Made in Chicago: Creative Apples
By Jess D'Amico in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 28, 2008 7:20PM
As previously stated in our 16 Sparrows interview Made in Chicago loves handwritten letters and cards. We love email and technology too, but nothing beats a physical card in the mail if we can get it.
In other things that we love, cupcakes and robots are pretty up there. Our loves have been united with Creative Apples' series of cards and prints. Made by Chicago native April Bern, in her early 30s, we almost forget how gross it is outside looking at her flower and snail prints, and robots make everybody feel better (shown).
April follows Made in Chicago etiquette and tells us about balsa dollhouses, Clark Kent, and why white is boring.
Chicagoist: How do you make your art stand out from everything else out there?
April: I really just focus on photographing what I love and hope that other folks like it as well!
C: Where do you want to go with your art (where do you see yourself in five years)?
A: I would LOVE to see my paintings and photographs in local galleries and I would LOVE if a local shop wanted to sell a line of my greeting cards. In five years I'd like to be a full-time artist and support myself via my art.
C: How did you first get into DIY?
A: I've been doing artsy stuff forever!!! My mom was an artist/entrepreneur when I was growing up-- she knitted, crocheted, sewed, made chocolate candies, beaded baskets-- you name it, and she probably did it!!! She was ultra encouraging of whatever art/projects I wanted to try. I don't remember watching any TV when I was young, I was always on the living room floor drawing and coloring!!! I think the first thing we did as a mother/daughter team was to put a dollhouse together. We didn't have a lot of money for extras so we got some cheap balsa wood and constructed our own furniture, mini-blinds, shelves, and books!
C: Why is the sky blue?
A: It would look kinda boring if it were white!!!
C: What's your artistic process look like?
A: I obsessively stalk flowers in the garden and make sure I shoot every one from every angle!!!
C: Tell us a secret . . .
A: shhhh... don't tell anyone, but Superman is really Clark Kent!
C: What's the Chicago DIY scene look like?
A: If I went other places besides gardens I would be able to tell you!!! Actually, I think that the DIY culture is definitely growing. We've got the Renegade Handmade store, tons specialized boutiques that carry handmade clothing and home goods, and all sorts art and craft fairs that come to the city every year!
C: Where do you see DIY culture going?
A: I think that the DIY culture has always been around and the more people grow tired of giving their hard earned money to support big faceless and soulless corporations, the more "mainstream" it will become.
C: Lastly, do you have any advice for other crafty people wanting to sell their goods?
A: I hate to sound cliché but just do it! No one can buy your arts/crafts if you don't make it; get it out there!
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