Make Art Every Day!

2022 Artist Interview - Geraldo Gonzalez

Added on August 5, 2022 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our third interview of the 2022 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Geraldo Gonzalez about his past Delaware Fun-A-Day experiences, his colorful artwork, boxing, and transportation in the state of Delaware. Thanks, Geraldo!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?

I was born in South Philadelphia the nearest Delaware Valley and raised resident in Wilmington, DE.

This is going to be your FIFTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?

My favorite past Fun a Day project its ROCKY I and II of translate myself as ROCKY facing against Paul Reeds.

Please describe your 2022 project "GERALDO I The Boxer".

This 2022 project is a lot different than the rest. This one is part of ROCKY IV.

Your work has primarily featured public transit in the past, but you have been exploring boxing in many of your recent works, what drew you to boxing?

Yes! When I was taking a break with my public transit artwork I started something new that had came up my back of my mind in the spring of 2018 while I was on my job site that I used to work at, Stoney Batter Family Medicine.

Do you find yourself using DEFAD as a testing ground for new directions your professional work is going? Or do you use the month long challenge to produce more work that fits within your current cannon?

Most of time I started testing new ground with the new directions my professional work is going in.

People can often find you on your scooter around town in Wilmington with a GoPro on your helmet. Can you tell us about that project?

This project I started back in March 2021 of last year. I was doing a video project of how people can use bike lanes and share roads with other motorists. But most people downtown had no idea what I was doing while I was in the bike lane.

You were awarded a Delaware Division of the Arts Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2019, were you inspired by something special with the works you submitted for this? What has this honor meant for your career?

I was applying for a fellowship since 2012. Through The Creative Vision Factory Director unit I had finally won the 2019 Fellowship. I am hoping to put my art out there not just in Delaware but around the world.

Where can people see more of your work?

Instagram: @TheKingofTransit

Website: www.thekingoftransit.com

Youtube: @TheKingofTransit

2022 Artist Interview - Eric W. Zippe

Added on July 20, 2022 by Katherine LeCocq.

For our second interview of the 2022 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Eric W. Zippe about his past Delaware Fun-A-Day experiences, some sage advice for new participants, and how he uses the challenge to explore new directions with his photography. Thanks, Eric!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?

I am a native Delawarean and I remember seeing the Delaware Fun a Day come up in my Instagram feed about 2015 and I loved the concept so I entered the following year.

This is going to be your SIXTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?

Delaware fun a day 2016 “Tree a Day”

Delaware fun a day 2018 “Texture Equivalents”

Delaware Fun-A-Day 2019 “Abstraction from Texture Equivalent Series”

Delaware Fun-A-Day 2020 “Kaleidoscope a Day”

Delaware Fun-A-Day 2021 “Remix Kaleidoscope”

It’s difficult to pick one favorite past project. I can say that the “Texture Equivalents” and the “Kaleidoscope a Day projects” have led two separate bodies of work that I continually expand on to this present day. The “Texture Equivalent” led to a body of work that was the basis for my Delaware Individual Artist Fellowship grant submission from the Delaware Division of the Arts. The “Kaleidoscope a Day” project based on two dimensional flat images are now being translated into laser engraved wood reliefs.

You are both a working artist and educator, what art projects or activities have you had students do during your years of being an educator?

I teach photography and Photoshop to college students. I have two favorite activities I like to have my students do when given the opportunity. One is to sit and photograph sunset and it’s entirety starting two hours before to an hour afterwards. This is an exercise in looking and noticing subtle changes that happen over time that we may not notice if we do not take the time and observe. Another favorite exercise for photography is to photograph a roll of toilet paper creatively. This teaches to take something everyday and call mundane and see it differently.

Please describe your 2022 project “Digital Tintype a Day”.

“A Digital Tin Type a Day” is based around me taking images with my iPhone using a tin type app that gives a realistic look of the historical tin type process in photography. I am a big proponent of the iPhone as an artistic tool. It‘s really quite amazing the power of these little devices give an individual for expression and creative artistic development.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

My biggest piece of advice is when picking and choosing your project is to distill your idea and the process that you’re going to do every day down to the simplest possible way to achieve your end result. Making a project too big in scope or difficult to do daily can cause a lot of stress and frustration.

I use DEFAD as a way of experimenting new directions, new processes, or a totally new processes then my current creative practices. This gives you the freedom to step away from bodies of work, or mediums that you feel quite comfortable in and allows for growing your creative capabilities.

Your work primarily features trees. Is there special significance to this?

Growing up on a farm in southern New Castle County my father would take us on walks into the wintertime and I became quite fond of the shapes of trees especially without their leaves. One of my favorite photographers is Elliot Porter and I’ve been inspired by the way he used chaos and symmetry. And the bare form of a tree has a lot of both. My great grandfather was a German cabinetmaker so woodworking and wood is in my DNA.

You were awarded a Delaware Division of the Arts Emerging Artist Fellowship last year, were you inspired by something special with the works you submitted for this? What does this honor mean for your career going forward?

But work submitted for my fellowship application started as a DEFAD project that grew in into a different more focused acquisition of images. The idea of equivalents but the photographer Minor White has been a huge influence on my abstract photography. The fellowship award provides a monetary compensation that is important to continue not work but equally as important provides validation and Note-oriety which helps expand my creative practice. I have also used other DDOA Artist opportunity grants to learn new skills and techniques. One of the most notable is learning laser engraving and cutting which has allowed me to totally expand into a totally different field and medium of art. We are very lucky to have a very supportive art community and and government organizations here in Delaware and I’m totally thankful for that.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Have Fun! DFAD is a great way to grow your skills. The act of doing continuously flexing your creativity over a month is similar to and athlete preparing for an event. Practice makes you better. Since I have a Photography background I’m always been reminded of this famous quote “Your first 10,000 photos are your worst” Henri Cartier-Bresson. This can easily apply to any creative endeavor and needs to be reinforced every time you start something new.

Where can people see more of your work?

Website: www.ezippe.art

Instagram: @ezippe

Also at Bellefonte Arts in Bellefonte Delaware, and in-person at various art festivals.

2022 Artist Interview - Deanna Daly

Added on July 1, 2022 by Meredith Boas.

For our first interview of the 2022 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Deanna Daly about her past Delaware Fun-A-Day experiences, her art practice, and how DEFAD has had an unexpected impact on her decor. Thanks, Deanna!

