Heart of Art: FTT Featured Artists & Vendors

A true nomad at heart, Mick Dees has traveled to 35 countries, 49 states, and 53 of the 63 National Parks, always with a camera in hand. After falling in love with AK, he decided to make Seward his home 5 years ago. Drawing inspiration from the things that go unnoticed, he is currently focused on capturing wildlife. Mick encourages all aspiring photographers to always carry your camera, shoot what you're passionate about, tell a story, and always say yes to new experiences. 

Tells us about yourself

Just a nomad trying to see the world and tell the story with my camera. I grew up far from any mountains, bears, or glaciers. Most people where I’m from are content with only ever having their southern comforts, but I felt a calling to get out and explore, so, naturally, I moved across the continent to Alaska and started what I call a “dynamic life.” I have experienced 35 countries, 49 states, and 53 national parks in the last 4 years, and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. 

Can you tell us about your process when going out to take pictures (i.e. how do you prep/plan or steps you take when taking/editing images )?

I’d say the vast majority of my photos are not planned. They are generally a product of just putting myself in a good environment for photography (a nice hike, a road trip, an area good for wildlife, etc.) and how I see the world. Particularly in Alaska, I’ve learned to just have my camera with me at all times because you never know when something amazing will present itself, especially when it comes to wildlife. 

When it comes to editing, I think of myself more of a purist. I don’t use photoshop, everything I need done can be done on Lightroom, and I don’t remove anything from photos or change colors, skies, etc. I want it to look as close to what I saw in person as possible. 

When did you first start photography?

I first started photography June 2020. When I got my first job in Alaska and knew I would be traveling a lot, I thought it would be a good time to start the hobby, which has turned into a passion. 

What inspires your images?

The inspiration to my images mostly comes from how I view the world. I have an artistic eye, and I’m a pretty detailed person, so I do notice and appreciate the little things, the things that a lot of time go unnoticed. Also, I’m a huge animal lover, so wildlife is probably my favorite type of photography. 

What's your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska?

My favorite thing to do in Alaska is just explore. I love to get off trail and bushwhack and chase that feeling of maybe I’m the only human who’s ever been in this spot. The wildness…the infinite adventures and threat of danger from terrain and wildlife is definitely what keeps me in Alaska. There’s no other place like it. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists/photographers?

Some advice I could give: 1. Just bring your camera. Yes, it’s extra weight on that hike or trip, but it’s worth it. 2. Trust your instincts. Screw what social media “wants” and shoot what catches your eye and what you’re passionate about. 3. Tell a story. Take photos that invoke thoughts, feelings, questions, etc. 4. Say “yes” more than “no”. You cannot put a price on what you’ll gain from new experiences. 

Mick will be featured June 7th 6-8PM at the store. 

Could you provide our readers with a little background on yourself and how Aurora Hunter came to be?

Howdy, my name is Todd Salat (pronounced ThanxSalat) and my brand is Aurora Hunter.  I reside with my wife & business partner Shay in Anchorage, Alaska.  I grew up an Iowa country boy then went west for college where I earned a BS in geology at the U. of South Dakota and a MS in geology at the U. of Wyoming.  I then took a big right-hand turn to Alaska in 1989 when I scored a job as a petroleum exploration geologist. AND THEN, I witnessed the power of the northern lights, the aurora borealis, and a whole new dream entered my world!  After seven years in the corporate world, I resigned to become a full-time Aurora Hunter. That was 28 years ago and I’ve never looked back.

How cool that you turned your passion for the Northern Lights into a career! What do photography and art mean to you as an artist?

For me, art is an expression of creativity, and nothing gets my creative juices flowing like a grandiose aurora display. Composing photographs and preserving these stellar moments in Nature was a complete game-changer in my life. I went

from wanting to climb the corporate ladder to the other end of the spectrum, that of a self-employed nature boy. I've found that being a sole proprietor has been good for my soul! 

Where do you find inspiration for your art and your artistic process?

NATURE!  That’s where it’s at for me. All I need to do is step outside, look around and boom, I’m inspired. It kind of feels like teamwork where Nature presents an infinite array of art forms and it’s my job to locate, focus & compose the best elements into an aesthetically pleasing photograph.

As an artist, have you found that your art has grown or changed over time?

