As you may have read in some of my previous post I do tend to gain inspiration from those around me. So why not meet some of the few people who are inspirations to me. My hope they could possibly also bring out some inspiration/encouragement to you as well.
When Laura Reitzel enters a room she just shines so bright with the light of Christ that makes it hard not to want to see what she has to say, which is a great thing because this girl has got some pretty creative ideas that God has bestowed upon her!
She's doesn't just play bass for the band Comrades, sing/play guitar for her solo project, but also has a knack for sewing, knitting amongst other awesome gifts as well. Seriously what can't this chick do! So since she can’t be in a million places at once, I figured why not give you a smidge of who she is and what she is about in a little interview!
What form of art(s) do you use to express yourself and why?
Thinking about this, I utilize a variety of different art forms for different reasons. I write, on rare occasions I draw or paint, but mainly I stick to fabric and yarn craft, and my first and foremost love, music.
I have always been drawn to good literature, and I've been attempting to create my own since I was young. I have recently been allowed the privilege of having a short story published in a compilation by RVA's own Sink/Swim. I was so stoked.
I find myself usually involved most in my music, and a lot of the other things I do stem from it. I have an acoustic solo project, as well as Comrades, which is often on tour. Being in a band that is one of the more serious of businesses I involve myself in, it is very consuming and doesn't allow for time and schedule flexibility. So I have to use the things that are readily available to try and make ends meet. This is where the yarn and fabric come in.
I have a collection of yarn that I have acquired from friends and strangers all over the country (you'd be surprised how many people get it and never use it). One of my good friends taught me how to knit a few years ago, and ever since I've been slowly turning out hats, scarves, and wrist warmers to sell at shows. It has definitely given me another source of income, but I would say that even more so it has given me a platform to converse with people about life and what I do.
I also make bags out of remnants and scraps and old clothes and sell those at shows. I purchase most of my clothes at thrift shops, and rather than giving them away, I usually try to make something useful out of them. I think that's one of the things I enjoy most about making things with your hands. You see a little bit of redemption in taking a cast off piece of cloth and giving it new purpose.
Thinking about this, I utilize a variety of different art forms for different reasons. I write, on rare occasions I draw or paint, but mainly I stick to fabric and yarn craft, and my first and foremost love, music.
I have always been drawn to good literature, and I've been attempting to create my own since I was young. I have recently been allowed the privilege of having a short story published in a compilation by RVA's own Sink/Swim. I was so stoked.
I find myself usually involved most in my music, and a lot of the other things I do stem from it. I have an acoustic solo project, as well as Comrades, which is often on tour. Being in a band that is one of the more serious of businesses I involve myself in, it is very consuming and doesn't allow for time and schedule flexibility. So I have to use the things that are readily available to try and make ends meet. This is where the yarn and fabric come in.
I have a collection of yarn that I have acquired from friends and strangers all over the country (you'd be surprised how many people get it and never use it). One of my good friends taught me how to knit a few years ago, and ever since I've been slowly turning out hats, scarves, and wrist warmers to sell at shows. It has definitely given me another source of income, but I would say that even more so it has given me a platform to converse with people about life and what I do.
I also make bags out of remnants and scraps and old clothes and sell those at shows. I purchase most of my clothes at thrift shops, and rather than giving them away, I usually try to make something useful out of them. I think that's one of the things I enjoy most about making things with your hands. You see a little bit of redemption in taking a cast off piece of cloth and giving it new purpose.
Where/who do you get your inspiration from and how does it help you remove a creative block?
Being completely honest, I find that I receive a lot of my ideas and my inspirations from varying sources. Sometimes it’s the band I see at a show, sometimes a photograph, a sentence... the list could go on and on. But I find that my most creative periods are when I am striving a relationship with the Creator. He made us to be creative, so He of course, has the best ideas.
What are your go to books/blogs/shows you use to help you gain new ideas and if so what are they?
Restating from the previous question, I often find that being in the Word of God gives me such a full head and heart. I write better, I am more connected in my music; I have more desire to create, when I am spending time with the Creator.
I do have a few websites that I go to:
For yarn, Ravelry.com
and otherwise, it varies from tumblr.com to C.S. Lewis books.
What are your go to books/blogs/shows you use to help you gain new ideas and if so what are they?
Restating from the previous question, I often find that being in the Word of God gives me such a full head and heart. I write better, I am more connected in my music; I have more desire to create, when I am spending time with the Creator.
I do have a few websites that I go to:
For yarn, Ravelry.com
and otherwise, it varies from tumblr.com to C.S. Lewis books.
Has your art(s) helped you financially?
It’s given me a new platform to keep supporting my dreams. Being a musician doesn't pay much (despite the hype). We have to work really hard. This has given me that little spare cash fund for things that are outside of food and water. I also have an online store that you can check out at http://laurareitzel.storenvy.com/
what advice/tips do you have they may encourage my readers who may be considering dabbling in ways to save money creatively?
Talk to people about what you want to do. Sometimes you'll find that your aunt once bought 30 skeins of yarn to make an afghan and quit after an hour. If it’s been taking up space in the attic for years, she might be willing to part with it. Also, see what you already have. You can do something with anything, and with the internet being such a rich resource of information, start looking for things to do. Also, check out the YouTube channel called Threadbanger. They have tons of super easy DIY projects to occupy your day.
( 2 of her EPs that can be heard on her myspace page)
It’s given me a new platform to keep supporting my dreams. Being a musician doesn't pay much (despite the hype). We have to work really hard. This has given me that little spare cash fund for things that are outside of food and water. I also have an online store that you can check out at http://laurareitzel.storenvy.com/
(this is one of many items found in her store, I love how she lined the inside of this bag!)
what advice/tips do you have they may encourage my readers who may be considering dabbling in ways to save money creatively?
Talk to people about what you want to do. Sometimes you'll find that your aunt once bought 30 skeins of yarn to make an afghan and quit after an hour. If it’s been taking up space in the attic for years, she might be willing to part with it. Also, see what you already have. You can do something with anything, and with the internet being such a rich resource of information, start looking for things to do. Also, check out the YouTube channel called Threadbanger. They have tons of super easy DIY projects to occupy your day.
Here are a list of sites not only did she mention but also Comrades and her solo project!
Be on the look out for more interviews of more people who help get my creative juices flowing!
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