It’s time to meet our next Muse of the Month!

Introducing Kellie Patton, or @rossifan46makesstuff on Insta; Be sure to give her a follow and show her some love!

What part of the world do you currently live in?

United States, Northwest Ohio...the flattest place on earth

When did your art or crafting journey begin?

I've always been creatively inclined. I have BFA with a major in ceramics. After graduating in 1997, I had a long creative dry spell. Eventually, I ran across Noah Scalin's "365 Create Something Every Day  and Change Your Life". Honestly, I didn't even have to open the book. I just started making stuff. And it worked. Postcards, collages, mixed media jewelry...something every day. I realized how very important creating was to my well being. I always joke that the book works, even if it's just sitting next to you on the couch.

How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back each year?

I'm just starting my 5th year of Fodder School.  I initially signed up for FS 1 after taking a short online collage course elsewhere.  I enjoyed that so much that, when the Fodder School ads showed up on my social media, after much thought, I decided to try a year. Now, it has become part of my life. With the current state of things in the world, and especially in the United States, Fodder School is the place I can disappear into. I debate signing up each year, thinking I need some time to drop back and explore all of the things I've learned, but then I cannot imagine not having new Fodder School projects into which to escape.

How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey or daily art practice?

Fodder School keeps me creating, keeps me making stuff. (Left to my own devices, I'd be lying around playing games on my phone!) It pushes me to try things I wouldn't have attempted otherwise. Many times, I've "pooh-poohed" a FS project only to have it become one of my favorites.

What’s one project, technique, or lesson from FS that completely lit you up?

Fodder School keeps me creating, keeps me making stuff. (Left to my own devices, I'd be lying around playing games on my phone!) It pushes me to try things I wouldn't have attempted otherwise. Many times, I've "pooh-poohed" a FS project only to have it become one of my favorites.

How would you describe the Fodder School community in three words?

Collective creative embrace

One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student?

The biggest thing is not to expect everything you make to be some sort of masterpiece...just enjoy the process. You'll be astounded by what you can do when you take that pressure off and just play.