Be sure to check out our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates on the progress of our interviewees! And make sure you check your email (and this site) for important information on drop off, the event, and art pick up!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?

I was born in Milford and raised in Newark. I've met some incredible artists and educators since doing DEFAD. I love getting artist's business cards and buying from them during the holiday season <3

This is going to be your SIXTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?

I've enjoyed every year so far but my favorite was my "Japanese Inspired" Fun-A-Day which later inspired my interior design endeavors after I bought a house. My fun-a-day project is now proudly displayed in our stairwell.

You are both an artist and an art educator, are there any projects or activities have you had students do during your years of being an educator that have inspired you?

My students inspire me all the time! More often than not, I keep my art lessons open-ended so students can express themselves more freely. They keep me on my toes and make me think outside the box, especially using mixed media!

Please describe your 2022 project "Collage-a-day".

I'm going back to my college days with this project. I graduated in 2013 and always look back at past artworks and think about how much I've grown as an artist since then. My project will be a mixture of traditional collage (cutting and gluing) and digital collage using the app procreate on my iPad. Whenever I feel inspired, I will often take photos or collect imagery from a location. Later, I alter and layer them in unexpected ways.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

Just remember, we make a lot of "bad art" before making good art. If you want to stick to the goal of making a piece every day, set yourself a reminder or find another artist, that also signed up, to share with. Fun-A-Day should always feel fun and not a chore. It's okay if you create more than one piece in one sitting and don't create for multiple days! There is no pressure with DEFAD and that's why it's such an incredible opportunity for artists of all abilities.

I use DEFAD as a kickstart for the rest of the year. I find that during the school year, I will only make art with and for my students instead of for pleasure and self-expression. DEFAD pushes me to create art every day and I often keep that momentum for months afterward.

Can you describe the meaning having an art practice has played in your life?

Art has always been a form of meditation for me. My stress, worries and problems fall away while I create. I believe art isn't created to express your identity, but to find it. The process of creating is often more important than the result.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I believe artists should also be activists. For any artist reading this, share your experiences with the world and express yourself freely. Art can change the world <3

Where can people see more of your work?

I post it all on my instagram! Username: @dea_daly

2021 Artist Interview - Erin Erskine

Added on April 11, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our seventh interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Erin Erskine about her past Delaware Fun-A-Day experiences, her senior exhibition, her morbid curiosity and how it plays into her artwork, life post-college, and her sculptural work. Thanks, Erin!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found here?

I am born and raised in Wilmington Delaware. I first heard of Delaware Fun- a- day my sophomore year of college while attending the University of Delaware. Being in the exhibit for the first time back in 2016 I had sold my first few paintings, and I had enjoyed painting every day. That it inspired me to change my major to Fine Arts the following year. Since then I’ve found fun-a-day, a fun way to explore themes and experimenting with different mediums such as Acrylic, Watercolor, ink, and digital. Every year I enjoy being able to meet a numerous number of artists and see what we all created that year.

You’ve participated in Delaware Fun a Day for several years. Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project to us?

My favorite past fun-a-day must have been my 2017 series of Tie Die. A series of paintings with Watercolor and Ink depicting very colorful saturated skulls in different patterns and sizes. This was a study of skulls and was a fun experiment with watercolors.

Looking back at your portfolio, you tend to have many projects constantly going on. What’s the newest project other than Delaware Fun a Day that you’ve been working on?

I’ve found beauty in the constant change that I have been experiencing throughout the past year and a half. I feel as though in that time my work has come to represent that.

My newest project does actually come from the drawings for this year’s fun-a-day.

This year as my experiment for Fun-a-day has been a series of work that I’ve done digitally and would like to transform my drawings into sculptures.

You’ve participated in several exhibitions as an artist, but we wanted you to tell us about your Senior BFA Exhibition known as FLUX. From the pictures we’ve been able to view, it looks amazing, and just wanted to see the event through your eyes.

My senior exhibition was a challenge that I was able to experience with the other seniors in my class. I was fortunate to have three of my sculptures in the show. Perception, Glimpse, and Preservation. All three of the pieces being in the show with each piece representing a different theme that I investigated largely during my time in school. It was a perfect way for me to wrap up my time at the University of Delaware art department.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any peice of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

My first fun-a-day theme was Ultra Violet. A series of paintings that had nothing to do with each other, other than everything was painted with different shades of purples, because purple is my favorite color.

Have FUN! It is after all in the name. Find something you want to explore or like and have fun with it. Whether it's cats in famous paintings, your favorite anime character, or finger painting. I think that's the best part about Delaware fun-a-day the fact that anyone can join and can draw, paint, take pictures, make jewelry, do a makeup look everyday, etc. Make something for yourself that you are going to enjoy making.

Looking through your online portfolio website, we’ve been able to view the many vivid canvases that involve skeletons and what feels to be a balance of humans, life, and death. Can you go into detail about this collection of work and explain the method behind the work and the story you are trying to convey?

For what started as studies of the human figure, a morbid side of me became fascinated by skeletons and their connection to death. Death is what all us mortals have to face at some point in our lives. It is after all the great equalizer. A part of my work has been me looking at my own life and coming to terms with my own mortality.

As a young child, I remember my first thoughts of death were people only die when they reach old age. Growing up there has been many classmates of mine that have died at a very young age due to many terrible situations.

With that said I look to death as a reminder to always live my life to the fullest I can. Knowing that tomorrow isn’t promised. My hope is that when my time has come I’m able to look at my life and see the beauty and have no regrets.

Throughout Delaware Fun A Day, there haven’t been many times we’ve seen sculpture work, but we got a chance to view the lovely sculptures you created. Can you tell us the vision and process you take in order to create a well-polished and finished sculpture?

All my sculptures were at one point sketches. None of them have turned out how I’ve originally drawn them. I’ve allowed myself to start with the general idea of what I want to create and I would pick the best materials I believe would create the best results. Whether that being in Metal, glass, ceramic, hair, wood, etc.

While my sculpture work still relates to death, a lot has to deal with one's awareness of their inner reflections and surroundings. In my sculpture Geode, as the viewer is looking within the center of the mirrors, they find them-selves broken up into fragments and become one with the nature around them. They become part of the beauty of the piece and the beauty of nature.

The COVID Pandemic has been a hard hit towards the art community. Can you describe to us the trials and tribulations you’ve had to work through during this time?

