Jayne Larson - Camarillo, California

1. How do you describe yourself? Artist using textiles and other media. Actually, I am a textile junkie trying to create art. I love all kinds of art, fiber and handcrafts.

2. What is your creative process? Once I have a theme or inspiration in mind, I have to mull it over, sometimes for weeks, in dreams, in the bathtub, during yoga, while driving or walking the dogs. Eventually an idea emerges. After that, drawing starts with lots of little sketches which are not used in the final work but are important visual warm-up exercises. Finally, I start to play with fabrics and paint which can change everything.

3. What's your style? Expressive realism

4. How long have you been a quilt maker/fiber artist? My sewing, quilting and textiles interests go back a long, long way. Real involvement in art quilting has been the past 7 or 8 years.

5. Do you listen to music when you make art? Most frequently, I listen to NPR. I also play and listen to favorite movies, repeating them over and over, like Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars, Top Gun

6. What do you do when you are blocked creatively? I take a break and do something else. Unfortunately, that can often mean a snack! or being sidetracked by something in the house or garden. My dogs are always ready for a walk and I love getting outside where I can re-charge my senses.

7. Do you teach? I have done some teaching but don't feel very capable. I really admire people who are good teachers.

8. Are there artistic endeavors that you have yet to do? Having taken a few digital art classes, I would like to explore using the computer more. More drawing classes too.

9. How do you balance your family life and art? Balancing time is not an issue, but allocating space for my artistic activities is a real challenge. My workspace encroaches on the dining room, family room, kitchen and garage.

10. What is the best part about what you do? I am constantly learning something new and enjoy the challenge of making something work. I love the problem solving part of work.