Aeren Waters is participating in her first ArtOMatic…in a closet!  “I am in a closet – literally!  It is a fantastic spot because it is a great backdrop for my pieces, whose homes would eventually be a closet anyways. ”  Aeren’s closet is on the 11th floor, space 11-309.

Sarah Palazynski, who has exhibited in multiple ArtOMatics, introduced Aeren to ArtOMatic. Aeren made her first visit to an ArtOMatic in Frederick MD, Fall 2011.  “I was awestruck!  From that visit, I knew I wanted to be in an ArtOMatic!”

Aeren’s advice for creating a welcoming space is anything that makes the art stand out:  lighting and wall color, as well as avoiding clutter so that the focus can be on the art.  She takes her own advice and is showing only two couture clutches, one of her “Glorified” totes, and a special edition Aeren Waters’ princess package.  She chose pieces that were alive with color and details, similar to the pieces she sells in her Etsy shop.  “Even though I had a vision of the pieces I wanted to make, I was only inspired to make these designs the night before the last artist installation day!  They were very different from what I had originally planned, but I like how they came out.”

Since she was a child, Aeren has enjoyed fashion design although she didn’t really think of it as fashion design, per se.  She just knew

she loved wearing and making things that were unique and that made others take a second look.  “I started to get back into sewing a few years ago as a creative outlet.  Recently, I pushed myself into making Aeren Waters a reality.  This is not easy while also having a full-time job and being a parent, but this process has been cool and awesome so far.  I can’t wait to see what happens next!”

Currently, Aeren uses oilcloth and vinyl material for her clutches.  When she first started making them, a lot of folks said that the materials reminded them of their grandmothers’ kitchen tables, so she decided to call her clutch collection Meme Adore (“grandmother love”).  The two lines in the collection are named after her grandmothers, Emme and Daphne.  Her totes are made with a variety of materials in many combinations of fabrics and colors.

“My pieces are made with the intent of bringing a smile to your face and a pop to your wardrobe.  I enjoy the looks and words of satisfaction from those who wear my pieces.  I like to create things that can whisper but speak volumes.  I like mixing fabrics, colors and patterns to create beauty.”

If Aeren hits a slump, she separates herself from her work to get away from feeling as if she MUST produce somthing.  “I don’t like to force creativity.  I have found that creativity comes to you at the most unexpected times and from unlikely sources.”

Visitors are invited to look up and visit Aeren’s space because “my pieces are yummy and deliciously tempting to view.  They are so deliciously tempting, that someone actually stole one of my clutches on display!  I was devastated to learn that one of my clutches was taken, but I guess someone felt it was a beautiful “steal”.  When you come to my space, I now have a “Missing” sign where the clutch used to be, outlininng its date of birth and when and where it was last seen.”

Asked about the artist’s place in society, Aeren calls the artist a “rejuvenator”.  “I see how artists’ works incite people and motivate them to “DO”.  “DO” can encompass a plethora of things from simply wanting to find out more about the artist and purchasing or sharing their works, to reacting to a social matter in their community or the world, to spreading the word about any issue.  I think the artist also helps others realize something about themselves that could not be articulated with words, but can be clearly seen in the artist’s work.”

While Aeren is “not a person who gawks and swoons” over fashion designers, she does like the works of Alexander McQueen.  “I really don’t know much about him, but I happened to see his designs at the MET exhibit honoring him in 2011 and I almost jumped out of my skin!  Some of the things he designed sent chills down my spine!  Even though I haven’t gone through the struggles he went through, I feel like our creative minds overlap.  It was as if he were coming up with pieces I only dreamed about and didn’t know how to put together.  He was a true visionary, and it would have been such a delight to work with him or just simply watch him work!

“I also draw inspiration from music.  in my Etsy shop, I always note musician(s) to whom I am listening while I am creating a piece.  I think good music is the kind where you have no idea why or how an artist puts certain sounds together, but the completed product is truly captivating – something you can’t stop listening to.  It just draws you in….and THAT is EXACTLY what I want my pieces to exude!”

Any favorites at ArtOMatic this year?

Instant favorite:  Carmelo Hawkins.  He is also on the 11th floor and my 10-year old son!  What I like about his works are the descriptions and meanings behind his pieces. I am always taken aback with his perspectives.  He keeps me guessing!  His space is 11-146.

Another cool artist is Stephanie Smith (02-212), a dear friend of mine (profiled, #12 in this series, here).  I like the concept of her synergistic art and that it allows the client to partner with her to make a custom piece.  How cool is that?!

Another instant favorite is the space dedicated to Critical Exposure.  I could not get through the exhibit without tearing up.  It is a powerful initiative and a powerful outlet for our youth!

Watch out for Dana Greaves (02-161), Howard Etwaroo (11-501), and Magda Gomez (02-265).  These are some talented folk whose paintings and drawings are fierce!  Their pieces pulled me in and I am simply in awe of their gifts and abilities.

If you are really adamant about upcycling, Alex Bako is your man (11-500)(profiled, #17 in this series, here).

Michael Auger (profiled, #10  in this series, here) is a returning favorite.  “I think his black light art is so hot!”

You can see more of Aeren’s work on her website: http://www.aerenwaters.com, and on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/aerenwaters.

“Oh, and be on the lookout for my clutches and totes in a short film First Baptist – a short COMEDY film mockumentary set to debut summer 2012.”  Aeren will have more information on the film on her Facebook page.  You can also find her on Twitter and on Tumble:  http://www.aerenwaters.tumblr.com.

To read more interviews and see more photographs from ArtOMatic 2012 and earlier ArtOMatics, go here.