I don’t know if my art/photography has actually grown or changed much throughout the past three decades. From day one, it was all about composing an image while experiencing a heroic moment in Nature, and it still feels like that!  Getting what we call a “hero shot” is one of the best feelings ever. That euphoria seems to last for a long time but I'm always on the hunt for new images to refresh the feeling. 

As Aurora Hunter, is there a photo or an art moment of yours that you’re most proud of?

All my photos are my babies, but I’m currently smitten with a wall-hanger titled “Supernova.”  It’s a wide-angle northern lights shot that I took in

the Brooks Range of Northern Alaska and ranks as the most intense aurora display I’ve seen in my entire life!  This nighttime experience was mind-blowing and I get to relive that feeling every time I look at this image.

During Alaskan summers it’s too bright to see the aurora so I turn to my hobby; daytime photography.  Last summer I witnessed humpback whales bubble-net feeding in the Kenai Fjords out of Seward.  I found that absolutely thrilling so we’re proud to present a new print titled “Catch of the Day” and I can't wait to go on more whale watching excursions!

Incredible! We’re proud to carry both “Supernova” and “Catch of the Day” here at FTT.

Do you have any advice for other photographers or artists, especially those looking to turn their art into a business? 

Do what you love and the money will follow. A friend said that to me around the time I quit my good-paying corporate day job to be a self-employed photographer.  Making a living as an artist can be tricky & challenging, to say the least. Before I quit my day job, I tested the waters by setting up a booth at the Anchorage Market and had a go at selling my prints. Fortunately, this revealed great potential and gave me the confidence to take the plunge.  Find your niche, hone your craft, research good business practices (profit margins being key), then go out there and peddle your wares.  It’s like one big experiment that continuously evolves. 

I was very fortunate in that my wife & teammate, Shay, was on board pretty much from the beginning.  She’s the unsung hero here. I call her the backbone of the business and she runs circles around me!  It helps a lot to have a supportive significant other because there is a lot to do to make the business sing.  Financially, my best advice to anyone would be to save 10-to-20% of EVERYTHING you make, no matter how much it is, and develop a diversified investment portfolio.  The younger you start, the more it will compound. 

That’s great advice, thank you for sharing! One final question – is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to give a big shout-out to the staff & owners of Forests, Tides & Treasures for helping promote and support so many of us artists.  Also, a huge and appreciative “Thanxsalat!” to all the art collectors & customers out there.  Without your support, this lifestyle would not even be possible so thank you for the inspiration!

A huge thank you to Todd Salat, Aurora Hunter, for taking the time to speak with us about his process. You can shop his stunning photography in the gallery at FTT and in our online store. To keep up with Todd, you can find him on Facebook and on his website. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, readers! Here at FTT, we are so proud to carry incredible works of art from a number of talented artists based in Alaska and beyond. As we move towards summer 2024, we are bringing back our popular Heart of Art blog series, spotlighting our incredible artists and vendors. 

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re starting our first Heart of Art feature in 2024 with artist Kelsey Fagan of Elevate Art Studio. Put in Kelsey’s own words, “Art is how our hearts communicate - both with ourselves and with the world. Art allows us access to understanding, emotions, connection, and empathy that words can't come close to touching.” We think this is such an important sentiment today and beyond. Read on to learn more about Kelsey and her process: 

Could you provide our readers with a little background on yourself and how Elevate Art Studio came to be?

When people learn that my background is in art therapy, there's often an "aha" moment. My BA in psychology and MA in art therapy and counseling in combination with a life lived in beautiful places have provided the foundation for a style that has developed out of inward reflection and outward inspiration. I spent years working as the art therapist in a psychiatric hospital in Hawaii while also contracting with a juvenile sex offenders program and an out-patient eating disorder program. 

Over time, I learned that making my own art alongside my patients was a way to support their processes while showing them that art can be anything they needed it to be.

The ink and watercolor style that you now see in my work today was born during these years of experimenting with various forms of media, imagery and verbal expression, all created bit by bit in parallel with children, adolescents and adults struggling to move through their own countless challenges. 

When I returned to Alaska in 2013, I found myself needing a break from the therapy aspect of my work, but continued to create and had a number of shows at various galleries around Juneau. Over time, and specifically, after a 2018 fundraising project for the nonprofit Salmon Beyond Borders exploded into something much bigger than I expected, it became clear that people were responding to my work and that it was time to get both official and intentional. 2020 brought COVID into our lives and it seemed as though the universe was saying "Hey, if you're really going to do this, now's the time." And so, Elevate Art Studio became my full-time focus and I expanded my reach into galleries and shops across the state of Alaska and into Oregon. I now have work throughout the state in at least 10 different communities.

