Love Alison, Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

I've been a fan of Love Alison for a while now. Alison Krafick was going to attend Atomic last year but she was off in Atlanta and couldn't get her lazy butt down to my show. I'm just kidding, Alison and I love to abuse each other; my sister is the only other person who is better than Alison in insulting me and making me feel really fucking fabulous about myself. What can I say? She is one funny muther and I dig, dig, dig her sense of humor which completely shines through her art and jewelry. Alison will be at both the Saturday night Atomic show (12/12/09) and the Sunday show (12/13/09) and I really encourage you to stop by and see her so she can throw a spicy insult your way as you buy something from her, otherwise she may throw stones and boulders at you if you don't!

Name of Business/Website Address? Love Alison / www.LoveAlison.com

What City/State do you reside in? Orlando, FL.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before?
Atomic Virgin.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? The coolest FUCKING art Atomic has ever seen.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? No. Yes... though technically a night job as I'm a bartender. Yes I am a parent. I don't.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? DIY totally ROCKS... it lets personalities shine through.


What's your favorite color? Hot fucking pink.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I do recycle and I do use found items in many of my art pieces.

What inspires you? Music, all things cool, vintage, words.

What are your favorite bands? Bands containing whiny tattooed rocker boys.

What is your favorite movie? Heathers... duh.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught in the art I actually do but once upon a time I acquired an art degree.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
Occasionally one of my girls won't speak to me but usually after I yell at her she tells me some sordid story. Stop trying to jinx me anyway.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Yes... Rob and Corrinne from Threadbangers have one of my pieces on the wall behind them in most of their segments. They are way too cool for school.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Pretty much everything about me is amusing.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Atomic Bazaar 2009.

Ela Steel - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

I'm having a memory block on how the fabulous Ela Steel landed in Atomic's lap; I think I may have found her through Etsy (I often do geolocator searches to find new talent) but she may have found Atomic. Oh hell, what does it matter, she's coming to Atomic on Sunday, 12/13, noon - 6 p.m., and I am really, really looking forward to eyeballing her creations. Ela's interview is below...I can't wait to meet you Ela!

Name of Business/Website Address? Ela Steel http://steel.etsy.com

What City/State do you reside in? Austin, TX

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my first time.


What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I create strange and offbeat paintings of corseted bug-women. I plan to bring jewelry featuring my weird artwork (as well as jewelry featuring my pretty photography.) Pendants, rings and earrings. I'll also have prints, postcards and possibly a couple of small originals.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Making stuff is my full time occupation and I love it!



Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love that you can get quality (insert-almost-anything you might be looking for here) handmade by an actual artisan who you can converse with. I love the personal touch.

What's your favorite color? Purple!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? In my paintings, yes. I'm currently designing some tree ornaments that use recycled/found objects as well.

What inspires you? Bugs. Corsets.

What are your favorite bands? The Gathering, Anathema, Antimatter, VNV Nation, Infected Mushroom, Nine Inch Nails.

What is your favorite movie? Hmmm. Maybe Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I went to school for Fine Arts, but the jewelry portion is self-taught.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yes, I go through painting dry-spells all the time. But I love that I can also do the jewelry which keeps me creating through those times.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I find most bugs totally awesome and love to look at/photograph them, but when it comes to spiders I become a total stereotypical girl. Shrieking. Flailing. Demanding other people in the room deal with it. You know.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I went on a pretty rad 2-month backpacking trip last year to southeast asia. Loved almost every second of it! The second that was not loved involved a hand-sized spider in a dressing stall with me at a park. At that point it's really past the point of shrieking and more to the choking on air phase. But yeah. Thailand rocked otherwise. ;)

be jewelry and crafts, Atomic Interview

Betsy Kennedy of be jewelry and crafts is an Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saint. Really, she's like my Joan of Arc of Atomic. Betsy contacted Atomic for our first show and volunteered, she didn't know me or my former Atomic partner in crime Cemantha, she didn't know much about our show other than we were looking for volunteers and trying to pull this crazy craft show off. Betsy showed up for a few meetings, met us the day of the show and managed our crafters and kept us calm. She's smart, sassy, and I didn't know she was talented until last year when she came to Atomic as a crafter instead of a volunteer. This year I have her roped into both, she'll be around at the Saturday night show cracking the whip and then back to make some holiday cashola at the Sunday show. I adore Betsy, she's a stellar gal who makes lovely jewelry. Interview with Betsy is below:

Name of Business/Website Address? be jewelry and crafts - http://www.be-jewelryandcrafts.com

What City/State do you reside in? Myakka, Florida.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? Did it before.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Sterling silver jewelry.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? Jewelry is not full time. day job as teacher, also a parent. TOTALLY unbalanced.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? LOVE the Bradentucky Bombers. LOVE adrien. love sneaking wine, eating food, watching people.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Love making something cool out of something boring.

