Jocelyn Krodman - Adorable Squared

So this is Jocelyn...

(Photo by Barbara Docktor)

She is in the company of her handmade, hand-felted, finger puppets. It's almost too much cuteness in one sitting, I know! Feel free to bookmark this link and come back for the rest of the post when you can stand to see and read more...

Jocelyn Krodman is an all around creative force and I am happy to call this artist, musician and free spirit my friend. Her work spans genres and garners the attention of fans in multiple disciplines. If she weren't so darn cute, generous and kind I'd be inclined to dislike her very much. Jealousy is human nature people. Deal with it! When I asked her to do an artist spot light, she said yes, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Jocelyn is a graduate of SCAD where she studied and majored in Metals and Jewelry and now resides in Copake, NY. Her latest endeavors include her felted, animal puppets and her stylings on the ukulele. Her YouTube channel showcases her musical fortitude and her felting process. Her brand, PetitFelts, has been recognized by Martha Stewart: American Made. These hand-died, handmade animals can be purchased on eBay as well as her etsy store.

I mean, if I owned the whale below, with that hat, I might forget what my index finger looks like. I would never take him off. I would have to dictate this blog to Myke.

I am a very lucky girl, in that, I am surrounded by amazingly creative beings. I know countless artists whose work is incredible. When I first created this blog it was with the intention of having a creative outlet and an experiment in finding my passion. (Don't worry, I haven't hijacked this post, let's bring it back full circle.) So when faced with who and what I wanted to talk about, I thought about Jocelyn. She is courageous in her quest of creating a better life and that was the impetus for this post. (AND her amazing work, of which, there are more photos below so you better stick around...)

Now for my hard-nosed questions...

Anna: We are former co-workers from your time living and working in Atlanta. You made the move to Connecticut when you left here to pursue a more creative and fulfilling life. People tend to get caught up in the daily grind and lose site of a personal sense of fulfillment, this includes myself. Where did the courage come from to make that dramatic leap and was it worth it?

Jocelyn: I consider the decision I made to leave my job in search of a more simple and creative lifestyle to be the number one most important decision I've ever made. I had this nagging feeling inside of me basically the whole time I lived in Atlanta. I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be. I kept trying to make it all work and it just didn't feel like fertile ground for me. Despite this desire for change, I had no clue what I wanted to be doing or where I wanted to be. I felt lost, and although I longed for an artistic life, I felt insecure about my ability to be creative. I had abandoned my creativity for so long, I was sure that part of my life was gone for good. Honestly, things had to get really bad before I finally found myself at a crossroads. I saw this special moment in which I could take the seemingly safe route, swallow my pride, put my head down and keep working away in an unfulfilled life or I could take a huge leap in the unknown (SCARY) and see if I could figure out a way to make an alternative lifestyle for myself. I was seeking a lifestyle in which I didn't feel owned by a job. I wanted to feel like I was the one in control of my life. Words truly can't describe how worth it it was. I do miss the free donuts on Fridays, but I can go buy my own damn donuts.

Anna: I love your honesty and your description of the "crossroads" many of us have been faced with and ignored. I will also read the rest of this post with Crossroads by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony playing in my head at the same time.
In our conversations, as you made your initial move, you talked about the smattering of small jobs you did to make ends meet and facilitate your creative endeavors. What were those jobs and do you still have things on the side?

Jocelyn: I do still have a variety of part ­time jobs to help supplement my income. The difference between these jobs and all others jobs I've held in the past is that I love them. I try to hold myself to a rule when it comes to work outside of my studio. It has to make me feel fulfilled in some way, it has to have an aspect of creativity, and it has to be extremely flexible. I have some gardening jobs in the spring and summer, I work a couple of hours a week as a studio assistant for one of my dearest friends and I am a mentor at an after-school art program at the local high school.

Anna: What a wonderful rule of thumb! It sounds like you have some amazing people around to help you stick to the decisions you have made. How does support from family and friends effect your decisions in life and in art?

Jocelyn: The support of my family and friends is invaluable. I have always been extremely vocal with those around me when it comes to making choices in life. I am a classic over-thinker and require lots of reassurance to navigate this world. I'm lucky that when I made the choice to leave my job (without a PLAN mind you), that my family didn't write me off as a crazy person. They supported me every step of the way.

Anna: Jocelyn, how did your artistic trajectory take you from your educational foundation in jewelry making to where you are now as an artist? Do you think that it helped to already have a 3D foundation?

