We at Joshua Allen Design love working with other small businesses whenever we can! Supporting other business owners who share like-minded goals is one small step we can take toward a positive and enduring future for our community.
If you haven't already heard, we have our own decor and home furnishing line: Sterling & Maple! These handcrafted and hand-selected pieces range from a variety of refinished furniture to home decor and art pieces. We are proud to partner with Artslily Studio to feature her beautifully hand drawn and painted artwork & greeting cards! Come check us out, and find Artslily Studio's pieces, at our Sterling & Maple retail store—we're currently located in Sterling, MA, as part of the collection of shops at “Oh My Gosh” Antiques and Collectibles.
Tracey Fitzpatrick, owner and sole artist behind Artslily Studio, is an amazing local artist who resides in Townsend, MA. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated artist partnering with our team to create custom pieces just for you! We spent some time picking Tracey's brain about her business, techniques, and goals for her studio.
1. When did you start Artslily?
I officially started Artslily in September 2019.
2. Is the name Artslily sentimental? Why did you choose it?
Yes! I chose that name because the "lily" in Artslily is my daughter's name. She likes to draw and paint with me, so it has become more than just a hobby or business.
3. Have you always been an artist, or did you start later in life?
I don't really consider myself an artist but I would say that I have always enjoyed drawing and I am happy that I have come back to it with more of a focus at this point in my life.
4. Who is someone that inspires you (dead or alive)?
From purely a technique and technical aspect, Lisa Lachri from Lachri Fine Arts provides a lot of great information, advice, and coaching for artists of all talent levels. She inspires me to want to get to the "next level" and improve my artistic skills. On the other hand, my family provides me the motivation to want to create. Having support from those that are close will naturally inspire a person to want to succeed. I would also say that seeing your 5 year old daughter gasp in awe at a drawing you created (regardless of whether you think it is good or bad) is the best inspiration!
5. What words best describe Artslily? Hand-drawn and painted artwork - detailed, colorful, realistic.
6. Has your artistic style changed over time?
I think I have always strived to achieve the effect of realism and improving my skills over time has allowed me to become closer to that goal.
7. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I have worked at a biopharmaceutical company full time since graduating college.
8. What role does the artist have in society?
For me, the ability to freely create based on my thoughts (conscious or subconscious), emotions, memories, and interests provide an outlet of expression that others can connect with and potentially develop their own opinions or ideas. This can be a very powerful experience.
9. What work do you most enjoying doing?
Right now I enjoy drawing nature - animals, trees, flowers. I enjoy focusing on the details which I can accomplish with colored pencils. I find that time goes by very quickly when I am wrapped up in the details of a drawing. It also has made me stop and appreciate things I normally would have overlooked in my daily life. I find myself always on the look out for something that would make a great drawing! I would like to start some portraits in the near future as well.
10. How long does it take to finish a project?
Depends what the project is, what mediums you are using, and what goals you have. I have had some projects take weeks and others one night. It all depends on the look you are trying to achieve. Size of the paper or canvas you are working on also plays a big role! Since I have to find time in between work and being a full time mom, most projects take at least a couple weeks.
11. How do you personally define business success? Is it money? Freedom? Influence? Creative expression and innovation? Something else?
At this point, I would say that I feel success when I am happy with the outcome of my piece. Knowing that I created something new and tangible that didn't exist before is a satisfying feeling.
12. What are your future goals?
My goals are to keep exploring new materials and techniques. I want to continue to improve my drawing skills and work towards the art of realism while still creating products to share with others. I am in the process of building a portfolio of greeting cards that I would like to potentially sell in local stores.
We support and buy from locally and independently operated establishments whenever possible. Investing in our local businesses is the best way to come together, build lasting relationships, and contribute to a thriving future!
You can find Artslily Studio’s fine art specialty prints, collectibles, and originals at our Sterling & Maple retail store located in Sterling, MA, as part of the collection at “Oh My Gosh” Antiques and Collectibles! We are located in their Cider Mill building at 15 Wauschacum Ave.
Sterling & Maple aims to merge the practical and functional elements of interior design with the beautiful and unique aspects of each piece of furniture and decor — making every space as individual as the person living in it.