What's your favorite color? Depends on what we are talking about. Clothes? Black. Houses? Taupe. Flowers? White. Walls? Many assorted.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Sometimes.

What inspires you? Seeing other people's work.

What are your favorite bands? Florida Mountain Boys (I sleep with the guitarist).

What is your favorite movie? Something about Mary.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Classes.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Yup.
Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Obama.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I love shrooms.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Dingle, Ireland.....actually anywhere in Ireland. Or Maine. I love spending summers in Maine.

humblebumbleb - Hat Maker Extraordinairre for Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Brenda Burton finally has a name. Let me explain. She and her husband have attended Atomic, they were always "that cute couple" who dressed well, looked madly in love and just left that kind of impression on me. All that with the whirlwind of Atomic going on, so yep, they were that memorable and she always had on a fabulous felt hat on and a smile. Then last year "that cute couple" showed up at Atomic with not one baby, but two. Twin baby girls, beautiful, identical. Memorable. I guess that's what happens when you are "that cute couple" you create something genetically wonderful and unique. Finally, attending the Stitch Rock show this year, who do I see, but Brenda, her husband and the twins, we had emailed because I had her biz card and begged her to do Atomic and thankfully she agreed. But now I know who she is and simply, Brenda is as fabulous and colorful as her beautiful and affordable hats. Brenda's interview is below:

Name of Business/Website Address? humblebumbleb / http://www.humblebumbleb.com/

What City/State do you reside in? West Palm Beach, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I have attended as a customer the past two years, but this is my first time attending as a vendor.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make retro and vintage inspired hats (Pill Box Hats, Fascinators, Flight Caps, Cloche Hats)

Is making stuff your full time ocupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I am a full time mommy. All my crafting is done once the babies are asleep and the house work is somewhat taken care of.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I've always been a DIYer. My mom always had a project going to keep my sister and I busy. The process is more exciting to me than the final product (which is pretty awesome as well) but the act of creating something makes me happy.

What's your favorite color? Yellow (Mustard Yellow to be exact)

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? The majority of my hats are made of ecospun felt which is 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. I use a lot of vintage and thrifted embellishments as well. I try to do my part.

What inspires you? I am inspired by fashion from past decades. I love the 20's 40's 50's and 60's. I mix classic vintage styles with new materials and techniques.

What are your favorite bands? All time fave is the Beatles. I'm really in to Rockabilly groups with female vocals like Kim Lenz, and we can't forget about the great Johnny Cash!!!

What is your favorite movie? Huge Star Wars fan, right here. And I'm a sucker for The Notebook.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? As mentioned before, my mom taught me how to be creative. A also attended FAU and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? Can't say that I have. I like to dabble in a lot of different types of crafts so I don't get bored on one thing, but my passion is sewing.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Love to give Katy Perry a piece, and Zooey Deschanel. They have great vintage inspired style.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have identical twins

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Ireland on my honeymoon.

Brenda will be sellng her humblebumbleb hats both at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar Saturday, 12/12 evening show and the Sunday, 12/13 show. The world is a more colorful place with a chick like this and that makes me happy!

Viva Le Vox, Headliner Band for Atomic at Saturday Night Show, 12/12/09.

Holy Shit. I finally got to see Viva Le Vox last night at Pastimes, who are my head liner band for the Saturday night Atomic Holiday Bazaar show on Saturday, December 12, 2009, 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m., and yes, I will continue to state the date over and over to pound it into your sweet little fleshy heads until you all become my Atomic minions and rub my body in holiday honey, oh wait, that's another story.

Back to Viva Le Vox! Jesus, what a bunch of sweet boys. OK, men. Sweet, talented men. They have a new CD out "Desperation Alley" and please, please get your asses to the Paddywagon over in Gulf Gate, here in Sorryscrotum (Sarasota) on Friday, October 30th to get a preview of this band because they will knock your fuckin' socks off unless you're wearing flip flops and if you're wearing flip flops your toes will curl openly in public from the sheer glee of what this band delivers.

