Artist Profile: Shelby Foldy
I want to be honest; I've had this interview planned out since the very beginning. Shelby Foldy is one of my oldest friends and was briefly my roommate in college. Through many changing seasons and locations, we've been intentional in our friendship; when I'm ready to throw in the creative towel, it's usually Shelby on the other line pushing me not to give up.
In addition to being a fantastic, beautiful, kind human being, she's literally one of the most creative people that I know. Not only does she take all of the Ink+Honey product photos, but she specializes in creating abstract watercolor paintings. Shelby's paintings have been created with artful spaces in mind--meant to evoke emotion and illuminate experiences of peace and beauty.
With the release of our collaborative Pocketbook series entitled, "Tender Fog", I thought it would be a perfect time to feature the interview we did together. (And I say interview very loosely...these are just the sort of things we talk about in real life.
What got you started in working with watercolor?
"Besides art projects in school, I didn’t have experience with the medium. I had been experimenting with oil, acrylic, and charcoal — but none of those mediums satisfied the “letting go/free flowing” experience I wanted. When I began re-discovering watercolor in a college art class, it opened up a new world of learning how color and water creates with or without me. I liked how watercolor taught me to let go of control and perfectionism. You can say that about any form of art, but watercolor did it for me."
What do you love/dislike about working with watercolor as a medium?
"My biggest challenge: I wish watercolor paper came in larger sheets, without having to buys rolls!
My favorite aspect: Sometimes I just paint and watch the water take over, like a ripple affect. I enjoy the process of waiting and watching, while the watercolor evolves when drying — it’s therapy."
What generally inspires you to create?
"Hands down, experiencing something new. Most of my inspiration comes from places I’ve traveled or monumental moments of my life. When I come home from a new experience the best way for me to process the beauty is to paint. When I’m feeling low in the inspiration department all I need to do is go for a hike, go to a museum or enjoy a nice dinner to get away."
What puts you in the "mood" to create?
"REST. A restful afternoon hiking or trying something new puts me in a mood to create. Also, whenever my husband creates music I want to paint — creativity is contagious."
What was your inspiration for this collaboration?
"Abbye and I have been wanting to do this for a long time! I’ve just had fun being in a place where I get to create with her brilliance! Every notebook is different. Some are more simple and abstract, but others are inspired by landscapes."
Shelby Foldy Photo
Shelby Foldy Photo
Why were you interested in collaborating to make journals? What makes these so special?
"Being a newlywed, I have been inspired by the simple things in life. I never would have thought creating grocery lists, budgets, and home to-do lists would be so enjoyable! The little things in life have become the most enjoyable moments. Abbye and I wanted to make notebook where you can enjoy writing all the little, yet wonderful things in life down."
What is one tool that you can't live without?
"A room with lots of natural light, fresh coffee, and Arches paper."
What advice do you have for other artists and creatives?
"I would say just take your time and enjoy the process of developing as an artist. Don’t create to produce. Create to propel yourself to the next exciting thing you enjoy. It’s not about what is produced, it’s about the heart behind it. Rest. Teach yourself how to collaborate with other artists, so that no competition exists. Become obsessed with something. I fell in love with one color and gave myself a YEAR to explore all the possibilities of that one color. Well, that year is up and I’m still hooked and only want to paint everything in that color. Set goals, but don’t be afraid to change them. It’s going to take me a lifetime to experience the whole color wheel at this rate! Be proud of where you are at. You are created to create."
Shelby Foldy Photo
Shelby Foldy Photo
Shelby Foldy Photo