Folk Art Fun with Audrey Eclectic

Here at Dunhaven Place, we love the artistry of Audrey Eclectic. I first encountered her work on the blog of a friend and I was instantly smitten. When I decided to open my little store, I knew I had to have some of her work so I perused her website and fell in love with these wonderful Belle Marie plates--only they were in black and white. She kindly agreed to give them some color, making us the exclusive retailer of Belle Marie plates and matching mugs in these lovely pastel hues. Recently I asked, Heather, the talent behind Audrey Eclectic if she would consent to be interviewed for this blog and again, she very kindly consented.

How did you get started with your painting?

My little art business, Audrey Eclectic, started in the fall of 2007. Nov.1 was my first day free from my job as an assistant editor at a small town newspaper and I planned to stay home and care for our daughter, Audrey, who was about 8 months old at the time. Of course it didnt take long for me to feel like I needed to 'do' something after being a 9-5er for the past few years, and I was sort of sick to death of dishes and laundry ;) so i took up painting, something that I loved to do in my spare moments, while my daughter napped or slept at night.

At first it was purely for my own entertainment, but later I opened an etsy shop. And when I did, I needed a business name. Taking inspiration from my little Audrey, I called it 'Audrey Eclectic.' A few months later I signed up to do a little local craft show and ended up winning their gallery exhibit there which lead to me getting a solo showing at a local coffee shop. It seemed like every little step led to something else and another opportunity and possibility. Today I do several well-loved shows around the area, have done several group and solo gallery exhibits and have been published in magazines such as Somerset Studio, Prims, Somerset Home and the book Sharing Stitches by Chrissie Grace.

I just love painting and drawing, and it is just so wonderful and amazing that the things that I love and that inspire me also speak to others. I love when my art is treasured and finds its forever home, or becomes the perfect gift for someone's dear friend, mother, daughter, husband, etc. I love having that connection with people through my creations, and its often the start of great friendships.

(Custom painting Heather did of Ginny Delacourt, the heroine of my Jane Austen-era romantic comedies published by Avalon books--I was thrilled!)

Tell us about the darling dishes you paint:

I started my line of handpainted dishes this spring when I began experimenting with ceramic paints and I have been so blown away by the response. Each piece I make is hand crafted and one of a kind, there's always some little something that makes each piece unique. The dishes lend themselves so well to the indulgences and decadence of days gone by, and so some of my favorite subjects to paint are Regency Era England (think Jane Austen) or Imperial France (Hello, Marie Antoinette!)

Incidentally, several of my dishes are set to appear in the upcoming issue of Somerset Home, which hits news stands nationwide on Aug. 1. I am so pleased with the feature and how well they show off the dishes.

(Made to order Regency Gent and Lady mugs Heather did as a giveaway for my most recent blog book tour---aren't they darling?)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It's my hope that each little something that I make finds a home where it is treasured and loved. No matter if its just a little something pretty to look at, or a more utilitarian piece of art, each piece is made with thought and imagination and most of all, love.

If you'd like to find out more about my art, you're welcome to visit my website www.audreyeclectic.com or my blog, which I update often, audreyeclectic.blogspot.com.

Thank you, Heather for that peek into your world. For those who would like to know more about Audrey Eclectic, be sure to check out the above websites and please come into the store to appreciate her work in person. More of it is sure to make its way into Dunhaven Place as time goes by.