And while my life's focal point has necessarily shifted with the birth of my daughter, Wilder, in 2021, Elevate remains my sole focus in terms of work and business. 

What an incredible creation story for Elevate Art Studio! Could you touch a little more on what art means to you specifically?

Art is how our hearts communicate - both with ourselves and with the world. Art allows us access to understanding, emotions, connection, and empathy that words can't come close to touching. I include words and phrases in my work, but they come only after the imagery has come forward onto the page. The words allow for a deepening, but without the imagery, they'd lose their power. Because art holds space for everything - the dark, the light, play, heartbreak, sorrow, terror, joy, delight- everything, everything is possible there.

This is why people have such deeply different reactions to the same piece of art. And also why it's often scary to jump into our own art-making experience. We take our own experiences of the world and of life, of ourselves and of each other, and we bring that with us into every piece of art we look at, every piece of art we create. When there's something in a piece that somehow clicks with something that lives within us - a desire, an experience, a feeling, a knowing, it resonates. There's a wisdom and a knowing that's awakened within us that we don't always make space for or invite forward. And perhaps the most incredible thing about it is that it opens portals within ourselves and between ourselves and others, allowing for a deepening and a connection that gives way to something new. A new spark or a reminder of who we are, what matters to us, where we find joy, where we're closed, where there's longing that maybe we had pushed away. Art opens us up and allows us access to our own knowing, and from that place, we interact with ourselves and the world a little (and sometimes a lot) differently.

Where do you find inspiration for your art and your artistic process?

Quick answer- outside and inside. Outside in the magic that is the natural world, full of sharp edges and soft curves, bright colors and every shade of gray, movement and stillness. And inside myself, the thoughts and reflections of my own mind, my hopes and fears, delight and longing, sorrow and resiliency. 

I create from my mind's eye, rarely from photos or actual places because my perfectionist tendencies get in my way and I hear too many voices saying I'm getting it wrong. If I can let go of doing it "right" (as though there's such a thing), I can find flow. Or perhaps flow finds me. And that flow leads to an exploration of both place and of the messages I might find while sitting in the quiet of that place (really while sitting in the quiet of my own self). When you find yourself

somewhere exceptionally beautiful and you're just quiet, held by that place, a part of it, there's always a message there, waiting. Just for you. It is both for you and of you. I visit those places and tune in.

As an artist, have you found that your art has grown or changed at all?

My style has certainly evolved and most obviously, the landscapes have shifted from the tropical vibrancy of Hawaii to the temperate moodiness of Southeast Alaska and the cold, magical edges of Alaska's alpine, but the combination of inspirational imagery and messages of resiliency found in those places and moments remain. 

Early on, when I was starting to work in this way, the phrases were exceptionally long and were more like flowing journal entries, but in third person, almost like excerpts from a novel or a memoir. They were reflections of my life, my thoughts, my awarenesses. They were often quite long, and described the life of a third person "she", perhaps my way of distancing myself a little from my patients in my art process while I worked alongside them, or perhaps a way of distancing myself from my own experience a little in order to gain a slightly different perspective, who knows. 

Once I shifted away from doing therapy, my art also changed. Not only was I in Alaska rather than Hawaii, but I wasn't dedicating the vast majority of my time and energy to supporting others in crisis. I had space in a new way, both literal and figurative, and it seemed that the more space I had, the fewer words I needed. The lines became finer and more precise. The colors became more nuanced. The words and phrases became shorter and I found that rather than offering up

chapters, I wanted to share in-the-present-moment reflections. A landscape was created and the words would follow. Those words were somehow already living within that scene, within that moment, and they just needed to find their way to my pen. 

When people saw my work, they'd often (and still do) miss the words entirely at first, and they'd like the image, but it was when the words became clear that they'd say "yes". It hit them in that knowing spot. Something resonated. And the more precise, always present moment phrases were what took over. (If you notice, every phrase is very intentionally set in the present moment - "Dancing with Gravity", "Breathing in the Last Moment of Me Before Becoming Us", "Holding Space for Exquisite Uncertainty", etc.)