After graduating in 2019 I started my life post-college. I started applying for jobs and getting into shows, building my portfolio, and traveling more. I was starting to taking better care of myself. I felt like life was looking up for me. Then within a few months, the world just stopped. I lost one job and wasn’t able to work the other. I was stuck at home luckily with my family, but with both parents working from home and my brother still attending classes online I was in my own world in my bedroom/ studio. Trying to do what I can to build my portfolio. However, I felt stuck in my creative ideas. I was still grieving for a loved one and then found myself grieving for the world. I felt broken with so much uncertainty and change, that I found my drawings had taken a different form. I started allowing myself to be more fluid in my drawings and exploring this feeling of being broken and things constantly changing. With the trials I faced, I was able to have good things come out of 2020. Out of all things a new relationship, new job opportunities came up. I started going back to school for Art Conservation, and a new series of art that I’m excited to explore more.

Where can people see more of your work?

I always post what I’m working on, on my Instagram account under @erinlersk_art and on my website at https://erinersk.wixsite.com/ersk.

2021 Artist Interview - David Celli

Added on March 21, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our sixth interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist David Celli about his portrait works, creating during COVID, digital art creation, and selling art online. Thanks, David!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found here?

I'm a resident, born and raised here. Opportunities as far as art goes is probably the standard for most people. It started with family and friends, then friends of friends and it just kept rippling from there.

This is going to be your FOURTH year participating! Can you tell us a favorite memory that you’ve experienced throughout your DEFAD career?

There's a few I really enjoy but I think my favorite was seeing this young kid proudly standing next to his art. He had to be no older than 12 but he just looked so happy to be there. I just like seeing people be proud of and enjoying something that they worked on. Kids also don't hide how they're feeling so I think I saw pride and joy in its purest form right there. On the opposite spectrum, I really enjoyed watching people struggle with my puzzle 2 years ago.

Digital Art takes time, effort, and patience to put together a great composition just like all artforms. With this year being all virtual, do you feel digital artists will have a greater representation in the exhibit and how important is it to showcase the amazing work that can be created from using graphic design or digital manipulation software to make a unique piece of art?

Definitely. You can do some crazy things in digital that would take forever or just be impossible in more traditional mediums. I like seeing artists who embrace digital to its fullest with all the gradients and saturated RGB color schemes.

Please describe your 2021 project "Portraits".

Self explanatory really. It's been a busy year so far so I just wanted a simple topic this round. You can do a portrait of anything; a person, bug, tape measure, or whatever you feel like and in any style too.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

Relax and just have fun with it. It's in the name of the show. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to get something amazing done everyday but then I read a quote from Conrad Roset that said "When you start drawing, you try to show the world that you can draw and that you're learning, but later on there comes a point when you don't really care about that anymore." I think I've hit that point and I'm really happy I did. Also on days you're really feeling it, do 2 or 3 projects because days will come up where you won't or can't do any. No one will know (unless you say so in an interview).

With the state of the pandemic, a lot of artists have gone through trying to find new ways to produce work and learning new tricks to bring something fresh into their arsenal. We noticed that you have multiple social media platforms and a website to showcase your artwork. Can you speak on the importance of having a social and web presence overall to promote new content and how these things come together to build you an audience?

I can't pretend like I have a huge web presence but it is very useful for freelancing and making friends. I've gotten most of my work through reddit and instagram so it's very helpful for income. Also it's an oddly open platform where you can message any artist you really like for whatever reason. I've asked Alex Kanevsky about his book and Even Amundsen about character design and they both responded within a day or two despite age, location, or any other barrier. What I'm getting at is social media is more than a place for exposure and income, you can get things out of it that you can't put a price on.

DEFAD 2021 will be the first time the exhibit will be fully displayed virtually. Since you are a digital artist, it might not seem much in regards to your workflow will change overall. Yet we would like you to take the time to give some advice and pointers to others that need to think outside of the box to turn their physical pieces and other work into some sort of digital format (whether it be photography, illustration, digital media, etc).

Youtube. There's a tutorial out there for whatever hurdle you're having trouble with. Secondly, look for cheaper alternatives to the big software/hardware. Use ClipStudio Paint instead of Photoshop or get a Huion tablet instead of Wacom. Your wallet will thank you. Lighting would be my final suggestion. I've taken pictures of paintings in the middle of the street before just because it had the best light so I could get a good clean print made.

For purchasing your items through your website, you have four different places that customers can purchase through and buy your merchandise. In your professional opinion, would you recommend newcomers and veterans alike to branch out to multiple storefronts or advise them another way in regards to organizing, maintaining, and selling their work?

I like having multiple storefronts just because some people don't know about Inprnt or Redbubble so that way I can be found by that one person who only uses Society6 or Etsy. In time though I'd like to get away from single print sites like Society6 and sell prints just through Etsy or my website. I simply don't have a large enough audience for that yet.

Anything else you’d like to share?

If you need help just message me on Instagram. I've probably run into whatever issue you're having when it comes to digital art or digitizing art. Oh and give me your money through my shops or commissions, thanks. (^◡^)

Where can people see more of your work?

Instagram mostly @ObeseOcelot. If you don't have an account or just don't want Facebook to know everything about you I have it set to post to my website www.DACdraws.com too.

2021 Artist Interview - Mary Lou Hamilton

Added on March 21, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our fifth interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist May Lou Hamilton about her watercolor paintings, past in-person Fun-A-Day shows, techniques with Gelli prints, and finding inspiration in various ways. Thanks, Mary Lou!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found here? And how did you find Delaware Fun-A-Day?

Born and raised in Collingswood, NJ. Graduated from Collingswood High School in 1960 and immediately went to the U of Delaware in the College of Nursing. Completed the nursing degree, worked at St. Francis Hospital (Wilmington), then went back and completed my Masters in Nursing as a Clinical Specialist at UD. Assistant professor in the nursing program , clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing at St. Francis again, then Delaware Tech Community College as a full time nursing faculty member. Total time in nursing education and practice ...47 years. I had some prior interest and experience in art in high school(yearbook committee) and various "art and craft tasks" during my nursing career where I taught a variety of crafts and art projects to faculty and students. Preference was for sketching and watercolor painting.

