It’s another special artist date today as we get to know our featured artist for the February artist-to-artist collaboration here at ScrapArtist.

“ My name is Mindy Lacefield and I live near Little Rock, AR. I am married with 2 dogs, a yorkie and a poodle.

As a child, I drew frequently. However, I never really painted other than in elementary art class. I never considered myself gifted because my cousins and uncle were the ‘real’ artists. They are amazing painters and wood carvers.  It really never entered my mind that I could ever even compare to the amazing things they were doing. (and I still don’t) When I entered college I knew that I wanted to do something creative but I also felt that I needed to major in something practical, so I majored in Marketing. I then worked in a job I loathed for 4 years. I was not happy. I decided it was time to do something I love. I went into makeup artistry and from there I found the courage to pick up a paint brush. In makeup, I became familiar with color mixing and blending along with working delicately with brushes. I then decided to go to art school in 2006 and attended 3 years worth of art classes. It was during this time that I started my etsy shop (2007). It started to become clear that I might make it as a full-time artist. So I’m taking an indefinite break from art school to focus on my art. I quit my makeup artistry job in June of 2008. In January of 2008, I took some of my paintings to a local gallery and they ended up liking my work. I had my first gallery show there in May 2009.

In my art, I use different media including acrylic, oil sticks, graphite, and encaustics while incorporating paper and tissue paper to produce a highly textured painting. People have told me that my work reminds them of the big-eyed dolls from the 70’s.  I’ll have to admit that dolls are ultimately one of the things that inspires me.

Photo by Jonny Meyer

I was born in 1974 and collected dolls, specifically Strawberry Shortcake. My art has a child-like quality while incorporating fun, bright colors.”

Your art has a very distinct look. Where do you get the inspiration?

“I am inspired everywhere. Other artists and doll artists inspire me everyday. I try to look at art everyday through flickr. There are some amazing artists that I’ve met there including ghost patrol, Boopsie Daisy, Christina Romeo, Amy Huddleston, and Kukula. I am also inspired by cult followed artists Mark Ryden and Joe Sorren and illustrators such as Niccoletti Ceccoli and Anke Wekkeman.

I love film. Some of my favorite directors are Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock and Tim Burton. My etsy shoppe’s name is inspired by Tim Burton and one of my favorite “Nightmare Before Christmas” characters, Sally. So I went with Tim’s Sally.

I also love everything Disney, the movies, the parks, and the characters. I mentioned that dolls are a big inspiration in my art and I still collect some vintage dolls and also dolls from other artists.”

So, if they made a movie about your life, what would the title be and who would play you?

“The title would be ‘Liquid Candy.’ An art friend of mine described the colors I use as liquid candy and it just made me smile. I would say the actor to play me would have to be Mara Wilson (the girl who played Matilda).”

Do you have any tips to help us unlock our creativity?

“I say the first is to take an art class or go to an art retreat. Being around creative souls is very important and can be so inspiring.
Also, look at art everyday even if it’s just online. Flickr.com is a great way to see an awesome variety of artists that are working today. Children’s books are also a great way to see awesome art. I sometimes just go to Barnes and Noble and peruse the kiddie section and look at the picture books. So fun! Let me share also the best creative advice I ever received:  some of the best discoveries are made by the mistakes you make. ”

Thank you so much Mindy for letting us a peek into your world.

You can learn more about Mindy through her etsy shoppe, Tim’s Sally and her blog of the same name. She is also represented by Gallery 26. If you have any questions for her, just post them on the comments below and I will send them her way.

Hope you have a creatively awesome day!