Jocelyn: I chose to study Metals and Jewelry at SCAD because it was the closest major to sculpture that the school offered at the time. Sculpture has always been my true love when it comes to making art. The further I got into my education, the more I realized that although I loved the sculptural aspect of producing jewelry, I didn't feel passionately about working in metal. It just wasn't for me. I spent a few years out of college trying to force myself to make and sell jewelry. I'd spent years learning this trade and I didn't think I could give myself the permission to abandon it! The transition into needle felting happened really naturally. I had just moved up North and had this fresh start. I was so fortunate to almost immediately find myself surrounded by amazing, creative and nurturing people. I made some felted items for a craft fair and found that not only did they sell better than my jewelry, but I loved making them. My new creative mentors helped me to let go of this idea I had built up in my mind about what I was 'supposed' to be creating. I started felting everyday and I haven't stopped...that was 3 years ago this October. To me, working with wool is truly the opposite of working with metal. There is a freedom in creating with wool that just doesn't exist when working with a material as technical as metal. I absolutely think that my 3D foundation has been useful to me in the work I create now. There is an attention to detail that I learned from my time working in metals and jewelry that I extend to my pieces. Tiny details make all the difference in the quality of something handmade.

Anna: What is it like to be a part of Martha Stewart: American Made? What affect did this have on your business, PetitFelts?

Jocelyn: I don't really know yet! I just recently got my American Made eBay shop up and I have not been formally launched. Basically, that means that I haven't been promoted yet and my American Made shop is just floating around in the internet. I do know that I feel honored to be a part of American Made and I'm hoping that it will bring me exposure that I couldn't get on my own.

Anna: Have you noticed any trends in your client base for your felted, finger puppets?

Jocelyn: Surprisingly enough, my client base is so broad! When I first started making my puppets, I assumed that my client base would consist mostly of parents with young children. Not to say that those clients don't exist, but I'd say majority of my clients are adults that collect them or buy them as gifts for other adults. This has become even more the case over time as I've had to raise my prices.

Anna: Friends, I would like to announce my desire to start a collection. (subtle hint, it's my nature) How did you first envision your felted works to be utilized? Do you consider them more ornamental and decorative or puppets to be put into practice?

Jocelyn: I'd say they have become more decorative over time. When I first started making them, they were about a third of the size they are now and they weren't nearly as detailed. I've continued to make them into puppets, but really they are decorative pieces.

Anna: Well, I just love them and would like one of each. (I hope this is working.) Do you start with preliminary sketches or do you just have a visual picture in your head of what each animal will look like?

Jocelyn: I wouldn't even say that I have a visual in my head of what they will look like! When I make an animal for the first time, I know what kind of animal it's going to be, but I truly have no clue how it's going to come out. I'll look at different pictures of the species to get a general idea of the structure and then I just work from my head.

Anna: What are some other projects that you are currently working on?

Jocelyn: I'm currently making a city of cardboard and encaustic. I try to build a piece of it once a week. The pieces all fit together and my plan is to cover a whole entire wall. It started as an exercise assigned to me by a friend to help me open up a little creatively. Even though I don't plan out my puppets in advance and that is a fairly open way of working, I still tend to be very precise and structured with my felting. It works for what I'm making, but sometimes I need a little help to loosen up artistically. Building my city has been helping me to do that. I'm not allowed to have any rules or to plan anything. I work quickly and use scrap pieces of cardboard. It's actually my favorite thing I've created in a long time. It comes from a pretty hidden place in me, if that makes sense.

Anna: I think that makes total sense. The best things tend to come from no limitations. We'll maybe exclude Justin Beiber and Honey Boo Boo from this example, for obvious reasons. 
You are also a self taught musician, playing the ukulele. Do you think there is any carry over in terms of skill set from visual artist to performing arts?

Jocelyn: That's an interesting question. For me personally, I don't find much carry over in terms of skill set. I guess to me the carry over is that making music and making art are the activities in life which I'm able to zone out and access a place in my mind that I can't access at any other time. Being a pretty anxious person by nature, I really value the time I spend in this alternate brain space.

Anna: It sounds like in doing both, the outcome feels the same for you. Thank goodness you noted the skill set is very different. I am basically toned def and never made it past maybe 4th grade violin. I'm happy to announce to the world that has no bearing on my visual creativity. 
How is your life different now, than say, three years ago? Do you feel fulfilled or do you see bigger and better things on the horizon?