I always wanted to be a medical illustrator and followed Frank Netter's work. But, with the age of computerization, handmade drawings were no longer prized or needed. I took several courses in watercolor in Haddonfield, NJ during high school years. As an undergrad in Nursing, I took an elective painting class in acrylics where I had to stretch my own canvases....very large, the size of a window or door. This was quite a challenge just in transporting them back and forth to the easel at U of D. During nursing practice years, I became interested in Art Therapy and learned at Sheppard Pratt in Baltimore.

Later I taught a nursing class elective at the U of D in Expressive Arts Therapy. At retirement, I began attending Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Wilmington (UD) and taking all the art classes I could including history, pastels, watercolor, oil painting , mixed media ,and acrylic painting. Loved each medium but now I am currently working in mixed media and collage and watercolor. While at Osher, someone brought in a brochure for Fun-A-Day. As a teacher for the acrylic painting class, I got several students to enter including myself. Have been entering projects at DFAD since then. Most of the art shows I have entered at galleries have been as a result of my experience with Delaware Foundation for the Visual arts (DFVA), Newark Arts Alliance , Hardcastle and Station Galleries in Wilmington.

This is going to be your FIFTH year participating! Can you tell us a favorite memory that you’ve experienced throughout your DEFAD career? Are you excited or anxious about the virtual format this year?

I have enjoyed each year at DFAD and been especially interested in the variety of entries and levels of skill. My favorite experience was at the Riverfront, the year I had a whole table to myself and presented 31 paintings in frames of different watercolors. Great location and I saw much interest in the entire show. The virtual experience is a bit different this year but we did this with DFVA ( Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts) in November, 2020 and it was a great way to encourage sales.

Your work is detailed and intricate and you work with a variety of tools, techniques, and mediums. How has your style evolved over time? Where did your artistic journey begin and where do you think it’s headed?

I tend to work small because in all honesty, I do not have room in my home for larger works. Many of my instructors encouraged me to paint "BIG" but I just didn't. There are paintings, many framed, all over the house in stacks and since I have a small home, it is hard to find a place to store them. Drives my hubby crazy because I have also taken over his man cave and garage, too. So I am presently into tiny works of art. This limits me to pen and ink ,gouache and watercolor as mediums, I also am a member of the Sunshine Plein Air Artists and do watercolor and pen and ink wash at that venue. Still taking a class at Osher in Abstract painting, most of that work is done on 11 x 14 canvas board or smaller because we just post our completed class work online. I am liking abstraction and find it works well with my current love of collage using a gelli print process.

Please describe your 2021 project "Pears". Is this your favorite fruit or does the pear hold a deeper significance for you?

The pears collection developed after a watercolor class with Sarah Yeoman where she taught the technique in the photo above. She painted red pears. I made mine green (above). I always liked the way the reflections turned out in this painting. And I love to eat pears. My entrances are on a 3 x 3 paper tile using a variety of media, Mostly gouache, watercolor and collage. Each is backed with a pretty paper and currently in a box to pick up individually.

As a veteran Delaware Fun-A-Day participant and professional artist what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

Advice to beginners: Come up with a topic and then explore different ways to attack that idea artistically. Something as simple as a piece of fruit or a flower can be an inspiration. I love spring and summer and autumn for color inspiration. I am constantly looking down at the ground (now that I have to so I can avoid falling and I don't stand as straight as I used to in younger years). Down there are many interesting ideas to inspire paintings and sketching. leaves, rocks, feathers, stones, textures, etc. I also love to look up. Clouds are magnificent and have been particularly beautiful this past year. Sunsets and sunrises....glorious! Then, practice, practice, practice. Make this practice a daily ritual if you can. Just keep trying. Everyone can draw/paint. I always hear from others who think that they are less artistically inclined "I can't even draw a straight line". Well neither can I without a ruler. You don't need to draw a straight line to be an artist, EVER.

In your 2019 Delaware Fun-A-Day project entitled “Doors on Gelli Plate Backgrounds” your project was stunning and featured colorful and detailed front doors and entryways. Were these doors real or imagined? Were they inspired by real places you visited or were they sent to you from people you know? Tell us the story behind the doors and which one is your favorite.

"Doors" The inspiration for this project came from a poster that I cut up and framed in different sizes and placed it in my home. The poster was "The Doors of Dublin"(Ireland) and I got it when we traveled to visit relatives in that beautiful country. I have always been attracted to windows and doors and Dublin had so many beautiful ones. I took lots of photos there and used many of them as inspiration for my mixed media project that I submitted for DFAD. Also, I had been experimenting with a gelli plate and made a variety of painted papers with it that had colors that influenced the water color doors I painted and collaged to them. I don't have a favorite but probably the more intricate ones, I liked best. I have sold many of them so don't have the originals any more.

What becomes of your Delaware Fun-A-Day projects once the exhibit has ended? Do you continue exhibiting your project in other shows or keep it as a personal art piece? Your 2020 project ‘Tags on Gelli Prints’ could have stayed as one cohesive piece or been broken down into several parts - but what happens to your fabulous projects?

"Tags" on gelli prints. Continuing this journey of hand painted papers, I get excited whenever I use my gelli press. I love the freedom of color mixing that occurs with this printing process. You never can duplicate the results a second time. The process is very intuitive and exciting if you love color as I do. The use of all the acrylic paints I have collected over the years seems to justify making more and more papers which I then cut up and collage to something.(Often a small item like the "pear" tiles or the luggage "tags".) I also do larger works (up to 11 x 14).Again, I have sold many of these tags and people use them however they want. They could actually be luggage tags with a little more preservation such as a plastic sleeve or varnishing to add more stability or texture. The rest of the collection stays stored somewhere in my home, thus adding to the space-taking of my art. I need a studio the size of an airport hanger, but then, I would probably fill that up, too.

For those of us that aren’t familiar with it - can you tell us what the ‘Gelli Print’ material is? How do you work with this material?

The gelli press is a soft gelatin item that comes in a variety of sizes. It can be purchased on Amazon.com or from GelliArts.com (and most art stores, now). It comes in small to large sizes. The most common size is 8 x 10 and can be a good first purchase. There are recipes on line to make yourself using gelatin, glycerin and water. On it you place color (usually acrylic) although you can use pastels, watercolor and a variety of inks (alcohol or acrylic). You then use a brayer to smooth out the color. You can add stencils (purchased or handmade),found objects, comb scratches ,bubble wrap, cardboard that has been torn so the lines show, the wheels of children's cars ,the bottoms of your sneakers, kitchen tools, and many other items that can make an impression on the plate....carefully so you don't scratch it.

