Artist Profile: Bailey Earith
November 19, 2008 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Home & Living
Party Bowl
Artist: Bailey Earith
Business name: Bailey Fiber Art Studio
Location: Knoxville, TN
Website & Blog:
Bailey Fiber Art
Bailey Fiber Art blog
Hollyhocks
How do you describe your work, Bailey?
Contemporary wall hangings and vessels with an African or Asian influence. I love circles and many pieces are mandalas. I start with hand-dyed or painted fabrics to which I add yarns, paper, found objects, words, and beads. My palette is jewel tones and purple always seems to show up.
African Mandala
What is your creative process like?
I make a cup of tea, put African or Native American drum music on the stereo, and start creating. I am inspired by a piece of fabric, found object or interesting color combination. I never know what a piece will look like until it declares its self finished. If a piece stops talking to me, I set it aside until the lines of communication reopen as they always do. If I have a particularly vexing problem, I’ll swim laps, which opens the mind and brings clarity.
Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I love fabric! Cottons and silks are my favorites. My second necessity would be beads.
Asian Bowl
What inspires you to create?
I am driven to create. If I’m not able to be in my studio for an extended period of time then I become very agitated. As I move through my day, I am always aware of a texture, color or light play, found treasure, etc. I am always inspired.
What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
Do what you can to shut-up that inner critic. If you believe you can, you’re right. If you believe you can’t, you’re right.
Floral #5
Can we see more of your work on your web site?
Absolutely! I have it set up with sideshows of my major pieces. I also have a “Bargains” page that has one-of -a-kind fashion accessories like scarves, purses, journals, totes and jewelry. I frequently update this page with new surprises. It is set-up with a shopping cart for easy purchasing.
What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
There is life after art??? I love to read. I also love to spend quality time with my family.
Fantasy Under the Sea
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Dark chocolate and good wine
Cyndi,
It was great to interview with you. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your blog. Keep up the good work!
I just adore your work, Bailey! It is my pleasure to have you featured here
I enjoyed the interview you had with my friend. Her work is unique. One aspect that was not included is her art therapy work in the community. She’s amazing!
Thanks for the interview and introduction to Bailey, Cyndi. It was a pleasure to read and view blog and web sites. I was particularly thrilled to find the articles and references to autism. My friend’s child is autistic. These will be very helpful to her. I would love to see more of Bailey’s Mandalas. Her ‘Branch’, ‘Blue Bird’ and ‘Celestial Storm’ on her website are compelling.
I’m hoping that we will hear more from Bailey shortly after the holidays, specifically about her art therapy and educational work!
Cyndi,
Time for a discussion about special ed, etc??? Peace, Bailey
Bailey, anytime! email me directly if you’d like: cyndi @ b5Media dot com