An Interview with Me... Penny Cheng of Jewelry by Saniki Creations

Taking a break from featuring my fellow artists, I thought I would do something a little different today and interview myself so you can get to know me a little better.

So today I would like you to meet Me... Penny Cheng of Jewelry by Saniki Creations, a Member of The Artisan Group, Artists in the Boro and Self Representing Artist-Jewelry Designer.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
As far as I remember, I've always loved arts and crafts. I loved being creative but I was never able to put what I had in my head out into a medium for others to see.  I tend to get bored fairly quickly so my little runs with writing, painting, drawing, knitting never lasted for very long let alone nice enough to show off to others.

"Midnight Flight"

I started making jewelry by chance. My first intentions was only to fix the jewelry my daughters had purchased from those mall outlet stores where you can buy ten earrings for $5.00.  Really cheap quality  worthy of dollar store junk jewelry.  After a fixing a few earrings, necklaces and bracelets, I started to put my own spin on them, adding extra charms or beads or deconstructing it entirely to make something new. I found it rather fun and relaxing so I started taking apart any jewelry items I can find and remade them.  Then one day I wandered into a craft store and saw the jewelry making aisle and I was in heaven.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
I made a few pieces for myself and my daughters in the past, but I would say the first piece I made would have been for my Nana (from my Hubby's side).  It was a beaded necklace with different Swarovski Crystals representing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Back then I thought it was the most beautiful thing I've ever made.. but now that I think about it.. I could have done a lot better.  I actually got a picture of it, my photo taking skills were just as amateur back then too as you can see from the picture below.

Nana's Necklace, Christmas 2008

I have since made Nana another necklace, a Chainmaille one made with Jeweler's Brass and Amethyst Swarovski Crystals.  She still wears this at all the family functions.

Nana's Necklace, Christmas 2010

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
I've heard about how other artists have a creative process.  I honestly don't really have a set plan/process.  Most of my ideas come to me when I'm lying down before I fall asleep.  About 75% of the time I can remember what my idea was in the morning so I work on it right away and it seems to be fine that way.  I'm terrible about writing ideas out, though I have a notebook and pen on my nightstand, I've never used it for ideas.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them. How has your work changed since you began?
I officially started my business on January 2009 doing beaded jewelry (strung pieces, wirewrapped pieces) made with Czech glass, Swarovski crystals, and semiprecious stones.

I started doing Chainmaille jewelry back in the beginning of 2010 as I needed something different to what everyone else in my area was doing.  Once I learned a few chainmaille weaves, I haven't stopped.  Now all I ever do is chainmaille and sometimes I would do a beaded piece on commission basis.  Why Chainmaille as a specialty.. I think it's my personality type. That's what I tell people. I love how metal rings put together can form such strong, intricate yet feminine pieces.  Chainmailling is addictive and soothing for me.

Papillon I

What inspires you creatively?
I think just life in general inspires me.  There's so much going on in the world that it's easy to pick something to get inspired by, if that made sense at all.  I suppose there's really no set thing that does it for me, it could be a sunny day where I'm in a good mood or lousy mood, or daydreaming about winning the lottery and planning my mega work studio.  I'm rather odd that way.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?
I think that would be finding my own niche.  Creating my own design that others haven't really thought of.  To be referred to as an Artist.

"Caught"

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?
There are so many great Artists out there.  It's hard for me to pinpoint specific people.  I've been lucky enough to get to know others and seeing their work. Out of everyone I've ever met in person or online, I always have a favorite in something they have done.

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
Besides winning the lottery?  I would say being able to get more of my work out into the world.  Possibly have my creations in boutiques would be awesome.

"Shield1" Wall Art

What do you do in your spare time?
Wow.. what is spare time?  So far it's housework. If I'm lucky, I watch a couple of television shows that's not consisting of cartoons or puppets.  Napping is always a plus for me too.

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
I do sell at craft fairs every once in a while or at home parties that friends have set up.

Through my membership with Artists in the Boro, I have had my creations on display during the BC Cultural Crawl, Queensborough Days and at the Queensborough Community Centre.  Last Christmas I was selling my Creations at the Treasure Room located at the Arts Council of New Westminster.

In June of this year I am participating at the MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge presented by GBK Productions through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I will have a display piece at the event with other artists in the group, plus 100 Chainmaille Creations will be distributed out into swag bags for the celebrities that attend the Gift Lounge.

And of course I have my Website that's been with me since the beginning. I have an open door policy, so if someone wants to come over to my place to see my creations, just give me a call and I'll have a pot of coffee ready.