Then, you layer more color on the plate and take a print with plain paper (computer paper works great) or tissue paper or deli wrap paper , an old phone book page, junk mail or a sheet of music. The whole idea is to add layer upon layer of thinly brayered paint, letting each dry before adding another. The possibilities are endless. There are numerous instructions on you tube for gelli printing and some of them are marvelous for ideas. One goes down the rabbit hole when viewing them as you can spend your entire life just watching youtube. I just love to see daily videos of these examples and constantly get new ideas from them.

Do you participate in Delaware Fun-A-Day alongside any artist friends or do you participate as a solo artist?

I started Fun-A-Day with class students and friends from OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute). Once COVID hit, we dispersed in class activities and most of these folks dropped out. This year, I do not think many are participating.

Where can people see more of your work?

At present, my only site for most of my work is on Facebook (mllhjustmyart) and under MaryLouArtmaker. I do not yet have a website but need to construct one someday. I will need help with this, however. No present shows are in the immediate future.

2021 Artist Interview - Sean McGonegal

Added on March 14, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our fourth interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist and avid cyclist Sean McGonegal about his flower still life drawings, the Urban Bike Project, and coffee shops. Thanks, Sean!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found here?

I was born and raised in Bellefonte and am a lifelong Delawarean. I’ve found many opportunities here - work, recreation, creative outlets. Delaware packs a lot in a little space. I’m currently working as Program Coordinator for Urban Bike Project, a non-profit community bike shop where I enjoy supporting the Wilmington cycling community.

This is going to be your FIFTH year participating! Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?

The first was probably my favorite. I had recently started drawing again after a long break and I was really energized by the challenge of completing something each day.

Your first Delaware Fun a Day Exhibit was known as “Flower Still Life” and was the project that kicked off this amazing five year streak of consecutive exhibits you’ve participated in. When recalling your first exhibit, what was it that made you excited to try out this event and what continued to bring you back annually?

I was initially intrigued by the idea of drawing daily as a way to improve my drawing skill. After enjoying the experience so thoroughly, I was definitely looking forward to doing it again. The biggest challenge for me is finding the time each day, but I find it very rewarding.

Please describe your 2021 project "Get Your Greens".

Since the coffee shop where I’ve found my drawing subjects in the past is now take out only, I’m going outside when I can to find plants and flowers for my drawings.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

Remember that it’s for fun!

We see from your Instagram account that you also have an abiding interest in bicycles and cycling. This must afford you many opportunities to meet other people and be in nature. How has this interest worked as an inspirational tool in your artwork? Can you describe some of your favorite memories from the past year?

Cycling certainly does get me out and about. My work with Urban Bike Project has introduced me to many new people and deepened my connection to the community. 2020 was an incredible year for UBP. Our Free Bike and Compensated Usage programs helped a record number of Delawareans in need of reliable, affordable transportation and continues to help those riders keep their bikes safe and functional. We provided affordable bike repairs when local shops were overwhelmed by demand and hamstrung by new parts shortages. We also saw a 300% increase in sales of refurbished bikes to fund our programs. Being able to work through the pandemic and provide support for so many residents of the city I call home is by far my favorite memory of 2020.

DEFAD 2021 will be the first time the exhibit will be fully displayed virtually. As an artist participating in the event this year, what do you have to change when it comes to creating your exhibit (art style, delivery, medium, emotions, etc.)

I haven’t really had to change much, other than going out to find my subjects.

Your 2020 Delaware Fun a Day project was titled “Coffee Shop Sketches”. As a fun question, can you tell us what your overall favorite coffee and coffee shop is and how these elements fused together to inspire last year’s project?

I’m an espresso devotee, and BrewHaHa in Trolley Square has been my go to cafe since I moved into the city. They had lovely flower decorations and fresh flower arrangements that were frequently changing so there was always something new to draw. The atmosphere there was perfect for relaxing and creating.

Where can people see more of your work?

I’ve posted some work on my Instagram account, @mcgone while participating in other drawing challenges.

2021 Artist Interview - Chris Enty

Added on March 14, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our third interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to artist Chris Enty about his DART transportation inspired portrait drawings, interacting with art subjects, public transportation, and managing time to create. Thanks, Chris!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found here?

I moved to Wilmington near the end of the Summer in 2018. I’m originally from Reisterstown MD. A small town outside of Baltimore. Before that I lived in the West Philadelphia/University City area. I really enjoy the size of Wilmington. With such a small city it didn't take long for me to become a part of the Artist community here.

This is going to be your THIRD year participating! Can you tell us a favorite memory that you’ve experienced throughout your DEFAD career?

I think the best experience is seeing the results of everyone's hard work. With no limitations on medium, It's always so interesting to see what people come up with. It's also really cool to see how much projects change/improve from Day 1-28(31).

Please describe your 2021 project "DARTLIFE PT3".

When I first moved to Delaware I got a job at Jerry’s Artarama in Newark. I live in Trolley Square, so my commute to work was about an hour plus. For nearly that entire hour I would sit on the bus and draw people during my commute. Leaving me with a sketchbook full of quick portraits and silly cartoons about my experiences on the bus. DARTLIFE the title started out as a hashtag. A way to group all my commute related artwork. It evolved into a way for me to fuse my cartooning and Portraits. DARTLIFE PT3 is simply the third version of this style. Every year I learn new things that change my drawing style. You may see some of the same portraits from part one or two drawn in a completely different way.

As a well-seasoned Delaware Fun-A-Day participant, what advice can you give our newcomers? Is there any piece of advice that you believe would be a top priority for rookies to take a hold of?

I would say the hardest thing for me would be time management. Draw a little bit each day. Work on multiple pieces at a time. This will keep you from having to make that long sprint to the finish line near the end of the month. I usually start drawing another portrait while my ink is drying.

What initially sparked the interest in creating a series of art through your daily travels on your DART public transportation routes?

I’ve been drawing on public transportation since I was a kid. I drew people on my commute when I lived in Philly. I used to label those portraits “SEPT-US.” I’m pretty sure there’s still a few on my Instagram profile. I have boxes and boxes of sketchbooks. I’ve always admired how classic painters would create these amazing paintings or studies from their own work. I guess this was my attempt at imitating those guys. Like I mentioned before I also wanted to find a way to merge the different styles of art I create. It’s so cool to see how different my portraits look each year.

