Tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in Eastern Kentucky on 108 acres in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest. I was home-schooled from 4th grade on and started working at coffee shops when I was 16.
What is the first craft project you remember making?
While I don’t remember the “first” per se, one that quickly comes to mind was in high school. My aunt and I worked together and turned a baby’s high chair into a book shelf. We took broken glass to create a backdrop for the top shelf. It was pretty fabulous. I moved it around with me for years until it became apparent that I was far too transient for such a sharp, breakable piece of furniture.
What kind of artist are you?
I am the kind that has always appreciated beauty in unlikely places and creates in hopes that others become more in touch with their higher selves.
And what first drew you to that particular medium?
Oh, ok…particular medium…I’m going to go with fiber. While I mostly create books, I love working and piecing fabric together in any capacity. I prefer working with upcycled and recycled materials. I also really like hand-stitching, especially words. All of these come together in a frequently unconventional sort of way. I have not been taught in any traditional sense and have “felt” my way into all of this.
Apart from creating things, what do you do? / Is creating art your full-time job, or do you work outside of creating these magnificent items?
I create full-time, over-time, most of the time. I also write and read quite a bit while enjoying a cup of hot tea. I love frolicking through the woods, camping beneath the stars, and watching the moon’s travels. I look for adventures on a somewhat regular basis, dance frequently, and research whatever pops in my head.
How do you divide your time between studio time and planning, administrative things, etc.
At this point, it is mostly a matter of prioritizing. I do what needs to be done the most. This changes drastically depending upon the time of year. If I can help it, I keep my to-do as short as possible trying to cross things off pretty quickly. It helps keep me from getting too overwhelmed.
Please describe your creative process.
Oh, well, this changes frequently. I have several lines of work now and tend to create what I need to fill orders, re-stock, etc. Then, *bam*, inspiration happens and I’m researching new shapes and histories on certain images and creating something new. This inspiration is more directly sought after when it comes to custom orders as I am working with a deadline; however, I appreciate the challenge and continue to be surprised at how fabulously it keeps “working”.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I most cherish the fabric labyrinth that I have hanging on my wall. I spent one particular summer doing art therapy on myself. The reason for this was that I was going to be teaching it in the fall, and I wanted to see if it “worked”. It was an incredible experience and the labyrinth was one of the many things I created. There is a long, multi-layered story behind it, but the short story is that the labyrinth itself was created from the shirt that I wore to my younger brother’s funeral. I found the labyrinth symbol shortly after he passed and it has become a healing symbol for me on every level.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
As soon as I read that question, I saw bright colors and water and lots of traveling. I am open to the best possible scenarios whatever those may be.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new etsy seller, what would it be?
Keep your store current, your photographs high-quality, and your descriptions thorough.
What are some of the ways you promote your work?
Word of mouth, social media, art festivals, and a website.
What are the three websites you couldn’t live without?
Gypsy Ashram, FreeWill Astrology, and Hulu.
How did you come up with the name you sell under (i.e. shop name)?
Oh, another long story made short…it’s two-part. The word “ReImagined” came along side the labyrinth. After my brother passing and a whole lot of other hard experiences, I realized I needed to “re-imagine” my life…to see how it could be and not base the future on my previous experiences. As far as “Luna” goes, I nicknamed myself after hearing of it as a little girl’s name. I love the sound of the word and feel strongly connected to the moon.
What are some of the things you do when you face a creative block?
Dance. Walk. Drink tea. Change tasks. Do alternate nostril breathing.
When is your favorite, most productive and creative time? Day, night?
I’m incredibly, unabashedly adaptable and every day/night is different.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
I want to be able to turn into animals, though which one changes every day.
What is your favorite drink?
Decaf French Roast or Hot Raspberry Green Tea or Black Homemade Chai
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. with whom would it be?
I would trade places with someone visiting Thailand or Brazil or India…
If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be?
All the characters that come to mind have troubles of their own and the last thing I want is to wish for someone else’s learning experience…I have enough of my own.
If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
I’d travel abroad.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
…I would not be so hard on myself and my teeth would be perfect and I’d never have to go to a dentist.
You can learn more about Melissa at her beautiful books on her website, ReImagined Online and at her Facebook Page.
Be sure to check out her Etsy Shop!
Bluegrass Boogaloo 