1. featuring different working methods and uses of materials
2. showcasing makers
3. promoting prototype projects
4. exploring shops and workspaces
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Name: Meaghan Kennedy
Title: Pinata Artist
Company: Your Pinata
Company Website: yourpinata.com
Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be making pinatas?
My background is fashion retail. I have always found it so fun to come up with rad outfits and make people feel great. I guess that was my creative outlet for about 15 years..
I would always come home and make crafty projects- I love me a glue gun! About 5 years ago I made my first pinata, from a book I got at the Vancouver public library downtown. it was fun so I made more for friends and it turned out people wanted to pay me to craft so I quit my job at Leone (leaving the discount was hard!) and set out on my own.
Can you describe your pinatas? How are they different from other pinatas?
I make caricatures of people that are 100% custom and that sets me apart for sure! When you think pinata you tend to think Spongebob, princesses, etc... that's not my bag. Your pinata will be so rad and you won't even want to smash it! Sometimes I wonder if I even make pinatas... they so rarely get broken. My clients collect them and gift them to 'the person that has everything'.
Could you describe your process? How do you approach each pinata?
The process is long! The short version is that clients provide me with a picture, details that will make it recognizable and a few inside jokes that I'll use to make it a hit! (pun intended)
Which materials do you use? What method do you use to make your pinatas?
My tools are balloons, paper: my neighbours all collect their recycling for me (paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, Westender newspapers, etc..) tape, glue, flour and water, paints and all kinds of accessories like eyelashes, fun fur and hair extensions!
What is your most cherished tool?
My fave tool would be a toss up between my glue gun and my rubber gloves- these nails got to be looked after!
If you have to pick a pinata that you are most proud of, what would it be?
It's cheesy but I am super proud of all my work. It is such a cool feeling that people want to pay me for my imagination. Having Ellen dance with her pinata on air and thank me was pretty surreal!
Where can we find your work?
You can find my work online at yourpinata.com, on Facebook at your pinata, on twitter at yourpinata or on instagram at yourpinata. You can also find it at Aphrodites cafe in Kits.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your creative process?
I think the thing I would share is to encourage people to come craft! The feeling you get from making something from scratch is next level. Hit me up for a crafternoon!
Are there any makers/designers you like and recommend?
My fave maker is my best friend Kyle. He makes Archimallows. The perfect treat to fill your custom pinata with!
January 29 – February 14, 2015
Opening reception January 30 from 7pm
An art show featuring pinatas and masks by Meaghan Kennedy and art by Ali Bruce. at Hot Art Wet City.