Commissioned Piece

If you sell online or at physical store. How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
I wish I could spend more time on the creative side.  Unfortunately since I'm not in any retail places, I need to spend more time promoting my site.  Ideally I would love to spend 75% creating and 25% dealing with the business stuff.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Plan it out and do it.  Be open minded, learn as much as possible and network like crazy.  Get to know other people in the same business as you.  They can be your best allies in the end.  There's a lot of hard work involved and at times you would feel like you want to quit, that you are not good enough... those feelings are normal and keeps us humble.  You'll never know unless you try.

*****

Well that's my interview to myself.  Hope you all enjoyed learning more about me.  Be sure to visit my Website, follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook Page.

*****SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*****

Before I say goodbye:  Through my membership with The Artisan Group.  I will be giving a special Chainmaille Gift to actor Tom Cruise and his family (his wife, Katie Holmes and daughter, Suri Cruise)!  This gift will be sent to Mr. Cruise in a special gift bag containing other great handmade goodies from my fellow members.  More details to follow. Stay tuned!

*****

Terry Erickson - Artists in the Boro Member - Featured Artist

Using canvases and paints to tell a story, I am pleased to feature Terry Erickson, a fellow member of Artists in the Boro, New Westminster, BC.

Terry Erickson, Artist

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
With both my sisters being so much older, I was pretty much on my own with my mother. I had lots of time to use my imagination and let it take me on an amazing adventure. I got so much enjoyment out of little things like coloured paper, ribbons, coloured pins, crayons and markers. With my two sisters being artists as well as my aunt, the chances were pretty good that I’d find some creative outlet.

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?
I can’t actually remember my first piece. There were so many from a young age. I painted, I crafted, I sewed (not very well) and then I picked up pencils one summer and started sketching. I tried my hand at watercolours back then and was not very encouraged – I was terrible at it. I’m so glad that I found other mediums I was able to master.

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?
Inspiration keeps me on the path of creation. There is no subject I favour; my inspiration comes from colours or textures that evoke a response in me at the time.  When I think of starting a painting, I am inspired mostly by colour and then by subject matter.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?
Oil paint is the medium I have had the most pleasure experimenting with, although I do find myself going back to my first love, charcoal drawings from time to time. My work changes constantly -  from bright bold colours to dark and moody, from realism to abstract. Since I’ve left myself experiment with different styles, my work has achieved a freedom it lacked earlier.

"Spanish Dancer"
Oil on Canvas, 14x11

What inspires you creatively?
Colour captures my interest and triggers my imagination. Artists don’t paint what is in front of us necessarily; we paint our feelings which are created by what we are seeing. My work has become more of an essential part of my life – cheaper than therapy.

Who are some of your favorite artists and why?
Marion Rose from Chilliwack, BC.  Her work was influenced by past masters such as Joaquin Sorolla, Tom Thomson, Carl Rungius, Bob Kuhn and many others that work today in a variety of subject and media. These too are some of my favourites. Texture and rich color were her signature. She encouraged me to start my own website and bolstered my confidence in my work. Unfortunately she fell victim to cancer and passed away November of 2011 but left a legacy of just over 1,000 paintings. Her strength and character will be sorely missed.

Linda Stanway. Not a well know artist, but had more influence than any other. I was inspired to pick up a paint brush by Linda who lent me brushes, paint and canvases and together participated in night classes taught by a local Kelowna artist. She spent many hours with me experimenting with different techniques and as my work reflects, I’m still experimenting; inspired by the beautiful eye-catching scenes and many cultures that B.C. has to offer. Linda was my sister. Sadly, she passed away in 1995 from cancer.

"Lazy Afternoon"
Oil on Canvas, 8x10

Any goals for the future you would like to share?
My biggest goal is to increase the size of my studio so that I can paint larger canvases. My biggest supporter has been my husband and he made me a small studio to enable me to paint more freely and to finally “move my paints off the dining room table”, unfortunately I’ve outgrown it. He promises it will happen one day.

What do you do in your spare time?
What is spare time? Do you mean that time between painting, drawing, art shows, crafting, craft shows, baking, cooking, running a household, not to mention working full time? I think I sleep in those 4 or 5 “spare hours”.

"Figs and Flowers"
Oil on Canvas, 10x8

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?
www.terryerickson.ca


If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?
I spend about 4 hours a week on the business side and try to spend 16 – 20 hours on the creative side. I’m looking into a few other venues and sites to showcase my work.

"Intensity"Oil on Canvas, 20"x16"

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?
Take the time to do your research if you are planning on making your art your business and keep yourself informed and up to date. Check current trends in your area of art, libraries and online are great resources. Look for art groups in your area, for a great support system. Self promotion, get out there, check with local stores to see if they will carry your art, through a small event at your home, get people buzzing about you. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine, it’s often your best selling point.

Setting out can be very daunting, but if you work hard and simply be yourself, great things are bound to happen. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Always be honest , direct and professional with your clients.

