Artist Interview: Carly Denessen

Meet Artist Carly Denessen - Creator of A Rae of Design! 

Carly Denessen Interview:

Q: What inspires you about Bremerton?

A: There is such a strong art community here with a big base of support. There’s so many talented people always making something new. Plus there’s so many trails and waterfronts with beautiful color! 

Q: What drew you to your medium?

A: My mom is a quilter, and I’ve always loved Batik style fabric. I found a technique that’s similar online one day and fell in love. Playing with color has always been my favorite part of art, and my powder dyes have so many variations I can try! Also, I went to school for fashion and have always wanted to incorporate that with my history of fine art. Now people can have wearable art! 

Q: What is your favorite local spot?

A: Local boys for drinks, Heathens Bakery for snacks, and Gastropup for treats

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: In nature mostly, or patterns around my life. I find it interesting the way things grow or change over time. The moss glows brighter in the late winter, the fall is full of colorful gradients - there’s always a new hue to look out for. 

Q: What does your perfect First Friday look like?

A: Lots of people out and about around town of course! I would love to see everyone supporting the community by checking out the new monthly artwork and visiting shops around town. 

Q: Where can we find more of your art?

A: Little Bee Home, Gastropup, Frog Soap, and Ziggys cat cafe have a few pieces always. I rotate my full collection of tie dye tapestries and other artwork like pet portraits in various locations each month for the art walk! 

Check out Carly’s Tapestry Scavenger hunt - starting for the first time at the February art walk. She will beIwill be continuing this every month on the day of the art walk. There will be five 20" tapestries with the same design, themed to each month. February will be "Opposites Attract" since it's Valentine's month. Tapestries will be hidden downtown and on Callow Ave in any location open late for the art walk. Clues as to which location will be given on her instagram the Thursday before and Friday morning - @car.lyrae

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Are you an artist interested in sharing your work with the community?

We’d love to feature you on our blog and social media! If you’d like to be interviewed and showcased in a future post, reach out to us at firstfriday@downtownbremerton.org. Let’s celebrate the amazing artists in our local art scene together!