up and my husband is already making breakfast. Walking up the steps of the Acropolis in Athens. For me happiness is in the temporary moments that take place all around us all the time.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Walking without tripping.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I’ve spent 39 years becoming who I am -- so zero.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting to do what I love. It’s a pretty rad feeling to make art and have people want that art to come live with them.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?

I’d like to come back as a stellar being swimming through the cosmos.

Where would you most like to live?

This changes regularly. A little villa overlooking the Mediterranean just outside of Athens would be nice.

What is your most treasured possession?

A giant jar full of years and years worth of all my wristbands from shows/festivals that my husband and I have been too.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I don’t know? My sarcasm is on point.

What do you most value in your friends?

Realness. I’m a Gemini and we spend a lot of time thinking about the real motivations behind words and actions. Because of that I tend to really love people I don’t have to figure out. When people just are who they are they give you a chance to fall in love with all the things about them that make them wonderful and crazy.

Who are your favorite artists?

I have tons and they change often. Currently:

Ana Victoria Calderon @anavictoriana
Sari Shryack @not_sorry_art
Linzie Hunter @linziehunter
Anke Weckmann @ankeweckmann
Merle Goll @merlegoll_illustration
Lize Meddings @lizemeddings
Amy Durant @amydurantart

Which local artists or makers most inspire you?

There’s a lot of them. Carla Sue has been amazing and I have really enjoyed collaborating with her. Tracy Carlson takes photos that blow me away and the designs she makes for her scarves are mesmerizing. Ayde of Tenacious Leaf makes me smile. Each of her succulents comes in such cute containers. I love seeing the new stuff she’s got each event. EarthlyChic has some of my favorite ceramics. The pieces they sell are so colorful and they just make me happy. Kristen of fLuxe Jewelry inspires the heck out of me. I love her jewelry so so much. It’s the only jewelry I hide from my toddler (my toddler is rad but she breaks stuff). That’s just off the top of my head.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Madame Bathory. I mean she was terrible, but I get it aging is rough. It’s just really hard to find tons of virgins to sacrifice these days.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Anyone fighting injustice and inequality.

What are your favorite names?

Shilo
Penny
Chrissypoo

What is your motto?

If you don’t ask the answer is always no.

From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Check out the series to see how they all answered.

How I Work My Space: Lisa Chow

Today's workspace belongs to Lisa Chow!

"My studio is located in the back room of my house. I share this room with our "mudroom" and our cats' bathroom. It's extremely glamorous. I get really frustrated with the chaotic mess that is my desk about twice a year, clear it all off, only to have it turn into a pastel mountain of junk within a day. The nature of my work allows me to have a ton of fun art supplies; this includes my wall of glitter. My three year old can often be found rummaging through my sticker drawer."

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We are CRAZY for Lisa and her practically confectionary creations -- she is an original Heartmade artist and we're thrilled to welcome her back this spring! Her gorgeous pastel rainbows and cheeky feminist pieces will be covering your walls after you see her booth on April 7th! 

We asked our artists and makers to send us photos of their workspace so that you could see how the magic is made. Check out the series for more behind the scenes shots of these talented people and their creative spaces.

The Nature Of: TheGBoys

Today's questionnaire is answered by the fantastic Yesenia Garcia of TheGboys!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sewing in a quiet room while watching Game of Thrones!

Which living person do you most admire?

Not a specific person but I really admire teachers -- they are so giving and hardworking!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Fabric!!!

What is your current state of mind?

Excited!!

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience!

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My nose!

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Sense of humor

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Sense of humor

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

What the hell?

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Jesus!

When and where were you happiest?

At home watching tv.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To sing!!

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

To be less socially awkward.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Starting my own business!

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?

I would want to be Whitney Houston because she can sing!!!

Where would you most like to live?

Hawaii!

What is your most treasured possession?

My wedding ring.

What do you most value in your friends?

Sense of humor

Which local artists or makers most inspire you?

Esther with cuteheads and Caitlin at Feltman + Co. both have great brand style and
I love learning from them!

Who are your heroes in real life?

My parents! Both came from nothing and taught me I could be anything and made a great life for themselves. My mom is a nurse and my father is an amazing entrepreneur.

What are your favorite names?

Levi, Liam, Ethan, and Rosalie

What is your motto?

Work hard, play hard!

From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Check out the series to see how they all answered.