Don’t be afraid to seek out advice from others in your art groups. Sometimes this will save you time and costly mistakes as they have already done a lot of the research and have the experience.

Always carry your business cards with you. Pass them out to anyone who shows the least bit of curiosity about what you do. Don't be shy -- let everyone you meet know what business you are in and how much you enjoy it. It takes a long time to market your business, so the sooner you get started, the sooner you will discover the rewards.

I believe it was Henry Ford who said, "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right." If you don't believe it or enjoy it, you can't sell it to others.

*****

Thank you so much Terry!  To view and purchase Terry's unique works, visit her online at http://www.terryerickson.ca
(all images in this feature are the property and copyright of Terry Erickson)

*****

*Artists in the Boro is an inclusive group of individual artists from all mediums who reside in the neighbourhood of Queensborough in New Westminster, BC., Canada.

Melissa Montgomery - Artists in the Boro Member - Featured Artist

Melissa Montgomery is a "Photographic Artist" and is the force behind Melissa Montgomery Photography, a fellow member of *Artists in the Boro in New Westminster, BC.  I am thrilled to feature her and her work today.

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?
I've always been creative and had my "head in the clouds" so to speak, but I found my passion in photography when I was pregnant with my first son 8 1/2 years ago. I started taking courses and classes while I was pregnant and once he was born I couldn't get enough of capturing his moments.

Do you remember the first photo you ever made?

The photo that started the idea that this was more than just a hobby was of my boy was when he was three months old, laying on the bed, gorgeous window light flowing on his skin and I knew this passion was going to lead into something more.

Melissa Montgomery, Photographer

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?

A big part of my approach is of course to capture the impromptu moments of your wedding day or family photo session, but I also like to stylize and create a vision that reflects who you are. Sometimes I use props, other accessories and remote locations to emphasize your session, other times it may be the setting and nothing is required. My unique creativity will always be a part of my photography and I strive to create dreamy and romantic fine art images.  I love to capture people, their expressions, the moment and shoot in locations that reflects who you are.  We create a scene, a vision and then let it come to life.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?

I've tried allot of different types of photography but have narrowed it down to weddings and lifestyle photography.  I love being a part of a wedding and people's lives, there is nothing more magical then capturing the love between a couple or family.  Having said that though, capturing the innocence of a newborn or the beauty in a portrait session is as equally fulfilling.   My work has changed significantly in the last two years because I breath photography.  I update my courses, take workshops, work on my technical skills, upgrade equipment and have a great way of brining out the best in people, especially when they are in front of my lens.

What inspires you creatively?
People. Everyone has a story and I want to capture it.

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?

I have been featured on numerous wedding sites last year which not only makes me excited and proud for the recognition, but makes me strive harder to accomplish more for the years to come.  Recently featured on: Wedding Bells, One Stylish Bride, Bride & Joy, La Belle Bride, Lucy Dylan Weddings, Wedding Fashion Files, Naughty Monkey (shoes), Delectable Events (cakes).

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?

I love searching the web for photographers who inspire me. Jasmine Starr, Joe Buissink, David Jay, Jinky Art just to name a few, my list really goes on for miles.  We all have something to share and I love it when others can share their knowledge on how to get better and teach others in the process. Inspirations is everywhere!

Any goals for the future you would like to share?

So many! I always have set goals in mind.  I plan to attend more hands-on workshops this year to get better at my craft.  I also attend numerous photography conventions every year.  I plan to dive deeper into the art of wedding photography and hope to continue getting recognized and featured for my work.

What do you do in your spare time?
Spare time? Lol…I have two beautiful boys and a husband that continue to inspire and support me.  If I am not with them, working or on a photo shoot though you can catch me at the gym, reading a great book, blogging or watching a romance movie. (Hey, I am wedding photographer, can you blame me! I love…love).

Where can we see your work?
Please visit my website or my blog that updated weekly at http://www.photographybymm.com

How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?

The creative side is the pre-planning, getting to know my clients, stylizing a session or a wedding, the pre-scouting of locations and ensuring I have everything in place to create the vision.  The business side is everyday.  I spend hours doing research, learning, blogging, editing, marketing and all other business related functions that you need to make your business successful.  You can take a great and beautiful photograph but if you can't market it properly you're business won't go anywhere.  I definitely spend more hours on the business end of things.  I love what I do so it really doesn't feel like work! I am so thankful for where I am today.

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?

Do it. Take the risk, take the plunge and dive into the art of what you love.  Practice, research and get involved.  There is nothing more rewarding than accomplishing what you set out to do and in the end you're doing what you love.

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.

