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Category archives: Story

People of Kennett Square–Robert C. Jackson

January 3, 2015 art, artist, people, photography, portrait, still life, Story

I wrote an email to Bob about the photo shoot and interview. I also forwarded a link of my website. He said “Sure – you do a good job with those!Funny but looking at the pictures, you did one on the steps of my studio. I remember working away and hearing people talking on my step and peeked out the window and saw you taking a photo and thought nothing of it until I looked at your site. ” That was my first story of Humans of Kennett Square with Bridget. What a coincidence! At that time I didn’t know that’s his studio.

When did you first realize you are an artist? and how did you make your dream come true?

Back when I was an Engineer I remember walking to the Kennedy Center in DC with a man involved in arts management. He asked what I did and I said that I was an Engineer but wanted to be an artist someday. He exclaimed, ” if you are making art, you are an artist! ” I was kind of shocked and apologetic, hemming and hawing, saying” Not really.” But he wouldn’t let it die, and explained that most artists don’t make a living from their work and if you have that impulse that you have to make something then you are an artist. I guess I am rather fortunate that I do actually make my living this way now.

As for making the dream come true – no one is “discovered”-it takes a heck of a lot of hustle.

What famous artists have influenced you and how?

You saw my art books, I am a junkie for looking at art. I walk to lunch every day with an art book that I thumb through. So, the influences are wide, varied, and too countless to mention. There is a little to learn from everyone.

But, when all is said and done, you need to look like yourself.

What inspires you to create art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

Hmmm… Geez, it is something that is so ingrained in me that it is tough not to think about it now. This is my passion so it is hard for me to step out of it. I try to keep way head of myself with ideas. There is nothing worse than staring at a blank canvas wondering what to do, so I don’t let myself get there . I have countless sketchbooks lying around in which I write down ideas continuously. That way, when I need a new one, I can just thumb through any of these books.

What is it about still life that keeps you painting them and what are you working on at the moment?

I’ve always loved still life. It lets me pick objects, set them up much like a sculptor, and then immortalize them on canvas. I like working with these placid models that will allow me to work with them hours on end painting from life.

Presently I am working on a commission for a client of a bunch of balloon dogs lined up at a makeshift bar make of my crates. Often my work is kind of hard for me to explain but I think you took some photos of me in progress on this one!

How have you handle the business side of being an artist?

Out of necessity! I have 3 kids, 2 that are in college right now. So, I have to make it work. Many artists complain about the gallery system, and giving them so much money. For me, I have loved it and it has worked. I need as many people as possible helping me to get me work out there. Handing your career professionally goes a long way. Keep deadlines, have organized presentations, answer correspondence, etc… Artists are notoriously bad at that.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Don’t neglect the business side. No matter how well crafted your work, it has to get out there and work hard at it.

People of Kennett Square–Kristina

December 22, 2014 artist, people, photography, portrait, Story

Kristina is a self taught oil and watercolor artist. Her paintings filled with vivid color and translucent light. Her work focuses mainly on nature, ranging from landscape, birds, flowers,to cabbages.

How and when did you start making art?

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t make things. I am always painting of course, and that is my true passion, but I love to try new mediums like right now I’m learning how to work with resin.

It’s easier to remember when I decided to make art my career. It was right after college, I was signed up for graduate school, I had even picked out classes, but I felt like it was a mistake and one thing led to another and I ended up with my own business.

What inspires you?

Nature is a constant source of inspiration to me. Walking in the woods and seeing the beauty each season brings is always invigorating. Galleries also leave me brimming with ideas.

Do you work from life, photographs or from imagination?

I work from all of the above! I usually have an idea of what to paint. Then I will gather things from life like cabbages or go and watch birds for a while. When I’m in the studio I sit down with many reference photos and sketch. If the weather is nice I will do a few plain air landscapes.

Is there an art work you are most proud of? why?

I love my cabbages, the larger ones are very work intensive and remind me of stained glass. I am also proud of my little birds, I have painted over a hundred so far. Each one has a special twinkle in its eye.

Is the artistic life lonely?

It can be. I am usually too engrossed in my work to notice. Of course having a one year old also stirs things up!

Who is your favorite artist? why?

I love Andrew Wyeth, Peter Sculthorpe, and John Singer Sargent.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Actually some of the best advice I received was in an email exchange with Peter Sculthorpe. He told me that I had talent and to keep putting my work out there! When I feel down I bring up his email and it helps me to keep on going! It’s so amazing to get that sort of complement from an incredible artist.

People of Kennett Square–Edmin

November 26, 2014 artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

This is Edmin. I bumped into her the other day.It’s not often you see this hair style in a small town. I was immediately attracted by her hairstyle. ” I have had this style for 14 years.” she told me .

“I came here one year ago. I was an artist , a graphic designer in Puerto rico. Now I’m studying English.

