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Instagram: @corriebethmakes Website: www.corriebeth.com
1. What's your story? Where are you from?I grew up in a small town in the state of Mississippi. Now I live in Brooklyn, NY, there are more people living in the 4 blocks around me, than the population of my entire home town! But, I am at home here now and I love it. I started making paper plants because I wanted a fiddle leaf fig for my living room, but my living room is far from the window, so a real one wouldn’t survive. I crafted a version with dowel rods for the trunk and paper for the leaves. After that I couldn’t stop! I’ve been making paper plants for a few years now and I have a tutorial book coming out in September!
2. Tell us about your aesthetic.I’m interested in patterns found in nature, I love to closely examine a leaf to scrutinize it’s ornamentation. I love color! All color! I don’t discriminate! I am particularly taken with the pink and the subtle in shades of green found in nature in leaves and foliage. I am endlessly inspired by plants, and I believe one can never have too many, real or paper!3. What is your favourite medium and why?Right now, paper! I love how versatile it is, and I believe you can make anything with it! I also love how ubiquitous and unpretentious it is, and how even newspaper can become anew with a little bit of elbow grease and ingenuity. Previously, I was a painter and sculptor, I’d make art out of fabric.4. What is your artistic process like?I spend a lot of time at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it’s just a few blocks from my apartment. I love to wander the garden to find a new plant that inspires me. I take a lot of photos to reference when I am back in my studio. I typically make a few single leaf samples, adjusting the color or shape until I am happy with the results. I use various papers and glues, markers, paints, and colored pencils. I’ll mix the techniques until I achieve what most closely resembles the real plant. I make multiples to create vines and sprigs and ultimately a full plant.5. Who and/or what inspires your work?Mother Nature! Also, I am constantly inspired by my fellow artists I am able to keep up with on Instagram! I respect and appreciate all mediums and styles and am inspired by anyone who is dedicated to her craft! I love to see what printmakers, embroiders, illustrator and interior designers are doing.6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?Art fuels and heals me. I can’t imagine a life without it. I like to think I am a creative thinker and hope that translates into all aspects of my life. I try to keep an open mind always and to find the beauty in every situation.
7. Where did you study?I studied painting and photography at Memphis College of Art in Tennessee.8. Where do you see yourself in five years?Making, traveling, enjoying life!9. What about in ten?The same, although, in ten years I hope to have a house with a yard so I can have a garden! And a dog!10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?I am always hoping just to keep learning and trying something new. Perhaps, after I tire of paper plants, I will move on to ceramics! I am fulfilled by the act of making, I enjoy the process!
11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?I’m vegan and I have been for 20 years. So, vegan food! I like to eat healthy and with a conscience. I am particularly fond of collard greens!12. Favourite book?It is too difficult to choose just one! But, I will tell you the one that has helped me a lot in the last few years: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert! I have it as an audiobook and I often listen to it as I am working.13. Favourite genre of music?I love classic old-time country music! If you’re unfamiliar, start with the Carter Family!14. What are your hobbies?I play guitar and sing with friends. I also love hiking and traveling!15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?A musician!    Comments are closed.
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