Tanis Alexis Laird is a recent transplant to Portland. Her work encompasses a wide variety of media, and all of it has a lovely sense of playfulness. After you read this interview, be sure to check out her website and Etsy shop.

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How did you come to create a business from making things? Both of my parents were artists. I grew up with big creative urges and fierce independence, I’m sure I wanted to be an artist from the very beginning. When I moved to the West Coast 5 years ago, the creative business idea grew inside of me, subconsciously and deliberately. I think it was just a matter of time and circumstance that got me here. ?

What is your approach to your work? What inspires you, and where do you look for materials? I try to be improvisational when sitting down to create and don’t always know where it’s going to go. Improvisation keeps the inner critic as quiet as possible, and I know that whatever takes control of me and compels me to create is greater than I am.

My work is a culmination of interests, thought processes, ideas and magical things. My work is also fairly symbolic of my own life. I regard the whole act of creation to be a very powerful thing. Visually speaking natural patterns, human desires, and dream-like creatures are my current inspirations.?My materials also directly affect and inspire what I create; I don’t have a large spending account for my supplies so I try to be as resourceful and eco-conscious as possible. I am also extremely low-tech in my applications, which helps. I have no qualms about dumpster diving for wood, etc. hand-felting a piece of wool for felt, stamping my own fabric designs, or carrying a heap of recycled supplies back to my studio and challenging myself with what I can create out of them. I enjoy those tasks; they can be as inspirational to me as it is to get lost in my dream world. Plus it makes my work even more evolutionary. I will always have to look for new materials to use and the hunt is a major part of the fun!  

?Among all the things you've made, do you have a favorite? I find that with my never-ending creative explorations, my work evolves and so do my interests. Currently my favorite is a large, new, felted piece called ‘urban’. This was one of my first big accomplishments with printing on felt with a limited edition stencil. I’m still exploring that avenue. ?

I just love the people in your work! How do these little personalities come to you? Thank you so much, they are a combination of my inner-child fantasies and all the diverse personalities I meet in my daily life. I think we’re all still children to certain extremes, no matter what age we are - that is part of being human.

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?What is your take on the whole "Art" vs. "Craft" thing? Personally I see no line between the two. I’ve had this discussion with a few friends, and lots of colleagues and I believe the distinction lies in an archaic sense of social, historical and educational class systems. I think in this post-post (post?) modern and culturally diverse world that art, craft, design, graphics, etc are all merging into a larger stronger creative movement. To me, it’s a natural evolution.

But it does make for great debate though, doesn’t it? I’m glad people are talking; it helps influence individual concepts or biases. And reinvents our language of creativity. ?

?What creative places have you found in Portland thus far? There is an abundant scene in Portland! The current show, Manuf®actured: The Conspicuous Transformation of Everyday Objects at the Museum of Contemporary Craft was remarkable and begs to comment on the previous question in this interview. The gift shop was filled with a variety of treasures from local artists also. Bring some friends and you’ll be guaranteed to have a great conversation over a meal or drinks afterwards.

I also appreciate all the many small independent galleries and shops including but definitely not limited to the Grass Hut & Redux, both neighbours on E. Burnside. I’m still exploring the many side streets and avenues on the Eastside. There’s so much to see and do.

Powell's Books on West Burnside is a fantastic resource to stock up on all your winter reading and self-taught skills. The crafts section is filled with old greats as well as many new publications. When I come back I am due to head straight back to Cargo in the Pearl District to ogle over their many international treasures like glass beads, furniture, paper and books.