Seeking Sweetness in Everyday Life: A Chat with Cakespy
Photo Credit: www.cakespy.com
Three years ago, writer, illustrator and baker Jessie Oleson began Cakespy as a blog to intersect her interests of baked goods, art, and writing, with the mission statement of “dedication to seeking sweetness in everyday life.” Selling her artwork depicting cupcakes and toast, unicorns and burgers, gnomes and bacon strips in everyday scenarios-at the library, posing in front of the space needle, hanging out by the camp fire, as well as posting various (impressive) recipes, (Beer honey torte! Donut pie! Bacon cinnamon rolls!) the demand for her art rose to the point where it was apparent that she needed a bigger space. With a store (and art gallery upstairs) in the heart of Capitol Hill, and a loyal customer base (her grand opening generated 200 people!) we think she’s succeeded.
Come be amazed at the quantity of warmth and silliness that one store exudes. The next time you find yourself in need of a card, stationery, or an acrylic still life of a raw bacon strip, check out Cakespy.
What was the transitional period like when you first opened Cakespy?
I still feel like I’m in transition, sometimes! Our grand opening was in May. I think that any new business exposes you to high highs and low lows: one bad day and you’re doomed, even if you’ve done really well the day before. In the beginning I felt like I became the kind of person that I don’t want to be, but I’m definitely coming back to life. I still have my moments of “will my life be normal again?” but completing works in my new space have made me feel like it’s possible.
I read that you went to Pratt. What was art school like?
Have you seen Art School Confidential? It's exactly what it looks like. The classes are long- between 3 and 6 hours- and it really keeps you in line as an artist. The most powerful thing I learned was to approach painting as a job. It can feel really paralyzing and stifling to paint sometimes, but if you treat art in the same way as you treat a 9-5 job, you can work through that. It’s been a really valuable lesson.
What was your shift into the art that you sell on Cakespy like?
Variations on a theme just sort of struck a chord with me. Inventing characters and searching for the right thing eventually lead me to cupcakes, bacon, and Toastie.
What is your creative process of baking in comparison to the process you use when painting or writing?
I approach baking as just a fun activity: It’s a big part of what I do, but it’s not generating income. For instance, in baking I don’t have to worry about bad reviews: I find it really therapeutic. It’s really funny actually, the two major objects of what I do are at odds with each other: inevitably, your hands get dirty while baking and you need super clean hands in order to paint. Often times when something’s in the oven I want to do art, but you can always end up spotting the butter hands on the paper.
Like a lot of writers I talk to, some days writing comes effortlessly, and others, I can’t think of an original thing. Accupuncture has helped with that- I’ve come up with some great sentences while getting it.
What has the response been like since you opened?
I’m continually flabbergasted and impressed by how supportive people are. There were more than 200 people at our grand opening. I attribute that to the Capitol Hill neighborhood that’s fiercely loyal to businesses they like in the community.
If Seattle were a dessert, which one would it be?
The one that comes to mind is a vegan oat bar.
Open Tues-Sat 11-7 and Sun 12-5, at 415 E. Pine Street
