Twirling in the abyss of our Blank Slate chalk wall, Lisa Chow’s Girls of Summer glow with energy and excitement for the first month of the “It’s-gettin’-a-bit-hot-y’all” season. That ability to telegraph an instant-vibe is the hallmark of Lisa’s style—each piece has a delightful mix of quirk and substance that draws people in and makes them remember good times.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office?

I am so excited about The Black Sheep Agency’s new shift towards cause driven clients and I wanted to create a piece for Blank Slate that reflects a mission I am really passionate about: Empowering girls.

As the June artist, I wanted something to celebrate the beginning of summer, thus, the diving girls. I drew my first diving girl a couple of summers ago and every summer since, they find their way back into my drawings. The diving girls remind me of innocent childhood summers spent wading in my neighborhood pool while getting sunburned and freckled. While these little swimmers look sweet, they’ve got their hot pink war paint on. Girls are fierce. Girls are brave. Girls are strong. Don’t underestimate them.

Where did you get the idea, and what do you want viewers to learn from it?

I’m a girl. And now I have a little girl. I remember all the mixed messages and mixed feelings I had growing up as a girl. I hope my daughter is stronger and more self assured than I was. Even if societal values and attitudes towards women don’t change as fast as I’d like, I hope my daughter will be strong enough to stand her own.

Colors, fairy tales, nursery rhymes, Wes Anderson movies, glitter, childhood.

If you could be any artistic tool — pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc. — which one would you be?

What is your most favorite thing you’ve created?

My daughter. Second to her, would be my cats. I’ve created monsters out of them.

What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

I throw open the curtains to let the sunshine in. My husband hates it.

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?

Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)

Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?

Absolutely. I would be worried if no one ever had. I can’t remember how I responded but I’d like to respond in the future with, “Me neither.”

Fill in the blank. “I would die without ________.”  

What advice do you have to other creatives?

Blank Slate: Featuring Lisa Chow

Regular

If you haven’t heard the news, the White House kicked off the nation’s first-ever “Week of Making” this morning with a live-stream event. But what exactly is making? It’s creating, it’s innovating, it’s building, it’s thinking. It’s, well…it’s what you make it.

With a good dose of local events, workshops, inspiring makers, movers and shakers, we’re giving this national event a Houston-style spin and inviting you to join in the movement.

Makers + Shakers:
A quick list of some of the inspirational makers in our community, these are the people we’d suggest you look toward for fresh ideas, products and other artful goodness.

Studio WAC
Olga Starostina
Gray Gardens
Birch and Goldberry
ChrisRann
Evens
Jera Rose Petal Lodge
Julia Gabriel Studio
Kari Breitigam
Leslie Shershow
Creative Collective Houston

Spaces + Shops:
In Houston, it’s hard to mention everyone in this category, but these are some of the spots we hit when we have a strong craving for creativity.

Houston Makerspace
TXRX
Sugar & Cloth
Hello Lucky
Myth & Symbol
Manready Mercantile
New Living
Sparrow and the Nest

Events + Resources:
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty (we’re talking glue guns, glitter, sawdust and power tools, naturally), below are a few ways to get involved and get making—this week and beyond.

Pop Shop Houston Festival
Mister Man
Etsy Craft Party
Paper Source Workshop
Heights Artisan Market
East End Street Market
Houston Craft Calendar

And finally, while we’re making, let’s make this weekend a party! Come hang with us and kick the “Week of Making” off right by visiting the Pop Shop Houston Festival this weekend at Silver Street Studios.

Being in control of your future and dreams

Life. It’s What You Make of It.