Jocelyn: Wow...so incredibly different. My life is unrecognizable from what it was 3 years ago. First off, I moved from Atlanta to the most rural place I've ever lived. I know that as a child I had always wanted to live out in the country, but it was a dream that got covered up for many years. It wasn't until I arrived in this place that I felt truly at home. As far as my work life, it's been an absolute dream making my own schedule and following my own rules. I'm trying to learn the value of balance (aren't we all?). I wonder sometimes if it's all sustainable. Sometimes it seems too good to be true and I feel like I'm waiting for it to crash down around me. What I do know, is that right now, I've never in my life felt more fulfilled. That being said, I'm a human which means I'm always working towards bigger and better, right? RIGHT? :)

Anna: RIGHT!!! Well, you are amazing and I love having this insight into your life, your creations and hearing your inspiring words. And you can bet your arse that next time we have free donuts in the break room I'm going to eat one (duh!) AND throw one on the floor for my homie. I'll probably clean it up right away but I'll know it happened, and you'll know it happened, and the three other people reading this will know it happened. Thank you SO much for the time to let me pick your brain.

I will now wait patiently by the mailbox to receive the gifts from those of you who can take a SUBTLE hint. I also won't be disappointed if you buy one of these cuties for yourself. I mean, it's your money.

Here are a few more of my personal favorites...

(Photos of finger puppets by Aaron Thompson)

Whistle While You Twerk, I Mean Work…

I am sitting here on a three-day weekend whistling and working. Thinking that my happiness gage is most audibly measurable when I am whistling without being conscious of it. My husband loves this. Also, sarcasm does not translate well via print…

I turned 34 this year and the day passed without much fanfare but the reality of my everyday keeps tugging at my heart strings. I have been on a passive mission to find my calling, my one true love, my “find what you love to do and you will never work a day in your life.” My conscious mind isn’t sure what that is but maybe my unconscious, whistling can point me in the right direction.

I have always been envious of those people who took the direct path to euphoria. That sounds inappropriate but you know what I mean. They knew what they wanted to be when they grew up when they were still developing into a full grown person. Those people are annoying! The other group seems to be the risk takers, those filled with initiative and Red Bull. They figure it out and then do everything in their power to “never work a day in their life.”

I am neither. I am a functioning adult. I bring home a paycheck and although I have stresses over money I never have to choose eating over paying the electric bill. Which is grossly high during summertime in the South. YAY Georgia! I am lazy, I am passive yet outwardly strong and competent to a fault. I don’t take chances and I have been at the same job for ten plus years. So, does motivation come from passion? How do I find my “thing?” Is there anywhere else in this post in which I can use quotation marks? What if after all this non-searching I come to realize my passion is actually not working at all? The picture being...me, sitting at home, watching BRAVO and whistling until my lips start to quiver.

I’ve worked nothing out in my ranting but I do know that I am not the only one complacent in life and wanting more. Somehow that makes me feel better. In my twenties I would have vivid, notable thoughts of being capable of something great. Those thoughts are gone. Not in a sad way, just a hyper realistic, high definition way. Is my mission impossible listening for that whistle and figuring out how to get paid for it? Or do I move into a studio apartment with the hubs and dog so that I can watch a Wednesday marathon of Real Housewives of Atlanta? Hopefully it starts around noon, which would be my new wake up time.

This Guy Named Scott...And All His Stuff

In an effort to relive my weekend and function in denial that I'm back to the grind I wanted to share some fun finds from the Big A.

Friday night began and ended with a harrowing adventure into the dark woods of Conyers, GA. I dragged Myke along to see a love seat I found on Craigslist. To say he came kicking and screaming is only a slight exaggeration. I mean, someone had to drive... I just don't get why he wouldn't want to score a great deal, on a Friday night, with the slightest chance of getting murdered. In this, we couldn't be more different. It was a bit of a trek and once we got closer I couldn't help but think about all those episodes of 48 Hours Presents: Live To Tell, that I've watched ad nauseam. This is proof that I am ACTUALLY an optimist despite all other signs. I obviously thought that if we found ourselves in a precarious situation that we would indeed, live to tell.

The woman who came to the door was amazing in the same way Sharknado is amazing or Pauly Shore or that burger served between two grilled cheese sandwiches. I couldn't stop looking yet I wanted to get out of there right away. We traded $50 and loaded up the sleek looker below and headed back to civilization.

Saturday we spent our time at Scott Antique Market. This is the world's largest indoor antique show. It takes place the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Expo Center. The market is spread over two large buildings, a North and a South building, and many outdoor spaces. The indoor vendors tend to be pricey whereas the odds and ends outside are a little more reasonable. It is certainly not yard or estate sale prices but the people watching and the design inspiration are priceless.

My favorite things here are an import booth ran by a man named Khaled and an old-timey popcorn machine. Go figure! We tend to always start at the North building where I make a bee-line to the man with the goods. He's at aisle A-2, booths 49 and 50. On this Saturday I was looking for a gift for myself my sister. She hardly responds to my text messages so I'm fairly certain this won't ruin the surprise. He has the most beautiful things...

