Fiber Artist Mary Diercksmeier graciously volunteered to be Artist of the Valley's very first interviewee, here is what she had to say about her art, her life and her plans for the future.

MD - My name is Mary Diercksmeier. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I have lived in the Phoenix area for 39 years. I attended Phoenix College and earned an AA degree in Legal Assisting and when finances permit, continue to take courses in Creative Writing.

AotV - How long have you been a fiber artist? What attracted you to this meduim?

MD - I learned to crochet from my paternal grandmother when I was 11, but have been a fabric artist for about 15 years. Not only does crocheting fit into being a fiber artist, but my love for needlepoint, cross stitch, and quilting also fits the bill. What attracted me to being a fiber artist? The portability of the art is the attraction. Any one of these mediums can be done while on a break, or riding on a city bus, or traveling, and the fact that your imagination can run wild with the different variations in patterns and colors.

AotV - Who has been or is influential to your creativity and art?

MD - Of course my paternal grandmother was influential by teaching me the art of crochet, but I have always been thrilled with texture and color and the potential and possibilities of any and all fabrics. I'm also a Libra and creativity is in my blood, not only on a visual level, but also on a literary level.

AotV - What opportunities are you presently seeking with your art?

MD - I am seeking to open my own studio store where individuals would be able to come in and celebrate their creativity. This would include being able to buy and order necessary supplies and patterns, and the ability to come in, sit down, relax and create. Also we would have “experts” available to answer any questions an individual may have regarding a pattern they may have or if the color may be “right” for a given project.

I'm also in the process of getting a book of poetry self-published as well.

AotV - Where could potential buyers find your work and are you available for commissioned work at this time?

MD - I am available for commissioned work. I currently display and sell my work at the Farmer’s Market at the southeast corner of 20th Street and Camelback Wednesday mornings from 10 to 2 and Thursday nights form 5pm to 8pm.

David Bowie’s Changes sang through her heart

Reminding her of its truths

Amidst the White Russian racing through her veins

Agreeing that one can’t waste time

But trying to convince others

Of that truth, not to waste time

And also to be patient with her

Waiting for Karma to run its course

The knowing the unknowing

Is out of her hands

Wanting to be reassured

Everything will be okay

The knowing the unknowing

Is no longer in her control

As much as she wanted to be in control and in charge

She needed to face the stranger

And no longer waste time tempered with patience.

Mary

AotV - In conclusion, share any future plans, displays, shows, attending any arts/crafts fairs in the local area, interesting projects?

MD - Future plans would include teaching crocheting and quilting on a community college level, and attending other craft fairs and farmer’s markets when I have the means to do so. I'm also in the process of getting a book of poetry self-published.

Mary can be reached via e-mail by clicking this link: Mary Diercksmeier

Town and Country Shopping Center - April 9 from 11am to 4pm

Mary is currently featuring a custom "Martha Poncho" for $150 plus shipping and handling. Please inquire : Mary Diercksmeier
Shipping at this time is within 48 hours (subject to change)
Custom orders require a $90 deposit for materials and commitment.
The poncho's can be made in the following colors: "Neptune" ,
"Milky Way", "Moon", "Earth", "Mercury", "Deep Space", and "Mars".

Paintings available at Inspirations Books and Gifts, Glendale, AZ : inspirationsbooksandgifts.net