March Member Interview: Dawn Meisch

Dawn Meisch

website:  http://www.dirtykitchen.com/

1. What inspires you to create?

I create because I have to. I always have to be making something whether it's a book, a collage, a piece of jewelry or a batch of cookies. The world itself is inspiring if I look at it the right way. Specifically, I like art that has a story to tell. I believe stories help us learn who we are and how we might be able to grow. And certain periods of history have aspects that interest me more than others, especially the social experiences of women in the the 1920's through the 1960's.

2. When did you decide to pursue art or did art pursue you?

Ever since I could remember I wrote something - stories in grammar school, poetry in college. After a series of unfortunate events, I found I had no words anymore. I needed a new way to express my experiences, so art kind of found me and opened up other creative avenues that I never would've imagined possible.

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

I would probably be a chef or a writer or a travel photographer, which I guess are all artistic in their own way. Maybe a librarian since I love books so much.

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?

I've been a computer programmer, a barista, a waitress, and I've worked in retail. The most creative job I ever had was as a graphic designer for a real estate firm. Of all my jobs, working at Panopolie has had a definite positive impact on my artistic path. I met so many people who were so inspiring and so encouraging to me as an artist.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
The paper. I love paper. That's how I got started as an artist. I began making paper as a "hobby". Soon I had so much paper, I had to create books to do something with it all. That's when my hobby turned into an obsession.

6. What new technique or art form would you like to learn? Do you have plans to do so?I want to learn Zentangles. I plan to take some classes on it very soon. I also have been interested in doing chainmaille jewelry. Once you get the patterns, it seems like a very meditative form of creativity, similar to the feeling I get when sewing signatures for several books.

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you choose to do?

I'd tour the world and record the incredible beauty and diversity of the places, people and cultures with photographs and a travelogue. Then I'd open a coffeehouse/artists' hangout and drink coffee all day while telling anyone who cared about my exciting adventures.

Sounds great, Dawn--we'd love to hear about them all!  Thanks for the interview.