Maker Spotlight: Drifter's Escape

Carley McCutcheon, the artist behind Drifter's Escape, was one of the first artists to join the shop. When I first saw photos of her work I was so excited! I love her unconventional use of driftwood as a canvas. The imagined story that is behind each piece before it washed up on shore + was lovingly taken under Carley's wing to be cleaned up + painted adds to the beauty of each piece.

Carley has now branched out + started painting on canvas allowing her to begin creating prints of her work! Her experiments with slate are also something to see. Inspired by the rocky terrain of Georgian Bay, exposed slate will compliment the rest of the painted scene with ease. Drawing inspiration from Georgian Bay + her other hobby, kiteboarding, Carley's sunsets, waves + rocky outcrops paint a serene moment where if you listen carefully you will hear the waves roll onto shore...

1. When did you first learn about your skill/trade/business?

I don’t know that I really have a skill/trade/business. I feel like I am an absolute amateur, though I did grow up being strongly encouraged in the arts – my mom is a talented potter with an artistic mind + she would buy me art books + take me to some painting + drawing lessons when I was growing up. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) I took a hard left to the sciences when it came time for post-secondary on account of “practicality”, so art has always just been sort of a hobby in the background.

2. What do you love about Orillia?

I think Orillia is an amazing little town. I love that it is so rich in artistic + musical history – home of Gordon Lightfoot, Stephen Leacock, Franklin Carmichael, Arthur Shilling – how astounding is that to think about, really?! We live in a truly beautiful place, it’s difficult not to be inspired. I also really love the sense of community that I feel having grown up here – it’s nice to feel cared for and+ supported even by people who just know you tangentially.

3. Why is it important to you to buy, support + shop locally?

My parents supported our family entirely by selling their maple syrup, honey + pottery. If it wasn’t for people who appreciate + buy things made with care by local people like us we wouldn’t have survived.

4. When has a moment of 'failure' led to an opportunity for you?

Without getting into it too deeply, I had a relationship that led me back to Orillia after moving away + started my involvement in my parents’ maple syrup farm which is something I never conceived of growing up. The relationship failed, but my bond with my family + Orillia grew stronger than ever, so ultimately that was a major win.

5. If you create your product on the side, what is your day job? How do you juggle them?

I help my parents during the maple syrup season as much as possible + I go to a farmers’ market in Toronto during the summer months to sell syrup there. I also work as a registered kinesiologist at Back to Function in Orillia + have done so for about 9 years. It’s a pretty relaxed arrangement, really. I don’t put pressure on myself in any of those three avenues.

6. Are you hoping to make your side project a full time job?

I don’t think that’s realistic at this point. I would like to take on a larger role with my parents farm though.

7. How did you get to where you are? What has your journey been like?

Strictly in regards to art, I feel like I’ve just taken my first little teetering baby step on what will hopefully be a long road.

8. What has been your biggest challenge so far?

In regards to painting – I think my biggest challenge is being brave enough to put things out into the world for other people to judge + look at. Also, finding the time to practice enough to feel like I am improving my skills while still maintaining all of my other jobs, interests + relationships.

9. What are 3 things on your bucket list?

1. Get a dog.

2. Learn how to do a backroll in kiteboarding.

3. See Elephant Micah play live.

10. Where or how would you recommend someone interested in your trade start?

Just pick up a paintbrush and go.

11. What resources did or do you find helpful?

Looking at other people’s art is so inspiring, I am constantly amazed by what humans can do. The internet/youtube can be helpful. Also talking to people in the art supply stores has been enlightening at times as they know all of the ins + outs when it comes to the hard goods.

12. What are 3 things you wish people knew about you?

1. I was once alone in a hotel room with Bob Dylan.

2. I need a lot of quiet time, it’s nothing personal.

3. I am not an island.

13. What are 3 things you wish people knew about your artwork?

1. The natural grain in each driftwood piece inspires the image I paint.

2. Sometimes I have no idea what I’m doing until it’s done.

3. I love to receive pictures of the pieces in their new habitats.

Thank you so much for sharing Carley! It was a pleasure to peer into the mind behind this distinct style. Be sure to discover Drifter's Escape pieces + prints for yourself here at the shop or check out her Instagram for more beautiful images!

#Artist #Artisan #SupportLocal #Series #Painter