Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Hoskinson.
Hi Casey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Odessa, Texas, and studied interior design with an art minor at Texas State University in San Marcos. I was a late bloomer creatively—but once it hit, it hit hard. I couldn’t stop making things. In college, I was obsessed with creating constantly, using whatever materials I could get my hands on.
As a broke student, I found refuge and inspiration in an old recycling yard. I remember asking myself things like, how can this radiator become a painting? What happens if I soften this industrial metal coil by weaving yarn through it? I could use that old metal sheet as a structure, layer with paper, and accentuate the texture with paint. That curiosity—seeing potential where others see discard—has stayed with me ever since.
Much of my art education was self-directed. I sought out museums wherever I traveled, absorbing ideas from art, architecture, and everyday objects around the world. I’ve found particular inspiration through travel in Arabic countries through my husband’s work—drawn to the region’s rich colors, layered motifs, and intricate patterns. That visual language continues to inform my work today.
In 2020, during Covid, I found myself homeschooling one of my nephews while he attended third-grade classes online from my house. I required one thing: every day, he had to create something. Sometimes we drew side by side; other times we collaborated on paintings—he would start a piece, and I’d add finishing touches. Keagan had a natural ability, and I loved introducing him to new materials, processes, and images from my art books.
That’s when papier-mâché entered the picture. I ordered a few animal head molds online, and we were hooked. One simple form could become thousands of different outcomes depending on color, texture, and embellishment. The possibilities felt endless.
I began sharing our creations on social media, and friends started asking if I’d teach a class. Before long, I was taking my papier-mâché mask workshops on the road—hosting them at breweries, wineries, libraries, team-building events with the University of Texas, and with organizations across Austin. What I loved most was seeing people of all skill levels create something bold and unexpected. My role became less about instruction and more about giving permission—to experiment, to let go of perfection, and to embrace the happy accident.
Each class begins with a brief overview of art history and the origins of papier-mâché, which dates back to around 200 AD in China’s Han Dynasty, where it was used for functional objects. I love challenging the idea that papier-mâché is merely a child’s craft—it’s a deeply versatile and historically rich medium.
Recently, my workshops have paused as I’ve stepped into a new chapter: acquiring a local Austin bag company, Newton Supply Co. I’m learning the ins and outs of running a small business, thanks to Newton’s brilliant founder, Laura Davis-Berryman, for letting me take this baby over and for all your guidance. I’m working closely with The Refugee Collective, which manufactures our bags in downtown Austin, and even learning to sew myself.
Art critic Jerry Saltz says, “Try everything. Cast your nets into the waters.” I’ve taken that to heart, and I’m excited to see how these skills influence my art practice and blur the line between functional design and creative expression.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my biggest challenges has simply been getting the word out. As André 3000 says, “Big things start in little rooms,” and that line hits home for me every time. So much of my artwork — the mask classes, the experiments, the sculptures, wall hangings, and the smaller pieces I’ve made — begins quietly and grows slowly. I’ve been lucky to sell many artworks to friends and family, but I’m always looking to expand my reach from my small home art studio.
I’m also incredibly lucky to work Monday through Friday alongside a group of talented refugee women, via The Refugee Collective, who produce beautiful products for more than five small businesses here in Austin. The scale and heart of what happens inside our small studio rooms can feel downright mind-boggling — and yet most people in Austin still don’t even know this operation exists.
Newton Supply Co.’s own studio space is literally a closet in downtown Austin — a very cute one, color-themed, well-organized, complete with a little packing station for orders, and topped with a cobalt tiger sculpture. Come by and see it sometime.
My ongoing challenge is visibility: sharing the magic that’s already happening — and inviting more people in to witness both my personal artwork and Newton……..and, when possible, to put their hands on a small part of the process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work spans a wide range of mediums, but curiosity is the engine behind all of it. I learn by making — by testing, tinkering, failing forward, and trying again. My research happens everywhere: in museums, tiny artist-run spaces, thrift stores, street murals, deep in the ocean, among insects and plants — anywhere creativity hides. Travel is my greatest fuel source, and with El Salvador added this week, I’m excited to reach my 40-country milestone — always chasing new colors, patterns, motifs, and inspiration in the wild.
But above all, I’m drawn to the unexpected connections with people I meet along the way — the couple on my dive boat, my Uber driver, my bartender. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll connect over — and those shared moments, across languages, cultures, and experiences, are grounding and deeply human. They remind me that we’re all just trying to figure IT out.
Soon you’ll even see that travel woven directly into my work — literally — with limited-edition fabrics from Guatemala appearing in special Newton Supply Co. releases (yes, there are currently many yards of fabric stuffed in my luggage).
Over the last year and a half, I’ve been deeply focused on Newton, and I’m incredibly proud that we won Austin Monthly’s Best Accessory last year. That recognition felt huge. We also partnered on a wave of wonderful collaborations — Mint Discs, Mubi, High Snob Society, Brooks, Friends of Ours, Sproos, Clayton Korte, Erthwrks, Arroyo Grande, Workplace Solutions, and Lonestar AC — and we’re already dreaming up many more for 2026. Call me — let’s collaborate.
Late last year, I found my way back to paper sculpture in a big way.
What’s next? More mask classes (I’ve missed those). Paper-breakfast sculptures. Big cobalt forms. More paper kiwi birds. Thread and yarn meeting paper. New experiments. I’m still following curiosity — still making, still exploring — and letting the work lead the way. Art-or-choke.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Follow me on the socials — I like to think I’m funny, and my feeds are definitely colorful (caseyvigor and newtonsupplyco on Instagram). If something makes you smile, please share it.
Keep an eye out for upcoming mask classes — or schedule one yourself at vigorartstudio.com.
Want to collaborate? Let’s dream up a customized waxed canvas or screen-printed product together at newtonsupplyco.com.
Stop by our open studio at Newton this spring or next December. Come say hi, see the space, and meet the magic.
And please — support small local makers in Austin. It sometimes feels like we’re vanishing.
Make more art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newtonsupplyco.com
- Instagram: newtonsupplyco
- Facebook: newtonsupplyco
