Pretty Clever Words Combines Sharp Wit and Soft Textiles at GCE RDU
Looking for home decor that satisfies your need for wit and geekiness? Don't miss Pretty Clever Words at GeekCraft Expo RDU May 14 at the Durham Armory!
We chatted with Laura Kasperlik about what inspired her witty pieces, her favorite geeky characters, and what she's bringing this year!
GeekCraft Expo: When you visit Pretty Clever Words’ website, the first thing that pops up is “Follow the Sarcasm.” How has that shaped your work?
Pretty Clever Words: I’ve always loved the beauty of the written word—particularly the cleverness of the witty comeback or pun—so putting words together in a pretty way with different materials and either vivid colors or cool neutrals has been a natural fusion for me.
GCE: You work in a couple of different mediums, wood and cloth, and have lots of different types of pieces. What ties them together?
PCW: I do utilize various mediums, and the use of these materials has been an evolution over the past three years. I started with repurposing wood and tin, and have come to use softer materials as my style and words have grown a bit sharper. I think it's the juxtaposition of soft and sharp that is appealing to me right now.
GCE: How did you develop your style?
PCW: I used to run after what was trending—hence the shabby, repurposed, chippy pieces—and ultimately, it stressed me out to chase someone else's cheer and joy. I have come to realize that when I love what I make, that others with similar taste will find me.
GCE: What are your most popular pieces?
PCW: My hoop art pieces continue to be popular, especially as office or cubicle art, but lately, the canvas word art has been selling well, and the silkscreened pennant pillows and canvas zip bags are also working. I think that my followers are continuing to find their respective voices and words, and are coming to me to help them customize my products for their tastes.
GCE: What are your favorite geeky characters?
PCW: I love strong women, from Princess Leia, to Wonder Woman to Kim Possible, along with—of course—the sarcasm of Deadpool!
GCE: What surprised you about last year’s GeekCraft Expo RDU?
PCW: I was amazed and happily surprised to find that geek craft customers are so enthusiastic about handcrafted items. Of course, I also believe that my tribe of nerd/geek/smartypants friends and followers has the most finely tuned sense of sarcasm!
GCE: What types of things will you bring this year?
PCW: In the Pretty Clever Words booth, hoop art will make a return, as will the colorful wooden directional signs with fictional locations. Canvas word art will be big, along with canvas zip bags, totes, tanks, and pillows—all of which can be custom-ordered as well.
Our thanks to Laura for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with us! Meet her May 14 at GeekCraft Expo RDU--RSVP now! Also, remember to join us May 13 at Fullsteam Brewery for our free kickoff party with beer, food, live music, and prizes from NC Comicon, Ultimate Comics, Arkham Comix, and more.
