The Creative Process Behind Adapt Studios
It’s messy and chaotic, but within that is great healing, unexpected beauty, deep mystery, and, of course, magic.
It usually starts with collecting old books from a thrift store…
Reusing materials as an artist makes you really feel like an alchemist, which maybe is part of why I do what I do.
I spend hours searching, cutting, sorting, puzzle-piecing, and gluing paper together to create the physical artwork behind my oracle decks. Parallel to the searching, I am also reading and referencing historical archetypes, mythological figures, and stories that define tarot and other cross-cultural myths.
When I am not collaging, you can find me painting or making paper mache in my studio for an upcoming Renaissance Faire or upcoming show at Deep Space Gallery.
I can’t begin to tell you how important exploration, play, and messiness are to my process…
As any adult, I have lots of responsibilities, but when I am in the studio, it’s a space to play, to make mistakes, and to try new combinations. This is what leads to seeing things differently and reaching a state of mind where magic can really come through. It’s a space where my self-critic can sometimes have the day off, and my inner child that loved to make witch soup can emerge from the dark cave.
My work at Adapt Studios has given me an outlet to explore the stuff that doesn’t always make sense and has become a way to have fun by creating something new out of something old.
Adapt Studios has always been about learning how to be resourceful and creating art with the vitality of the natural world in mind.
Do You Believe in Magic?
I currently partner with Shuffled Ink - a company based out of Winter Garden, Florida, for my printing. It’s important to me that not only are my decks high quality and will last through many shuffles, but that they’re printed close to where I live. I up-cycle so much of my work because I care deeply about my carbon footprint as an artist, which means I try to source and create high-quality and environmentally friendly products.
1$ from every deck sold also goes to the First Nations Development Institute, for this same reason and more. I want my business to support a future for everyone and a healthy earth, and I believe in supporting the people who are doing just that.
I truly think that everyone is capable of magic, and it starts with being considerate and observant of all that is living around you.