Can you tell us more about your body of work as a whole? 

While I work predominantly in ink and watercolor, my work has landed on everything from hats to beer labels to shuttle buses. What originated as a simple fundraising effort resulted in my creating an ongoing available collection of hand-printed hats produced by Aurora Projekt in Juneau. With imagery both above and below the brims, we use old-school foam front, and snapback truckers as a base for various images adapted from my original art which is then printed onto vinyl and heat pressed, each step done by hand. I've made these as fundraisers, as custom designs for heliski companies, and as simple fun and fresh ways to find some upliftendness in the world of regular old hat-wearing. Additionally, I've hand-painted hundreds of cork front baseball and trucker hats over the past number of years, using acrylic paint to create land- and mountainscapes that are then weatherproofed and worn as unique and wearable art pieces.

I've also worked with multiple Alaskan breweries, creating label art for various beers,

one being an annual fundraiser for a local avalanche safety group. There is also now a University of Alaska Southeast shuttle bus wrapped in my art, uplifting the campus and hopefully the student’s and staff's commuter moments. I strive to keep everything as local as possible, with giclée prints produced by Ice Fog Press, hats produced by Aurora Projekt, and cards printed by AKLitho all here in Juneau. Elevating the community through my own business has proven an important component of my philosophy and provides a pathway to shared abundance.

It’s amazing that your work has been able to be shared across so many touchpoints – is there a piece of art or an art moment of yours that you’re most proud of?

I created my first mural in 2020 at Rainforest Recovery, a substance abuse treatment facility here in Juneau. I had to experiment with how to translate my style and technique to a large wall and via acrylic paint. It took 65 hours and lives across the hall from the nurses' station.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to contribute to creating an environment of support and resiliency for everyone moving through that space, clients and nurses alike, who work so incredibly hard. The phrase embedded in the piece is "Trusting in the Quiet Wisdom of This Moment". 

We love that! Okay, one final question, what advice do you have for other artists, especially those looking to turn their art into a business? 

As an artist who wants to create and maintain a business sharing their work, it's helpful to notice when your work is resonating with people. Get curious about that. It's also helpful to notice when your work is really resonating with YOU. Get curious about that as well. Find the balance between creating whatever it is that needs to come forward and creating work that really vibes with people. 

When creating your business, it's usually because you've discovered that these two things overlap - the art you're making resonates with people and they want to pay you for it. Yahoo! Awesome. That intersection is a sweet spot, but it can shift like a moving goal post and it may have everything or nothing to do with you. It can be hard, sometimes, to be honest with yourself about the intention behind your creation when that train starts rolling down the tracks. I've found myself creating art that I know will sell and I've found myself creating art that just needed to come into the world. They're not always the same pieces. Not everything you create will be celebrated by others. I'm constantly surprised by which pieces sell and which don't. Pieces I've made on a whim that I didn't think much about are still consistently selling. Other pieces that were deeply meaningful to me barely move. Art is so personal not only to the artist but also to the audience- allow yourself to be surprised by your art and by how it is received. Don't try to pin it down. Work. Play. Get curious. Don't judge. Don't attach yourself to a specific response. Keep creating.

We'd like to extend a huge ‘thank-you’ to Kelsey Fagan of Elevate Art Studio for taking the time to share with us for our first Heart of Art feature of 2024! To find out more about Kelsey and her work, you can find her on Instagram at @elevate_art_studio. To shop Kelsey’s work here at FTT, visit our online store or stop by our gallery on the 2nd floor of our home in the Seward Harbor!

This Friday, September 1st, marks the final First Friday Art Walk of the 2023 season, and what a fun season it’s been! Here at FTT, we’ve been lucky to be visited by a number of excellent artists throughout the summer, and have loved the chance to highlight some incredible work. For September, we’re bringing First Friday a little bit closer to home, featuring the artists within our own four walls – the incredible FTT Team! 

We’ve created this blog as a way to get to know each of our artists and their chosen medium, enjoy and see you soon! 

Miah Davis – Crochet Creations

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I am making a variety of crocheted items, inspired by the natural beauty here in Seward! I have crocheted some cute stuffed whales, octopuses, and bees, as well as flower keychains. In honor of the fast-approaching spooky season, I’ve also crocheted ghosts and pumpkins. I have also made a beanie and some crocheted bags.

That all sounds amazing! How long have you been crocheting? 

