Where Do Artists Make Art in Beaverton?

“I share my studio with my mother and fellow artist Peg Falconer. It is also home to dog bed for our lab Sally, and you can often find little prints across the paper from cat Thomas. (Visitors may enjoy a waggy hello from Sally, but unlikely to see any signs of the cat.),” says Emma Weber.

See where artists make art in your neighborhood during Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 17 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 artists will be opening their studio doors for you.  And it’s FREE.

Linda Gerrard, glass artist describes her studio, “Both my studio and display area are in my daylight basement.  This allows me to spend time in my studio any time the desire to create hits me.”

“I'm fortunate to have a large room with lots of windows and French doors that open on to the deck outside. It is full of yarns, looms, and all the things that help inspire me. Some might call it cluttered; I call it having my favorite things around. There are yarns of all sorts and colors, of course, but art glass, quilts, framed reverse applique fabric pieces, stained glass, music, and sometimes one or two cats depending on where they have chosen to sleep,” says weaver, Peg Silloway.    

Inside or outside, upstairs or down, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm. Artist studios to visit in Beaverton are: Peg Falconer, book arts; Linda Gerrard, fused glass; Terry Grant, fiber; Peg Sillowary, weaving; Emma Weber, photography. 

Free tour map and artist information is on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

What inspires artists in Beaverton?

“Like many artists I usually have more ideas than time, so I have to narrow it down at the start by deciding what I want to weave and which yarns to use. Then the fun begins - choosing the yarns,” says weaver, Peg Silloway.

Glass artist, Linda Gerrard says, “My ideas for glass designs come from the beauty of nature that surrounds us all, our travels and my husband’s photography. Working with glass is very different than working with paint or photography, so your finished piece of glass art will always look quite different than your inspiration.”

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

“As a primarily nature-inspired artist, the ease of stepping out your door and finding farmlands, mountains, forests, beaches, and wildlife that one has living in Washington County is an important muse for my work. I also require at least one cup of tea while making art, especially in the morning (which is the best time to work),” says Emma Weber.

There's so much to see!  And all for FREE!   So make your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

Meet the Artist: Emma Weber.

How does an artist get started making art?  Where do they get their inspiration?  What kind of weird things do they use to make art?  And where do they create?

Get the answers and see inside all 41 artists’ studios during the 2015 Washington County Open Studios tour October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm.

Here’s a quick interview with one of this year’s new artists, Emma Weber

What is unique and inspiring about your studio set up?  

“My studio is always a mess. It is the one room in my house that never is fully cleaned. Having everything splayed out, in stacks and piles may look chaotic but it reminds me of all the projects I’m working on, and what I have at my disposal. On the walls you'll see scraps of projects and plenty of inspirations.

I share my studio with my mother and fellow artist Peg Falconer. It is also home to dog bed for our lab Sally, and you can often find little prints across the paper from cat Thomas. (Visitors may enjoy a waggy hello from Sally, but unlikely to see any signs of the cat.)

The studio window overlooks the back garden area, and if you need extra room, a supplemental “studio” can be used (it’s the dining room table).”

When you begin your work, what inspires you and/or gets you going?  

“As a primarily nature-inspired artist, the ease of stepping out your door and finding farmlands, mountains, forests, beaches, and wildlife that one has living in Washington County is an important muse for my work. I also require at least one cup of tea while making art, especially in the morning (which is the best time to work).”

How did you find your way to art? 

“Peg, my mother, is also the founder of the Washington County Open Studio Tours, and daughter of David Falconer.  Both my grandmother and grandfather were artistic and creative people.  David Falconer, my grandfather was a past tour participant and photographer.  After his passing last year and to honor his memory, the Falconer Education Fund was established.  As art clearly runs along that family line, it is no wonder I turned out as well.”

What weird, different material or technique do you use and does that inspires you?

“I like to work in a lot of different mediums as I get bored easily—guests will be able to view photography, print media (etching & letterpress), book arts, calligraphy, poetry, paintings & jewelry (made from my photographs).

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing …what part of your process? 

“I’m not sure what sorts I’ll be working on that weekend as there are too many projects to organize so neatly. Perhaps I will be making soft leather journals—but we’ll see!”

Meet Emma and all the other 40 artists October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm during the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

What Inspires the Art in our Artists?

Creating art is a mysterious process even to artists.  No matter whether it’s clay, painting, mosaics or drawing, how artists find their way to making art is a unique and individual path.

Here, a few of our 2015 tour artists talk about what inspires their work.

For some artists, the materials they use spark their art.

Angel Neiwert

“I love the process of transforming the clay into hand-coiled and slab-built sculptures as well as throwing on the wheel,” says Angela Neiwert, clay artist.  “ I am always in awe regarding the versatility of clay and its endless possibilities continually excite me and challenge me as an artist.”

Helvi Smith

Painter, Helvi Smith says, “I LOVE a blank canvas.  I may or may not have an idea when I set a canvas on my work table - but it does not stay blank for long.   I use squeeze bottles filled with acrylic house paint to put paint on canvas.  Or brushes.  Or fingers.  Or spatulas.    I am fortunate that I never have "Painters Block."   I love to paint and ideas flow as easily as the paint for me.”  

For others, inspiration comes from natural life and, sometimes death.

 

Emma Weber

For Emma Weber, it’s where she lives, in Washington County.  “As a primarily nature-inspired artist, the ease of stepping out your door and finding farmlands, mountains, forests, beaches, and wildlife that one has living in Washington County is an important muse for my work.”

 

Lynn Adamo

Lynn Adamo, mosaic artist, says “My initial inspiration comes from the natural world and decay of the man-made built world. I take photos of things that interest me wherever I go, and keep these ideas in mind when it comes to starting new piece.”