Welcome to mystic arts..
I have been creating stuff since I can remember, with my 1st showing in the children's section of the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts at the age of 6! I have been sewing since my mother taught me in the 6th grade...throughout my teens I made much of my own clothing, and then created my first purses using my grandmother's crocheted and tatted runners and doilies. These early efforts have been reborn in my company, mystic arts....named for the "infamous" Mystic Arts World shop that graced downtown Laguna Beach in the late 1960's, the hub of the youth culture in town and Orange County.
In 1979, after marriage, 3 kids, and divorce, I returned to school and earned an AA in Graphic Design, then worked in the field for 10 years. I then switched gears and went into sales, as I also helped my 2nd husband with his comic book work, lettering, coloring and doing design for his company. After the breakup of that marriage and refocusing entirely on sales, I was soon feeling the void left by doing nothing creative. So, about 10 years ago, I bought a new sewing machine and began mystic arts.
In my work I attempt to combine the aesthetics of earlier cultures and times with today's practical needs. Utilitarian items are decorated for the enjoyment of the owner. Most pieces are partially or completely made of reclaimed and found items...upholstery remnants, designer sample swatches, old clothing, linens, jewelry, buttons and trims...combined with new fabrics, threads, cords and beads. Some pieces feature fabrics given to me by friends, picked up in their travels to India, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. Each piece is unique, no 2 ever made alike, even though some themes and designs are in continuous use.
My work is limited, not mass produced, since I do it all myself, and share my time, also, with a "day job", volunteer community and political/environmental activism, and with my partner, Mike, and 5 grown children, 3 grandsons and friends....and I show every summer and holiday season at the Laguna Beach Sawdust Arts and Crafts Festival .