I have been crocheting since I was 12 years old. Hard to believe it's already been over 10 years!

Wow, twelve years is really impressive – how did you get started with crochet? 

I was always a crafty kid. My mom is NOT crafty, so I'm not sure where I got it from. When my mom ran out of arts and crafts ideas for me, she surprised me with a couple of crochet lessons from an instructor. I've been hooked ever since! (Haha like a crochet hook, get it?)

Why do you think you enjoy crochet so much? 

There are so many reasons that I enjoy crocheting! The obvious reason is that I love being able to create things. It's a fun creative outlet that results in cute and/or practical things. It's also a great thing to do with my hands while I binge-watch TV that stops me from scrolling on my phone or mindlessly snacking. Plus, I get the added bonus of feeling productive even if all I did was watch TV all day!

Cassie Desrochers – Hand-drawn Outlet Covers

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be making painted light switch (single and double) and outlet covers using acrylic markers. Right now I have lupine, fireweed, and forget-me-not,  and am hoping to have a few other designs as well! I picked flowers that we see here in our backyard to draw because they add such a beautiful pop of color to our life here in Alaska!

Well, we certainly can’t wait to see what you come up with! How long have you been painting/drawing?

I don't think I “actively paint” apart from the occasional paint night or art course, it is just something of a hobby every now and again that I enjoy - I wouldn’t call myself a painter by any means. I am using acrylic markers for these, so it feels more like drawing or doodling if I am being honest! I am a chronic doodler, drawing little things whenever there is paper in front of me!

That makes total sense – how long has art interested you?

Arts and crafts has always been something I enjoyed. From when I was young and in school and throughout my adult life I have always loved a good arts and craft project! It has become something I look forward to when I have the time and resources to do it

Making these light switch and outlet covers has been such a fun experience! It has been so refreshing to slow down and take a break from whatever I am doing to put my time and energy into drawing flowers onto these covers. As far as drawing in general, I find it to be such a nice way to clear my head and reset myself, as well as just a fun activity to do!

Mary Coster – Photography: Canvas Prints

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be bringing in several different canvas prints of photographs I have taken here in Alaska! I’ll be offering two different print sizes, all on canvas. 

Wow, we can’t wait to see them in person! How long have you been interested in photography? 

I have been taking photos since I was in my teens. I was heading back to a Girl Scout camp I attended summers in the Rocky Mountains near Augusta, Montana, and asked to borrow my dad’s old Brownie camera. I wanted to be able to share some of the scenery and horses I was seeing with my family. Dad actually said yes and I was hooked. 

What a cool experience you were able to share with your dad! What draws you to photography?

Being able to capture nature’s beauty just amazes me, and I want to do it as much as possible. 

It took me 8 years to complete the New York Institute of Photography course because I was working seasonally and trying to see as much of the States as possible. The mail had a tough time keeping up with me. Now it can be done online. How much easier is that?

Deb Faust – Sweet Treats

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

I will be creating mini cinnamon loaves of bread, they’re a hit with my family and friends, and I can’t wait to share them with all of you!

Our mouths are already watering! Can you tell us a little bit more about your process? What got you interested in baking?

I have been baking since childhood, I would work with my mom to create bread and other things. When it comes to the process, I love working with the dough, it’s amazingly cathartic. 

Do you have any fun facts about what you’re making?

This will be my first for sharing with other folks than friends and family. 

Lily Aey – Photography: Canvas Prints

Could you please tell us a little about what you’ll be creating for First Friday? 

For First Friday, I’ll be bringing four different canvas prints of photos that I’ve taken in and around Seward since I arrived in April of this year! I’ve had such a great time getting to know the town and the landscape through the lens of my camera, and I can’t wait to share my images with you all. 

How exciting! Can you tell us a little about what got you interested in photography?

I actually couldn’t tell you when I first got interested in photography, it’s always been a passion of mine. My focus has changed over the years, but I love to be able to capture a moment in time and share it with the world. While I was at college, I was heavily involved with live music photography and loved every minute. It’s a real rush to try to capture the exact moment of action, and a challenge I really enjoy. 

From live music to nature, I guess it really is all about the timing. Where was the last place you visited that you were most excited to capture photos? 

I actually just got back from a trip to Denali National Park with two other FTT Team Members, and I cannot wait to go through my photos from our trip. We were lucky enough to get really close to a grizzly bear (from the safety of the transit bus, thankfully!), and I’m really looking forward to going through my photos of that encounter. 

