Spotlight on Anne Gaal

Hey, y'all! How's it going?

Today's Wednesday Wonder is a woman with many talents - not only is she a talented stamper, she's also a crack photographer. (And then she turns around and incorporates her photos into her crafting projects - she's made some terrific jewelry using her photos, for example.) Pretty slick, eh?

I'm talking about Anne Gaal, (rhymes with "Smile") of course! 

Anne is extremely versatile and seems to be able to handle just about any style or medium she adopts, so she definitely defies being put into any box! For the longest time I've tried to figure out the source of her diversity, and I think I finally got some insight after interviewing her. She carefully considers the recipient of the card and then makes her masterpiece. Isn't that considerate and loving? I'm ashamed to state that I rarely think about the recipient's tastes when I create a card. Anyway, Anne's efforts to tailor the card to the recipient's liking would definitely explain the wide variety of images and designs she uses. 

But I do see one thing that is almost always present in Anne's creations.

Color.

Bright, beautiful, glorious, luscious color! Anne has a terrific sensibility, so she knows her color wheel, and she's not afraid to use it! She's no shrinking VIOLET!

Ba-dum-PAH!

(Sorry, couldn't resist!)

So without further ado, lift your Diet-Cokes to Anne and Smile Awhile with Gaal! 

Anne's Wonder-ful Interview

Before we start the interview, I'd like to say how honored I am to have been chosen as one of Deborah's Wednesday Wonders! Thanks so much! :-)

You are very welcome, Anne. The pleasure is all mine!

1. Do you pre-sketch a design or do you just leap out of the gate? How long does it usually take you to make a page? A card?

For cards, I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kinda gal. I use sketches mainly for sketch challenges. I tend to create my cards for specific people, so I consider the recipients and what colors or images might appeal to them. As I brainstorm, I usually come up with an idea, but I don't generally jot it down.

For example, I have a friend who likes the color green (step #1). She likes nature images, so I'd pick stamps that fit that theme - probably new ones or ones that I haven't played with in a while (step #2). Then I design the card (step #3). My cards are more based on color, stamp shapes, and contrast between colors and shapes. I tend to instinctively follow some composition rules that I learned from photography (the rule of thirds, for example).

For scrapbook layouts, I plan more. I start with selecting pictures and then determine their placement - which gives me an idea to follow. Then I select colors that match/contrast with the photos and go from there. Generally, I do two-page spreads (although I am beginning to experiment with one-page layouts).

I feel like I’m a sloooooow crafter! It usually takes me about 4 hours or more to make a card. I often get impatient, get the smudgies, and have to start over; or I make extras as I go. For scrapbook layouts I'm even slower - probably takes a whole week to do a two-page spread, as I find the time.

2. How many, on average, pages per week do you make? Cards?

Usually 1 or 2 cards a week. I do scrapbook layouts a lot less frequently - maybe once or twice every 3 months. I wish I had more time to scrapbook more often.

3. How has your process evolved to make you a leaner, meaner crafting machine? (In other words, what are some lessons you've learned or tips you can share that allow you to make better and faster design choices?

I used to spend a lot of time testing different inks or other supplies on scrap paper to see if they would go with the project. I realized it was a huge waste of time to test a color repeatedly, so I decided to make a color journal. Now I test a color once, put it in my journal, and refer back to it when necessary. I use my color journal on almost every card or scrapbooking project. I've also discovered that it can be nice to take along when paper shopping - makes it easy to find papers that match the inks and colors that I already own and love.

Great minds think alike! I have one of these, too. I keep color swatches of my inks, markers, colored pencils, Twinkling H2O’s, Copics, acrylics, embossing powders, and Stickles. You’ll actually hear more about this on my blog at a later date....


4. What's your stand-by, FAST dinner solution for those times when you really want to get to your scrap space ASAP (or stay ALAP)?

