Inspired by a bygone era, Audrey Eclectic is a unique folk art collection created by artist Heather Sleightholm that features original paintings, prints, post cards, handmade wearables, art dolls, and more. Audrey Eclectic art is at once a little sweet and a little dark, a little mysterious, always hopeful, and with a story to tell.
1. When did you start creating art? Give us a bit of background on yourself and the sort of art you create.
I'm not sure when I first started creating art, because it seems
like it has always been a part of me! I've drawn and written stories
since I could hold a pen or pencil, and something I don't ever remember
not being driven to do-- it just calms my mind and makes me happy. I was
always the shy girl who loved to draw in school, and it set me apart.
Being creative and artistic became part of who I was, and it was really
important to me from the time I was a child to present day.
I've dabbled in may different kinds of art-- from drawing to
painting to sculpture-- but didn't start making my own type of folk art
until 2007, after I had my daughter, Audrey (I named my business Audrey
Eclectic after her). When she was a few months old, I was able to stay
home with her full-time, and when she was napping I couldn't resist the
urge to ignore all those chores I needed to do and just paint. As she
got older I got more involved with Etsy and my local arts and craft
community and started doing more and more gallery events and craft
shows.
Now painting is my passion. I wake up each day excited and eager to paint. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to do it, and that others enjoy what I make.
2. What inspires you?
For me, art and stories go
hand-in-hand, so I am really drawn to the story telling aspect of
painting. So big inspirations for me are folk tales, fairytales, and
classic novels. I also have a deep infatuation with history, so
different historical events and historical dress are very inspiring to
me. I collect old photos and love old timey twangy music. All of these
things seem to swirl in my brain and I come up with ideas of things to
paint. I also strongly identify with themes of motherhood and faith, but
also love things that are a little spooky. The seasons the the more old
fashioned aspects of celebrating them are also very influential on my
art.Now painting is my passion. I wake up each day excited and eager to paint. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to do it, and that others enjoy what I make.
2. What inspires you?
3. If you have a favorite work, tell us about it, and why.
Probably my first really successful painting was a painting called Celestine-- its very dark and spooky and shows a girl holding a strange Queen Anne style doll with a crow on her shoulder. i did keep that one! I also like my painting Maple and Bittersweet because it evokes a sort of old fashioned autumn mood.
I am also really interested in Swedish folk art and Swedish Christmas traditions, and have met and had lots of great conversations with others with a love for Sweden or Scandinavian backgrounds because of my St. Lucia painting.
4. Where can people find more on you and your art?
My main website is www.audreyeclectic.com
My blog is www.audreyeclectic.blogspot.
My etsy shop is http://www.etsy.com/shop/
Wonderful feature on one of my favorite folk artists! Thanks so much for highlighting Heather's work!
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