Betsy Walton is a phenomenal artist based in Portland, Oregon, whose soft color palettes and etheral domestic narratives won my heart the second I saw them. In addition to being a successful painter with work shown in galleries across the country, she is a pioneering spirit, whose online shop Morning Craft (now closed to focus on her art) was one of the first to support emerging artists in the now burgeoning handmade, d.i.y. movement. I am so glad that she offered up her inspirations below:
What music are you listening to these days?
I’ve been using Pandora! One of my favorite stations is based on Lykke Li. I also just listened to the Avett Brothers for the first time last week.
Read any good books lately?
I have been reading World Changing and Food not Lawns.
Have a yummy recipe to share?
Last night we had eggplant baked with tomatoes, feta and oregano.
- First, cut the eggplant in half
- Score several times across each piece
- Brown in olive oil
- Then put in a 375 degree oven with tomato, feta, salt and pepper on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes or so.
This is paraphrased from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone.
What is inspiring you at the moment?
I am working on a project celebrating Oregon’s 150th year as a state. I’m inspired by the lush misty landscapes here.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have some illustrations coming out in a book with Chronicle later this year. I am also working on several shows opening in February, a tea towel coming out soon with Third Drawer Down, and painting a Kokeshi (Japanese doll) for a show at the Japanese American National Museum in LA. The show opens July 11, 2009. Look for a few other exciting surprises coming soon! My website will keep you up to date.
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Prints of Betsy’s work can be found at her etsy shop here.
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