Earth Day will be here on April 22nd. Do you think that more Delawareans in particular should consider public transportation so that as a collective we leave less of an ecologically damaging footprint on the state?

Before Covid Yes. Now not so much...You can't pay me to ride the bus now.

We follow you on your Instagram @CNTBg2. The different perspectives and angles you get of other travelers feels very candid. Are your subjects ever aware of your drawing them? Have you ever had an interaction with someone while drawing them? Tell us about your favorite or least favorite experience.

I think there's a certain rhythm you get when you draw people candidly. It comes from having to work fast. When people pose they tend to be sort of stiff. I The drawing does not flow as much. This is not to say I don't enjoy working with models. A great model can mimic that rhythm but it's still not the same. You may only get 10 seconds to draw a person on the bus. You have to be extremely fast. After 30 plus years I would say I'm getting there. I’ve never even thought of asking for permission. Naturally I've had both good and bad experiences. I would say my most memorable experience was in Baltimore when I was a kid, I had a guy come up to me and ask if I worked for the police. Which was completely ridiculous cause I was about eleven at the time.

Do you feel more inspired by people watching or more inspired by the anonymity that drawing in a public setting gives you as an artist?

Honestly I never really thought about it. It just started as a way to pass the time. Then it became a sort of nervous habit. It's just something I do. Whether people watch or not doesn't really matter. I'm going to draw either way. It didn't really become a thing until I got really fast. I guess drawing a portrait in under a minute is sort of impressive. I’m more inspired by an interesting nose or hairstyle.

The DART public transportation system hasn’t always been given praise or love, but so many Delawareans rely on it to get to where they need to go. As a regular DART user, talk to us about how it has become this amazing source of inspiration for your Delaware Fun-A-Day projects.

You meet so many people on the bus from all different walks of life. You hear so many things. I don't ride the bus anymore, but I definitely miss meeting and drawing interesting people.

Do you exhibit in other shows or participate in other events throughout the year?

I usually do Talleyville’s Big Little Art Show. I believe it got cancelled this year. That’s another fun show with a smaller format. I definitely recommend that show. Met a lot of cool people there. I have another show in the works but no solid dates yet.

Where can people see more of your work or connect with you?

You can check me out or contact me on my Instagram. It's also where I put daily sketches and snippets. I usually rotate the images often so it stays fresh. Check out my blog enty123.blogspot.com for older and more finished stuff like comics and longer drawings.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Time is the only thing you can't get back. Don't apologize for being you. Spread Love. Make Art. Be Awesome. Wear a Mask. Wash your Hands.

2021 Artist Interview - Laxmi Verma

Added on March 7, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our second interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to India born and now Delaware-based artisan Laxmi Verma about polymer clay, social media, cultural influences, color, and recycling. Thanks, Laxmi!

In December of 2015 you moved from India to the USA with your husband. You’ve also participated in Delaware Fun-A-Day every year since 2017 making this your FIFTH year participating with us! Is Delaware Fun-A-Day one of the first art projects / exhibits that you put your work into since coming to the USA? Tell us about your initial reaction to the show.

Yes, one of the initial ones. I participated in a couple of exhibitions before that like Art league, Houston and San Francisco School of Needlework & Design.

2017 is the year when I first participated in DFAD. It was the year when we moved back to the east coast from Texas. I used to religiously follow all the local art institutions and events, that's how I got to know about DFAD.

So it was to my delight, that I can participate in a physical art event wherein I can see other amazing local artists and be a part of the local art scene. The best part was that it was free (still is :)) and easy to enter for any age or skill group. I procrastinate, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to work on a project, based on the deadline and will have a collection at the end of the month.

You share a lot about your culture on your Instagram @hornpleasestudio and how it influences your work and your brand. Can you tell us more about this and elaborate for the readers of this interview?

I was born and brought up in India. India as a country is culturally very rich and colorful. My culture has moulded me into the artist, I am today. My brand name HORN PLEASE is derived from a regional artform called the Truck art. My design sensibilities and the wide palette of bright colours is very synonymous to Indian culture as well.

I belong to a community of jewelers who are involved in the making of traditional jewelry. Since childhood I have seen my father and my uncles flourishing in the jewelry business. I still remember those seldom visits to my father’s workplace. Such busy ambiance, congested lanes, metallic sound and chaos all over the place, such activities shaped my identity.

I have lived, studied and worked in various parts of India hence imbibed different subcultures that has definitely added to my understanding of cultural connotations and elements of folk art.

It’s obvious that you’ve put quality time not only into your artistry but into your social media presence as well. Your social media is eye-catching, engaging, organized, and updated regularly. So many artists are creating great work but they’re struggling to take the time to market themselves and their creations. Do you have any tips you’d like to share with other participants when it comes to representing yourself as an artist online?

In this day and age where everything is visually available. It is important for people from a creative background to adapt to thrive. Since our medium is so visual it is important that we pay equal importance to market or share our ideas or our work.

The key is Consistency, do not fall in the game of numbers but the quality of followers which will turn into your raving fans over time and a huge source of encouragement.

I like to document processes and try to share behind the scene in bits and pieces with my audience to keep them engaged. I also taught myself to be better at many other things like managing social media, content creation, aspects of photography, editing pictures and to be consistent in my work and in my online presence.

You’ve described the various artistic mediums that you’ve tried your hand at including watercolor, gouache, embroidery, pattern making, and illustrations - but you’ve finally found your calling working with polymer clay as a textile designer. What can you tell us about the medium and how do you know you’ve finally found your calling as an artist?

I am a very distracted soul as an artist, I like to try my hands on any new skill or medium that interests me. And I am sure Polymer clay will not be the last, lol. But I stayed interested in the medium, consistently for a good span of time without getting bored or lacking ideas. I love how diverse this medium is, how sturdy the final product is.

As a textile designer I have this innate need to create surfaces. And Polymer Clay has proved a great medium to help me transport my ideas into a tangible surface. And the best part is I can do it all myself, from the conceptualisation phase to the final product stage.

As an artist I don't like to limit myself, so for this year's DFAD, I have challenged myself to create earrings using textile bits. So my product will be the same but my medium will be different.

How important do you think reusing and recycling materials is for artists? What creative ways have you found to use old materials in new projects?