The boys in the band present as follows according to their MySpace page:

Tony Bones~Vox , Guitar...
Antoine Dukes~Drums, Stomp, Poor People Skills....
Jim Bob "Scarecrow" Jenkins~Bull Fiddle, Vox...
Paultergeist~Accordion, Washboard, Intimidating Presence...

Tony Bones is a delicious front man with a voice he pulls up from hell ranging from theatrical to melodic to gruff to sexy and Tony, I just know you have a dark hearted ballad somewhere in that skinny rocker bod so please pull it out of your ass and play us a Viva Le Vox version of a love song.

Paultergeist is a talented accordion player and slams the washboard around like he means it. We found out we had sat near each other in Detroit for the Leonard Cohen show earlier this year. I know this is enthralling for you but it was a coolio moment for me.

I'm getting lazy and hungry so let me wrap this up, Antoine on drums, he has a thing for shoes, I have a thing for shoes, so I'd say he's perfect.

I didn't get a chance to talk to Scarecrow who played the upright bass but I could have watched him all night humping and thumping his instrument, haha, that cracked me up, that broke me down. But really, I am so very excited to have these guys playing at Atomic.

Please try and get your sorry behinds to the Paddywagon next Friday to see them, otherwise I will sic the hounds of H1N1 on you.

Pickeled Eggplant Interview for Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Pickled Eggplant by Nicole Gugliotti is appearing at the Sunday, 12/13 Atomic show. Nicole's medium is ceramics and I love the shapes of her sculptures. Organic, yes. Unusual, oh for sure. However, there is such a clean aesthetic to her designs yet they are not sterile. Quite simply, I really, really love the abstract images she is firing up for us. I am thrilled to have her participate in Atomic and I'm really curious to see what she creates in the future. You may get to know her by reading her interview.

Name of Business/Website Address? pickled eggplant / www.pickledeggplant.wordpress.com

What City/State do you reside in? St. Petersburg, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? First time vending, second time attending.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic: I hand build porcelain into organic sculptures and wall pieces. At Atomic a selection of my wall pieces and other small works (sculptures, monsters, rattles) will be available.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I have a day job working in a medical clinic. In the last year I've been able to transition into more of a balance with art and day job. This is really awesome but at the same time I feel like art making takes all of my spare time. In the next year I'd like to make the leap to full time art making so I can have a day off.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Well, basically I was raised by the ubiquitous Italian immigrant parents, who instilled in me the desire to know how to do things. They ran bakeries when I was growing up so processed food was kind of unheard of. They made bread, birthday cake, pastries. I always knew what exactly went into the making. They also rarely called upon repair persons or mechanics, opting to do it themselves. I think growing up in these conditions just made me a "do" kind of person.


What's your favorite color? Blue, gray, black.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I am currently using recycled cardboard for my business cards. I use crushed shells and soil in my installation work (which often gets recycled into gardens or friends landscaping projects after the fact). I also collaborated on a life size gas station installation (with gas pump and hummer) made completely out of recycled cardboard stolen from wal-mart.

What inspires you? The short answer to that is nature. The long answer is that I am inspired by things in nature that both attract and repel. The broken open seed pods you find on the ground and take home with you, accounts of tape worms growing so long that they protrude from the host's anus or the Surinam toad who's eggs are embedded on her back during mating so that tadpoles eventually have to push themselves out. I love that stuff. I love researching and traveling and then binding all these bits of information and textures and images together into something the viewer can have a little attracted/repelled experience with, even if they don't have all the information.

What are your favorite bands? Old school riot grrrl bands, le tigre, sinead o'connor, 90's pop and rock ballads.

What is your favorite movie? 10 things I hate about you

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Mentally I learned about making from my family. I also have a B.F.A. in Ceramics.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? On the one hand I'm not making art full time yet so it seems like there are so many ideas that never get made. At the same time there are moments when my brain is done and it needs a break.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Kathleen Hanna or Jason Briggs

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I have no sense of smell (seriously) and no middle name.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Well, Japan, for so many reasons...

Carey Borden of C.A.B. Fayre is making a splash in the local DIY scene, I ran into her at the Stitch show in Delray Beach last weekend and it was a pleasure finally getting to meet her. Carey has a great eye for color, her clothing is fresh and sexy and her jewelry dangles in all the right places, in other words, this gal knows how to put shit together! C.A.B. Fayre can be found at Atomic's Saturday night and Sunday day show. Carey's interview follows..