 

 

How I Work My Space: NATURAL by M. HAGELSIEB

Today's workspace belongs to Myrna, owner of  NATURAL by M. HAGELSIEB!

 

"I do concrete craft designs!! This photo is me in my dusty space, doing the mix of cement, sand, water and other additives to make the perfect paste. I make my own molds also, so all my pieces are uniques!! After one day letting dry, I take out the piece and then sand it and  seal it ... perfect for a NATURAL display."

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We love Myrna's hilarious hand-painted enamel mugs, her concrete home decor, and her big happy smile! Stop by her booth on April 7th and buy something unique for your home that you will treasure always!

We asked our artists and makers to send us photos of their workspace so that you could see how the magic is made. Check out the series for more behind the scenes shots of these talented people and their creative spaces.

The Nature Of: Tracy Carlson Photography

From Vanity Fair: "The Proust Questionnaire has its origins in a parlor game popularized (though not devised) by Marcel Proust, the French essayist and novelist, who believed that, in answering these questions, an individual reveals his or her true nature." We've taken the original Proust Questionnaire and modified it a bit for our artists and makers so that they can share more about themselves with all of you. Enjoy!

Our very first questionnaire is being answered by Heartmade co-founder Tracy Carlson. Don't be afraid, just hang on for the ride and try to ignore the swear words. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to have an animal sanctuary and collect as much art as I want. I'd be the best rich person, I'd buy ALL THE ART!

Which living person do you most admire?

Right now I'd have to say Emma González, the young student from Parkland who survived a school shooting and is advocating for gun control. She stands up to all the bullies, including our president, and that is amazing. This is the kind of kid that I want leading our world as the old guard dies off.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Handmade jewelry, without a doubt. I have a thing about giant statement pieces. Anything I buy from my friend Adina Mills is a welcome extravagance. My friends and family know that with me, bigger is always better.

What is your current state of mind?

I designed a t-shirt that says "NO FUCKS LEFT TO GIVE" and that's where I am. I'm standing up for what I believe, no matter what it looks like. I'm not getting dragged down in the mud of competition and pettiness. I'm going to help people and try to take a more macro view of the world as opposed to letting myself get tied up in the little things. We're the stuff of stars, right? None of this matters, so let's make it positive instead of negative while we're here.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Humility. Hell, if you're good at something, crow about it. I mean don't be a dick, but I think one of the reasons men are in control is because women are too humble about our accomplishments. Damn straight I took that photo, and it's good. Thank you for the compliment. No more blushing and looking away and saying "Oh it's not that great."

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Whatever I dislike is up to me to fix so there's no point in talking about it.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Integrity.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Authenticity.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Listen...
Here's the thing...
I'm-a tell you something...
Can you STAND it?

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

Paul McCartney. I mean, clearly my husband Daniel, but Paul McCartney is the longest love of my life. Daniel and I have an understanding that if there was ever a knock on the door and it was Paul I would leave. LOL

But seriously, it's Daniel.

When and where were you happiest?

Okay so this is repetitive but the last time Paul McCartney was in town Daniel got me tickets and I had never seen him in concert before and I laughed/cried/sang for three straight hours. It was the best night of my life.

The place where I am most consistently happy is on top of Mount Crested Butte, in Colorado. It has a part of my heart and I feel whole when I'm there.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Playing the guitar. NO, painting. WAIT...jewelry design. No, guitar.

Talk to me tomorrow.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Tricky tricky because I am who I am because of what I am, so if I change something am I still me? Can I just juice up my metabolism and keep my obnoxious personality? Let's do that.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

No joke, Heartmade. I get to help a wonderful charity AND I get to promote people who I adore. Cheesy but 100% true.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing what would it be?

Nope, this is my last go-round. I've already come back plenty of times.

Where would you most like to live?

Tuscany, maybe outside Siena.

What is your most treasured possession?

My engagement/wedding ring that originally belonged to my grandmother, Boo.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My energy.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and authenticity above anything and everything.

Who are your favorite artists?

Oh hell, that's way too hard. All of my friends are my favorites, their art is all over my house. Pick a name off of the Heartmade list. For someone I don't know personally, I'm currently crushing hard on Adrian Landon Brooks. His work makes my heart happy. Now, if we're talking dead artists, I have to be a cliche and say that Botticelli is a favorite of mine. I have a relationship with the "Birth of Venus." The first time I saw it in person I was changed. Now whenever I visit the Uffizi I have to visit that painting and sit with it for as long as I need to. It's like a friend. I can't explain it.

