As an artist, I draw my inspiration from the every day. I find that often, people think you have to go out of your way, or do something really different or unusual, to experience a sense of wonder. The truth is, wonderful things surround us all the time—if we only allow ourselves to realize it. My goal for my art is to reveal the exotic heart that hides inside seemingly boring objects, ideas and activities.

Too often, the tools of the trade alienate the artist from his or her art. We are taught to believe that, to make really good art, we need a $175.00 brush, several tubes of $25.00 paint and a $50.00 canvas. If the brush is one of a kind sable, the tubes of paint all contain toxic ingredients, and the canvas is upholstery grade linen, then so much the better. We need to use techniques with fancy names. We need to prove ourselves masters. Masters of what? If we follow this path, then over time our art becomes more and more about proving mastery of a laundry list of tools and techniques and less and less about saying anything interesting. This is why, in my art, I only use simple, every day items: inexpensive recycled paper and automatic pencils. I achieve all of the blending effects I use with cotton swabs and toilet paper. I hope that, by removing these barriers of expectation, I can create a more immediate, meaningful experience that everyone can identify with.

Although I build dollhouses and miniatures primarily for collectors, I am, first and foremost, a toymaker. Whether by adults or children, I hope these pieces see years of enthusiastic use. We so often forget that the mere fact of domestic life is wonderful—a house, and the love it can contain, is a miracle. When you purchase a dollhouse, you start to create a magical world of your very own, where anything can happen and everything is possible. You can own the house of your dreams, or imagine what life must have been like for your earliest ancestors. Nothing is impossible, and I think that is where the magic lies. I hope you enjoy playing with these pieces as much as I do.

I welcome the opportunity to help you bring your ideas to life. I accept commissions of all kinds, and am happy to discuss the possibilities with you. Please feel free to contact me with any ideas or inspiration you have.

C.J. Stutz is a professional artist who lives and works in Lowell, Massachusetts. After receiving her law degree, she left the legal profession to pursue her first love, art. She finds every day inspiration in her family and friends, who often have to drag her out of her studio and remind her to eat.

To contact C.J., please see the Contact page.