When did you decide to become an artist?
I discovered my art at an early age.
Is painting a very important part of your life?
Drawing and painting is a part of me. It's who I am.
Do you believe that artists have a higher calling in life?
I don't know as artists have a 'higher calling'. What I do know is that everything around us was created. Whether we go for a walk in a park, along a trail, a beach, high up in the mountains, it's a beautiful scene that we feel the need to 'capture' and re-create so that we may share that beauty with others.
What is the role of the artist in society?
The role of the artist is to bring beauty to it. (society) To share in everything that this life offers. ie: feelings, emotions, beauty, pain, sorrow. Art is everywhere. Artists are more in tune to our surroundings. We notice (see & feel) more than most people do.
What do you think are the qualities that define an artist?
The qualities that define an artist vary through our 5 senses. ie: see, hear, taste, smell.
We are very intense, passionate, in tune with ourselves and others, etc.
Where is the relationship between the artist and his art?
There is a very strong bond between the artist and his art. The artist expresses themself through their artwork.
Do you create because of a need to create or is it a series of events that brought you to a habit of creation? Or is there some other reason you became an artist?
Like I said in my previous answer. Art has always been a part of my life since childhood. I discovered I had a yearning to draw earliest which grew to painting. Although there were periods when I married and had children, the art supplies were always there waiting for me.
Are you ever satisfied with your work? How do you know when you are done? If not, how do you let go of a piece of art?
There are times when I'm extremely satisfied with my work and there are times when I get frustrated because it's not turning out as I would like. I can usually tell if it's going to 'work' or not. If not, it doesn't 'feel' right. There are also times where I'll do a painting, set it aside for awhile and then go back to it and view it with a fresh look. That's when I'll stare at it thinking, "Did I really do that?"
In your experience, what's the best thing about painting? And the worst?
The best thing about painting is it can be so relaxing. To get 'lost' in your art where you can leave the world behind. The worst part is not enough hours in a day. With my life schedule, it only allows me hours late evening into the wee hours which leaves me burnt out at times and I have to take several nights to catch up on lost sleep.
Where do you feel art is going?
After years of practicing & learning, I've been getting my art 'out there' through local groups & exhibits with The Brantford Artists Guild and The Brantford Arts Block.
Where do you turn to when you need to find inspiration?
I turn to nature & music. Music gives me that 'lift'. Getting back to nature where I can see up close the very things that I love to capture on canvas. It can be so relaxing just to take a leisurely walk through a nature trail, along a stream, or a drive up into the country. |
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I love to sit on a shore and listen to the water, waves and gulls. There are times like those that I would love to be able to stretch out my arms and embrace it.
Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?
I work from a variety of venues. There are times when I can start on a blank canvas having no idea where I'm going with it and it will develop as I go. Other times when I'm waiting to paint a specific subject/object, I may use reference photos.
Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting, or the way it is executed?
While I will use a reference photo, I do not paint it exactly. I feel the way a painting is executed is most important. An artist is painting from their own perspective which is what can make it so interesting.
How do you keep in touch with the public?
I try to keep in touch with the public in various ways. The the arts groups, cafes, my daughter's school, etc. |
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