Angry Chicken?!
Designer profile: Read On!
Angry Chicken may seem like an odd title, but it is the name of an exciting blog written by a very talented lady. Amy Karol has been sewing for years and is about to release her second book, Bend the Rules: Fabric, onto the world in August. This is a long-awaited follow up to Bend the Rules: Sewing. Amy earned the title of 'craft queen' at the tender age of three or four from her art-loving mother.
“I grew up around quilters, writers and creative eccentrics in my immediate and extended family and am a very lucky girl with a lot of funny stories.
I received my degree in interior architecture from University of Oregon with a fine art, architecture and costume construction minor in 1996. While working as a commercial interior designer in Seattle, I continued to paint, have art shows and got really interested in monoprint and jewelry design. My paintings and monoprints have been represented by several Seattle galleries and have been purchased by art collectors across the county, and over 20 pieces are now in a permanent collection in Japan. Currently, my large wall quilts and small framed art quilts show around the US in various shops and galleries, and although I still love printing and painting with a passion, I have moved towards primarily working with fiber at this point in my life because toxic chemicals around kids is bad news. I love fruit desserts, cats, my children and husband, writing bad plays, and watching silly movies, and I hope to one day record an album with our family band.
I am up to no good on an almost daily basis over at my craft weblog, Angry Chicken, and you can also see a bit more about me including my press page over at amykarol.com. (How many sites does a girl need to have? Apparently, a lot.) Got questions? Check my incredibly long FAQ.
How did you start sewing?
I started by learning from my mom, sewing mostly toys and stuffed animals. Then later I was sewing clothes. I was about 12 when I started sewing clothes.
Why do you think sewing is so popular?
Is it popular? I don't know if it is as popular as knitting. I'd say it's just fun to make stuff. It's fun to design and handmake things you use every day. I think there are so many reasons people sew, it's hard to say. You can express your self, save money, re-use items but for me it's a lot about problem solving. I love puzzles and love trying to figure out how something goes together.
Have you come from a creative back ground?
Yes. I have a degree in Interior Architecture and minors degree in fine art, architecture, and costume construction. I've been making art since I can remember.
Do you think blogging is a good way of spreading the word of what you do and if so, why?
Hmm. Well, I blogged before the book, so I don't really see it as a marketing tool, although of course it is. This answer is lame, but really, I try not to think about the blog and how it relates to making money, if that's what you mean. It needs it to be just an expression of my creative mind, so that's what I do. If I over think it, the magic is gone.
What has been your biggest succes?
Professionally? personally? Gosh, it's hard to say. I think being able to make any kind of living being creative and my own boss is a huge success for me.
Have you had any near misses?
Many. More than the "hits" if you will. I just keep my chin up and figure if something doesn't work out, it wasn't meant to.
What has been your fondest sewing memory?
So far, it's been teaching my own girls to sew. They are amazing.
Are there any other skills you are keen to try?
More than I am able to count. Both in the arts, but also in life. I think my main goal in life is to try new skills, it's the most pervasive trait I see in myself. I'd love to take up archery and just got my first ukulele. I also would love to become a better knitter and make soap more than once in my life.
What have you got planned for the future?
Not much. I'd love to travel more, now that the girls are a bit older. But sewing/arts wise, I have no clue. Lately with the girls being so all consuming, (they are almost 7 almost 5 and almost 2 years old) I think planning a week at a time is more my pace right now. Which is sort of a relief, to be honest.”
www.amykarol.com
www.angrychicken.typepad.com