It's just me and my hubby, and most of the meals we make are quick and easy. I'm blessed because we both cook, so sometimes I can sneak in some crafty time while he makes dinner! But if I am really, really needing some crafty time, my favorite FAST dinner solutions are take-out pepperoni pizza or homemade hoagies with multi-grain buns, lunchmeat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, with chips on the side.
(Another FAST dinner solution is making double-batches of recipes. Freeze the leftovers in one-meal portions, and then thaw, reheat, and serve!)

If your spouse is a real meat-and-potatoes type, then I'd recommend my Hungarian Steak and Potatoes recipe (takes about 30 minutes). It’s a sweet, peppery-flavored steak you can cut into strips and serve with mashed potatoes (mine have a bit of sauteed leeks added). Both have a very mild flavor - not too spicy.

 

5. If you were stranded on an island that had a billion supplies but NO tools, what ten TOOLS would you HAVE to have? (All the stamps in the world are available, so you don't need to list them as one of your tools. EX: we've got all the embroidery floss in the world, but you're going to have to bring your own needle if you want to use any of it!)

1. Computer and electricity so I can share my work with others, get feedback, and be inspired by everyone's creations! It wouldn't be worth it to me if I couldn't share and participate in a creative community.
2. Paper trimmer and ruler.
3. Small, non-stick scissors.
4. Heat gun.
5. Old mousepad to use under paper when stamping to get crisp images.
6. Circle, square, scalloped, and border punches.
7. Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet.
8. Sponge daubers.
9. Cuttlebug with plates and lots of embossing folders.
10. Nestabilities and embossing pad.

A really nice workspace, good light, and a comfy, ergonomic chair wouldn't be bad, either! Can I have a cabana boy to come bring me my meals and beverages, too? And maybe clean my stamps and bring them back? Pretty please?

Of course you may! In case you haven’t noticed, Johnny Depp and George Clooney have been enlisted by me and Laura to do our bidding. So there are still a lot of celebrities available.


6. If you were still on that island, what kind of noise would you want (if any) in the background? List as many as five different favorite musical artists.

I prefer instrumental music when I'm creating because it helps me stay in my creative "right brain". My choices: (1) my husband playing the piano; (2) my cat purring; (3) Hilary Hahn playing Bach on the violin; (4) Peter White's Glow CD (instrumental guitar with a Latin flavor); or (5) any instrumental new-age/yoga/meditation music. I would also love listening to the sounds of the island - the rhythm of the waves or the breeze blowing through the palm trees.

7. If you could have anything you wanted, (concerning scrapping or stamping) what would it be?

An unlimited budget! All the time and space I want or need. And a healthy income from my crafty activities to pay the bills! :-)

8. What about your style/artistry are you least satisfied with?

I am least satisfied with my letting others talk me out of doing my creative projects for so much of my life, instead of pursuing my creativity. Artistic individuals are very sensitive, and we need a "safe space" in which to create. Had I created a haven earlier in my life, I'd have more experience, and I think my art would be at a whole different level. But I also believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be on my life's path, so I’m grateful to have that "safe space" now. I can't wait to see what kind of art and creative projects I'm working on in 10 or 20 years!

9. What cameras have you tried, which one is your favorite, and why? (You can shorten this to just the one you're using now if you like.)

As a photographer, I have many cameras. I use a Nikon D2X the most for nature and animal photography. I also have a backup in a lighter Nikon D80. There are others, but the one I use most for my crafting projects is a Canon PowerShot A720-IS.

The PowerShot A720 is a compact point-and-shoot camera that has variable focus, image stabilization, and even lets you shoot videos. It also has an all-important macro function, allowing good focus on small objects. I absolutely ADORE this camera, and I highly recommend it! It's a fantastic everyday camera, and I take it everywhere with me!

10. What's the word or phrase that comes to your lips when you mess up while creating? ("Unprintable" is definitely an option!)

