Featured Artist: Kerry Goulder, Kid Giddy

So, what’s your story? I live in a most beautiful area of the US…in Southern Maine. I live in vacation land and hope to make everyday feel like a vacation. I have 2 beautiful daughters, and an awesome husband that I met at the University of Hartford Art School (a Graphic Designer to boot). I am a twin and believe the pinch factor is totally real! Being an artist is in my blood. My mother was my art teacher in High School and at home growing up. I have many memories of painting, sculpting, crafting and so much more with her when I was little. My mother and my grandmother took my sister and I to many of the NY craft shows they were vendors at when we were little too. Now as my girls get older, I am sharing that love of crafting with them and teaching them to magnifying their talents so they too can do what they love doing. Maybe some day they too can be on vacation everyday crafting and doing what inspires them. I love lobster, candy, vegetable sushi, running, biking, reading, listening to music, doing karate, sewing, playing with my family and looking for wildlife in my backyard. In my other life, I have 1 song up on itunes from 2007 that I wrote the lyrics to “Moon Escapes Tonight” (Becca Palm), and another one to be out later in this year that again I wrote the lyrics to “On Rare Occasions” (Josh Belville), both songs were collaborations. I can write words, but not the music. I can sing – but they sing better!

How did you get started creating your artwork? Every piece I start is started in a new way. In this most recent “art” in my life, the work began with having my beautiful girls. They have inspired my “giddy” side. (the side that knows what kids and mommy’s need and love.) Otherwise, as I mentioned before, my “art” started when I was little.       Where does your inspiration come from? Mostly from my 2 girls, but on rare occasion, I dream of ideas, wake up and tackle them head on, but have to be listening to music too!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Cuddling with my kids (if they still want mommy cuddles by then), still being inspired by my girls, still dreaming, still discovering life, still creating and learning, hopefully wearing a 2nd degree Black Belt and of course being even more in love with my husband!

Where do you sell your work? On Etsy and from my home to friends and family.

Who is your favorite artist? I can’t pick just one. I grew up with an Art Teacher for a Mother! Gustav Klimt, Andrew Wyeth, Ansel Adams, Walter Rosenblum. (just to name a few!)

What is your favorite song and by whom? Seriously I have to pick just one? Ok – so if it’s the only song I ever get to listen to for the rest of my life and none other – it would have to be – “Silent Night”. I really do love most types of music, mostly acoustic and indie/alternative, but there are some Christmas songs that I couldn’t live without. They can inspire me on a regular basis without it being Christmas time!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, with your family, what 5 things would you want to have with you? 1) My twin sister Sue’s Family; 2) scriptures; 3) iphone (with camera, ipod and GPS tracking – to be rescued of course); 4) assuming I already have food and water I’d prefer some clothes or a lot of fabric (to make my own); and mosquito repellent!

Why do you think people should buy handmade? Store bought gifts are never cherished the same way as a handmade item. I have many gifts that were given to me when my daughters were born that someone made with their own hands. That’s so special to me. and those are the things I keep. Those are the things that will be around for their lifetime and passed on to the next generation.

Is there anything else you would like to share? I really love what I do. I don’t like the thought of copying a pattern. I’d much prefer to come up with my own. So all the items you see in my shop are original patterns! I also prefer to know, that everyone in the world has a One of A Kind item. So if you see something you like, get it while you can – it may not be there next time – and I can’t make another one the exact same! Thanks for buying Kid Giddy handmade and supporting all the small businesses in the world like mine!!