It's a great question, I believe that it's important for artists to be environmentally conscious. One of the biggest reasons why I want to find a more sustainable medium than polymer clay since Polymer clay is a form of vinyl.

I started venturing into leftover textile bits which I source from various means like from the scrap pieces from past projects or from my local seamstress/ tailor. From discarded clothes or home decor textiles, rubber gloves etc.

I don’t use the ideology of recycling just in my work but also in my day today life. Like repurposing old furniture that I usually spot Online or in flea markets. Making rag dolls from old clothes etc.

I would say being environmentally responsible is not just a practise but a way of life.

Your work is so vibrant and colorful and you seem to use the whole rainbow as your palette, but, in your opinion - what is the most powerful and impactful color that you use? Does it have any other significance in your life or culture?

In the words of Keith Smith, internationally recognized color expert- “The symbolism of color stands out and controls every aspect of life in India, be it religion, politics, festivals, or celebrations”.

I feel so blessed when people recognise me for my colors because colors definitely have a very strong effect on me, not just workwise but psychologically too.

Even my living space, the way I dress, my workspace, my brand image has a burst of color and Indian traditional touch in some or the other way.

In my culture, spices are of great importance and one of those spices is TURMERIC. It is not just a spice but is of medicinal importance as well.

Yellow symbolizes sanctity and is an essential herbal ingredient applied on the body and face by women in the subcontinent. It is also a traditional colouring agent as well.

I strongly relate to the color YELLOW, I believe it rejuvenates me and nurtures my soul just like a strong beam of sunlight. It is refreshing and stands out boldly to register its presence.

Congratulations on your honorable mention in the Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition this year for your work ‘Saga of Krishna’ in the Adult Intermediate category. Your work is stunning and the time you took to create this intricate work was inspiring. Please tell us about Krishna and the meaning behind this work.

Thank you so much for taking the time out to reflect on different aspects of my life. I am over the moon for being recognised for my work and I feel so grateful to be able to create something as divine.

It definitely took me a great deal of patience and time to complete the painting. But it is all worth it, in the end. Its divine presence brings so much positivity around my house.

Presently, the painting is on display at the winners exhibition at The Delaware State University until 17th of March 21’.

My Painting depicts Lord Krishna with Gopis and holy cows. Krishna is one of the most widely revered Indian divinities, worshipped as the eighth incarnation (avatar, or avatara) of the Hindu god Vishnu.

The cowherd Krishna became renowned as a lover, the sound of his flute prompting the gopis (wives and daughters of the cowherds) to leave their homes to dance ecstatically with him in the moonlight.

The style of painting I have used is called Pichwai, it originated over 400 years ago, in Rajasthan, India. Traditionally pichwai paintings were made on cloth to depict tales from Lord Krishna's life.

The word Pichwai comes from 'pichh' meaning back, and 'wai', meaning textile hanging.

Originally, pichwai paintings were used to decorate the temple and hung behind the deity to celebrate different seasons, festivals and events in Lord Krishna's life. And also to educate the illiterate.

We greatly admire your dedication to your craft. As a working full-time artist, wife, and mother to a young daughter how do you find ways to make the time commitment for projects like Delaware Fun-A-Day? Do you have any practical advice for other full-time creators who may have other full-time responsibilities like parenting?

Thank you! Believe me I don’t have my act together like other busy mummas and artists with day jobs. I am passionate about my work and I love to create so I make sure to find time for myself to maintain my sanity.

Raising a kid is a full time job in itself so I have great respect for mummas who try to juggle between work, their passion and their families.

My craft is my holy grail so I try to cover everything else before dinner and after my husband takes my kid to bed. I get a couple of hours in a stretch and it may spill over to the wee hours of the night. But if i am in that zone i will go ahead with it. So we have to put ourselves in our own priority list.

But the cooperation from the spouse or family members are equally important.

Are you part of any arts organizations in the state of Delaware?

So I started my journey in the USA with The Delaware contemporary as an Education intern in 2016. And then moved to Texas for a couple of years until I moved back to the east coast in 2017. And then I had my daughter in 2018 so I have been her full time caregiver since then. Early last year, I started venturing into having my own side hustle HORN PLEASE STUDIO.

I have had my holiday market in 2020 with the center for the creative Arts.

I have few options and offers with some local art centers and museums and I am looking into pursuing that as soon as the summer/ Fall of 2021.

As a veteran Fun-A-Day participant who has participated in four of our physical art shows - how do you feel about the virtual format for this year? What do you think will be the positives and negatives for this year?

Well, I am very excited this year since I have travel plans and the best part is that I don’t have to be physically available to participate in the final show. So I can create irrespective of location and time zones and can still continue my journey with DFAD.

So people can now participate from any part of the world and we will have the opportunity to witness a more diverse plethora of artists.

One thing I would miss is to interact with people and indulge in interesting conversation with other artists. It feels so overwhelming to be the part of the opening reception, entertain the audience queries, their feedback and their appreciation.

Lastly, where can people see more of your work?

I can be found on instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/hornpleasestudio/

People can also see my early work at:
https://www.behance.net/lcki

Anything else you’d like to share?

Lastly, I like to share my future endeavour, wherein I envision being a teaching artist and in the process share about my culture and its craft. And I would continue to explore my jewelry making techniques and materials and grow my hustle into a full time business.

2021 Artist Interview - Sharon Brubaker

Added on March 7, 2021 by Meredith S. K. Boas.

For our first interview of the 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day, we talk to Maryland author and mixed media artist Sharon Brubaker about seaglass, concretions, books, the Green Man series, and Celtic inspirations. Thanks, Sharon!

We like to know how people are connected to Delaware Fun a Day - are you a resident, born and raised? What opportunities have you found being in the exhibit?

I am not a Delaware resident but have worked in Delaware for over thirty years. Being part of Delaware Fun-a-Day has permitted a tribe of creatives from the tri-state area to come together to celebrate creativity and fun.

For those folks not familiar with neighboring Cecil County (in Maryland directly next to New Castle County, Delaware), would you like to tell them a little about the area and how it served as the backdrop for your Green Man Series of novels? Do you have any ‘travel’ tips you can give folks who want to ‘explore’ the area?

When I was looking for a home, I fell head over heels in love with Cecil County, Maryland. In tootling around, discovering the area, I stumbled on the location I dreamed of for the Green Man series setting along the shores of the Northern Chesapeake. Many local spots are featured in the book series. I have a fantastic map of each book created by the talented Meredith Boas! After a conversation about my passion for visiting the settings of various books, Meredith said she could create a map for my books. I was thrilled!