I am usually a fair and fierce haggler but on this day I was at a loss. Maybe all the pretty, colorful things temporarily handicapped my abilities, allowing me to hone an all new approach. I basically hemmed and hawed until he came down $20. I really just couldn't make up my mind. A win for indecisiveness! Here is what i bought...

You can go missing and broke in this place so keep an eye on the exits and your wallet. I am always looking for a good deal so most things I already know are out of my price range at Scott's. What I can always afford is the popcorn made in the machine below. It's over a hundred years old (the machine, not the popcorn). You can taste the history and history tastes like salt and butter...delish!

Of course there were many things that spoke to me that were passed over. Sadly, I left all my bags of money at home.

For $10 we did buy this lumber jack. The matte needs to be replaced but the frame is sturdy and in good condition. He's just weird enough for me to fall in love. That tends to be my barometer.

After scouring the first building, everything started to look the same and my eyes started to cross. So naturally we kept going. The South building has the best place to grab lunch. Be prepared to fight for a table and "throw dem 'bows." It isn't a day in Atlanta without a Ludacris reference, says me...

With little energy left and just before we made the walk back to the car I spotted one more gem. I adopted these three cats for $25. These are the only cats that Myke can live with that don't induce an allergic reaction or claw my furniture. For that, I am grateful.

Would you spend your Friday night hunting down a Craigslist find or weave your way through hoards of people in hopes of spotting a great piece? For me, the hunt is half the fun. Happy searching!

A Chair Best Served Gold

My excitable moments these days are thankfully easier to spot than a couple of extra bucks in my wallet. Our house became a money sucking vampire right after we signed the paperwork over a year ago. I tried wearing garlic around my neck which only added a new, more aromatic problem. I then smelled like salsa whilst writing check after check. I’ll bore you to death with all of those nauseating details as we become closer and I know I can trust you. Until then, let’s keep things light and well, more neutral smelling. What gets my heart racing nowadays is a good deal and my own version of bling. I have a hard time passing by a yard/estate sale without braking. I would never own a bumper sticker that read “I brake for good deals” but you can bet your ass I’m thinking it. My husband is privy to my haggling and hunting by proxy alone. So it was one of those weekend afternoons when we pulled over for an unexpected yard sale. I bought the blue cutie below. It did not have a price on it and was piled high with clothes. It had a bad spray paint job that left it’s ankles exposed, presumably taking into account the Atlanta summer. The price left me no room for hesitation as I forked over a whole dollar and she became mine.

This chair sat in my office doing it’s thing for quite awhile until I had an itch to spray something gold. To know me is to also know I was born without whatever gene controls willpower. So in the same way I give in to chardonnay and cheese, I went to town. I figuratively and then literally “went to town” to pick up some more gold spray paint. My color and brand of choice is below. In Atlanta I get it at Michael’s, when it's in stock.

The chair's surface already had some good tooth and texture, so no need for primer first. I tend to get the best results by spraying short, smaller strokes in light layers, allowing for drying time in between. It makes it a DIY project mixed with a test in patience. Not exactly my favorite combination but I made it to the other side.

Here is the chair after being sprayed and in all of it’s golden glory. Just look how she shines...

I think of this golden metallic as a neutral, goes with anything, kind of color. I wanted to layer on some drama, texture and some visual interest. Right now she's all Jennifer Aniston with a natural glow, jeans and a t-shirt, drinking a Smart Water. I wanted her to be Kim K with a low cut dress, attracting the paparazzi where ever she goes. I selected a handful of yarn that varied in color but also complimented each other. 

I like the feel and look of brightly colored ethnic textiles a la the one below that is hanging on an opposite wall.

I am using a large, yarn needle that can be found at any crafting store to weave in and out of the small openings in the chair. This technique could be applied to any chair that offers allowances for wrapping through similar openings.

I am making up the pattern as I go and hoping for the best. It's like crafting improv without the audience or the laughter...

Voila! Look at Kim...all shiny, blinged out, working it for the camera.

 Now, to be put in a time out and made to sit in the corner...IF ONLY!

Sound the Opening Bell!

Welcome to Sirdanewshit! This blog has been a long time coming. The journey to this point has been obstructed by fear, a lot of laziness and questioning my own validity. Heavy, right? The heavy emotions are only internal so your journey as a reader should be light and hopefully entertaining. Sirdanewshit will serve as an outlet for creativity, a place where I can say what I want and an experimentation in finding my passion.

What to expect? Expectations always end with frustration. What I can promise is the grammar will be awful, the imagery will hope to inspire and the storytelling should be easily digestible. Stick around and you may find a moment of connection, a moment of surprise and/or a moment of delight.

Sirdanewshit, COMMENCE!