Want to learn more about our artists and their mediums? Stop by Forests, Tides & Treasures from 6 - 8 pm on Friday, September 1st!

Tarryn Zerbinos

Vibrant is a word often used to describe Tarryn Zerbinos’s acrylic paintings. She enjoys mixing realism and abstract art to create a world that is thought provoking and warms your heart and home. She pulls inspiration from the world around her. This includes the mountains of Alaska, wildlife, traveling, and motherhood.

Tarryn was born in Alaska, but raised in Wisconsin. It was there she spent a short time studying fine art at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, before traveling to Utqiagvik, AK where her love for Alaska was rekindled. Quickly her two week visit in Utqiagvik transitioned to a permanent move. It wasn’t until a few years down the road when she had her two children, that she realized she needed to get back into doing what she loves, which is creating. She now spends her time living in Anchorage, AK painting murals, windows for businesses, creating art on her down time, and exploring the backcountry of Alaska with her husband, her two sons, and their dog. 

Can you tell us about your "process" / if there's a certain way you go about deciding your subjects/compositions - or favorite things to capture?  

- My favorite things to paint are underwater critters and sunsets. I am in awe when I see a sunset in real life and I am so inspired to capture every color.  

What is your favorite art form?

- Painting- specifically murals, there’s nothing like painting on a giant wall and then standing back to see the whole picture come together.

 When did you first start creating?

- I’ve been creating my whole life but I didn’t start to hone in on my craft until I was around 17 years old.

What inspires you to create your work?

- Alaska is my biggest inspiration however I do tend to paint with my heart so whatever is on my heart in the moment tends to come out on canvas. When I was transitioning out of nursing my youngest I went through a phase of creating more maternal pieces.

 What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska?

 -I love flying in the backcountry of Alaska with my family. We love finding little beaches to land on and camp on Prince William Sound. There’s nothing like the sea breeze and watching otters and seals play around in the water.

 What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

 -Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The world needs your art now more than ever.

We are proud to feature 2 artist this month in our ongoing Heart of Art Blog series. Here we start with Alaskan Photographer Ed Boudreau. Not only can you see his work in our store or online year-round, but you can also meet him in person during our First Friday Art walk this July 1st, 2022 from 6p-8p.

Hailing from Eagle River, Alaska, Ed is a landscape and nature photographer who spent 28 years in the Air Force here in Alaska. During that time he always had his eye focused on her beauty. After retiring in 2010, his wife bought him his first DSLR and pushed him out into the great outdoors. He has been having a blast running amuck throughout Alaska since, trying to stay one step ahead of the bears. Below we interviewed Ed about his experieicne and work. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by Ed as much as we are.

Can you tell us about your "process" / if there's a certain way you go about deciding your subjects/compositions - or favorite things to capture? 
 
-Deciding my subject matter and composition happens to come easy to me as Alaska offers such a wide variety of material to choose from. I can think of no other place in the world that has a larger canvas of opportunities and beauty that Alaska offers. Deciding which way on the compass I feel like going is the hardest part.
My Favorite subjects to capture is probably Sunrise/sunsets followed by capturing the Auroras (most challenging)

What is your favorite art form?
 
-Photography, more specifically, Nature Photography
 
When did you first start creating?
 
-Soon after I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2010

What inspires you to create your work?
 
- The light!  No matter where I go I am always looking to see how the light of the scene makes the image. That and being outdoors even if it's bad to shoot.

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska?
- Favorite thing to see is when a sliver of light decides to break through the clouds and transcends over a mountain range and I happen to be there to capture that one moment in time
  
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
 
- Practice, Practice, Practice.  The more familiar you are with your equipment will pay huge dividends later when getting “The Shot”. It will come second nature so you won’t be spending precious seconds fiddling with the camera sitting and rushing yourself or missing the shot
 

Anything else you'd like the world to know? 
 
-  We’re only on this marble for an instant and that instant is wasted if you do not stop and “really” appreciate the beauty that surrounds you… As Henry David Thoreau said “"It is not what you look at that matters, it's what you see".

Thanks Ed!

Again, Ed's work is available in Store or online at our website. If yo uare in Seward Friday July 1st, 2022. please come out a meet Ed in person from 6p-8p. He is a thughtful and kind man always ready with a story.

