Artist: Margie Gonzales
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Art Submission(s): Glass and plastic sculpture with flowers and beads, “Untitled”
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In her background, Margie was a computer technician. When she let go of that job and became ill with arthritis, she began spending time working on crafts and watching Youtube. Inspired, Margie’s talents and crafts have evolved over time.
We are excited to be spotlighting Margie’s creations in this year’s showcase through digital presentation, and an interview about her life, projects, and ideas.
We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?
Normally I use things I’ve purchased at the Dollar Store; that’s where I get my glassware and the things that I need other than Hobby Lobby. Used to use the E6000 glue to make things permanent, and make a lot of use of the glue gun. Glue gun is for more temporary work, so if I want to reuse the material again to make something else, you can do that. I use acrylic paint and have my paintbrushes. For routine, I always clean the glass with alcohol to make sure it’s spotless, inside and out, to make sure everything is crystal clear. I try to use gloves if I can, so I can handle the glass more freely. From there, depending on what I’m gonna make, like a goblet with a rose inside, it depends on the goblet I get. I like tinted goblets for that. The inspiration is based on whatever I find in the store, and I go with that.
What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?
Creating is good for anyone to do because there are people that are loners, and there are people who are open minded and sociable, and it’s really good for a person who is shy to be brought out by creativity and learning and creating something. People enjoy making things; just go with what inspires you, whatever you feel like, and make it.
Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?
Youtube and watching other people do crafts and share their creations. I saw so many things that people made, and even when I tried to make what they made, they ended up different, with my own touches in there.
How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?
I got the opportunity at Bluebonnet to hold my classes, and that inspired me to help people as much as they were helping me. That’s what I want to do, get out there and get people involved, so they wouldn’t feel alone–get them to come out and mingle.
“Repurposing old materials is something I love to do. Currently I’m taking old coffee cans and other cans, and repaint them and put Disney pictures on them so kids can use them as organizers.”
What are you most proud of? Why?
Having the pleasure of watching other people enjoy making things.
What is your dream project?
I really don’t have a dream project. At my age, can’t go too far. If I had the opportunity to teach again, I’d do it. But it all depends on my health.
How do you share your creative practice and with whom?
I show my projects on facebook, and have sold a few things here and there.
Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?
It’s given me an opportunity to work in the community room, and can use the space to do my craft or to teach classes.
What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?
Repurposing old materials is something I love to do. Currently I’m taking old coffee cans and other cans, and repaint them and put Disney pictures on them so kids can use them as organizers.
What delights you? What brings you joy?
Doing my crafts; that’s the thing that keeps me happy.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Figure out what your purpose in life is, and go with it. If it’s creating things, then create. If it’s building something, build.
What piece of advice would you like to give?
Don’t just sit there and stop moving. Don’t dwell on things. Keep moving.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate?
Getting together with loved ones and being around one of my daughters
“Figure out what your purpose in life is, and go with it. If it’s creating things, then create. If it’s building something, build.”
What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?
Favorite Piece of Art is making Card Boxes for weddings or quinzcenieras. My Favorite books are Stephen King books, I’m into the gory stuff.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?
Thank God for another day on both ends. Morning and Night.
Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:
My grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family is my greatest joy.
What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?
To be an open book to be able to tell a story through their artwork.
Margie says the local art shows in Austin, or the garage sales that Austin, are things people should think to check out more, because artists and people alike can get a lot of great deals there.
What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?
The *want* to be able to do things and be creative. If you don’t have it in you that you *want* to do it, you won’t get anything done.
What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?
Last thing that made laugh: My son, he’s always making me laugh. He’s doing crazy stuff sometimes. Last thing that made me cry: Passing of my Dad. He and I were real close.
What are you really into right now?
Just moved, so I’m doing a lot of unpacking. That’s really what I’m into right now and trying to get situated so I can go on and start my crafts.
One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:
The local art shows in Austin, or the garage sales that Austin has because artists and people can get a lot of great deals there.
What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?
“Would I do another art show?” (and yes, I would), or “Why don’t you offer your spare time to teach people the things you do and give someone the opportunity to learn something?”