She had a photography exhibition in Puerto rico. The exhibition’s title is ¡Dejame ser!/ Let me be! She took pictures of women work at bar or strip club. ” The photographic documentation inspired by the poem “Redondillas” by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. In resume this feminist poem is about how the woman supposed have to be. If we does right thing or bad thing; no matter what we’re doing always we receive bad critics. The question is why, if his critic is the insist to we act.My pieces are mixed media; digital photography and graphic art printed on vinyl, canvas and sticker vinyl. I selected verses of the poem and I assigned to women they fulfilled that stereotype. In photography you will see the verse and character.”

“My dream is to open a gallery here, people can come see artworks and meet artists. Maybe your work will be there.”

I really love the concept of her exhibition, I wish I could see it here in her gallery one day!

People of Kennett Square–Chris

November 7, 2014 coffee, Coffee shop, people, Story, Style

Chris is the owner of Philter Coffee in Kennett Square. Philter is my favorite new place in KSQ. Everytime I go there, I feel like I’m sit in a coffee shop in Brooklyn. I like the interior design, the tea, the atmosphere etc.

When did you fall in love? I mean with coffee

I first fell in love with the aroma of coffee as a boy in my Great Grandmother’s kitchen. As I grew older, I fell in love with the social aspects of coffee. In the last ten years I’ve continued to fall in love with the flavors of coffee and the science and technique of bringing those flavors to the cup.

What made you decide to open a coffee shop?

As a kid, in the city, we shopped in small stores that specialized in certain things. I always admired the people who owned those stores and dreamt of having my own business. My interest in coffee, science, and social interaction kind of led me to do this.

Why did you choose this location?

The storefront itself was appealing mostly because of the layout, it was the most fitting space that I looked at in the six years that I have been poking my nose through Kennett. I also found the borough and landlords to be great to work with. I chose Downtown Kennett Square because I saw an opportunity to bring something that I believe is special to a town that has made me fall in love with it since moving here.

What would you advise to someone who wanted to open their own shop?

My advice would be to have a clear vision of what you are going to do and make sure that you feel confident that you can deliver that experience consistently.

I like your shop’s style, where did you get your inspiration?

It came together organically, I didn’t really have a plan. With every space I looked at, I had a different design, name and brand that reflected my feelings for that location. With Philter, I knew i wanted a more urban feel and I thought the wall colors would show art well. I knew the white washed floors would hide the salt stains from peoples shoes in the winter weather and also brighten up the space. With those decisions made, the rest was just a matter of finding different textures and shapes that would compliment the layout.

People of Kennett Square–Alex

November 7, 2014 people, photography, Story

Alex is my photographer friend. She specializes in Portraiture and Fine Art photography.I like her work, so I asked her if she would be part of my Photography Project. Happily, she said yes.I really wanted to capture who is she as a photographer, her love of landscape,and her free spirit.

What did you do before become a photographer?

Before becoming a photographer I worked as a scientific and literature editor.

Do you think there is a connection between two of them ?

Not really. They are very different professions.

What is your favorite subject and why?

I love to photograph a variety of subjects…but landscape and portraiture are my favorite ones. Portraiture can be very challenging but also very rewarding. Often you only have few minutes to “capture” the essence of a person, and that can be very challenging, but when you do, the feeling is very special.
Landscape photography allows me to be on my own, to take my time, to explore without any pressure…it is a wonderful feeling.
To me a photograph is the culmination and the reflection of our past and present life experiences. The camera is just the tool to bring that personal sensitivity “to life”.

Most of your work is black and white photography , do you see your subject in black and white before you press the button?

Yes I do. I often look at a scene or a face and I can already see it in BW although I shoot in color. When I was a child our television was in BW; maybe that is why I love monochromatic images so much.

How’s life in Italy different from that of PA?

Life in Italy is very different than here. Too different and too complicated to describe in few words.
I was raised in Milan, which is one of the biggest cities in Italy, so that is already a big change from the quaint life in Kennett Square.
Italy is where I was born and raised and therefore it will always be in my heart, but I am so grateful I live here now. What I miss the most about Italy are my family, my childhood friends and the food.

People of Kennett Square–Roberta

November 7, 2014 people, Story, street

I went into STATE & UNION store. A lady was arranging some shoe boxes with her back to me. She said, “Oh, you scared me!”That’s how our conversation started. Her name is Roberta. I liked her effortless chic style and how good she looked at her age. So I asked if I could take her picture for my project. She showed me a picture of herself when she was young. She looked great in the black and white photo. But I think she also looks great now! My feeling is no matter what age you are, there is a special beauty there. My joy is to find and photograph it to keep forever!

People of Kennett Square–Suzie

November 5, 2014 Fashion, people, Story

I have lived in Kennett square almost 5 years. This is a small town, but full of interesting, cool people.
Suzie is one of my favorite people. She is a wardrobe stylist from Suzie Gaffney wardrobe consulting.
When I stepped in her newly finished stylish closet, I immediately fell in love with it. It represents her style very well.Here is my interview with her.

how did you start your business?