The maps are included in the books for sale at The Palette and the Page in Elkton, Maryland, and at Kathy’s Corner in North East, Maryland, or by contacting me at sharon@sharon-brubaker.com. When you read the book, you can visit several settings using the map and referring to small portions of text in the book. It’s so much fun to have dinner where the characters had dinner or visit where they ‘walked’ in the novels.

This is going to be your FOURTH year participating in Delaware Fun-A-Day! And while you’re an incredible local author, you’re also an artist who works in several mediums and has completed a different type of project each year. Can you describe your favorite past Fun-A-Day project?

I view Fun-a-Day as a challenge to help me learn a new skill in jewelry design or another art form. Delaware Fun-a-Day provides a structure to explore, learn, and have fun doing so. I can’t choose a favorite…yet…maybe in another ten years. This year’s project of little art dolls for the garden is definitely a stretch for me!

For your 2020 project, you created jewelry in the form of bracelets, pendants, and necklaces. You also used different materials on top of the copper, such as Inktense, Prisma Color, and Black Gesso. What can you tell us about these materials? Were they successful in getting you the outcome you hoped for?

As a jewelry artisan, I am fascinated with color on metal. Deb Karash is an artist I follow for Prismacolor on Copper, and I was fortunate to take a class with Roxan O’Brien, who uses a similar technique. Although I love using Prismacolor pencils on metal, I wanted to experiment with Derwent’s Inktense pencils. They are an amazing medium that can be used to dye the material you are working on, but they can also be used well in layering, like in a watercolor painting. Exploring using these mediums was challenging and fun. I have incorporated sea glass in the majority of designs that I cull from Chesapeake area beaches.

You’re an avid sea glasser, and you regularly search for and find beautiful sea glass in the Chesapeake Bay. You also incorporate this sea glass into your jewelry work. Can you give us any tips on searching for sea glass? Or are you just really lucky?!

I wish I was lucky at finding sea glass! It’s definitely a treasure hunt. Our glass on the Northern Chesapeake is relatively young. It takes 20-50 years or more to get a well sanded ‘gem’ of sea glass. Tips? Go at low tide, be persistent, explore many areas. The Chesapeake Bay has hundreds of miles of coves and coastlines to explore. When you get a chance, (post-COVID) visit sea glass festivals in the area to speak with the experts. There are a multitude of sea glass groups around the world on social media.

Tell us about your latest novel in progress, ‘Tides of Blue’ and how sea glass served as your main inspiration and focal point for the story.

Each shard of sea glass is a story. It came from somewhere. It belonged to someone. Somehow, it ended up on the beach where you found it. What if you could trace back the shard to the original vessel? What story or stories does it hold? That was my impetus for the sea glass once I picked up a piece of coveted cobalt blue. I wondered where it came from. I traced it to a type of poison bottle from the 19th century.

My imagination went crazy. What if someone had been poisoned by the contents of the bottle and the bottle thrown into the bay? What happened when it broke up? Who picked up the shards? What was their story? I used my curiosity and imagination to come up with a tale of sea glass shards and their stories.

Less known than sea glass are the mysterious tube concretions that you find in the bay. What would you like to share about these naturally formed objects, and how have you used them in your works?

Ahh…tubular concretions! They are a really, really cool rock formation that I find on a nearby beach. My good friend collects them and gifts me pieces that are appropriate for jewelry. The rock tubes, spheres, and bowl-shaped pieces on the Chesapeake Bay date back to the late Cretaceous era. So… these rocks were being formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth! I use them to create edgy, organic pieces of jewelry.

As an independent author and novelist, you also maintain a blog as a place for research, thoughts, and discussion with readers. While generally focused on the Green Man figure from ancient folklore who inspires your novels, you also regularly talk about other areas of interest such as Celtic cultures, sea glass, selkies, spirituality, and of course, writing. Tell us more about your blog and how folks can connect with you and stay up to date about your various writing projects and novels in progress.

My blog can be found on my website at www.sharon-brubaker.com. I began the blog as a repository of information about the Green Man. The more I researched, the more I learned that he was a universal archetype. It helped, too, when people asked me questions about the Green Man. Since I have always been fascinated with myth, folklore, and archetypal figures, my interests spill over to the blog and my writing. The blog directly links with projects that I am working on and a place for me to revisit for my research. The blog also provides information for readers and aficionados of the Green Man for brief articles and information.

In the Green Man book series, what is it about the Green Man in particular that draws you in? And since the Green Man appears in different forms throughout the seasons - do you think he’ll inspire your 2021 Delaware Fun-A-Day project ‘Signs of Spring’?

I have been fascinated by the Green Man since dreaming about him as an adolescent. I learned that he was a ‘real’ figure/archetype in my twenties and sought any and all information on him since that time. I knew long ago that he would be a character in some sort of novel. The Green Man represents birth, death, and rebirth in many cultures. Yes, I think he’ll be influencing me as Spring begins to burgeon this month.

March 20th is the first day of Spring - so we have to know - what are you planning to plant in your garden this season? AND if you could be any flower - what flower do you think you’d be?

Well…I am a plant-a-holic. I love playing in the dirt and creating gardens. This year I am focusing on a woodland garden area and the border to a labyrinth built with my son and a dear friend. I’m seeking to create a collection of Hellebores (Lenten Roses), Brunnera, fern, and to naturalize with snowdrops in the fall. I’ve been looking at tea plants – Camellia sinensis. Luck with growing them in this area is on the sketchy side. We’ll see. I am also looking out for brightly colored annuals and perennials for a small garden that I share with a neighbor. I will have vegetables and herbs in containers due to the huge deer population in the area. March is the time to plant cold-weather crops such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, turnips, and radishes. Homegrown salad will feature at my house in late April and early May.

If I could be a flower, hmm, that is a tough one. I have a long-standing love affair with herbs. Rosemary and Lavender are two of my favorites. I am also in love with hellebores. They bloom in late winter and hold their flowers until summer. I love the stages of the floral growth in this evergreen plant.

Lastly, where can people see more of your work?

Go to my website – www.sharon-brubaker.com for more information. Locally, my books are available at The Palette and the Page in Elkton, Maryland, and Kathy’s Corner Gifts in North East, Maryland. They are also available at amazon.com