My craft time is more about the process than the results. I love how my brain purges all the to-do lists and noise of daily life and becomes calm while I'm creating. It is so relaxing and refreshing to enter that zone. I don't think there are many "mistakes" in art - only "happy accidents". If something doesn't come out exactly as I expected, I view it as a happy accident and see what I can make from it. Often the happy accidents end up being my favorite parts of my best projects. For example, the "path" in my "Flourished Fall Tree" card is a happy accident. Totally unplanned.

You are so enlightened! I'm afraid there is a string of profanity floating above the Northern Hemisphere as a result of my arrested development....

There are lots of places you can view Anne's creations: her blog, Gaal Creative; her Flickr photostream under prospurring (Anne);  pospurring's gallery at ATCsforAll.com; and, finally, you can view her beautiful camera work at Gaal Photography.

Another must-see is Anne's creative space. Yummy pumpkin-colored walls and a to-die-for organizational system from Best Scrapbook Shelf!

Comments

[elana k]

Another excellent interview! So nice to learn more about other crafters--and not just for the sole reason of reassuring myself that I am NOT the only one who is insanely slow!! :)

btw: did you receive the card I sent you??

[HeathreP]

Another great interview of another wonderful artist! It's lovely to read more about Anne and her versatility. Thanks for sharing!

[Nicole]

Wonderful interview, and you have a great subject. Anne is a very talented lady, and thank you so much for letting more of the world see her via your blog.

[judyjung]

Lovely to meet this talented and wise artist! I am going to practice saying "What a happy accident" when I goof! Seriously, I admire Annee's work and enjoyed the interview. Thanks to you both!

[Anne Gaal]

Hi, Deborah! Thanks again for choosing me to be one of your Wednesday Wonders! :-)

[Nancyljk]

another fun interview with an inspiring artist...thanks to Anne and Deborah!

[Lin]

Thank you, Deborah, for letting us get to know Anne a little better! I have the same sampler of inks, colored pencils, etc. that you were discussing, but I have never thought of taking it along when shopping for papers, etc, so it all matches! Light bulb for me!! Thanks!

[Sarah]

Great interview!

[Judy Marino]

Wow, great interview with Anne! She is an inspirational, TRUE artist...I am in awe!

[Hannah Nicole F]

Great Interview! it's nice to get to more of our fellow stampers

[Hannah Nicole F]

oops forgot a word dumb me I meant to say get to "know" more : )

[Jill]

Great interview! Love all of Anne's work and especially loved the link to view all of her beautiful photography. She is so talented in so many ways!!

[Laura]

Great interview! I always like to check in and see what Anne is up to. She is such a wonderful artist.

[julie]

loved learning some more about Anne. Thanks to you both.

[Patty Y.]

This was another fun interview! Anne is indeed very talented (your photos are GORGEOUS!), as well as your cards! I felt like I learned a lot as well... it was nice to see a glimpse into the "steps" taken to create something... and prompted me to look up the rule of thirds! And what do you know, she even includes a recipe that's easy to follow for any cooking novice! Thanks, Anne and Deborah!

[donna mikasa]

Wow, Wednesday sure crept up fast!! GREAT interview with Anne! She is multi talented and I loved reading how she creates with the recipient in mind. It was such a pleasure to get to know her better.
Thanks, Deborah and Anne!

[Paula]

What a wonderful & inspiring interview with Anne. It has given me encouragement for where I am in my life (does that make sense). Thanks for the "boost" :)

[Dawn T]

What a great interview. I love visiting her blogs and viewing her creations. She is a very friendly lady and I'm pleased to get to know her some more. Thanks Deborah for these interviews.

[Teresa aka Tess]

Wonderful interview. I follow Anne's blog and it's always nice to learn more about those we follow. Thanks!

[Jenn]

Such a great interview!! Loved hearing more about Anne...she is so creative & a sweetheart to boot! Thanks, Deborah, for giving us a view into Anne's world...

[tomoh]

This was another fun interview!! Anne is a very talented lady, and I could knew more about Anne. Thanks to you, Deborah!