The FTT Family

Meet Alaskan laser artist Gale Glenn who has resided in the Mat-Su Valley since 1979 with her husband Dave. Like many Alaskans, Gale and Dave wore several other hats on their way to their current passion project that included long careers in accounting and working on the North Slope. After they were married in '94, they even ran a successful Air Taxi service in the Valley from 1994-2019. 

Six years ago, they bought their first laser cutter and have never looked back. They started out by creating a wide variety of unique etched products whether it involved custom trophies, colorful wooden plaques, or even sleek aviation instrument panels. Driven to continuously challenge herself and her mastery of the laser medium, she "just kept cruising for stuff, just looking for stuff that’s different… Something that somebody else isn’t doing." Which has led her to where we find her today. With her persistence and love of Alaska and of all things laser, she has developed the series of beautiful Alaskan inspired pieces featured in our Gallery that are so fresh and unique. We are so proud to be able to share them with you.    

*Can you tell us about your process?

Working with a laser is pretty straightforward - cut, paint, glue!  But there are always new processes for improving quality, efficiency and design.   

What is your favorite Medium?

Photography, watercolor. 

When did you first start creating?

My mother was a seamstress, so I picked up some sewing skills when I was young - made clothes for my Barbie!  As I got older, I did quite a bit of embroidery, continued with sewing clothes and crafts. 

What inspires you to create?

A lot of my inspiration comes from talking with folks about ideas that they have.  Makes me think about how I would go about creating that idea.

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska

We have a cabin that we like to spend time at during the summer. We esdepcially love the trout fishing at the lake. But my absolute favorite thing about this state is it's beauty. I remind myself every day to take time to look around.  Whether it's a cool piece of driftwood on the beach or at Pioneer Peak - there is always something beautiful to see. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I was hesitant to try something new - puzzled over what colors to use.  You know what? - It doesn't matter, just do it.  You'll learn a lot from trial and error! 

Thank you to Gale Glenn for interviewing with us and taking us through her artistic journey. We are grateful to carry such incredible works from her and so many other artists here at Forests,Tides & Treasures. It is our continued goal at FTT to bridge the gap between artist and guests so that we may all embrace the humanity that we all share more easily. After all, we are better together.

Can you tell us about your process?

What is your favorite Medium?

My crafting obsessions since youth include everything from pottery to custom painted shot skis, colored pencil drawings to pregnancy belly casting & decoration, soft sculpture, pottery, colored pencil drawing, jewelry making, digital art and fine art painting. I love them all! 

When did you first start creating?

What inspires you to create?

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I read somewhere that the healthiness of a civilization can be measured by the art it produces. Meaning that if a society or group of people are producing art that means their survival needs are being met and they have time for self-expression and personal growth. This is in contrast to civilizations that are working with the tools to survive and have no time for play, crafts or expression. Art is a reflection of the experiences happening and will help define this time period for that part of the world. I like the idea that art mirrors society and helps keep a long-lasting record of history from many different perspectives.

Meet Cindy Shake of Cindy Shake Designs (@CrowCreekCool) | Girdwood,  AK

Cindy is a versatile visual artist who works professionally as a corporate marketing and communications manager and for more than 25 years the principal of Cindy Shake Design. She has taught sculptural welding at the University of Alaska Anchorage and her welded steel sculptures include public art installations in Anchorage, Alaska. As a published author and illustrator, her popular children's book The Alaska Animal Alphabet is in its 7th printing. Fabrics designed by Cindy are available at fabric stores and through her online shop at Spoonflower. The inspired idea to create a cool, water-resistant growler bag after a wet & snowy walk home from a Girdwood spirits shop, grew to become the pop-up and online shop Crow Creek Coolture.

Crow Creek Cool was formed with her daughter and son as a fun brand of Cindy Shake Design offering one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted provisions that are designed as they say for "Originality & Cooltility." Crow Creek Cool creates, produces, and wholesales, garden flags, bags, stickers, niche art quilt patterns, textiles, downloadable patterns & templates, and fabrics. (Additional designs by Cindy Shake are made available at the Crow Creek Coolture Society6 POD shop.)

Cindy's Creative Process.

