Hand Printed Thankful Boxes by Laura Utley
Felted Mouse House by Amie James $24
A new collection of Baby Sweaters by May Landry
$42 each, hat and mitten sets also available
MB by Brigid Fall Accessories
Grow, 12" x 12", Mixed media on Canvas, $75 
Quote Pockets, sweet little handmade pockets containing inspirational quotes, $5
Where do you find inspiration?
Looking for inspiration is a huge part of my creative process. When I create my art I have no idea what the finished piece may look like, but I do set an intention to create a specific message and try to bring the positive side of life to every piece I create. There are times that I need to go out into nature and walk, taking in the natural beauty and collecting materials along my way. Other times I will go into Portsmouth, indulge myself with a cup a coffee as I people watch or read a book, and then off to a gallery or shop.
I like the Portsmouth fabric store to get ideas for patterns and colors schemes. The aisles of fabrics are pure eye candy for me, I will sometimes buy bits of fabric, but just to bring back to the studio as my sewing skills are pretty limited. When in bloom, the Strawberry Bank flowerbeds are a favorite of mine.
Peep, Mixed Media on Canvas
The customers at Lucy's love the cheerful colors and inspirational messages in your artwork. They're always saying that your work simply makes them happy. Whose artwork (books, blogs, etc) makes you happy?
I love hearing that my artwork is bringing joy and happiness to people. I feel really blessed with my life, but I do have struggles as well. I am constantly working on keeping a positive focus; right now I am reading the book Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams by Mike Dooley. It is providing me with so many tidbits of insight.
On my blog (http://www.carynlynnduncan.blogspot.com/) I follow a number of other artist and their websites are available on my profile page. My top three right now are Alisa Burke (http://www.alisaburke.blogspot.com/) , Roots of She (http://www.rootsofshe.com/) , and Kelly Rae (http://www.kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/).
Wish Books, tiny reproductions of Caryn's mixed media books, complete with a candle for making a wish, $5
What message do you like to give to your students?
I believe that everyone has creative potential. My motto is “choose to be creative.” I teach my students that their art is about choices that reflect who they are. The most important thing that I help them learn is how to develop their ideas, choose their subject material that they then work into finished pieces that reflects individuality. I am there to help refine their drawing skills and introduce new techniques too, and those skills develop with time and practice.
What are two of your favorite spots in Dover?
I have been living in Dover for just about eight years now. I love that we have a vibrant downtown with shops that support local artists, that there are a number of restaurants that will cater to my vegetarian diet, and that its location gives easy access to the seacoast or the mountains. My number one favorite spot in Dover is my art studio, when I go there it lifts my spirits and I feel absolutely connected to my creativity. My second favorite place is the Silver Moon Creperie, the crepes are the best and the atmosphere is cozy and friendly.
Caryn in her studio.
Thanks, Caryn!
Follow Caryn's blog at http://www.carynlynnduncan.blogspot.com/. Learn more about Caryn's classes at http://www.carynduncan.com/.
clockwise fr0m left: Handmade Cards $3.50, 8" x 10" Prints by caryn Duncan $15, Belts by jug Hill Design $20, Pearl Bracelets by Jill D'Angelo $26, "Mom" Sash $12
Crocheted Chicks $12Many people know you for your wonderful mixed media paintings. Is there any cross-over between your paintings and your crafts?
A large part of my painting process involves collecting – mostly the collection of images and collage materials. This collecting has crossed over into my crafting as many of the items that I collect, like used postage stamps, I then use to create new objects.
Recycled Postage Stamp Magnets $8 & $10
Do you find crafting to be relaxing?
Yes, I do find it relaxing. When I work on a painting I enjoy it, however it is “work” and there is usually a sense of urgency or a deadline looming when I am painting. But when I am crafting I do not usually feel this way. I usually spend each evening crocheting or knitting while watching silly TV shows. Besides, the quirky little animals that I crochet usually just make me smile or laugh once I finish them.
Crocheted Lemur $18
Is your family crafty?
My family is very crafty and creative. Both of my parents actually have items that they sell at Lucy’s. My dad (Ron Durand) is a welder by trade and is a very accomplished carpenter as well. His grilled cheese presses are a family favorite. My mom (Denise Durand) is a crocheting queen! She creates baby blankets at incredible speed. I also have an aunt who does quilting and my grandmother used to knit and made slippers and afghans for everyone in the family.
Sock Animals $7-$14
What are you working on right now?
I am knitting a hat, I’m about half-way done crocheting an afghan, I have a few crocheted bunnies to put together, I have started some post cards made from canceled postage stamps, and I’m sure there are more things I have started…
What book, magazine or website would you recommend to the handmade fan?
The magazine Ready Made is really great for ideas of things you can make with items you most likely already have. I also like www.Knitty.com for their knitted patterns. They have a nice archive of patterns on their site too and every pattern includes a difficulty rating which is very helpful.
What's your favorite local snack?
Hmmmm…. I have a few. I am very fond of the portabello mushroom burritos at Dos Amigos Burritos which is very conveniently located across the street from Lucy’s. I work in Exeter, so my local favorite there is the carrot cake at Blue Moon Evolution… and just about any soup that they make there as well!
Thanks, Stacey!
