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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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