Artist: Valori Wells

Artist: Valori Wells Valori Wells, a seasoned artist and the creative force behind the Stitchin' Post in Sisters, Oregon, discusses her journey as an artist and the transition from creating for profit to creating for the sake of creating. She emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to explore and evolve as an artist. Valori finds inspiration in travel, other artists' work, and everyday life. She shares her process of carving blocks and creating layered and colorful canvases. While Valori currently showcases her work in her shop, there is potential for expanding to other galleries and venues. In this conversation, Valori Wells discusses the art of quilting and textile art. She shares her experience growing up in a town known for its quilt show and how quilts are a unique art form. Valori also talks about balancing her identity as an artist and business owner, and the importance of finding her own artistic voice. She emphasizes the joy and focus she experiences when creating art and the beauty of upcycling her work. The conversation concludes with a discussion on recreating Moroccan baskets on canvas and the encouragement for Valori to showcase her work beyond her local community. Website: https://valoriwells.com/ Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valoriwells Gallery Representation: The Stitchin Post Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 2024 - Find Out Everything You Need to Know - HERE Saturday July 13, 2024 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:25 The Journey of an Artist 06:20 Transitioning to Creating for the Sake of Creating 09:07 The Evolution of an Artist 13:21 Giving Permission to Create 15:41 Inspiration and Creativity 22:47 Showing and Selling Artwork 25:11 Expanding Artistic Opportunities 27:35 Textile Art as an Art Form 29:03 Balancing Identity as an Artist and Business Owner 30:00 Finding Personal Artistic Identity 31:13 Valerie's Unique Approach to Art 32:44 The Beauty of Upcycling Art 35:19 Finding Joy and Focus in Artistic Moments 36:31 Following the Thread of Creativity 39:27 Recreating Moroccan Baskets on Canvas 43:43 Encouraging Valerie to Showcase Her Work 46:50 Giving Permission to Play and Grow as an Artist 49:31 Working on Unstretched Canvas 52:28 Valerie's Artwork and Where to Find It Get full access to The Artist Stoop at jillianzepedaguzman.substack.com/subscribe