I've never considered myself an artist, as such. My medium has always been the written word, and furniture design and painting was more of a hobby-turned-passion-project-turned-day-job. Which is why it was so surprising and exciting when Mischelle approached me with the idea of a Gallery show featuring my work.
But, if I had to think about where I draw my inspiration from I would look at my grandmothers. I come from a blended family and all of my grandmothers are very artistic in their own ways. Their art has usually been secondary to their careers and families, but it's always there, and I think that may have nurtured those feelings or talents in myself without my ever being truly aware of it.
My first hands on experience, and where I learned so much about being a furniture artisan, was when I met Laurie Turmel, who used to have an online group and a small shop - both called Lookin' Nice Twice. Laurie taught me the practicalities, but also a lot about taking risks and sometimes just "winging" it to bring the vision in my head to reality. I think they call that "trusting the process" now but we were mainly concerned with having fun while we worked.
Later on I opened my own storefront on Voght St. and I think that is where I really came into my own designing and refinishing furniture. Hundreds of pieces passed through that shop and I am proud of the fact that no two were exactly alike.
I think if you're an artistic sort of person you always need a creative outlet. There is such a feeling of satisfaction and pride when I take something that was falling apart or ugly - or both - and turn it into something beautiful that can be loved and used for many more years. The challenge has almost become addicting. I can often see in my mind exactly how I would like a piece to turn out and the process may involve repairing, sanding, staining, sealing, painting, aging, waxing, stenciling, using crackling or graphic transfer mediums - really nothing is off the table and I've found some unexpected methods and materials have led the way to a wonderful finish.
While I have slowed down considerably in my painting endeavours since becoming a mother, I still do the occasional custom piece and try to pick up a paintbrush whenever possible. I also welcome questions and offer any advice I can for people who have their own projects in mind. I can be reached at morgan_hampton@outlook.com.