Name of Business/Website Address? C.A.B. Fayre. www.cabfayre.com

What City/State do you reside in? Bradenton, FL

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I went to Atomic last year as a shopper and loved it so much I knew I just had to be a vendor this year

What do you make and plan on bringing to Atomic: We make jewelry, clothing, hair accessories, and other kick-ass creations.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I'm currently working towards making this my full time job. I hated the job I was at and what I was studying in school so I decided I would rather know I pursued doing something I love than know I just ended up falling into somewhere that I didn't belong. I'm not willing to sacrifice my happiness. I think the most important thing in life is to do what makes you happy because you only have this one life to live. You shouldn't waste it by spending everyday at a job you hate!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I'm all about handmade things. I would rather buy something handmade from other people like me than from a big heartless company. I also like being somewhat one of a kind. I hate how so many people walk around wearing the same things and in this small town with barely anywhere to shop its hard to be original unless you DIY. Creating and making things is a huge source of happiness in my life. I love turning nothing into something. Doing it yourself is empowering.


What's your favorite color? I have a favorite color combo...Black and White but I guess I should say hot pink is my favorite color considering I made it the color of C.A.B. Fayre

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? I have a new collection that I just recently added to my line called "ReVAMPed" which is vintage clothing, jewelry, and purses with a modern C.A.B. Fayre twist

What inspires you? I get inspired by lots of things...pictures in magazines/art books, random things around me, items in thrift stores, and even music. I walk through thrift stores and find items that give me visions. I will immediately see a vision of what I can turn that item into. Music is another big one. I have to be listening to music to make stuff. Sometimes I will just play music and stand in front of my mannequin and getting lost in the music without thinking start draping a necklace design on it. Inspiration is everywhere. (man if I was an outsider reading this I would totally make fun of myself for that answer....ha!)

What are your favorite bands? No Doubt will forever be my favorite band but right now I'm loving a new up and coming local band called Crash FistFight (they remind me of Guns N' Roses with a Motorhead twist) they put on one hell of a show!

What is your favorite movie? The Dreamers is a big fave of mine but I'm also a huge fan of 80's movies and black and white films.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I'd have to say a lot of what I do is self taught and a result of many failed tries. My mother taught me to sew. She has always been really into "arts and crafts" so she has surrounded me with that kind of stuff since I was a little tot. My father taught me how to work with resin and typical dad stuff like how to use tools. When I would get a vision of something I wanted to make my mother and father were always there to tell me what can and can't be done in order to make it happen until we'd make it work. I was and still am really lucky!

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? I never get burnt out, I love what I do, but I definitely get "creator's block." However, it never lasts very long and all I have to do to break it is look through one of my hundreds of art books or fashion magazines that I have stacked all over my house or go shopping at a vintage or thrift store until I find something that... (forgive me for how ridiculous this is about to sound but...) speaks to me.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I would pee my pants if Gwen Stefani wore one of my pieces!

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? It's not exactly an oddity but I will not step foot into an elevator I don't care if I have to walk 30 flights of stairs...I don't do elevators!

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I visited Eleuthera an island in the Bahamas. At one point I found myself all alone on the beach with no one around as far as the eye could see. The water was a shade of teal I've never seen and the sand was pink. It was amazing and being all alone like that in such beauty made me forget how cruel the world can be.

Sara Leigh Handbags - Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview

Sara Johnson of Sara Leigh Handbags is Atomic Holiday Bazaar alumni. Sara is a delicious as her bags and creations which I recently saw at the Stitch show in Delray Beach. She had some gnomes and mushroom felted creations that I hope she will be selling at Atomic! Sara will be at Atomic's Saturday night and Sunday day show. Sara Leigh Handbags are durable, sewn well and pure girly delight. Sara's interview may be read right now:


Name of Business/Website Address? Sara Leigh Handbags. www.saraleighhandbags.com
and www.stitchofwhimsy.etsy.com.

What City/State do you reside in? Stuart (Stu-ville as I like to call it), Florida

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? This will be my 4th year (wow how time flies !!!)

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I sew and create anything and everything I feel like but I specialize in handbags and forest inspired plush creatures.

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? I wish this was full time! I have a part-time job and no kids. Making things is something I've been balancing into my day to day life since I was a kid, I just cant help myself!

