Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.

My name is Dawn Frasca and I have been a serious artist and crafter since I was a young child. I had my first art show in elementary school. I attended, and graduated from, Carver Center for Arts and Technology for high school, where I studied fine art and photography. I went on to study Fine Arts and Photography at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Since then, I have worked primarily in photography and custom framing. I began doing other crafts and art work regularly after college. It brings me such relaxation and almost a meditative state when I am creating any kind of art. It has been such a rewarding experience for me that I have decided to share my work with others here on ArtFire!

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

My friends and family define me. They are always such a great source of inspiration and encouragement.

What role does your family play in your art?

I am often getting creative ideas just by seeing the things that my family members want or need. For example, the baby swaddlers- I have a brand new niece, and a godchild due in late spring. I was trying to think of something to make for them that was useful, but also something I made from the heart. That's where the baby swaddlers came in mind, and they love them!

Where do you live and what is it like?

I currently live in Northern Maryland and was also raised here. I have lived in three states over the years, but always end up back where I started. It is beautiful here all year long. We definitely have defined seasons, with no exceptions. It is hot hot hot, and humid, in the summer, warm and wet in the spring, cool and gorgeous in the autumn, and cold and snowy in the winter. There are so many places in Maryland that are great for artistic ideas. Home is where my heart is!

Where did you learn your medium?

I seriously began to study art in high school. I was originally accepted in to the magnet program at Carver for culinary arts, and quickly realized I was more interested and gifted in the visual arts. I began studying fine art and photography in my sophomore year. I took everything - sculpture, photography, drawing, painting, and art history. I continued this into college, while working full-time in a photo lab and custom framing gallery. I moved into more functional and crafty types of art-making within the last 10 years. I have found that you can truly make art with anything - any object or medium. I now use everything and anything I can get my hands on to make my arts and crafts.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?

My main goal is to get my work out to the public more than anything else. Making money from it is just an added perk to me.

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?

A friend of mine in another state sells her jewelry on ArtFire. She recommended it!

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Don't ever be afraid or intimidated to share your work with others. Creative criticism can be the best thing "in disguise," as long as you can take it with an open mind, and not become defensive about it. Share your work and ideas with as many people as possible. When you are having a non-creative day, make something anyway. Keep your mind and your hands active, and you will be surprised at what you can do.

 

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