Meet Caitlin of Denali Dreams Soap Co. | Anchorage,  AK

We (Denali Dreams) were born from the dreams of two stay-at-home moms (Barb and Janie) who wanted to make a little extra money while raising their kids. With a pot, a wooden spoon and a worthy recipe, they started Denali Dreams Soap Co in their kitchen in 1997. Caitlin (That’s me!) began working for Denali Dreams in 2005, labeling lip balms. Through the years I learned the ins and outs of the business and bought the company in 2015. I was born and raised in Alaska and am always ready for an adventure, for a corny pun, or a good bowl of soup.

At Denali Dreams we love creating quality products that are good for you and your skin. It warms our hearts to know that a little piece of Alaska will go home with you, wherever in the world that may be. Despite our wide reach, we remain a small shop in the heart of Anchorage, where we make all our products by hand from start to finish. We’re a tight-knit crew that loves music, laughs, and most importantly: good smells. If you’re in town, feel free to stop by our little factory to say hi! We’d love to show you how we “make the dream”. 

We use a method called cold process soap making.

Get to know Meg through our interview with her, below:

As a passionate outdoor explorer and athlete with professional training in design, my work combines an eye for style with a tangible feeling of being in wild places. I strive to convert the inspiration I receive from deep snow, flowing water and the natural world surrounding me into every piece. I began as a realism artist, achieved a BFA in graphic design and immersed myself in commercial graphic design for the last ten years. These elements continue to influence my fine art. I love to challenge myself by blending the conceptual with the realistic in my work.I am a professional fine artist and graphic designer based in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. When I am not creating, you can find me journeying through the mountains, exploring the ocean or flying around the sky.

The first step to any art piece is inspiration. Inspiration for me comes through experiences in my life. I take the vision / feeling from an experience recreate it onto a canvas. Sometimes I sketch it out first and other times I just go for it. I figure out what color platte I want to use and mix the colors. Then I get dive into the creative flow.

"The overwhelming beauty and power of nature inspires me to create."

What is your favorite Medium?

Soft Pastel. I love using my fingers to create art. Even though you do see me create in the much, it has always been my favorite. 

 

When did you take the leap to make art & design your main endeavor?

I went to school for graphic design and straight out of college I started my own business. I was fine with living off of what I could make then and have some fun side jobs that where a part of what I wanted to experience in life (ex: whitewater raft guide, safety kayaker and photo boater / commercial fisherman / ski instructor) I’ve been building my business from the day I graduated and at some point have let go of the fun side jobs. But that is not to say I wouldn’t try to experience another one at some point.

What is your favorite way to overcome creative blocks?

 

Not push it. Go outside and be in nature.

What’s your favorite thing to see/do in Alaska?

Fly my plane to explore & experience new areas.

 

Tell us about your passion as an Alaska bush pilot (what got you into it, if it influences your life or art, anything you'd like us to know)?

Oh boy, this goes way back to when I was a child. My dad was an airplane mechanic and I grew up running around in airplanes, crawling under all the seats like a jungle gym to find and stick all the little wings stickers all over me. I’ve always wanted to be a pilot flying small airplanes into the wild. Growing up in Pennsylvania (which is a huge aviation manufacturing hub) I never really thought I'd get there.

 

When I moved to AK, it started to seem more practical and not as crazy of a feat. As I flew in more small planes and experienced Alaska and life in a way I never have before, I knew I had to make it happen and there came a day where I was not going to wait anymore to make that dream a reality. So I just went for it. 

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Just do it. Let go of what you think others might think of your artwork and put yourself out there. You never know what experiences as an artist or opportunities might arise from it. Start small, find a local venue that might be interested in showcasing your work and go for it!

 

 

“Something I’ve learned and would like to share is that life is not a straightforward path, being human is messy. Be kind to yourself and try to always find the courage to do what is best for you. You have one life to live, so do what makes you happy. And always cherish the time you have with the people you love.”

 

We are grateful to carry such incredible work from artists with big hearts and burning passions here at Forests, Tides & Treasures, and consider many of them family. Thank you to Meg Smith for interviewing with us and bringing us through her Alaskan journey. It is our goal at FTT to bridge the gap between artist and consumer and embrace the humanity that we all share. After all, we are better together.

Meg Smith's artwork is currently featured on the AlaskaUSA Visa Credit Card!
Learn more about Meg & her collaboration with them by clicking here.

To view (or bring home) Meg's work currently featured here at  Forests, Tides & Treasures, click here.