We recently connected with Tweety Uebele and have shared our conversation below.
Tweety, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’ve found so much fulfillment in creating art with my loved ones. Ever since my mother taught me to get creative with arts and crafts as a kid, I’ve found so much joy in sharing my work with family, especially my grandma. Every spring during Lunar New Year, my grandma decorates the house with beautiful yellow blossoms and every time I see them I see her smile. I was so happy to give a little something back this past year. I created a branch of good luck flowers with my quilling paper and set it on my favorite page from a French novel I’ve been working with. Grandma was so happy and she keeps it on display in her room. My art is a medium that I use to express my love and gratitude to all the special people in my life!
Tweety, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
If we haven’t met yet, let me introduce myself! My name is Tweety, I’m a half Vietnamese artist who loves everything paper! Tweety is a nickname from my middle name: Thuy Vi, which sounds quite close to the popular Tweety Bird! Finding my identity as a mixed child was a bumpy road, but expressing myself through art gave me a sense of self. Only two years ago, I dug deep and found the courage to share my art with the world! Now I share my paper crafts at shows across Texas, from Austin to Houston and even Dallas!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Absolutely, there are so many challenges in life and none of them are easy! When I first went to college at the University of Iowa, I was training to be a teacher but here I am years later, thriving at a paper company! With the pandemic, every aspect of my life changed. I had to learn to stand on my own two feet and not listen to all the doubts or criticisms that dragged me down. I thought I could find happiness in doing what would please others, so when I finally discovered that I have my own life in my hands, I dropped everything to pursue my dreams! I moved to Austin, started freelance writing, and soon found myself in print and paper. Chasing dreams has become my superpower and I’m one step closer every day!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
As technology advances and the world continues to go digital, we’re all looking at art differently. Art becomes more accessible, whether it’s what you see on your Instagram feed, hear on the radio, or see at your local art fair! With all this exposure, I think it’s important to find a connection with all these amazing things. Don’t just look, reach out and allow yourself to be inspired! Feel when a piece calls to you and allow it to mean something. Listen to the artists and help them share their voices with your community, whether it be attending your local art show or shopping local for holiday gifts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BookBirdies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book_birdies
