Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city's creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year's Best of Phoenix issue, we're profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 73. Aurelie Flores.
Aurelie Flores is drawn to fabric, always has been.
"I started sewing with my mother when I was 6 years old," says the costume designer and Arizona native, who was born in Globe and resides in Queen Creek. "I learned to sew on a treadle sewing machine and enjoyed the creative process of selecting fabrics and patterns."
See also: Phoenix Filmmaker Jon Jenkins: 100 Creatives
Her love of creating garments for friends and family took a turn toward the stage when her daughters started performing in musicals. Since then, costuming has been center stage in Flores' creative life. Currently she's working on costumes for Actor's Youth Theatre's production of The Addams Family, Night at the Wax Museum for CounterPoint Theatre, and Songs for a New World for Mesa Community College's Music Department.
And the AriZoni Award winner's got more up her sleeve.
"I am in process of joining forces with Katherine Most (former costumer for Chandler/Gilbert Community College to create our own costuming company specializing in theatrical costumes," Flores says. "If our new company launches we hope to provide costumes for a number of other theaters in the Valley."
I came to Phoenix with my old green Singer sewing machine.
I make costumes because I love color, fabric and textures and mixing them together into eye-catching designs. I especially enjoy working on costumes for people that are important to me. The income from making costumes supports my kids artistic pursuits.
I'm most productive when I have little time, a small budget and a quickly approaching dress rehearsal.
My inspiration wall is full of fabric and ribbon scraps.
I've learned most from other costumers throughout the Valley.
Good work should always help bring the character to life.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more financial support.
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova 99. Niki Blaker 98. Jeff Slim 97. Beth May 96. Doug Bell 95. Daniel Langhans 94. Nanibaa Beck 93. Nicole Royse 92. Ib Andersen 91. Casandra Hernandez 90. Chris Reed 89. Shelby Maticic 88. Olivia Timmons 87. Courtney Price 86. Travis Mills 85. Catrina Kahler 84. Angel Castro 83. Cole Reed 82. Lisa Albinger 81. Larry Madrigal 80. Julieta Felix 79. Lauren Strohacker 78. Levi Christiansen 77. Thomas Porter 76. Carrie Leigh Hobson 75. Cody Carpenter 74. Jon Jenkins