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Photography by Josh Goleman
name: Maura Grace Ambrose
born: Cary, North Carolina, l982
now living in:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
beginnings: I was artistic as a child, and my
parents encouraged me. Even though they weren’t visually creative, they were
very open to it and willing to learn. My mom’s got all these How to Raise an
Artist books, and they were both very proud when I actually starting working in
the arts. I took a couple of years off after high school because I wasn’t
interested in much at the time. Eventually I started looking at art schools, and
an untapped passion was suddenly revealed. I ended up at Savannah College of Art
and Design.
artist’s statement
My work is a gift to myself. I’m inspired by camping, Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, and vintage ephemera from these sources. I’ve developed a lot of ideas
about what colors go together and what I react strongly to, and that’s what I
base my work on. I trust my instincts. I thrive on collaboration with friends
old and new. I explore traditional craft, but I do not abide by it.
an average day
I live in South Philly and I’ve got a great studio in our basement. People throw
out the greatest junk in our neighborhood! I love going to Chinatown to look in
the shops for inspiration. I also love having conversations with strangers.
We all have a story to tell.
muse
After defining the constraints of a project, I’ll typically try a few distinct approaches. This is why my husband and I sent out two separate
versions of our wedding invitations. Just as we finished designing and ordering
the first version, I got inspired and sent out an entirely different card. This
approach makes it hard for me to work with more pragmatic artists.
next
I just finished up some tiny baby boots for some friends of mine with little
ones. I’m also working on some mini quilts for miniature ponies. I hope to team
up with friends soon and do a fun photo shoot in Amish country.
favorites
website: http://unlimited.orange.co.uk
movies: just
watched A League of Their Own
book: right now I’m reading Craft, Inc., by
Meg Mateo Ilasco
music: Sufjan Stevens
find Maura's work
www.mauragrace.net
Originally published in the April/May 2008 issue
 Stumble It!
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Amy Rice
Artist Amy Rice gets inspired by color and texture| read more » |
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Ann Wood
Artist Ann Wood is inspired by found and salvaged materials| read more » |
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Keiko Yagishita
My art reflects what to me are the most extraordinary aspects of life: joy and happiness. | read more » |
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Alyson Fox
I can’t really describe what I do. I just like to make things. I make things from paper, fabrics, books, ceramics, thread, wallpaper, office supplies, photographs, old tattered stuff, new polished stuff, furniture, and cement.| read more » |
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