I worked for years in a boutique and heard countless customers complain about how they didn’t even know what was in their closet or how to put it together. They were shopping aimlessly and felt frustrated. I knew I could help. One day I put my business plan down on paper and got to work and sketching out what a service based consulting could offer. Then I ordered business cards, created the website and started one client at a time.

What’s your styling philosophy?

Dress your outside to match who you are on the inside.

What’s the process ?

I start with a full audit of the client’s wardrobe, piece by piece. From there together we edit out what is not working, discussing why during the process. Clothes are put back in an organized and efficient system that works for the client.Then we put together outfits based on the client’s needs and lifestyle. Going forward we create a shopping list to fill in the gaps. The process is collaborative and educational, and fun!

What are the top 5 must have items for everyday fashion?

*A tailored black blazer – goes with everything from dresses to t-shirts.
*A great white shirt (preferably a t-shirt and an oxford shirt) that can be dressed up or down.
*Well fitting denim in a cut that flatters your shape.
*A go-to dress that you can throw on and run out the door, depending on your personality this could be anything from a flower print shirt dress to a navy sheath.
*A classic denim jacket with stretch.

Could you share one tip for keeping your closet organized?

One in one out. If you buy something new (shoes, a sweater, even socks) make sure to get rid of something that is no longer provided a use in your wardrobe. Sticking to this rule keeps you from drowning in too much stuff.

Tracy

November 4, 2014 Story

Tracy is my best friend. We met two years ago. We feel like we should have met earlier. We have the same taste about clothes. When we go to the store we pick the same clothes at the same time! It’s a lot of fun to go shopping with her. She has a great personality and we can talk the whole day and never get bored.

She just had a baby girl this year and life is different now that she has two kids. She is a perfectionist so her career and her family are a source of pressure. I saw the tiredness on her face, but with happiness as the same time. I had a photo session with her baby girl a couple of times. Her boy and girl are always the center of her life..

I wanted to give her a photo session to pamper herself, but she told me, “NO,NO, NO! I can’t take pictures like this! I need to lose more weight! I don’t have clothes that fit! I look tired!”
She had lots of excuses. but finally I dragged her before my camera. It was a quick shoot, because she didn’t have too much time. I chose the dress from her wardrobe and we matched it with jewelry. We had so much fun and we were laughing. It was like playing dress up. When I showed the pictures from my camera screen to her, she was shocked. She couldn’t believe she could be this beautiful!!! After the shoot, she was still in an excited mood and she loved to look at all the pictures that I took. She IS beautiful both inside and out, and she needed to rediscover that fact. She needed to give herself a break, and pamper herself with the beautiful pictures that she deserved.

I love you my dear friend!

People of Kennett Square–Norma

October 31, 2014 Story

This is Norma. She is retired and volunteers as an ESL tutor in library.

How long have you lived in KSQ?
I have lived here all my life.

Ｗhat do you like about life in KSQ？
To answer your question. I will quote –Ami Mckay
” No Matter what you do , someone always knew you would.”

How does KSQ compare to other places you have lived or worked?
I have lived in Sydney Australia, London England, and KSQ is cheaper.

If you could change anything here what would you change?
I would turn off the fire department’s alarm.

People of Kennett Square–Mary

October 30, 2014 Story

My love of Body Pump started with a conversation with my dear friend Mary. One day I asked her how she got her fabulously toned arms, and she exclaimed, “Body Pump!” From that day on I started taking her class. She always smiles when she’s teaching, and has amazing energy. I asked her to be a part of my project and share her story.

(Mary Lai is a certified instructor of Body Pump, Zumba, Sh’Bam, Body Vive, and Body Combat. She is also a nationally certified personal trainer.)

How long have you been a Body Pump instructor?

It’ll be 10 years come this January!

How did you become a Body Pump instructor?

Well I was about to turn 40. At first I was dreading it, but then I decided that instead of feeling negative I should mark this milestone with a new challenge. At that time I had been taking Body Pump classes for about a year and was hooked on how empowering it made me feel, both physically and mentally. So I took the plunge and signed up for the certification training, and the rest is history.

What did you do before becoming a Body Pump instructor?

I worked in the IT field for many years. My days used to revolve around sitting in my office and in meeting rooms all day, but now they’re filled with action and high spirits and fun! My journey into the fitness industry has led me to all sorts of certifications, and I get to share my fitness expertise every day with others so that I can be a positive impact in their fitness journeys.

Love your big smile, how do you keep your good energy up all day?

I try to take care of myself by leading a healthy lifestyle. And I always give my clients and my classes my all. I know that sometimes it’s the only time in their busy day that’s devoted just for themselves, so I want to give them all my effort.

You had breast cancer a couple of years ago. What one advice do you want to give to women?

Take care of yourself. It doesn’t guarantee that unexpected health issues won’t happen, but you’ll be able to bounce back much more easily if it does. Because I was in good physical shape, I was able to recover from the surgeries and chemo treatments relatively quickly. I am grateful for my good health every day!