Why do you create art? I’ve always created in one form or fashion. It’s ingrained in who I am. Over the last few years, as I’ve stepped into the public arena, I’ve tried to clarify what I hope people take away from my work which contributes to my why.
I create and share my art hoping that it brings people joy. My colors, characters and critters and creative quirkiness come to life with the goal of making people smile and even laugh out loud.
As an introvert, life got very stressful recently while making decisions on moving forward toward big dreams which include a financial risk, fear and doubt. I went into my studio and created on an existing background. It was the first time I realized just how much my art provides a form of therapy and puts a smile on my face. It went from “How could I?” to “How could I not?”.
Tell us about your journey to become an artist?I laugh as I look back. From arts and crafts with my son when he was little, to tole painting, cutting wood shapes with a scroll saw, macrame, painting murals in my home, screen printing, quilting, drawing, fiber arts, found object sculptures, you name it, I’ve experimented with it.
One commonality across the years is my love of learning new things. While I’m not what you would consider formally trained, I can’t claim self-taught either. I’ve probably spent enough hours in the classroom to equate to finishing a degree program. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from talented artists who give so much of themselves to their students. I wouldn’t be where I am in my creative journey without them.
Tell us about your journey to claim the title artist?For thirty+ years, I was a police officer working with some of the most dedicated and wonderful people. It was a way to serve my community. Then, after moving from that profession, I focused my energies on creating. I attended a class almost three years ago taught by Ardith Goodwin. I didn’t know much about her, but I loved her work, so I signed up. I’d never even painted on canvas before so it was going to be a real learning experience. Ardith was funny, inspirational and so encouraging. I remember her telling me I should keep painting. That was when I first started thinking …. Maybe I could be an artist.
I got brave and started posting my work on social media. One of my friends asked to buy a painting and others suggested I consider selling my work. Step by step, I started believing. More classes and encouragement from fellow artists and teachers, including Sara Burch, Kara Bullock, Fonda Haight Clark and many others, has made a huge difference. If they believed in me and my work, it must speak to them the way it speaks to me. It has taken some time, but I’m finally comfortable calling myself an artist.
The funny thing is that now I understand I’ve always been an artist. I’m not sure why it took me so long to embrace the title.
What is it about making art that stirs your soul?There is something spiritual and magical about creating art. Where do the ideas come from? How does a painting come to life? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in front of a finished painting and don’t know how I could have created it. I believe it comes from God or our higher power, whatever that may be for you.
It doesn’t matter how many of us there are, my next painting would never exist if I didn’t do it. Your creation would never exist if you didn’t bring it to life. Through our uniqueness comes our contribution.
For me this is hard to explain and actually makes me emotional. Only I, or you, can bring each special message into the world.
I’m excited at what is waiting to be born. Oh…now I’m getting inspired. What’s coming next?
What is currently inspiring you?I’m always inspired by animals and our relationships with them. I have two dogs, Scarlett O’Hairy and Albus Dumbledog and one ornery sixteen year old cat, Bubba, who runs the household. They love me despite all my faults and enrich my life in so many ways.
I’m also inspired by the diversity in nature and animals. From the large humpback whale to the delicate hummingbird. From the long neck of the giraffe to the armor like hide of the rhino. Someone has a fabulous and intriguing sense of humor to come up with all of those incredible beings.
I’m hoping to increase the variety of critters in my future paintings, while still keeping our domestic critters and their relationships to us close to my heart.
What does your creative practice look like?I always carry a journal. It’s a place to write down daily thoughts and sketch ideas when they come. My journals have become an incredible resource. I can look through them and see where ideas for some of my paintings were originally born. Sometimes I collage in them or add paint. I have hundreds of ideas drawn or written out that may or may not become future paintings. Probably half my paintings develop from ideas in my journals.
The other half come from backgrounds. I create random backgrounds on watercolor paper. I may have thirty or forty sitting in a stack that I can shuffle through. I might look at a background twenty times and then I see something the twenty-first time and run with it.
I always have multiple paintings in progress. Some are still in progress a year later and some start and finish within a few hours.
Two years ago, I created a studio in one of my spare bedrooms. That has made a huge difference in my ability to create. I can pick up a brush and begin painting in a few minutes. I go into my studio every day, schedule permitting, planning to get at least fifteen minutes in and usually end up walking out an hour or two later. Other days I set aside a few hours. My goal this year is to schedule consistent time in my schedule on a weekly basis. If I want this to be my full-time profession, I need to treat it that way.
