The HodgePodgery » The HodgePodgery-ists

Artist Interview with Courtnye Koivisto

Joseph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:53:19 +0000


J:	Where are you originally from and where do you currently live?

CK:	Originally-originally, I’m from New Jersey, but I grew up mostly in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I currently live in Harrisburg, in the Midtown. I’ve lived here only a few months, since October 2011.

J:	What is it that you make and sell at the HodgePodgery?

CK:	I make necklaces with pendants of different images. The images are all my own artwork, be it a photograph or a painting. All of my pendants are small-scale reproductions of my work. I add the images to necklaces and add thematic elements. A lot of my paintings deal with very natural things. I paint a lot of birds in particular. So, for those, I’ll add a charm of a leaf or a feather. Something that goes with the imagery in the photo or painting.

J:	When you create the original paintings, what mediums and materials do you prefer using?

CK:	My paintings are mostly on birch panels. I use oil and acrylic paints when I use the panels. I also recently did a series of small water colors.

J:	Can you identify any one point in your life in which you became interested in art and photography?

CK:	I’ve always been drawn to art, I guess. It’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I’ve always enjoyed it. I suppose, when I was in high school, I realized all the different applications of art beyond simply sketching. I figured then that I could make a career out of it and went to college for art. I learned more about everything you could do with art.

J:	Where did you go to school?

CK:	Shippensburg University.

J:	What was it that got you interested in joining of art and jewelry?

CK:	I’d been spottily, not seriously, making jewelry for a few years. I have no idea what got me interested in jewelry making. I think in college one year, I just thought hey, this might be fun. Or maybe it was when my mom took me to a bead store called Infinity Beads. I can’t remember if that was before or after I’d started. But at the store, you could make your own necklace or bracelet or whatever. You could pick all different kinds of beads. I remember really enjoying that, and that may have been around the same time I started getting interested in jewelry. But as far as blending the two, I found out that it wasn’t really that hard to procure all the materials that you would need to make your own pendants. It’s a way to make my art accessible to people. I make all the pendants, so it’s an original. But someone doesn’t have to buy the original original painting to have a handmade work of art. It’s also something they can bring out and have with them instead of, you know, a piece just hanging in their living room. It’s a different application of fine art.

J:	What first got you interested in the HodgePodgery?

CK:	I’d heard about the store and went to check it out. It was such an awesome store. At that point in time, I’d started dabbling in necklace making and I thought, once I had enough of a selection, I’d be able to sell some there. I remember bringing them in. It was a month before they closed their first location. Didn’t get much exposure there. But when Dawn said they were going to reopen, I decided that I really wanted to get involved because I was still interested in selling my work. I’d also improved my jewelry making abilities in that time.

J:	If there was one thing that you’d like for the people that come to the store or see your work to take away, what would that be?

CK:	I want them to enjoy my work and the store, but – on a grander scale – I want them to appreciate jewelry and a lot of the stuff at the HoPo as more than just a craft. I want them to see it as an actual art form. A lot of what I do I try to make each individual piece stand out on its own as a painting would.

	Be sure to check out Courtnye’s website at www.courtnyekoi.tumblr.com.

Artist Interview with Tara DeLutis

Joseph — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 01:23:51 +0000


J:	Where are you from originally? Where do you live now?

TD:	I’m from Camp Hill and that’s also where I currently live. I moved back after school.

J:	Where’d you go to school?

TD:	The Tyler School of Art out in Philadelphia.

J:	At Temple, right?

TD:	Yeah, they just moved back to main campus. They used to be located out in Elkins Park, but they built a beautiful new building on main campus. It’s unfortunate, because main’s not really the best place.

J:	What are the crafts that you sell at the HodgePodgery?

TD:	I do mostly silk screened stuff, hand-painted fabric items, and I do a lot of design work for the shop itself – I do all the ads, print and online. That’s what most of my time goes to.

J:	How did you get started in silk screening and fabric painting?

TD:	I was a fibers major in college. Lots of things with fibers and fabric design. I did a lot of silk screening in school. I always loved to draw and I thinks that where I found the passion for painting fabric. It’s definitely different than drawing, but fabric is really easy to manipulate with dye and fabric paint. Sometimes you never know what the result is going to be.

J:	Do you remember what got you interested in drawing when you were younger?

TD:	That’s a good question. I think I was always interested in drawing. The main thing that I can think of from childhood was that I went to the after-school program in elementary school and the one lady that ran it always did arts and crafts. Things like little looms and pin cushions made out of pudding cups which I still have. I remember I made a popsicle stick ornament of Tara Lipinski, the ice skater.

J:	So, you knew from a young age it was going to be fabrics or figure skating.

