Today we’d like to introduce you to Charli Bradley.
Hi Charli, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey began in 2016 with hand lettering and has evolved to printmaking and textile work today. I love learning and am always ready to try a new craft and reach the next level of my creativity. In recent years, I’ve found a big love for carving linoleum stamps, dyeing fabric (especially with natural materials), and cranking on the sewing machine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m not a full-time artist, so having a job that pays the bills allows Shaky Hand Company to be a true creative outlet for me. There have definitely been major ebbs and flows in relation to my time in the studio, but it has been a constant in my journey. That being said, I still feel there have been struggles – getting burnt on custom jobs, ideas I’ve dreamed not panning out in reality…the list could go on. There’s also been so many successes – getting recognized for my work and being able to share the ideas in my brain with others gives me a lot of satisfaction. Everything is just how you see it to be, and it’s all a balance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in hand-dyed fabrics which incorporate linoleum prints and sewn fabric adornments. I work with natural dyes and repurposed fabrics as much as possible, and I like my work to be functional and thoughtful of our environment. Living in Northern Michigan provides perfect inspiration in the nature outside my bedroom window, so I enjoy working in colors that would be found on a hike through the woods. I’m most proud of my evolution as an artist and where my work is today.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Shopping small and trying to lessen our impact on the environment matters most to me. This appreciation elevates the entire community of local makers and takes money out of the pockets of those who monopolize our economy and don’t use their riches for the overall good.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shakyhandco.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shakyhandco
Image Credits
Allen-Kent Photography
