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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT :Maggie Drake-Local Artist

It's Obvious----She's Got Talent!
Vintage, Fashion Statement, Bridal-- Inspiring Jewelry Designs and more…
 
by Sharon Furrate
 

 

Maggie and I met when she was three years old. I spent many days and nights taking care of her for about four years while I was attending LSU back in the late 80's. At the time, her mom, Kathy Drake, taught private voice classes and her father, Ken, taught piano. They also worked at The Chapel on the Campus as Music Directors and still do. Anyway, while they were teaching, Maggie was drawing colorful rainbows and flowers. And, when she wasn't drawing, she would have me read her favorite book--The Giving Tree. Today, It's neat to see her pursuing a dream and how she is giving back to others--with her art.
In September 2009, after working In New York City for the past two years, she returned to Baton Rouge. It was then that she took a step of faith and launched---Maggie Grace Design. Her work includes her paintings as well as three collections of jewelry design-- Fashion statement, Vintage, and Bridal. She feels this is the most exciting time of her life and at present, that is what she focuses on is--the Present. Other things may develop In the future, but for now, she is creating and introducing others to art.
A glimpse Into Maggie's world in her own words:
Q: Share some background on your life as an artist and what motivates you:
A: I have always had a passion for Art. I grew up in a family of talented artists. At an early age, there were people in my life who demonstrated the importance of creativity and art. My parents, as musicians, taught me to appreciate art at many levels and in different mediums. As a child I took art lessons from Nancy Smitherman and continued in high school. Then, It was clear to me that I would continue to broaden my skills, as an artist in college, but wasn't sure of the direction. Fashion, color and texture were my three loves. While taking various art classes ranging in photography, painting, fabric design, and 3d, I decided to concentrate my skills in painting and photography. I learned to incorporate the two. For example, to capture a moment on film and then recreate and colorize that photo into a painting was fun. In a sense, it is like bringing something new to life.

My love for fashion came into play in college at my sorority house. My friend and I began making jewelry. We taught ourselves. I discovered my love for 3d and learned the balance of the details of jewelry making and the abstract of my painting was a perfect mix. My favorite aspect of jewelry making is the vintage line. The ability of taking something old and making it into something different and new is exciting. These pieces capture a bit of history and share a story.
After graduating from the University of Georgia in studio Art, I moved to New York City to work for a photography agency. While there, I learned the business side of art. I helped with the production of photographers' shoots from discussing the budget and artistic vision with the client and the photographer to booking the necessary logistical elements like the crew and the equipment to finding the right location/studio, and other aspects. Along with the shoots, we helped to market our artists by sending out newsletters, keeping the website with their work current, and sending out their portfolios for requests and solicitations. I am forever grateful for that experience. After two years in the art business, I felt called to be creative again. Having learned the business knowledge, I felt more confident in pursuing my passions- painting and jewelry.
Q: What is your favorite medium and why?
A: Most of my time is spent on creating jewelry. To combine materials-- fabric, wire, chains, stones, and vintage finds is fun. The design combinations are vast. However, I do split my time with jewelry and painting. The jewelry side allows me to be creative in a detailed form and painting allows me to just let loose. I focus more on color than form when painting an abstract. In painting, I love to work in acrylic. The palette knife is a tool I have grown to love because of the textures it provides on the canvas.
Q: Tell us more about you-as a jewelry designer since that is your primary focus:
 A: As a jewelry artist, my journey began merely due to my love for fashion. I studied the magazines and would tear out Inspiring images. Again, creating jewelry began in the basement of our sorority house with a friend. Fabric, feathers and different chains were fun to utilize and combine. Family and friends began buying our jewelry at the sorority house.
Then, I fine-tuned my jewelry design skills while living in New York. I took several classes at Pratt Institute. This was a great way for me to refine my self-taught techniques and get back into designing and creating jewelry. When I returned to Baton Rouge, I dove straight into creating. I began getting my business name in order and making my designs into final products.
 Q: Where can one find your work now and are you participating in any upcoming art shows?
A: My jewelry may be found at Merci Beaucoup In Towne Center and at the Ridgecrest at the Myrtles Plantation. Soon, my website will be launched www.maggiegracedesign.com. February is when you can start visiting the site and will be able to order online.
On February 4th, I will be participating in an art show In Savannah, Georgia. Thus far, I have been a featured artist at the Yellow Leaf festival In St. Francisville and Christmas at the Oaks. There are home shows that I have held as well to help launch my business.
Q. What do you hope to accomplish with your work? And, who are some of your mentors?
A: My biggest goal is to have the ability to continue to do what I love and experiment with my creativity. It's Important to me to expose others to art and make the public aware of the uniqueness of handcrafted work by small local business owners.
The ongoing support and encouragement of my parents, family and friends has been paramount to me pursuing my dreams. They have all served as mentors. I am forever grateful for their love and support.
Maggie is on the right path. Though one day, she might love opening a store that Incorporates a mix of all that she loves: photography, painting, jewelry, furniture, and clothing along with a little coffee or wine corner possibly, she knows that right now she Is where she needs to be. Look for her website www.maggiegracedesign.com. In February where you will be able to purchase online. To reach Maggie, you may e-mail her at mgdrake@gmail.com . Call 225-202-8767

 

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