TD:	Yeah, but my accident-prone-ness keeps me away from the ice.

J:	Where do you find inspiration for you work?

TD:	I like to make stuff that I would like to buy. When I make things, I try to think about what I would like to see in a store and that’s where a lot of it comes from. A lot of it is really graphic-based, which is more so how my art has turned in the last couple of years. I originally wanted to be a graphic designer, but then I ended up finding fibers. Now, I’ve been able to merge the two. I try to make fun things. I spent a lot of time in school doing darker work about things like my grandparents dying. I did a series of work about injury and medical accessories. My mom has MS and I focused on that for a while, but then I wanted to do something fun, a little lighter. I wanted to branch out from being so serious.

J:	You mentioned before that your brother also has work in the HodgePodgery…

TD:	Yeah, my brother Jason and his friend Matt Shirk. They both do design and formed Design Battalion. I like their stuff a lot.

J:	Besides the fabrics, do you have any other hobbies? Stuff that you enjoy?

TD:	I love to bake! The dream would be to have a crafts and cupcakes shop. What else could be better than that?

J:	If there’s one thing you’d like for people that come to the store to take away from your work, what would that be?

TD:	Through the store in general, even though Midtown – and Harrisburg in general – is a smaller area, there’s so much talent here. You don’t have to venture out to Philadelphia or New York or Baltimore – you know, the bigger cities – to find really well-made craft. People don’t really see that market here very much. It’s very accessible. The other nice thing about our store is that it’s very well-priced. Anyone can afford something here.

Why we do what we do

ELazo — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:15:16 +0000

Hope everyone had a safe and lucky St. Paddy’s weekend! Irish or not, always celebrate with the best of them! Let’s not forget March Madness has begun and most importantly- I saved the best for last- March has been Craft Month since day 1. Yippee! No matter what you do as a creator, I’ve been learning the most important aspect is the ‘why.’ Why do you create the way you do or produce the items you do? What makes you wildly passionate about your artistic j-o-b? Sheesh, can I even call what I do work, I suppose at times. When I’m crunching numbers or so backed up and have no one but me to sew… I say, damn, this is hard. And I go on because I love what I do. But why do I do it?

TO CREATE IS TO LOVE.

When I wasn’t drawing, glueing, or sewing I loved being outside in the mud and climbing trees wearing a fancy dress just as much as I enjoyed watching movies, reading, and building Legos. But alas, my love always stems back to the fabric.

Nothing motivates me more than thinking about my first bag “design/creation” by cutting up a denim skirt and some scrap fabric laying around the house- my parents weren’t crafty, but I was an only child and utilized absolutely anything to occupy myself. I whipped that puppy up, inside out mind you, with a pocket and matching strap of scrap. It was fugly and I loved it, and used it until it fell apart.

I was in middle school when I graduated from the glue to sewing, and with a machine! I didn’t love Home Ec. class, but I learned early that glue didn’t cut it without a whip stitch or back tack. However, I completely zoned out during the cooking part.

I knew, leaving middle school, I wanted to be in fashion forever.

As an adult, this is what truly motivates me: fitness, fashion, yoga, butterflies, and tattoos. I am a Pisces, with no regrets, only more mistakes to live and learn from.

I opted to go to a small art school for fashion design rather than a large university with the option of playing sports. I studied under designers that traveled from NYC(one was on Project Runway!!!) once a week to teach me and my peers true draping skills, pattern making, and so many other skills for the industry. I was fortunate to get into this program due to my dedication during high school when I elected to take college design classes as part of my electives. I was offered to be a first year graduate of this fashion design program. I took away more than I ever imagined and continue to grow my passion with every passing season.

So in those couple of paragraphs I have summed up a part of my beginning love for sewing and fashion. I can tell you that money is not the ‘Why’ for me, not right now it isn’t. If it were then I wouldn’t be worrying about working other jobs to help support my business haha. My why will come at a later date because frankly I am not 100% sure of the answer. I can say that the feeling I get when sending new pieces to a boutique so unique like The Hodge Podgery, the smile stays plastered for days There is a rush not being able to know what the excited buyer will do with a new piece that thy are proud to own.

Watch for some super ‘hip and trendy’ posts coming each week! And hey, give me some feedback and share the love We are supporting The HoPo Heartisans Community!

Thanks and much love.

E Chic Bags Fashion Accessories

The HoPo is Open for Business! Hooray!

Dawn — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:45:59 +0000

This past Friday night our sneak peek turned into a full blown 3rd in the Burg happening!

So many friends and fans stopped it, it was an awesome welcome back to Midtown! It was pretty darn cold out, too! Serving mulled cider and yummy nibbles helped fight the chill! Happily, some of our tweeps got pics, because we were busy schmoozin’ and ringing up sales. Life is good.

