ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Andie Dietz

• Tell us a little bit about your shoppe.  Java Jane Designs began in 2004 as a gift boutique for art, custom accessories, and personalized gifts. The Alphabet Photo Art™ collection was created in 2008 as a line of elegant handcrafted alphabet photography artwork, featuring stunning black and white letters of the alphabet, artfully arranged to spell names and words to create personalized gifts to celebrate life’s biggest moments.

  My signature photography style has developed through a love of travel and exploration, highlighting elements of forgotten architecture that are often rusty and weathered, but delicate and ornate. Combined with a longtime interest in fonts and typography, I’ve created my own ‘architecture font’ through photographs. I take a lot of pride in my work and love to create beautiful pieces that are both personal and memorable!

Andie created this alphabet photography artwork for The Artisan Group’s Founder

• What is your favorite product in your shoppe and why?  Oh, I fall in love with every name and piece that I design! When I’m creating a name I normally work with letters from my alphabet photo collection created over the past 4 years. On occasion, however, I’ve photographed completely new alphabets by request. One that comes to mind is a very abstract name collage commissioned for “McCOY”, spelled completely from elements of a Harley Davidson motorcycle! But, I would have to say my favorite piece so far has been my LOVE print which was designed for the 2012 Golden Globes (Gift Lounge). I love how the whimsical letters are contrasted by the frame’s clean lines and the simplicity of black and white. After all, true love should be both simple and carefree!

• When you’re not creating pieces of art with your photography, what are your hobbies?   When I’m not in my studio, I love cooking and shopping at our local farmer’s market on the weekends. My husband and I spend a lot of time renovating our 1950s home, searching for fun vintage finds, and most importantly traveling. As an artist, I’m lucky to have the time to travel with my husband almost every month, capturing new images and inspirational elements to bring back to my art studio. I love discovering architectural details in unlikely places. Some of my photography from our travels can be found in my other shop, www.MidnightFarm.etsy.com.

• What do you like best about The Artisan Group?  I was thrilled to be invited into The Artisan Group, but I honestly had no idea how impactful it would be. I’ve had such a great experience so far and am constantly amazed at the effort that Valerie and Nikki put into The Artisan Group. My newbie questions are answered quickly and there are so many resources and opportunities available. Being able to be involved with the Emmys, the Golden Globes, and the Oscars has been so exciting for me! I am really just so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful and collaborative group and look forward to becoming more involved!

Andie participated as a display participant in the recent luxury celebrity gift lounge on January 13-14, 2012 at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honor of the The 2012 Golden Globes Nominees and Presenters.