How do you keep your creative practice fresh and inspired?I’m always in at least one class, usually more. Some in person and some online. I love being challenged. There is always at least one technique that leads to a fabulous new discovery. Sometimes I get a few lessons in, find that nugget and run away into my studio while the ideas flow. I may never even return to the class, but that one thing enhances the way I create.
The other thing I do is push back the fear and step through open doors. Last year, one of my collectors commissioned me to do the largest painting I’d ever done, which ended up being 48” x 36”. While my first reaction was panic (inside my head), I agreed to do it, believing that I could make it work. The creating and problem solving involved in developing that painting taught me so much and he and I both loved the final painting. I’m currently working on a second one for him and have purchased even larger canvas’ for future projects.
What sort of creative walls do you hit? What do you do to move through them?The biggest one is fear. That inner critic is always working telling me I can’t create more, that I’m a phony, if people only knew…they wouldn’t want my art…, who am I to teach others when I don’t know what I’m doing…and on and on.
The best way I’ve found to move through is to think about the message… ”you can’t create more” and review my experience. Over the last few years, I’ve created more than 100 paintings that each have a place in this world. If I did it then, I can keep creating more in the future. “If people only knew…they wouldn’t want my art” Only knew what? That I’m still learning and growing? that I create ugly work many times? that I’m more comfortable with my critters instead of most people? Those are the things that make my art unique and part of me.
Sometimes I need to take a break and then I grab a paintbrush and get back to work.
How has your process evolved?My process is always moving forward. I prefer creating on paper, but if I want to paint larger and make a painting that is ready to hang without the added expense of framing, I need to work on canvas.
A huge “aha” moment for me happened last year when I created Little Sister and Big Brothers. They are 36” x 12”. While the originals are on canvas, I ordered giclee prints on Baryta paper. After framing, each piece weighs fourteen pounds and framing was very expensive. I have them hanging on my wall after purchasing extra sturdy wall anchors. It definitely taught me more about what happens when people add my work to their collections. I want to make it easy for them.
Some evolution comes from learning about new tools and new techniques, others come from identifying better ways to serve my collectors and clients.
What do you wish you would have known at the beginning of your creative journey?There are several things that I wish I would have known.
First, not everyone is going to love my work. That doesn’t make it any less valuable or beautiful. The wonderful thing about art is that there is something for everyone. I don’t love every piece I see either, but there are works that make my heart sing. I was lucky enough to hear encouragement from artists I admire. I’m not sure where I’d be if the messages were critical of my work. Don’t let others stop you in a journey you know you’re meant to take. Definitely easier said than done.
The most amazing discovery I’ve made is how loving, encouraging and supportive the art community can be. I’ve truly found my tribe. I know there can be exceptions, but all of you have embraced my quirkiness and I’m so grateful.
As I move forward in my journey, I’ve asked other artists for input and suggestions and every single one of them have been eager to help. Thank you all!
Do you have a Creative Self Care Practice?I’m just beginning to solidify one. I started meeting with a business coach a few months ago and we’ve discovered I’m focusing so much energy on my art business, that I’ve spent little time on balance. If I’m not healthy and strong, I can’t do all of the things I want to do in my business.
Cooking is not one of my favorite things, so I have about half of my meals delivered and they are prepared with lots of vegetables and other healthy ingredients. I was shocked to discover that I’ve saved money in the process. I seldom throw away food these days and don’t spend as much time at the grocery store buying things I shouldn’t. As a result, I’m eating much healthier.
I’m increasing my exercise routine to add yoga to my walking and strength training. Since the first of the year, I feel much stronger and energetic. Winter is always challenging, but now that the snows are about over, I’ll be out with the dogs on a daily basis. Not only does it get me walking, it’s also a good time to reflect.
I’ve always loved to travel. It can be expensive, so I usually schedule a big trip every other year. Last year, I went to Tanzania. I meet wonderful people and see more of the incredible wild places of the world. I’m hoping Spitsbergen will be next. A cruise to see polar bears and walrus’ sounds right up my alley.
And last but not least, I love spending time with my family. Usually we are playing with paint in my dining room as we catch up on what’s going on in our lives. It’s a great mix of playing and creating together.
Where can we find you?
And as one of our wonderful guest teachers for Make Create Express 2020
