Jaime R. Preston
Crochet Artist & Designer
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I am a full time crochet artist and designer. I’m also a caregiver and apartment manager.
How did you first become interested in art?
I started crocheting at the age of six almost 40 years ago. I was taught by my late great aunt Alberta. While she was alive I never thought I was good enough to make anything. After her passing in 2011 I picked up a hook and started watching YouTube videos. I started off with hats and berets with crochet flowers attached to the side, and after a while I thought, I have to change this up! Why? Because first, we live in sunny Southern California and second, it’s way too hot. So I decided, let’s crochet beachwear and jewelry! Now my specialty is crochet earrings, and after creating and selling various crochet patterns and teaching classes I realized that art can come in so many forms and fashions, and this is considered fiber art. I love creating accessories out of yarn, fabric, or anything I can crochet up!
How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art is eye candy! It’s an experience and an adventure! When people see that what I create is something far different from what they are accustomed to or what they feel crochet is, it makes you feel proud to be an artist, it helps to expand people’s mindsets and that anything is possible with a little bit of imagination!
If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
Explore options! Play with color, texture, and look beyond what the eye can see. Use your imagination to see the beauty in it. You will be and are what you really see!
To find out more about Jaime and her work, visit her business, Parlez Vous Crochet on Etsy / Facebook / Instagram.