Quick Take
“Made in Santa Cruz: Why Art Matters” is a video series, published every other Sunday, exploring the artists who shape Santa Cruz County's creative landscape. Each episode offers a peek into an artist's practice, the places and experiences that inform their work, and the ways creativity helps us see our community differently. Today’s makers are crab rope artists Stephanie Michelet and Jason Rimmer of Sea Creature Designs.
PREVIOUSLY IN THIS SERIES: Abi Mustapha | Rhia Hurt | Mattie Leeds
Names: Stephanie Michelet and Jason Rimmer
Medium: California crab fishing rope (rescued)
Years in Santa Cruz County: Stephanie: 10 years; Jason: 30 years
Studio location: Stephanie: Coast Road; Jason: Seabright
Where to see their work: Switch Bakery (downtown Santa Cruz) and many residences throughout the county.
Upcoming markets
- Fall Market, Oct. 10 at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, Santa Cruz
- Women on Waves, Oct. 17-18, Capitola Beach
- Homecrafters’ Marketplace, Nov. 21, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Stephanie and Jason’s favorite activities that inspire them to make art
- Cycling
- Photography
- Exploring
We are inspired by the activities we love and the community of people who support each other. Curiosity and play are big components of Stephanie’s process.
Jason draws inspiration from being nature and immersing himself in the art scenes of Santa Cruz County and beyond.
Stephanie and Jason’s favorite artists
Stephanie and Jason’s recommendation for anyone interested in “beginning the art journey”
Follow your dreams and don’t be afraid to imagine the life you want.
Think about whether you want to create art on your own or be part of a larger community. As a young mother in Boston, Stephanie participated in various craft meetups and workshops to try out linoleum carving, screen printing, embroidery and sewing. Having a well-organized workshop that provides supplies, support and guidance makes it easier to experiment and find what feels like play.
There’s no pressure to share your art. It can be just for you. If you enjoy workshops, there are lots of opportunities to learn directly from artists or in other settings.
Stephanie teaches embroidery and weaving workshops (more info here). Some other fun opportunities are ceramics classes at Santa Cruz Clay and painting at the Painted Cork.
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