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Interview with Geree McDermott
This is an interview between Linda Lewis (LWL), owner/artist of Creative Artworks, and Geree McDermott (GM), an artist
who hand-paints floor cloths that will lift your spirits! Please be sure to check out her artwork and bio!
LWL: How did you get the idea to start painting floor cloths, Geree?
GM: It is a long story, so remember, you asked. I will try to tell it without rambling too much. In 1996 I was disabled
with a work related injury to my shoulders and cervical spine. I went through a series of surgeries on both shoulders and
my neck. While recovering I spent a great deal of time watching arts and crafts programs on TV. During this time, I had an
unused heating vent in my kitchen floor that I hated and wanted to find a way to cover up. One day I saw someone make a floor
cloth on one of those crafts shows. I thought it would be a perfect way to cover that horrible vent. I had canvas and paint
and in a couple of days, I had a floor cloth on my kitchen floor. Surprisingly, it didn't rip or tear where the vent was.
I was impressed by how well it held up and I started making more for other rooms. When I started getting favorable remarks
from visitors, I made them for everyone in my family for Christmas that year. I just got hooked on making them. They are fun
and functional and I like to paint big. I never tire of making them.
LWL: Do you have formal training in art?
GM: I have taken college level classes in Color and Design, Drawing, Oil Painting, and Art History.
LWL: Can you explain the steps in creating one of your floor cloths?
GM: I begin by using only 'floor cloth canvas' which is double primed on top and single primed on the bottom. It is heavier
(and more expensive) than regular artist's canvas and lasts longer. I put in a 1-inch hem all around. Then I sketch in the
design and start painting with acrylic paint. Each floor cloth usually has 2-3 coats of acrylic paint and 4 coats of Polycrylic
acrylic sealant.
LWL: Have you designed it so it doesn't slip or slide on the floor?
GM: I finish the floor cloth by applying 2 coats of rubber rug backing to the underside so they are less likely to slip
and slide.
LWL: How do you get ideas for new designs?
GM: I never seem to be without hundreds of ideas pressing to be released in my paintings. There are times when ideas insist
on manifesting, and even though I may be working on something else, I start the new one. It usually comes very fast and is
fun to do. I am often asked if I have a favorite: the one I am currently working on is always my favorite.
LWL: How should we take care of a floor cloth?
GM: Floor cloths are easy to clean with a damp mop. Avoid allowing the floor cloth to be flooded because moisture will
be absorbed underneath and it will result in a wavy, warped floor cloth. If that happens, after allowing the floor cloth to
dry completely, press it out by walking on it.
LWL: How long have you had your website, Floor Cloths by Geree?
GM: I put my website up in November, 2003.
LWL: Did you create the website yourself, and do you maintain it?
GM: Yes, I created my website myself. First, I traded with someone to design one for me, but when I wasn't pleased with
the results, I decided it would be better if I did it myself and I maintain it myself. Being independent works better for
me.
LWL: How do you promote your website?
GM: Every way I can think of. I submit my link to search engines and related sites. I have some of my designs on everyday
products like mousepads, tote bags, and coffee mugs at CafePress.com. (www.cafeshops.com/BuffytheCat; www.cafeshops.com/ArtbyGeree;
www.cafeshops.com/ButterflyBlue; and www.cafeshops.com/HotChiliPeppers. I pass out business cards and brochures whenever I
can. I am a member of the Manzano Mountain Arts Council.
LWL: Do you attend craft and/or trade shows? Are they are good source for sales for you?
GM: I participated in the Mountainair Studio & Gallery Tour last October and got a significant commission as a result.
But, I found that moving the floor cloths and setting up a booth to be a big pain in the neck and prefer cyber-sales better.
LWL: What is your best venue for selling your art?
GM: I had a studio/gallery for several months and closed it at the end of last summer (end of tourist season) and went
online a few months later. I find that I am doing as well, if not better, online. Online marketing and sales fit into my lifestyle
as an artist better because I am not constrained by keeping business hours. With my studio back in my home, I am free to create
whenever I feel the urge, which is often in the middle of the night.
LWL: Do you have any special upcoming events in the near future, Geree?
GM: I'm one of the featured artists in July at The Art Center in Mountainair! On Saturday, July 31st there will be a reception
from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a Functional Art Fest, featuring pottery, jewelry, floor cloths, table art and more--artistic
creations that are also functional. Among the local artists featured will be my floor cloths, and the work of Mary Schultz
and Robin DesJardin. This show will extend through August 20th.
LWL: Is your family supportive of your art?
GM: My husband loves my art and is very encouraging. My friends and family love getting floor cloths and other art as
gifts. My mom loves showing my website to her friends.
LWL: What advice do you have for others who would like to start their own business and/or website selling their art?
GM: Believe in yourself and your art. Don't be bashful about showing it. If you are drawn to something unusual, develop
it into a niche. In the art world, being different is the goal. I can think of no job more fun than being an artist. My motto
is: "Find the job you love, and you will never work a day in your life." Confucius
LWL: Thanks so much, Geree.
GM: Thanks to you Linda!
http://www.creativeartworks.cc/interview.html
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