Contact the Artist


other products by Betsy McFaddin

About the Artist

What drives you to make the things you’re selling on Real Mart?
You would think that our work at Real Art would satisfy our urge to make things, but I think it only inspires us to make more! I just love the process—taking the germ of an idea and figuring out how to produce it, package it, sell it. And doing it for ourselves instead of for a client has given us a unique perspective on what it actually takes to bring a product to market.

What creative project are you currently brainstorming?
I've got several ideas I've been thinking, but NOT talking about. My Real Art secret santa gift idea is the one I'm concentrating on now, and I'd love for that to turn into a Real Mart product.  I'm naturally drawn to working with textiles, but I'm trying to challenge myself to work outside my comfort zone. You'll have to stay tuned and see how it turns out.

Who has been your greatest inspiration(s)—professionally or creatively (or both)?
My family for sure got me started, but I'm also inspired by the fearless approach and the variety of work that we've accomplished at Real Art.

What music do you like to listen to when you’re working?

I don't listen to music much when I'm working in the office; I'm on the phone a lot. 
I like a random mix from the Stones, U2, Steve Earle, Ollabelle, Sheryl, Emmylou, and, yes, the Backstreet Boys!

Favorite book(s):
I don't read as much as I used too, and I can't seem to get into the Real Art book club, but I love to hear everyone talk about the books. When I go to the library, I'm drawn to children's books; Rosemary Wells books are a family favorite. I've enjoyed reading the Outlander series with my daughter over the years; these are great books that you can just pick up, and they provide you with instant escape. I used to read a lot of Scifi, and my family was keen on Tolkien, but I never got into them unless someone was reading to me. 

Favorite movie(s):
Star Trek (yes I am a trekkie from way back). I'm hooked on the new one.

Favorite video game(s):

Yoshi's Island

Television show you can’t miss:
Project Runway

If you could only eat one thing for a month, what would it be:
Salad

Celebrity you’d love to meet (living or dead):
There are many people I'd like to meet for different reasons—Martha Stewart, Tim Gunn, Bono, Mick and the boys (if my husband was along).

Favorite destination you’ve traveled to:
There are several spots that come to mind—peaceful places where you can see the horizon and feel the curve of the earth.

Favorite font:
Umm…can't think of one…

Blog(s) you visit daily:
Of course the real art blog and several others

Social networking tool of choice:

I've neglected my virtual self but hope to do better next year;  it's a bit of a resolution
 


Betsy McFaddin

Artist Profile

My family surrounded me with projects growing up—it’s the only way to describe it.  Somebody was always working on something different and creative, so I think my love of producing something from scratch is genetic. I gradudated from Kendall College of Art and Design in the 70s and moved to Dayton; it was a random first-job-related choice, and I never expected to stay.  Real Art was another random choice—a part-time job I took 23 years ago that has given me the opportunity to build a career of projects!

Once here, I married a Dayton guy and settled in. Dayton turnd out to be a great place to raise our two beautiful girls.  Our kids are mostly grown now, but we are still having a great time. Family takes up a big part of our life, especially on Sundays when we cook for a crowd: two girls + one fiance + one boyfriend + family and friends + crazy dog = a houseful of fun.

At Real Art, I've got the official title of production manager, and I guess that means that somehow I manage to get things done.  I'm surrounded by so many talented people with vision—my challenge is to figure out a way to make their visions a reality.

And when I'm not busy sewing, I love to be home on weekends. I garden and take care of my house and family – it's enough.