Welcome back to the conversation on the creative process! I have been engaging in conversations with the makers and creatives here at Make-It Springfield about the challenges they face in their process and the support they have in their lives.

In this post, please enjoy an interview I did with Make-It artist Mari Chavez about her work in Gel Printing.

Jamila: So Mari, how did you become interested in Gel Printing?

Mari: I got into Gel Printing on accident because as a mixed media artist I like trying different ways to express myself.

Jamila: What challenges do you experience in your process with Gel Printing?

Mari: Because I am a recovering perfectionist, I find gel printing challenging because I can’t control it.

Jamila: Who supports you in your creative process?

Mari: My daddy. I spent a large portion of my life feeling like I couldn’t focus on creating if it didn’t bring me money. This is often a thought process that is shared by children of immigrants. But he encouraged me to do things that made me feel capable and feel happy. When I was consumed by mental health stuff he would say “go play” and that means go create essentially. I have better coping skills, but to this day he still does it.

Thank you Mari @madeofseaandstars for the interview and all that you have given and continue to give to the Make-It community!