MAGGIE RUDY
ABOUT
I had a couple of felt mice, bought in an English toy shop when I was a child. About 25 years ago, with young children of my own, I took a pattern from those old survivors and began to make my own versions. Then the mice needed somewhere to live, and the whole thing got out of hand.
I began photographing Mouseland for children's books in 2013. I'd previously worked as an artist, showing paintings and sculptures in a gallery. Building Mouseland is much more engrossing, because I constantly need to problem-solve materials and fabrication methods. My work day may involve painting, soldering, book design, sculpting,drawing, photo-editing, sewing, photography, pattern drafting, dyeing, or wood working.
I have a home studio overflowing with tools and materials - bits of wood, paper and fabric scraps, faux flora, jewelry findings, and miscellaneous salvage. There are finished creatures and props in plexiglas boxes, and sets stacked up on the floor.
I live in a house in the woods in Portland, Oregon, with my husband and dog, and I have two grown sons, who are also artists.
Some links about Mouseland and me:
"Welcome to Maggie Rudy's Mouseland", Oregon Arts Watch 2022
"Welcome to Mouseland"; a video I made for Wild Arts Festival, 2020
http://andreaskyberg.com/maggie-rudys-studio-tour/