Which local artists or makers most inspire you?

Erick Sandlin's work speaks to my soul because it's so expressive. Reagan Gore and I share some sort of DNA link or something because she'll paint things that look like photos I've shot and she's never seen the piece before, and I find myself looking at her pieces like I'm looking through a lens. Marisa Wilhelmi and I share a love for bright color and her jewelry makes me want to travel and find photos that match the colors in her jewelry. I haven't met her in person yet but I feel like Sarah Luna paints my personality on canvas and it rocks my world. JC Woods' work ethic is something that constantly blows my mind and we have a very similar sense of humor, so his work really makes me happy. 

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Mozart: Crazy, talented, terrible with money, and a pain in the butt to live with.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Firefighters and conservationists.

What are your favorite names?

Indy, Emma, and Jack.

What is your motto?

"Get busy living or get busy dying." Seriously, I have no time or patience for people who want to moan about problems that they can fix but choose not to. Get busy living.

 

How I Work My Space: Claire Drennan Knitwear

We have a brand new feature for you on the blog! We asked our artists and makers to send us photos of their workspace so that you could see how the magic is made. Keep an eye out for more behind the scenes shots of these talented people and their creative spaces.

First up is the lovely Claire of Claire Drennan Knitwear, a new Heartmade creative who we are very excited about!! She sent us a couple of photos and a video to show her process and the tools she uses to make her beautiful pieces.

"Here I am doing a demonstration at Art Crawl for Canal Street Studios, showing how I use a punch card “computer” to make my h-town beanies. I am wearing one of my 'cloud ties.'"

"Here I am doing a demonstration at Art Crawl for Canal Street Studios, showing how I use a punch card “computer” to make my h-town beanies. I am wearing one of my 'cloud ties.'"

"Here I am being silly and saying I made a dickie. It’s actually a tank top I am making from recycled cotton. All of my work is zero waste and makes use of sustainable materials."

"Here I am being silly and saying I made a dickie. It’s actually a tank top I am making from recycled cotton. All of my work is zero waste and makes use of sustainable materials."

"This [video] was taken as I was knitting the centerpiece of “La Piñata de Verdad,” which won first prize in East End Cultura’s Piñatafest Sculpture Contest last year. I am working on my Studio 360 knitting machine, which is from the early 70s and is totally mechanical."

We can't wait to see all of the beautiful pieces that Claire will be showing on April 7th at our 3rd annual spring market! Be sure and stop by her booth and ask about the dickie! 😄 Thanks for the photos, Claire!

Thanks, Houston CityBook!

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Heart & Crafts

Shop for a cause at Downtown’s inaugural Heartmade market. By Megha Tejpal

As an alternative to playing parking lot wars and trekking through bustling shopping malls, hit Downtown’s first ever Heartmade Holiday Market on Dec. 9. The free, family-friendly event benefits Hoof Prints and Heart Beats, which offers free equine therapy for children and adults with physical disabilities and social disorders like autism.

The collaborative effort — in which booth fees are collected as donations — was conceived by photographer Tracy Manford Carlson, who is HPHB’s chairman of the board, and graphic designer Sonja Fulbright. The creative duo will transform Main Street Square into a holly, jolly marketplace where artisans, jewelers and food purveyors will peddle their wares as Christmas carolers stroll about and Santa poses for pics with kiddos.

Though this is the inaugural event for Heartmade, it follows a pair of successful spring markets held in 2016 and 2017 that boasted a similar set-up. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Heartmade team on a holiday event,” says Angie Bertinot, director of marketing and communications at the Houston Downtown Management District. “We hope this will be a holiday tradition for years to come.”

WHAT A DAY!!

Houston! We could not have asked for a more amazing day with you! The inaugural Heartmade Art Market was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without our customers, our sponsors, and most importantly, our incredible artists! This is the beginning of something BIG and we can't wait to see what happens next!

XOXO Tracy and Sonja

Click through our gallery below to see Heartmade in action!

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Tra' Slaughter

Today's Heartmade artists is well known for his incredible paintings of Houston legends, notably former mayor Annise Parker. Tra's art is vibrant and evocative and his portraiture work makes us SWOON. Tra' believes in showing the "beauty in the everyday," which we think makes him an excellent ambassador for Houston art. There is so much unsung beauty in our town, and we are so lucky to have an artist of Tra's caliber to capture it on canvas! Come and see his talent in person this Saturday and take home a piece of the beautiful everyday of Houston for yourself!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

I like to sweat when I paint... Houston makes that possible.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Usually with my youngster... painting, making messes, tea parties and such.

