We wanted our attendees to get to know the incredible talent in the Artist Alley a little better, so we asked each of our artists to answer a couple questions about themselves and their art.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Charity Africano and I’ve grown up and have been raised in Hawaii. I am a sophomore in college and plan to go into the nursing field. My favorite would be making charms and figurines out of polymer clay. I’ve been working with polymer clay for several years now, but have only recently begun to sell my creations.
What was the first thing you made?
The first charm that I remember making was a simple cookie with chocolate chips.
Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion?
Being an artistic person, I love to see the progress which I’ve made over the years. Everyone has to start somewhere and it’s amazing to see an artist continue to develop their skills. Over the years, I’ve become more nimble with my hands and have become quite familiar with art tools and how they can be of a great use while crafting. The polymer clay charms I’ve made are more smaller and detailed.
Who or what are your influences?
I love to watch other clay artists on youtube and see the beautiful things that they can make. I also am inspired throughout the day if I see something that catches my eye and I say, “Oh, that would make a cute charm!”
What plans do you have for the future of your art?
My goal to reach by the end of this year would be to open my own Etsy shop.
Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?
Some advice to those new to polymer clay would be to not give up or become discouraged if something doesn’t come out the way you planned. If one remains consistent at what they do, their skills will continue to improve and to see the progress of an artist is the best feeling ever.
What do you hope people get out of you artwork?
I hope people will see that art comes in many sizes and if you continue to do what you love, you’ll enjoy it even more.
To date, what works of yours are most satisfied with?
The works which I am satisfied with at the moment would be the new line of comic and anime characters which I’ve prepared specifically for this months Comic Con.
Will you have any convention exclusives or deals available at CCH?
I will be giving out grab bags to those who purchase over a certain amount of $ on each day. I will also be accepting character requests on Friday and Saturday for a lower price! Pickup will be the following day, for example if a commission was placed on Friday, pickup would be on a Saturday.
Make sure to stop by Polymer Clay Charms in the Comic Con Honolulu Artist Alley July 29-31, 2016!