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? I love when I see my bags / accessories from years passed show up again with their new person. Creating something that someone else loves as much or more than me is what its all about for me!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I am CRAZY passionate about D-I-Y! For me everything you wear/purchase is a reflection of your personality and mass produced, factory made generic is not my style!

What's your favorite color? The rainbow, it always depends on my mood and season.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Always love to create something new out of something old.

What inspires you? Nature, the stars and the people and things I love the most. Lots & lots of music.

What are your favorite bands? There are soooo many, lately im very into Miss Li, The bird and the bee, Arcade Fire, Beirut and the list goes on & on & on & onnnn.......

What is your favorite movie? Amelie

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
Of Course. Every now and then I hit a block but always try my hardest to reignite that spark with music, travel and art. When life gets rough I imagine its hard to make it all work for everyone creatively but the only thing that really gets me through the block is to find that spark again, however, I have to.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Zooey Deschanel- LOVE her ! 500 days of Summer would have to be my new 2nd favorite movie and she has a great little band happening too.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Sometimes I think I have more oddities than any of you would like to know! Trust me on this one, I live in a crazy world in my mind created by me :)

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Atomic Holiday Bazaar , Stitch Rock and all the other moments of each year I get to meet the people most like me with an appreciation for the unusual and one-of-a-kind. This is true.

Cemetery Prints - Atomic Interview

I was introduced to photographer Sid Graves of Cemetery Prints by two people who are helping me and appearing at Atomic this year (Brian Blur and Doll Face, Inc.). Sid and his strikingly moody Cemetery Prints are appearing at AHB's Saturday night and Sunday day shows.

As far back as I can remember I have been obsessed with cemeteries. In the 90s I dated a guy who had a studio that overlooked one of my favorite cemeteries in Youngstown. That cemetery is filled with beautiful crypts of the rich, literally little studio sized mansions that I wanted to live in. My friends and I would play night time hide-n-go seek, higher than kites, bruising ourselves silly as we crashed into old tombstones. Man it was fun. Around that time Danzig had his hit "Mother" and it gave me great giggles to stand over a ground tombstone that was inscribed with "MOTHER RIP" and sing his song. Maturity surrounds me. But seriously, there is nothing more lovely and peaceful than an old cemetery, trust me, birds of prey at dusk like to hunt in there, trees and statuary's are everywhere, pack yourself a picnic, bring some kind of mood enhancer and kick back as the sun goes down. Sid's Atomic interview begins here:

Name of Business/Website Address? CEMETERY PRINTS / http://www.cemeteryprints.com/

What City/State do you reside in? Everywhere.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? 1ST TIME.

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? Framed or Matted Cemetery Photography from Maine to Florida and beyond…..

Is making stuff your full time occupation? Do you have a day job, are you a parent? How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? It’s my full time occupation along with another full time occupation. I’m also a parent however mine just turned 18. Weekends and late nights balance out the 2 perfectly and it keeps me out of trouble!!!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? You have to have passion in order to succeed starting a business and running a business is 2 different things. Hard work and determination will always prevail.

What's your favorite color? Black

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Hmmmm somewhat LOL.

What inspires you? People who know how to push boundaries, beyond what is typical. My own internal drive to succeed helps too.

What are your favorite bands? I like all genres of music.

What is your favorite movie? Devil’s Reject’s

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I’ve had photographic guidance since my teens and self taught in many photographic mediums. I’ve taken a few classes over the years however they teach basic principles or ideas that I already encompass in my work.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things; hit a dry spot like writer's block? Ohhh Yes… I get photographer’s Block all the time!!!

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? I’ve had several that I’ve been able to give my cemetery photography to but I’d love to get something over to Rob Zombie I think he would appreciate my photography.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? I get aggravated when people say “I wouldn’t do that to my worst enemy” Really??? Why Not??? It’s your worst enemy!!! If you’re my worst enemy, guess what?? You’re doomed….

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? Maine!!! Hands down the most peaceful place anywhere. I grew up in Maine and fall in love with it every time I go back to visit. The fresh air, good down to earth people and the weather is beautiful, except for winter lol.

Come check out this fabulous man at Atomic Holiday Bazaar and buy one of his Cemetery Prints!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar Interview with Alison Ware

Alison Ware has shown her pieces at Atomic before. The first time I saw her paintings they grabbed me. Not only because they were painted on cardboard, which

for me causes my body and mind to react in a sort of bittersweet way. Cardboard makes me think of skid row in Los Angeles, moving and packing a billion times, being poor, I digress. Digression will occur a lot with these posts...and may I add, my digressions and thoughts may not relate to the artist I am writing about...their points of view compared to mine may and probably are coming from another planet.

