What does a day in your art practice look like?
First, Thank You for inviting me to participate in this Art And Cake interview.😊
A typical day in my art practice, depends on what I need to do, like working on a painting, or going to the art store, starting a new painting, creating still life's for new paintings, all the above, while sipping lots of green tea. 😊. Sometimes, just daydreaming. Mentally picturing an idea and how to make it an ideal
What would life be like without art?
Life without art is life without humans, flora and fauna, without anything, a big void. We take for granted that everything around us is art. From a sign on a restaurant, to a tee-shirt, to coffee cup. We are in a Renaissance now of human creativity! Humans by nature are creative. It seems that there is a backlash to this high-tech-cyber world and I am seeing humans want to connect to the land, nature, each other and have a strong desire to create something organic and heartfelt.
What is the hardest part of creating your art?
The easy part of creating my art is playing with the dolls, food, toys, etc., and putting together intuitive child play scenes mixed with subtle adult sophistication, arranging colors, shapes....I am drawn to a certain doll, or something and feel my way through it. But, the hardest part is painting it, because of the hard work involved, and daily grind of small sessions. It's the middle layers, sometimes I have to drag myself to the canvas. Starting is exciting and final layer is the joy of bringing it to life....but the middle...oy.
What inspires you?
What inspires me the most is the magic of childhood wonder.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You're fine. Keep that patience going. Just take care of yourself everyday, keep going. You are just where you should be at all times. It will get better. Your future will be brighter. Trust in the Universe.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Best advice given to me was from the artist, Lynn Aldrich, my senior mentor when I was a student at Otis College of Art. Just a few weeks before graduating, a few of us students asked for last words of encouragement, guidance on making it as an artist. She said simply, '"Don't stop making art. As you go through your life, with all the crazy times, good and bad times, do something towards making art everyday. Even if all you did was one painting that year. Just keep making art and don't stop. Ever. "'
If you could change anything about the art world, what would it be?
I think it's working as it should. It seems there is a gallery for every type of art and so many collectors that will resonate with it. It's the artists that have to change their mindset. Social network presence, websites, are essential. And old-fashioned gallery hopping... making your physical presence known. Going to shows, talking to other artists. Community of support. There are organizations, like January Arts, to assist artists on their journey to a successful career. Artists shouldn't have to suffer. It's just a matter of timing.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
The motivation for working is the joy of the results. I am driven to see my visions actualized. It's fun and playful. I am in touch with my 6 year old self. I am organizing my life to become more full time, so I can produce everything I want to with this body of work. I have a unique vision, though it takes a lot of effort and it took a lot of years of being like a hermit toiling away, it's okay... getting the paintings done and being able to share them is the greatest joy.