 What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The round fountain on Allen Parkway.

Find Tra' Slaughter Art online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Jessica Barto of Dandelion Glass Art

Heartmade artist Jessica Barto of Dandelion Glass Art really is putting in the “heartwork.” She began working with glass as an escape from depression and anxiety, and found her passion, building a hobby into a full blown business. Jessica still manages to find time to help others, working with Defeat Parkinsons in Nacogdoches and now, supports To Write Love on Her Arms, a movement that aims to present hope to those struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide. She finds inspiration in the beauty of the American Southwest and many of her designs reflect her favorite places. From full size stained glass windows to jewelry and home decor, Dandelion Glass Arts is sure to bring some light into your life!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

I married a native Houstonian and have only lived here for 2 years, so I'm somewhat new to the area. But my favorite thing about being an artist in Houston is how the community of artists here have been so welcoming and encouraging.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite way to spend a weekend is getting outside, finding a good place to hike, or exploring different parts of the city.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

My favorite piece of public art is the historic Bethel Missionary Baptist Church that has been converted into a park. Unique metal panels and poly-resin glass panels in the windows and doors are my favorite feature to this restoration.

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Wyatt Little

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Heartmade artist Wyatt Little is a product designer based in Houston. Wit, whimsy and clever are all words that come to mind when we think of his ceramics. Wyatt’s approach to design starts with a circumstance memory from his that he develops into a physical form that is universally relatable and nostalgic. He has stated his motto or mantra as “happiness is knowing the right things to want more of.” How can you can not want to know more about this guy?

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Everything I need to do my artwork is available in bulk and within a 5 mile radius of where I work.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Either quality time with family/friends or spending the entire day doing something that demands creative brain power.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The Rothko Chapel

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Brianna Land of Adrift in My Mind

There’s something inherently warm about wood. No one knows that better than Heartmade artist Adrift in My Mind. Brianna Land creates thoroughly modern wall art and other pieces from reclaimed wood. It’s so beautiful and we love that she is giving new lease of life to forgotten materials, allowing them to enrich another home. And to think, all this started with a little extra time and a creative itch!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

I feel like Houston, especially inside the city center, is like a small town. I will meet people all the time at shows that have already seen my work on social media or even at a friend's house. That is amazing to me considering how big Houston is! I'm always humbled when people I'm speaking with already know of my work. I've also found that the creative community here in general are super supportive.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

I love my sleep. So that and breakfast tacos are what consumes most of my weekend mornings. Luckily, our sweet girls are old enough to turn on the TV for themselves and hang for a while! After that, most of my family lives within a mile of our house in the Heights. So we see each other A LOT. We also just bought our house last August and have committed to inviting friends over more often. This time of year we ride bikes as much as we can, too. We have found ourselves riding to Town In City Brewery with friends quite often lately. We have a private Facebook group of friends that live close by called Houston Heights Country Club. If we are headed anywhere fun and want friends to come along we will post in the group where we are going. It's fun because usually our friends will show up!

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

My favorite at the moment is the Mini Murals project that's turning ugly traffic signal control boxes into works of art. This being Houston, we spend a fair amount of time in traffic and this projects helps ease the pain!

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Stephanie DeLeonardis of lovecraft.

We're drawn to this Heartmade artist’s laid-back vibe. lovecraft. creates eclectic pieces with natural and vintage materials using a variety of techniques including wire work and metalsmithing. They are individual pieces of art that you can wear, each one perfectly imperfect and carrying the story of the materials and person that crafted it. Stephanie DeLeonardis’ designs connect us with our inner bohemian and we love that and her!

What’s your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The abundance of resources, eclectic open-minded audience, the embrace of various cultures and sub-cultures, and immensely supportive fellow artists willing and freely sharing information for communal growth and cross promotion.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Exploring new flea markets, adventurous around city parks, enjoying a salted caramel latte in the sun, going to see live music, research and developing new designs

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

"Tolerance" by Jaume Plensa. These seven sculptures represent to me the physical manifestation of international culture and spiritual unity. The meditative figures always soothe my spirit when I pass them by.