Mathew Boudreaux, aka Mister Domestic, has an enthusiasm for creating that’s hard to resist! He channels his love of color and making into building an inclusive creative community that shares ideas and cheers each other on. Mathew loves his UFOs – opportunities to pick up just about any kind of project and just dig in. He joyfully embraces the problem solving required to complete a piece from a completely different perspective.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path?
I was pretty much raised by myself, and my sister and I had teachers guide me towards theater and the arts knowing it would be a healthy space for me to be creative. The more I explored art, the more I found myself. Now I do it all for my kid, trying to inspire her to explore whatever makes them happy!
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Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
It never even crossed my mind that being creative wouldn’t be in my life. The fact that I am able to make my creative side into work that helps me provide for family is a dream come true.
What inspires you to create?
My sister first and foremost was the inspiration to truly connect with myself. Now it’s the way I connect with my daughter and process the world around me.
Why textiles? How did craft become such an important part of your life?
It was the one thing I didn’t have access to as a child, so it was always the thing that attracted me the most. I also live with ADHD and patterns, measurements, finished products, and sourcing supplies gives me the structure I need to start and finish projects! I love the process, I love the steps, I have a whole pile of works in process that are free dopamine I’ll get to when I need it.
Are there recurring themes in your work? What is it about a subject that inspires you to continue exploring it?
The values of the Mister Domestic community are Anti-Racism, LGBTQIA+ Inclusion, Pro-Choice/Feminism, and Progressive space. Those values transfer over to the theme of most of my creations and making crafts that include my daughter or help her express herself.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
I’d love to lie and say I’m a planner, so maybe I plan as I go? My energy works best if I just go with the flow and learn from the process. I took classes in the beginning but everything else I’ve done is all trial and error. and I like it that way. There’s so much fulfilment in figuring it out for yourself and finding what resonates with you.
Do you think that creativity comes naturally to people, or do you think creativity is a skill that people can learn?
I think creativity is a spark that is in all of us. Society dims our spark and encourages us to fit in, so exploring yourself through crafting is a great way people can shine. If you’re thinking about it, try it or try a class. You won’t know what works best for you until you experience it!
How do you get unstuck creatively?
It’s no exaggeration that I have about 250+ works in process, so when I get stuck, I go play with a different craft or learn a new skill. There’s inspiration everywhere, go outside, scroll through Pinterest, talk to friends/family/community, or check out a local art fair! When you get stuck, move in a different direction!
What (or who) has been your biggest inspiration in keeping your creative energy going?
My daughter! She is full of energy and ideas. Second, my community – it’s so amazing to have people that align with my core values and love for crafting. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support, likes, and constant positivity that flow from within the Mister Domestic family!
What is the most important takeaway you want readers to gain from your new book, Fabric Weaving: Play with Color and Pattern?
To bring play back into crafting and that color is awesome so don’t be afraid to use it…. With the under tone of letting go, you don’t have to know where you’re going to get started. You just have to have the want to explore and create.
How do you balance your personal life, work and creative endeavors? Did becoming a parent change your creative perspective/priorities? How so?
I’m hardly balancing it. I am pure chaos wrapped in a rainbow. I often have to take pauses to check that who I am and how I am align. Being a parent is the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done; I can’t speak negatively to it or deny that it’s hard, but I love my child and it makes it all worth it.
Are you a member of a guild or other organization of like-minded creatives? What tips do you have for finding (or starting) a group that’s a good fit?
I am no longer a part of any guilds because most don’t align with my core values and prioritize inclusion. I hope in the future to either find or create an inclusive guild to represent myself and my community.
How important is social media to you as a maker? It can be daunting, so how do you decide how much attention to devote to it?
This a monster of a question. Social media is so important but it’s also exhausting. Learning the algorithms has been an amazing skill I’ve developed over the years but with constant changing parameters it can be a lot. My best advice is to love what you do and showcase yourself doing just that, be yourself, state your values, and enjoy it.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
Hell yeah I do, I have a dedicating crafting room that’s badass. I love being in there. I feel the most like myself in my crafting room!
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
KPOP almost always, if not Enya.
Tell us about your blog and/or website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
Come join our community, we want you in our inclusive family crafting your heart out!
Tell us about Sew U and other ways to learn from you. How can students/organizers get in touch with you to schedule an event?
Sew-U is my online school, my baby. You can sign up at sew-u.com, and I’m currently working on beginner courses and new curriculum I’m so excited to share with y’all.
Interview with Mathew Boudreaux posted September 2022
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