Along with photographing your wedding day (or family session), I am also a director and creator so you can concentrate on what is important – each other and absorbing every moment. For wedding photography, I can also refer recommended vendors and offer wedding planning solutions to make your planning easier. It's all in the details! My perfectionism and outstanding organizational skills allows me to be extremely efficient on and during the planning of your beautiful day or other sessions.

Put your trust in me and allow me to create meaningful photographs that will ignite and elicit your emotions but more importantly capture the perfect visual essence of who you are.

*****

Thank you Melissa, your work is amazing.

Be sure to visit Melissa's Website for more information.  

Plus be sure to visit her Facebook Page and follow her on Twitter.

(note:  All photos in this feature are copyrighted to Melissa Montgomery)

*****

*Artists in the Boro is an inclusive group of individual artists from all mediums who reside in the neighbourhood of Queensborough in New Westminster, BC., Canada.  Next featured Artists in the Boro Member will be Terry Erickson on Wednesday, January 18th.

It's a Brand New Year-Happy 2012!

Here at Jewelry by Saniki Creations, my family and I hope you had a fabulous holiday filled with love, cheer and friendships.  Now that 2012 has arrived.  It's time to buckle down and start the year right.

Last year, there was a few changes to my Website in which now I am totally satisfied and pleased with the results now.  Because I redid it from scratch, I don't think I ever want to see another computer code or script ever again.  So rest assured there will be no more changes to the site and the new shopping platform I've implemented will be smooth and streamline for your shopping pleasure.

Design wise, I've been planning different ways to make my Chainmaille more, how would you put it, mainstream.  I think this will be a constant work-in-progress for me in the area I live in.  I love the sparkly bling bling which is still very dominate here, but do not want to classify myself as "everyone else", so I just don't create that style.  A couple of posts back I've mentioned the Tree of Life series... my pliers, the wire and stones are ready for me to start production on those.  I will also be adding more earring styles and have already added a few more finger ring designs.

I am currently toying with the idea of having my design go into a few retail boutiques and galleries.  My statement remains the same that I will not mass produce my signature pieces, so finding a suitable place that will accept only a few select one of a kind designs will probably take some time to accomplish.  I will keep you all posted as I move my little company forward.

~ FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEWS ~

As my website already has a "Latest News" module for me to conveniently update what's happening with Jewelry by Saniki Creations in relation to Promotions/Sales/New Products.  I decided to only post about super duper sales going on or really cool news about the store or me personally that needs a good shout out to the world in this blog.

But to keep you all interested in coming back, I plan on starting up my Featured Artist segment again.

I have met a lot of wonderful and talented Artists last year through The Artisan Group in which I am a member.  So I will be featuring their talents. Plus I will also be featuring my dear Artist friends at Artists in the Boro, whom I have mentioned a couple of posts back.

The first Feature is scheduled for Monday, January 9th.  Stay tuned!

Until next time, remember "Support an Artist today!"

Artists in the Boro and Me.

Wow. I never realized my last post was back in June.  I have really neglected this blog didn't I?

With the summer now over, the kids settled into school, and it's just way too cold now to play outside, I can now spend more time in front of this computer.  The past few months have been a little crazy.  I think I changed my website at least three times in search of a better web host, shopping cart format, and a template I actually will enjoy staring at, plus the cost of running the site had to be financially feasible for me.  Well  I am happy to report that there should be no more changes going on and the new site is now at full swing.  If you haven't done so already, come see what I've done, just click HERE.

I've been working on more Chainmaille ideas and started creating Wall Art/Decor/Suncatchers.  Not my usual jewelry but I thought expanding my horizons a bit and seeing where it will take me was a good idea.  So far I would say my favorite is what I call the Tree of Life Series.  They make lovely decorations and when miniaturised, lovely pendants.  For the next little while, I will be working on a few more of these with variations in the weaves, metal and types of stones.





Besides playing with new ideas and torturing myself with computer codes and scripts.  I've been busy with my membership affiliation with Artists in the Boro.  Who are they?  Formed in January of this year, they are an inclusive group of artists with diverse medium specialities living in the community of Queensborough in New Westminster, BC. (my "hood")  Together the group helps promote, educate and celebrate the talents of the individual artist through monthly meetings and participating in special events around town.  Our last event was a special fundraiser so the group can have a little capital to use for participating in special events/trade shows/craft fairs, supplies needed and things to run an organisation.  This was a wonderful turnout with door prizes, a silent auction (which were donations by our fellow artists, family, friends and business associates) and a 50/50 draw.  Each month we also showcase some wonderful artwork from different members at the Queensborough Community Centre.

The members of Artists in the Boro are truly a talented bunch and I am so thrilled to have learned a bit of something from each one of them.

To find out more about this group.  Check out their Website, follow them on Twitter, or visit their Facebook Page.

Back to my pliers and little rings.. until next time (and hopefully not to long from now), thanks for reading!