Pacdora Blog

If you’ve spent some time scrolling on Instagram and happen to follow one or two influencers, you might have stumbled across a brand called Stoney Clover Lane. The brand is well-known for selling its customizable accessories, and the result is this very refined, yet handmade aesthetic that reminds me of my past DIY projects.

While the early COVID days inspired DIY moments fueled mostly by boredom, during this (kind of) post-COVID era, I’ve noticed a rise in handmade aesthetics. Each artist in today’s collection uses approachable creative techniques to create a wide variety of distinctive works, from abstract curiosities to fusing cultures through illustration.

I’m fascinated by the handmade art scene, and I’m always keen to learn about the creative processes of the artists I admire. I’m also curious about the artistic statement each artist is trying to make. This is why I decided to start a series of interviews with artists who are creating handmade works.

In today’s edition, I’m featuring my conversation with Brittany Rohrbaugh, a San Francisco Bay Area-based artist, illustrator, and maker. Brittany’s work is detailed, colorful, and often inspired by her childhood memories. I admire the way Brittany is able to use her work to communicate stories and make the viewer feel emotions.

“I’m definitely a maker at heart,” Brittany told me. “I love to work with my hands and connect with people.”

As an artist, Brittany is inspired by everyday life, the world around her, and her own personal experiences. For instance, Brittany grew up in a small town in California and was often surrounded by nature.

“I grew up in a pink and green house in the middle of nowhere,” Brittany said. “I was really inspired by my mom and my grandmother, who were both artists.”

Brittany’s artwork is often inspired by nature, as she grew up in a small town in California.

“My mom was a painter, and my grandmother was an illustrator,” Brittany said. “I loved going to their houses and seeing all of their artwork.”

In addition to her family, Brittany is also inspired by the world around her. She often draws inspiration from her travels, as well as her everyday experiences.

“I’m inspired by the world around me,” Brittany said. “I love to travel and I’m always inspired by the places I go and the people I meet. I’m also inspired by my everyday experiences.”

Brittany’s artwork often tells a story, and she uses her work to communicate her personal experiences.

“I use my work to communicate my personal experiences,” Brittany said. “I want my work to make people feel something. I want them to be able to relate to my work and to feel like they’re not alone.”

Brittany’s work often makes me feel nostalgic, and I can’t help but think of my own childhood memories. I asked Brittany if she intentionally tries to make her work nostalgic, and she told me that while she doesn’t intentionally try to make her work nostalgic, she does want her work to make people feel something.

“I don’t intentionally try to make my work nostalgic,” Brittany said. “But I do want my work to make people feel something. I want them to be able to relate to my work and to feel like they’re not alone.”

I also asked Brittany about her creative process, and she told me that she often starts with a sketch.

“I usually start with a sketch,” Brittany said. “I’ll either sketch in my sketchbook or on my iPad. I’ll usually do a few sketches before I start painting.”

After she sketches out her idea, Brittany will start painting. She told me that she often uses gouache, watercolor, or acrylic paint.

“I usually paint with gouache, watercolor, or acrylic paint,” Brittany said. “I love to experiment with different mediums and techniques.”

Brittany told me that she often finishes her paintings with a layer of varnish. She said that she likes to use varnish because it protects her paintings and makes them look shiny.

“I usually finish my paintings with a layer of varnish,” Brittany said. “I like to use varnish because it protects my paintings and makes them look shiny.”

Brittany’s work is often inspired by her own personal experiences.

“I use my work to communicate my personal experiences,” Brittany said. “I want my work to make people feel something. I want them to be able to relate to my work and to feel like they’re not alone.”

I asked Brittany if she had any advice for aspiring artists, and she told me that her best advice is to never give up.

“My best advice for aspiring artists is to never give up,” Brittany said. “It’s so important to keep going, even when it feels like you’re not getting anywhere.”