This is the fourth post in our blog series introducing you to the talented folks behind the fabulous, locally made, hand crafted items that fill our Artisan Market. If you missed the other posts in this series, you can read them here. Also, head on over to our B3 Chicago Retail Store Facebook page and Like it to be notified about new items in the Artisan Market, B3 classes, special events and more!

pixies & porcupines | Nancy Flemm

pixies & porcupines was established in May 2011 by Chicago designer and smart aleck savant, Nancy Flemm. Nancy uses letterpress and silkscreen to create goods made to taunt your loved ones during those treasured moments in life. Recently, pixies & porcupines’ unique bawdy wit was honored at the National Stationery Show as a Louie Award finalist for the most humorous category. All cards are printed with by hand on a Vandercook No. 4, and Nancy only uses 100% post-consumer recycled paper and recycled kraft papers made in the USA.

Erika Kristen

Erika Kristen is a photojournalist and artist (not to mention, also an Inventory Specialist and B3 Liaison) from Chicago. Her portfolio from the past 15 years features everything from high-end table-top products to obscure art, though most of her experience is in the live concert arena. Musicians photographed over the years include Henry Rollins, Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Passion Pit and Of Monsters and Men. Erika explained, “I document history. Every image has a story and more than likely, its one that you would never guess in a million years! My hope for each image I capture is to leave an indelible impression in one’s memory. Good, bad or indifferent. It strikes up conversation, it stirs the soul. Memory fades. An image lasts forever.”

Amelia Kieras

Amelia Kieras decided that she needed an outlet for her wild imagination, so naturally, she started by making pictures of dreams. Raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Amelia received a BFA in Photographic Illustration from R.I.T. in Rochester, New York before relocating to Chicago where she lives with her cat, Shoe. She currently works as a photo retoucher, artist, and illustrator. Amelia explained her process: “My work is both photography and drawing, combined digitally. I start with a drawing, scan it, and then layer photographs on top on the computer. Then I digitally paint to blend the elements together, using a tablet and pen, until it looks just right. By using those two different elements together like that, I’m trying to capture the strange and surreal balance between reality and fantasy. I print my cards, books, and prints myself, using archival pigment inks and high quality fine art matte or photo rag paper, with a professional giclee printer. The pop up cards are individually cut and assembled.”