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How long have you been a twister and how did you get started teaching twist concepts in classrooms and jam room settings? I have been twisting for 27 years and have taught in numerous venues. I’ve taught for T-Jam on the Road, FPBA, Circus Magic, Kentucky Clown Derby, East Coast Face Paint Convention, Fabulose, Kapital Kidvention and many workshops all across the US. I’ve always volunteered at hospitals, nursing homes, centers for kids at risk, charitable fundraisers, as well as performing balloon art for a wide variety of customers at company picnics, grand openings, corporate events, fairs, festivals and special events. One of the most rewarding roles has been teaching military families balloon twisting so they can share with other military units that serve in war zones. You name it, I’ve probably done it!
Have you won any awards for your designs? Yes, I have won design awards that I’m proud of but it’s not the plaques on the wall that give me the greatest pleasure. In fact, it’s sharing with other artists in my industry that gives me the biggest feeling of accomplishment. The look on twisters’ faces when I teach a new concept, like Betallatex® Bear Head designs, gives me great pleasure in jam rooms and classes I teach across the country. As a very proud mom however, I probably feel the most pride from the recognition and awards my son Dustin Queary has received. He was this year’s 1st place winner for large sculpture at Twist and Shout 2012. Alayna modeled a balloon dress at the 2012 Twist and Shout Convention made by Asi Cohen, another winner. She looked just like a runway model for some chic magazine and was quite stunning. Alysa is the youngest of the family and both girls are naturals as twisters and performing artists.
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Do you teach twist design techniques outside of the twister community? Yes, while living overseas as a military mom I was able to visit orphanages and reach out to children with my heart by offering them a balloon. It has been a touching and rewarding lesson for me and my family. Today, nothing pleases us more than to light up the eyes of an underprivileged child or to see the happiness that this simple art form can bring to the face of a high risk teen who is learning to twist balloons. It has been a heartwarming and valuable life lesson for my children Dustin, Alayna and Alysa.
Are your children involved in the Twist Art Industry as well? Oh yes, I like to say the family that twists together stays together! In the beginning I didn’t have anyone to watch my children when I entertained at parties and celebrations. I brought them with me and they learned their skills practically by osmosis. It’s one of the main things today that unites us as a family.
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Is there a downside to Twisting for a living? Some twisters complain about things like people that believe they are entitled, organizations that want us to donate our time and balloons for free, or the long hours we put in at some events. I look at these challenges from a different perspective. I use them as a way to make my skills faster, better and more effective. I hone in on requests that may seem difficult or challenging. This is where I find creativity and inspiration. I look at organizations that want us to donate our skills, time and balloons like they are a puzzle that needs to be solved. I like being able to provide something for them that makes them happy, but that will also work out well as a taxable write off or marketing tool. It’s not uncommon for me to accept free work on a weekly basis. I don’t feel that it’s a hardship on me or our family business, but a blessing in disguise. I have gained so much more in return than I’ve given. People who see me at these events will often book us for parties because of the exposure. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing you helped make a difference in the life of a family in need.
What do you like about Betallatex® latex balloons? I like using Betallatex® balloons because they are a stronger and more vibrant balloon. The necks are longer and I find the balloons also stay inflated for a longer period of time. I’m addicted to working with Betallatex® specialty shapes and have several DVDs on the market showing new design techniques for using Specialty Shaped balloons. I especially love the Big Bear Head, and teach new designs made with them in ways twisters who attend my classes or buy my DVD have never imagined until now.
Do you have any special advice for the twister community? My advice to twisters is simply, “don't be afraid to try something new.” Get your hands on the full range of Betallatex® 60 Series latex and Betallic’s variety of Latex Special Shapes and start experimenting with them. If you haven’t yet attended one of my Latex Shape seminars, you can still learn with my professional DVD which spotlights the surprising and creative possibilities with my favorite shape of all, the Big Bear Head. Recreate sculptures or let your imagination tell you what new ideas YOU can personally create with Betallatex® balloons. |
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