We are now open our regular hours Thursdays and Fridays 11-7 and Saturdays 10-5. Speaking of Saturdays, after the snow we got lots of visitors, old friends and customers. The excitement is catching, that’s for certain! Everyone’s enthusiasm makes us so happy to be back!

We had our first impromptu clinic when Jess gathered a few girls for a Crochet class. It was cozy with our rockin’ 70′s sofas. I promise a pic soon. The sofas and a 1960′s dinette and buffet make up the charm of my Travel and business office, where we will have small seminars and roundtables as well as some of the make n takes and classes.

Our FIRST Make n Takes are the first two Saturdays in February 10a-2p Julie will be

back to offer Valentines. There are 5 types to choose to make at $5 each.

Well, folks, make it a point to stop in and buy local! The new HoPo is feeling fine and ready to put the renewed energy to good use! SEE YOU SOON!

Peace, Love, HoPo Karma!
~~~Dawn

Artist Opportunity 2012

Dawn — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:42:57 +0000

The HodgePodgery is currently seeking community minded artists to join in our local functional art and craft collective. The new space will open mid to late January at 1320 N 3rd St Harrisburg, PA and will be operated by The HodgePodgery, LLC.
As a collective space, artists will contribute $50 per month plus 10% of sales which goes toward operating costs, marketing and growth. They will also be required to contribute 5 hours “time”per calendar month. “Time” can be in hours helping on site, teaching classes, offering seminars or make & takes, promoting, contributing blog posts, marketing, shows and so forth.
As a member of the collective, you are welcome to sell your wares, cross promote your business, use co-working space, attend round-tables, teach and attend workshops, share and in some cases, co-brand with The HodgePodgery.
We strive to create an atmosphere of creativity, support, education and economical growth for local artists and crafters as well as enriching our surrounding communities.
Artist’s wares must meet specifications determined by the ownership and managing partners in order to ensure quality products and service with consistency as well as ensure a proper mix of offerings i.e. 20% jewelry, 15% accessories,15% clothing and so on.

Individual artists must act as independent business owners, provide displays, merchandise and inventory their own wares in accordance to The HodgePodgery’s guidelines.
There is limited membership in the collective and once that is met, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Physical space allotment will vary according to product and display type and is considered movable on the sales floor as we see fit.
Also available early 2012 is semi-private studio space for rent on a daily and/or monthly basis. Pricing varies.
If you are an artist or crafter in the Harrisburg area, willing and committed to investing in growing your business we welcome you to apply to our collective. Our goal is to create a retail outlet and cooperative work space, and to support creators of local arts and handmade wares in building their independent business to continue to enrich our community.
Please contact dawn@thehodgepodgery.com for your application.

NEW HOPO! NEW LOOK! NEW ARTISTS!

Dawn — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:05:01 +0000

2012 at The HoPo will be bringing a whole lotta change! Currently, most everything (including our computer systems) are in storage waiting for our new home to be ready. I have been away, training for my new additional income generating career, as well as visiting my sons.

Yesterday, I signed our new lease and we are hoping to begin HodgePodge-ifying the new digs Dec 15th. Of course, that is HOPING TO. One never knows what will come up in a building rehab.

Artists and crafters interested in working with us should get in touch by email dawn@thehodgepodgery.com with the subject “Info Please” so I can find it easily. PLEASE, we have lot going on so give me some time to respond. We are restructuring our business plan and updating software. We have inventory and inputting, along with a bazillion other physical moving things to get done over the next few weeks. We would like to be open by the beginning of 2012.

Lessons learned: Just because we WANT to do something and TRY to do it, does not always make it happen. For example: We really wanted to do the online shop thing. It seems simple enough, right? WRONG. Didn’t happen, and no longer on our list of priorities.

You all know that we are pretty transparent. Probably to a fault, but that’s just the way it is. My life is an open book, and I reflect that in writing for the HoPo.

I’ve missed being in Midtown daily and I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things. I personally have some life organizing to do in order to make a living as well as get the shop back up and rolling. Anyone know the best way to juggle cats??

Peace, Love, HoPo Karma!

~~~Dawn

HoPo Karma

Dawn — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:25:22 +0000

I have to admit, the HoPoCo are some of the most giving and creative people I know. They are simply good people. I know for a fact that the things here in the shop are made with a lot of love and caring. It always makes me smile when new things come in, and makes me sad when things leave.

