Mixed Mediums- A Unique Take on Woodworking

Tell us a bit about yourself..

I’m a local artist currently living in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland with my lovely girlfriend. I grew up in Parma until I moved to Akron where I got my bachelors degree in engineering.  Shortly after leaving Akron I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art.  My work has ranged from paintings to glass to wood craft.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I work full time as a mechanical engineer.  I also “volunteer” a lot of my time to my girlfriend’s business – Horrible Adorables.

Where do you get your creativity from?

I have no idea.  I think it just comes from my head.  :-)

What got you into the craft hobby?

I was traveling and doing a lot of work for my girlfriend when she began selling her pieces at indie craft fairs.  Since I was there anyway it seemed like a natural step to bring some of my own work to display.  After selling a few items in her booth it quickly led to us applying to shows together and splitting tents at fairs around the country.

How would you describe your creative process?

For the last few years I’ve focused on the most basic parts of a composition that are made up of lines and shapes.  I start sketching very simple line structures until I find one I like.  Then I add color and images to create a layered design.

What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced? 

I think I’m still working to make my most favorite item . . .

How did you get your business off the ground?

Indie craft fairs, Etsy (http://www.woodencoasters.etsy.com), and my girlfriend’s help and encouragement have been the main ways I’ve been able to get my work out there.

What are your goals with your business?

Right now my business is more of a part-time hobby, but my ultimate goal is to grow it enough to be self sufficient.

What do you do in your free time?

I don’t have much free time, but when I do I spend it traveling, playing tennis, gardening, checking out new restaurants and bars, and going to galleries and shows.

What's the message behind your work?

Visually Interesting

Quality Design

Craftsmanship

Check out Christopher Lee's work this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm

Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church 

5500 West 54th St. 

Parma, OH 44129. 

For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Cleveland Art- Local Artist Beth Hess

Tell Us a Bit About Yourself..

I keep very busy with my two young daughters, our family electrical business, and my artwork. 

Apart From Creating Things, What Do you Do?

I stay at home with my daughters and am very involved with them.  I also do the bookkeeping for our family electrical contracting business.

Where Do you Get Your Creativity From?

I am always inspired by nature and my surroundings.  I work mostly at night when the house is quiet.  Doing artwork just takes me to another place. 

What Got you Into the Craft Hobby?

I definitely am driven to create!  I have never had any formal training as an artist, but for years I have been making original items that have run the gamut from stained glass to handbags to paintings.  After my second child came along, I had difficulty finding the time to create and I really felt that something was missing from my life!  I purchased my first canvas and paints and fell right back in love with the creative process and haven’t stopped since.

How Would you Describe Your Creative Process?

I love the feeling of looking at a blank canvas, an empty sheet of paper, my piles of fabric, or a bare pane of glass and diving right in.  I am most inspired by my natural surroundings and love color and light.  My pieces evolve from start to finish and aren’t necessarily planned.

What is Your Most Favorite Item That you Have Ever Produced?

The first couple of pieces I did after the birth of my second child when I really got back into creating are the most meaningful pieces I have produced.   I incorporated fabric (something I was very comfortable with) and painting (something new for me at the time) onto a couple of canvases.  I think these items are my personal favorites because they really fueled my creativity and motivated me to always be trying something new.

How Did you Get Your Business Off the Ground?

I am just starting my business and am taking a grassroots approach.  I opened up an etsy shop and am promoting it with facebook and conventional networking.

What are Your Goals with Your Business?

To do what I love doing and be profitable.

What Do you Do in Your Free Time?

I love to read, garden, listen to music, and spend time with my family.

What's the Message Behind your Work?

I don’t know that I have a specific message behind my work, but I know that I really try and see the beauty in my surroundings and that being creative and making things with my hands really helps me to express myself and to be a better person.

Check Beth and Cleveland Art out this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church at 5500 West 54th St. Parma, OH 44129. Show time runs from 10:00am-5:00pm. This eclectic show will feature 65 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Becki Cooper, Event Coordinator at info@avantgardeshows.com.

Twitter: @AvantGardeShows

Facebook: Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows