In the Studio with Bridgett St. Meave

This Saturday we introduce you to artist Bridgett St. Meave!

Often using found materials, Bridgett’s creations have a profound sense of individuality. Keep reading to learn more about her work and her unique vision.

“If I have to tell you what to see, then one of us is not doing it right. I prefer the viewers to put their own stories to my colours.

Art is a little bit like magic. Connecting us through the emotions it evokes. Through the thoughts it stirs. Nothing tangeable, but some pieces of art leave you transformed. Like an alchemical reaction.

Artists gather their supplies and create their spell, then release it out into the world. Hoping it will do it’s thing and spread the message. Doing this feels so right for me. Like this this is what I was meant to do always. I wish my *magic* helps to bring a smile and comfort to those who need it.”

Has your life experiences influenced your work? If so, how?
My life experience has certainly influenced my work. I think life influences every artist in a way.
I have always looked at things just a little differently. I have seen use in things, even if most people would deem them trash. We recycle much more in Bavaria, than people do here in the States. So I always felt bad to just ditch things and tried to find new uses as much as I could. My family also went through some tough times and there was not much money for materials. So that came in quite handy.

What is the source of inspiration for your incredible creations?
Awwww thanks for calling them incredible.
I am a big believer that inspiration has to find you working. I get ideas for new things, or for better ways of doing something while I work. I make things constantly. My hands are always busy and so is my mind. I even dream about making things. I experiment a lot. Sometimes it works out and get refined and end up as something, or other. Sometimes it doesn’t work out and gets scrapped and reused in something else. Nothing is really ever wasted and I learn the most from the projects that don’t work.

Where do you find the materials for your work?
Literally everywhere.
I collect interesting things I find by the side of the road like the screw turned flower stem, or other rusty bits I use in dyeing fabric. I have friends and family that drop off fabric scraps and all sorts of stuff, telling me “I thought you could use this.”
One friend has made it her mission to give me the most ridiculous things she finds in thrift stores, or garage sales, or the side of the road, hoping one day I tell her I can’t figure out what to do with it.

Is there a piece of advice concerning art that you would like to pass on to others?
Yes. The worst thing you can do is not do it.
Always go for it. Always put your heart into it and always have fun!

During this strange time in regards to COVID-19, how has it impacted your creativity? Do you find yourself creating more or less?
My husband said I am doing less. Usually, there is a pile of new creations each night. I think he has gotten used to that. Right now I am working on a few bigger projects. My daughter’s wedding quilt is one of the things. I hand-dyed all the fabric, and I am hand piecing it and will hand quilt it after embroidering the top. A lot of work, but it’s all on the same piece. So it does look like I am doing less.
He has no idea what I am “working on” in my head. All that stuff will tumble out later when the quilt is done.
Another reason is I am currently spending a lot of time on the computer, setting up my new website. That is a lot of work and at the end of the day there is no physical evidence to show for it. Very frustrating but so necessary right now.