::FEATURED ARTIST::
JEANNINE BARON
JEANNINE BARON
Yoga teacher, artist and creator of "Warmlings", toasty warm hats as unique as the noggins that wear them. And when I say warm, I mean MAINE woods warm.
Here's a picture of me wearing my very favorite Warmling (notice the TEAL yarn, yes indeed, perfect for me!) I love this hat. I swear it doesn't just keep my head warm, it does something really good to my brain. Must be the goooooood yoga energy Jeannine puts into everything she does. Her work is her meditation, so when you buy one you know you are bringing something special into your life. Her craftsmanship is superb, and her color combinations are out of this world. I have to keep myself from ordering them ten at a time!
Scroll down to see lots more WARMLINGS hats, and Jeannine's special offer for readers!
Jeannine also makes knitted BUNNIES!!!
::BEWARE:: if you get a bunny, sometimes late at night...they take on a life of their own...
She also makes gorgeous felted bags and many, many more beautiful items.
And she is a painter on canvas, and multi-media surfaces (furniture, frames, etc.
I interviewed Jeannie for the Teal Designs Art Studio Blog so that you could get to know a little more about her. Here's what she had to say:
Your Name: Jeannine Baron
Name of Business: Warmlings
Type of Business: knit design etc.
Web Site(s): Facebook (for now)
Current shows, exhibitions, or places selling your work: Water Lilly Imports, Portland,ME; Water Monkey, Portsmouth, NH
Email: greenneene@yahoo.com
Who are you?
I am someone who has an intense desire to create things with my hands. Whether it be art, clothing, food, etc. I have a need for texture, color, any visual stimuli.
I’ve always loved all things artistic and creative, and could think of nothing else I’d like to fill my days.
I studied art and design at the University of Southern Maine.
What do you create?
I learned how to sew at an early age, and even had a brief desire to get into fashion design. Knitting was something that I wanted to learn for quite some time, it seemed a good next step. I love the design process, so I began to break away from patterns as soon as I understood what the yarn was going to do.
My hats are now my trademark, and having sold them for three years, I’ve gotten very good reviews, and some repeat customers. I’ve custom knit sweaters for some native Mainers who know wool is the only thing that will keep them warm in the harsh winter.
I started to branch out this year, and added felted bags to my collection. I have used locally spun yarn from the Hope Spinnery in the Midcoast Maine area. I try to keep the organic feel of the natural dyes, and add natural buttons, and wide contrast stitching.
I also had some experience during my early college years painting furniture, and I sold my designs through two different galleries in southern Maine.
I still paint decorative frames and custom furniture , as well as for my own enjoyment.
Keeping with my theme of always needing to create, I’ve been known to dabble in fine art with the classic oil on canvas- whenever I feel inspired.
Where do you make your creations?
I generally take my knitting with me everywhere. Everything else tends to stay with me at home.
What makes your creations special or unique?
My color combinations (for all media).
My hats are a particular weight and pattern that fits many different heads, they are also like snowflakes, in that no two are alike. You’ll never see anyone wearing the same hat as you. The same goes for the felted bags. I make the pattern up as I go, so I don’t even know how they’ll turn out.
As for my painted things, I think I’ve developed a particular style that has a distinctive appearance. COLOR!! I love color. Period.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I’ve always been an artist. I’ve always been encouraged to be creative (both parents were artists, so it was only fitting).
What really gets you in the mood to be creative?
Many things: music, a sunset, a walk in the woods, a magazine or news article, or a trip to a museum or gallery
What do you do to unclog a creative block?
(see above)
What is your favorite time to work?
Any time, I usually get to the peak of my project right about the time I have to leave for work.
What else are you into?
YOGA. Nature, music, dancing around like crazy, fine wine (when I have the budget), gourmet vegetarian cooking.
Do you have a “day job”?
Yep. That ranges depending on the season. I cook, Paint houses, clean; whatever pays the bills.
What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome as an artist?
Not being able to live on my art.
Who/what inspired you to become an artist?
My parents, my elementary school art teacher, and many others I’m sure
What are you most grateful for?
My five senses, the four elements, love, kindness, and support from those I love.
What is the craziest thing related to art you’ve ever done?
I walked up three flights of stairs, and down a looooong hallway at Portland Hall (my dorm at USM) with a rather large (bulky, not heavy) chest of drawers. My first painted furniture piece.
What is something very few people know about your art?
It’s my meditation.
What would you do if you had all the money in the world?
Yoga and art. I’d live somewhere in the woods, surrounded by nature, and do nothing but yoga and art.…and have the occasional bottle of really expensive wine, to share with friends at gourmet vegetarian dinner parties.
Do you have any special offers for those reading this interview?
25% off all hats and bags ordered through my facebook account. I’ll do any custom hat colors, for the same price.
Is there anything that you need help with, that people reading this interview may be able to give (i.e. advice, mentoring, a service, etc?
I’d really love some help with a website.
You can find details on all of these hats, bunnies and more from Jeannine Baron on Facebook, here. Or email her at: greenneene@yahoo.com
More AMAZING art by JEANNINE BARON.