Now let's move on from my fixation on Alison's use of cardboard to the content of what she paints. Again, these images strike a chord in me, reminding me of feelings of being in high school (a place I hated) and feeling like if she had sat next to me in art class I would have passed her note with a heart in it and maybe a joint.

Interview with Alison can be read right here, right now:

Name of Business/Website Address? Alison Ware / http://www.amoebamine.blogspot.com/

What City/State do you reside in? At the moment, Sarasota, FL, but I'll be moving to Washington, D.C. in early 2010.

Is this your first time attending Atomic or have you done the show before? I have attended once before, the second AHB in December 2007. I had a blast then, and am planning on a repeat of the fun this year!

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic? I make acrylic paintings of cute and odd critters on cardboard. I also plan to bring a few little pen and ink sketches, the kind that form the first drafts of my creature paintings.

Is making stuff your full time occupation or do you have a day job?

At the moment, I have a day job working in a local shop (Elysian Fields), which allows me to paint and create without the worries of economic performance anxiety.

If you have worked Atomic in prior years, what is one of your favorite memories from AHB? Besides seeing all the amazing stuff that other folks are making with their own hands, I loved talking to the people who came by my booth and seeing the connections they felt with my work. I was deeply touched by their reactions to my little critters!

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? I love the idea of being able to pick up some odds and ends and just going to town doing what you like. When I was little, I thought that there was a very specific way of doing art, that you had to paint like the Old Masters or have access to companies and factories to make toys and jewelry or buy heaps of expensive art supplies. It was exhilarating to find a group of people doing it for themselves in the way that worked for them, not according to a single template.

What's your favorite color? Purple!

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? Yes! I paint on repurposed cardboard. I'm still working my way through the giant cardboard box my husband's and my TV came in 3 years ago. As word of my work has gotten out, my lovely co-workers now know to save nice cardboard from the trash for me to use.

What inspires you? Japanese pop culture, Disney cartoons, Pee-Wee's Playhouse, the cracks in the ceiling, my mom's elderly Brussels Griffon terrier Aja.

What are your favorite bands? Sigur Ros, The Knife, Kate Bush, The Postal Service, MC Frontalot, Portishead.

What is your favorite movie? Beetlejuice

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? I took a few art classes during my school years, enough to learn some basic theory and skills, but I'm mostly self-taught. My most valuable art education came from the book Mark Kistler's Draw Squad, suggested reading for all kids.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block?
I hit occasional dry spots. Nothing too serious, but there have been stretches of a few weeks at a time where I either can't think of anything to paint or I just can't bring myself to.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? If I was able to give a painting to Paul Rubens and have him use it as background decoration for his new Pee-Wee's Playhouse stage show I would be absolutely over the moon.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? In my free time I do makeup for low-budget horror and monster movies.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? I lived in Japan for a couple of years and saw some of the most beautiful scenery while I was there: mountains covered in snow or clouds or autumn colors, the arrival of flowers in Spring, the shocking pink of blooming cherry trees. That made me pretty darn happy!

Alison Ware will be working the Atomic crowd, Sunday, 12/13/09, Noon - 6PM.

Agorables Clothing Interview

Agorables Clothing comes to Atomic Holiday Bazaar from East Lake Weird, Florida. It is their first time working the show and they can be found at the Saturday night Atomic show.

I really adore their dark sensibilities, they speak to me. I hope their creations speak to you as well. October seems a fitting time to showcase Agorables...perhaps you have a loved one you must buy a Halloween gift for? Look no further, they have you covered...or just show up to the Saturday night Atomic Holiday show on 12/12/09, 5PM - 11:30PM.

Check out their interview below:

What do make and plan on bringing to Atomic: All kinds of Shit, mainly wallets and vintage items given a NEW LIFE.

Is making stuff your full time ocupation? NOPE.

Do you have a day job? YEP

Are you a parent? YEP

How do you find the time to balance making stuff and taking time out for your life? LOTS OF LATE NIGHTS.

Why are you passionate about "D-I-Y" and what does it mean to you? Individual Expression, NO Wal-SHIT.

What's your favorite color? EVIL.

Do you recycle and incorporate found or used items in your creations? We use vintage and thrift store items to give them a new bitch'n life.

