How did you get into art?

I've always made things, painted things and sewed things. When I was a kid I had a big stash of craft supplies in my room and I was always creating things. I used to do a lot of origami and make cards for people. I bought my sewing machine when I was 13 with some money I got for my Bat Mitzvah. I still use the same machine - a Bernette 330.

I took art classes after school in junior high and high school and I took the few art classes they offered at Johns Hopkins, where I went to college. When my first child was born I started sewing while she napped and after she went to bed at night and things just sort of took off from there.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

Mainly from nature. I do a lot of sketching from photographs of animals. I am also inspired by folk art.

What has been your best creation to date?

I am currently working on a series of soft sculpture birds that I'm pretty excited about right now, but I tend to feel that the thing I'm currently making is the best thing I've made.

How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?

I'm not really sure about that. I do think it is hard to be taken seriously when you create soft sculpture instead of art that can hang on the walls. Many people perceive my work as toys for children. I'm trying to get away from that perception and shift toward being a fabric artist and sculptor.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

In all honesty, I'm not so much a music person. I listen to music a bit - I like Regina Spektor right now - but I'm pretty much totally out of it when it comes to pop culture.

How did you feel when you realised that art could make you some money?

Really surprised and really fortunate to be doing what I do at this moment in time, when indie craft is really taking off and Etsy exists and craft blogs exist. I'm a mom of two little children (ages 1 and 3) and for me being an artist while they nap and in the evening really keeps me going. Participating in the indie craft community is my connection with the outside world of non-momness.

Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?

I think a lot of people don't realize how easy and inexpensive it can be to buy original art. My husband, Charlie, and I collect art (mostly paintings and prints). We've gotten the bulk of our collection at open studio events at local colleges and art schools where for less than it costs to buy a framed poster you can buy an original piece of artwork. The pieces we have make us really happy and I think give our home a level of interest and depth that we couldn't get any other way. I really like to live surrounded by art. I like to think that the pieces that I make and sell let other people do that too.

How does it feel to be interviewed?

Okay. I'm used to interviewing myself through my blog. It's different to be answering someone else's questions.

Describe your ideal day?

I haven't slept past 6:30 am in three years so my ideal day would begin by sleeping until at least 9:00 am. And then someone would bring me cinnamon buns from the Clear Flour Bakery in Brookline, MA and some really good coffee. The rest of the morning would be spent quietly, in my studio, in the garden, with my children and my husband. A really tasty lunch (can you tell I love to eat?) and dinner out with Charlie. Then some shopping, a trip to the used bookstore, some dessert. And the last hours would be back in the studio working. I like to work late at night if I can.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

I think I'll leave this one blank.

Last book you read?

Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.

Most treasured possession?

Not to be too cheesy, but how can I not say my children. I am home with my two baby daughters and because I am at home with them I get to see them grow and listen to them laugh and comfort them when they are scared and read to them and be there for them every minute of every day. And I feel very fortunate to be able to do this. If I had to pick an actual thing I guess it would be my fabric stash. I have a pretty seriously great fabric stash.

Last time you lied?

No comment.

What's your favourite film?

I know next to nothing about Hollywood and pop culture. Really. I know so shockingly little it's embarrassing. I am fond of documentaries.

Is there a downside to being so talented?

People often tell me that I'm so Martha Stewart. I'm a big Martha fan, but it does kind of bug me when people say this. I really do like to sew and cook and take care of children and I always have. I'm just domestic that way. But the perfection that is implied when someone is compared to Martha really doesn't apply to me. I am not a perfectionist.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

Pet peeves?
Wet napkins. And people talking to me while they're brushing their teeth. Yucko.

What's your worst habit?

I have a tendency to mantle my food like a hawk mantling it's kill - I sort of put my arm up and around my plate so nobody can get to it.

Any close encounters with the law?

I got a ticket for reckless driving in Mississippi. I was going 90 and took a righthand exit off the highway from the lefthand lane.

What else do like other than art?

I like to eat. My family is pretty good too (although not to eat).

Any regrets?

You know, not really. I'm okay.

Final thoughts?

Some softies are not for children. Beware.

Interview - Mr. Burrows 09/05/07