No matter what, when asked, our people always step up to help out and with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year fundraising campaign it’s no different. There are so many things too choose from on the Donation table and more to come! (more pics and info on Flickr )

3/5/2010 THIS JUST IN!!! BUY ANY ROSIE’S WHIMSY SKIRT, TUNIC or HANDBAG and the ENTIRE PURCHASE PRICE IS DONATED TO LLS!!! Get in NOW! THIS IS ON HER ENTIRE INVENTORY! Thank you Rosie & John Nevius for your generosity!!!

3/8/2011 Oh My!! Weezawear has donated her entire line of WEEZIEBANDS head bands! $10 a piece.

3/8/2011 Cynsible Creations has donated her line of fun fabric lanyards…only $5 a piece!

b.b. bibs

Donation Table

Can’t make it in to the shop? Please donate online. It’s simple.

I have also commissioned a special necklace series with a new consignor, Gretchen Enrietti of Just Beachy Jewelry. It’s inspired by my friend David Pringle’s suggestion that our GoTeam HoPo theme should be “The Art of Determination” Gretchen has bottled some determination for you or even for you to give to someone else who may need some added OOOoomphh in what they are trying to achieve. Stop in, call or email us for your own message of determination! You choose between the leather cord or silver chain for only $20, $10 of which goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Determination on Leather

Be sure to slide on over to The GoTeam HoPo website to get details of events, or better yet, step up to the Social Media Challenge. We have a LOT going on in the next 7 weeks and welcome your support!

Again, thank you to all our volunteers, our friends and our wonderfully tallented HoPoCo!

Giving is good Karma!

…And We’re Off!! LLS Campaign Begins!

Dawn — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:28:00 +0000

So it begins! Last night was the KickOff to the 8 week event. I was so very excited and surrounded by friends, and had to go up to give a short little UNEXPECTED speech…and froze. I think I got our words like “The HodgePodgery” “Bacon” ”Brew” and “Tattoos” and of course “Thank You” but the rest was ahhh…rather embarrassing. We are all convinced that I have them fooled into thinking that I am a blithering idiot and incapable of raising ANYTHING. (Haha we have them fooled!)

So friends, it is time. Donations are being accepted NOW!

ALL DETAILS FOR GOTEAM HOPO’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR CAMPAIGN IS AT: www.goteamhopo.wordpress.com

Fan us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/GoTeam-HoPo/186085748095967

Grand Opening for HoPoLanCo at the STAHR Center

Dawn — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:01:10 +0000

December 3rd’s First Friday will be the official Grand Opening of The HodgePodgery in Lancaster! Join us for some nibbles and check out all the wares from our core artists as well as new! The space Hollie has created for us in our humble basement abode is coming along quite nicely! The cages have been put to great use and soon she will start on a mural to coordinate with the fabulous floor she painted!

First Friday always brings cool funky things to the STAHR center! Located at 438 N Queen St in Lancaster PA, join us downstairs in the “basement”and check out the newly cleared out Garage performance space where Loretta Bilieax will have her CD Release party. Check THIS out to get a taste of Loretta and Chad’s gig. I’m sure you’ll be digging on this indie performer’s sound!

Also that night on the main floor Theater of the Seventh Sister/Artistic Village hosts The Season Through the Ages by The Susquehanna Trio. Lest we forget, Dec 9th thru the 30th TSS performs A Christmas Carol…pay what you will for a truly divine Christmas gift.

As you stroll through the STAHR center, realize that what’s really needed to keep this space moving into the realm of awesomeness that it promises is VOLUNTEERS! Donations of time, supplies and cash money needs contributed to beautify and green the building! A call to arms, dear friends, to donate some time to paint floors, walls and ceilings, build storage, fix windows, clean drains, seal walls, and all sorts of cool stuff. Artists, in exchange for your help, there is gallery space available for you to hang a show.

Get in touch. Let’s show them how much we appreciate being given this unique opportunity! All kinds of help to fit all kinds of free time is needed.

Have a great Thanksgiving and know that we love and are thankful for you all! Without our HoPoCo, our faithful friends and supporters, we would be nowhere!

Peace, Love, and HoPo Karma,

~~~Dawn

HoPoLanCo: Sneak Peek First Friday

Dawn — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 21:43:48 +0000

Some of the cages are dismantled and the painting has begun! We’ll be working during First Friday and may even have a small selection of wares for sale if all goes smoothly tomorrow! At the VERY least we should be ready to give Lancaster a taste of what we’ll have to offer.

Phone and internet are to be installed next week so Look for us to be up and running in some capacity next weekend! Tell your friends and loved ones, to stop by and say hello, ok?

Hollie is going to soon establish a facebook page and sooner or later we’ll have a HoPoLanCo blog and more. What fun it is! New consignors are on board and my steadfast awesome ones are beginning to bring in wares. We have a rough idea of our hours, but will have more for you at a later date.

Thanks all!

~~~Dawn