What inspires you? Life and Life's Little Fuck-ups.

What are your favorite bands? Something with a good beat and is easy to dance to; STP, Alice in Chains, CHEVELLE.




What is your favorite movie? FUCK!! Willy Wonka and the Pulp Fiction Factory...coming to Blu Ray soon.

Are you self taught, did a family member teach you or did you take classes? Self taught in the streets, WORD to your momma.

Do you ever get burnt out on creating things, hit a dry spot like writer's block? MORE of a TIME thing than IDEAS.

Is there anyone famous who you think is too cool for school and you'd like to give them one of your pieces? Dave Grohl, he is one bad mother fucker with a wicked sense of humor.

Any oddities about you that the reader may find amusing, an extra toe, can't stand anyone near your armpits, etc.? Around our house opossum meat is a delicacy.

Where have you traveled or visited that made you feel a bit happier about Planet Earth? San Fran.

As you can tell, Agorables creators have a fabulous sense of humor and I dig them the most.

Atomic Holiday Bazaar 2009 Intro Blog-Get-Know-Me

Greetings Atomic Holiday Bazaar peeps and Creative Loafing Readers, my name is Adrien Lucas, if you have not heard about Atomic Holiday Bazaar, consider this blog a "get to know me & Atomic" entry. Future blog-gulations will include interviews with all of the Atomic misfits who will be selling their tasty crafty/artsy items at this year's Atomic shows which occur Saturday night, 12-12-09 from 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. and Sunday, 12-13-09 from noon - 6:00 p.m.

I have the good fortune of blogging about Atomic Holiday Bazaar this year for Sarasota's Creative Loafing. Creative Loafing has been on board with Atomic from 2006, sponsoring the event, I appreciate their support of Atomic. CL understood from the get go what this show was going to be about (thank you Max, Cooper and Richeal), while some other people just kind of scratched their heads thinking Atomic was just another craft show. Whatev's, here we are, it's the fourth year for Atomic and bigger and badder than ever.

This year is Atomic's first Saturday night show, again, 12/12/09, 5PM - 11:30 PM, 18 and Over Only and a $7 Admission. I know you're saying WTF? Why so expensive? Well, it's expensive to run this baby...listed below I have written for your viewing pleasure what is the haps this December for Atomic Holiday Bazaar.

AHB's first Saturday night craft show will feature live rockabilly music raining upon the crowd like a foamy PBR . The evening craft show will present dark hearted craft, art and clothing infused with splashes of punk, smudges of rock and jabs of general tuffness.

Saturday night is alright for fighting but we perfer, two fashion shows produced by Doll Face, Inc., showcasing vintage clothing from Silly Rabbit Vintage and Vintage Stew in addition to a second fashion show featuring rocka-billy-licious clothing designed by Joanna Coblentz of Doll Face, Inc., and Adrien Lucas of Tuff Betty Bags, we promise to not make you yawn!

Burlesque dancing performed by Moxie Le Femme and live music with The Redliners, The Dead Popes and Viva Le Vox! Come hungry, Sarasota Olive Oil Co. will be on hand selling some food, beer and wine!

Sunday, 12-13-09, we are back to basics, with Atomic's Addams Family or Six Feet Under Family Friendly Show, $5 Adults / Children 12 & Under Free.

AHB's Sunday craft show is back to its roots, holiday shopping at its finest with 80+ vendors presenting handmade DIY amusing craft, jewelry, body products, home decor, indie-fashion, smidges of art and much, much more. FREE cotton tote filled with Atomic swag to 1st 100 adults through the door with special offers from our vendors, zines, buttons, samples and more.

Stitch Rocks Indie Craft Show '09 Recap

This past weekend I attended the Stitch Rock show in Delray Beach, produced by the lovely and talented Amanda of "With Sugar on Top." Amanda is big-time Atomic alumni (she is coming back to Atomic for round IV!); I adore her and she put on a hell of a show for us.


I'd say about half of the vendors at Stitch are headed to sell their creations at Atomic this year. It was really nice to meet old friends and make new ones.


I'd like to thank Amanda and her volunteers for being so nice and working their butts off for us. Also, I'd like to thank Jess from Stray Creative who makes the best damn brownies I have ever had. I was a complete glutton and I want the secret recipe dammit! The picture above is of Jess and her hottie mama and Joanna Coblentz of Dollface, Inc. who shared a table with me.




Check out the pics I took at the Stitch Show right H E R E!