PDX Profile: Barbara Soulé, of B. Hive Designs

Barbara Soulé makes screen-printed clothing for kids and adults, as well as pretty paper goods, under the name B. Hive Designs. I love the delicacy of line in her work - this is screen-printing made very elegant! Be sure to check out the B. Hive website and Etsy shop for more prettiness.

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How did you come to start your business?
After the birth of my second son, I knew that I wanted to stay at home with him, but I also knew that I would go stir crazy if I didn’t have a project. So, I took a screen-printing class and I was hooked. I liked the idea of making shirts for my kids that I could wear, too.

What kinds of things inspire your work?
The natural world around me is my constant inspiration. I ran out to my car yesterday and stopped abruptly to examine a fallen leaf. It was so beautiful, multicolored and twisted. I haven’t stopped thinking about future designs with this leaf as inspiration.

What is your favorite part of the silkscreening process?
My favorite part of the silk-screening process is the first print. The entire process starts with my own hand drawings. I typically draw very simple images with a pencil, which is then transferred to a screen using a photo emulsion process. Making the screen is actually a bit of a chore for me, especially if the image is more than one color. So by the time my screens are prepared and my ink is mixed, I am extremely anxious to see what my original drawing will look like in printed form. And I am always surprised by how much better it looks when the image is finally printed.??

What is the biggest challenge, in your opinion, of running a business from home?
The biggest challenge of running a business from home is finding the time to commit to working, uninterrupted. I have two adorable little boys that still require a lot of care. I can get a few things done during naptime, but most of my work is still done after bedtime into the wee hours of the morning.

How would you describe the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I think that there is a fine line between “Art” and “Craft.” I have never subscribed to the idea that a fine artist must have a degree. Art is so subjective. I would consider my mother an artist even though she does not have an MFA. She is a Navajo basket weaver who weaves her designs in the Chumash Indian tradition. Her art is extraordinary and rare. The process to make each individual basket can take up to seven months from start to finish (collecting material, curing the material, dyeing, and weaving), and can sell for a few thousand dollars depending on the size and design. But some people might consider her art of basket weaving a “craft”, just as I have wondered how some people could label their craft as “art”. I think it is entirely up to the viewer.

What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
My favorite creative spot in Portland is in my home. The laughter from my children, the encouragement from my husband, and the comfort of our little home is the reason why I enjoy what I do. My favorite place to be is in my studio, working on a project, where I can see my children playing in the yard through the big picture window.