Visual Language Magazine Contemporary Fine Art Vol 2 No 6 June 2013

artspan Artist Interview A
Mixed Media Artist
ARTSPAN Artist Spotlight
When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be an artist When I was very young my parents took
me to see a local theater production of The Sound of Music. I remember being immensely impressed by the kids
singing and acting on stage. It was magical. And it’s quite possible I’ve wanted to create my own magic ever
since. I also remember being in fifth grade and having my fourth grade teacher get me out of class to go draw.
That made me feel very special. I helped her create a huge Wizard of Oz drawing for her classroom.
Who has been your mentor, or greatest influence to date I think of the artists that influence me as my
heroes. Being a self-taught artist, I’ve learned about my heroes through books and movies. I’ve learned about
playfulness through Alexander Calder’s wonderful circus, and honesty through Frida Kahlo’s striking self-portraits.
I’ve learned about dedication through Niki de Saint Phalle’s incredible tarot garden, and spirit through
Remedios Varo’s ethereal paintings. I’ve learned about inventiveness through Georges Méliès’ ingenious films,
and authenticity through Charles Chaplin’s artistry. They each had their own vision of why and how to make
art, and this has influenced me greatly.
Who is another living artist you admire and why I admire John Frame who has been working on his film
“The Tale Of The Crippled Boy” for several years. His vision, dedication, and artistry are an inspiration to me.
What is your favorite surface to paint on I end up layering paint and sanding almost every surface I work
on. As wood lends itself beautifully to this technique, it is a favorite of mine.
What are your favorite materials to use I love working with polymer clay, wood, cardboard, paper, felt,
and fabrics. The more of these materials I can incorporate in one project, the better.
Do you have a favorite color palette I am very particular about my colors, and I select a different color
palette for each body of work.
What is your favorite color in your closet Any color in the red, pink, or purple range.
How often do you work on your work I divide my time between studio, portfolio, and promo work. It’s
not enough to make the work. I also have to be organized and promote it. The ideal work week is 25 hours
studio time and 15 hours portfolio/promo time. However, if I’m in the middle of a project, I will spend most of
my hours in the studio. In the same way, once the project is done, I can spend a whole week just updating my
portfolio and doing promo work.
What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for. I’d like to be remembered for being authentic.
For better or for worse, I am committed to making art my way.
There are many culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear of failure.
What tends to stand in the way of your creativity I love to start projects, so I don’t think I have too much
trouble with fear of failure. I think what I struggle with is called fear of success. This is the fear of how our
lives will inevitably change when we realize our dreams. In order to avoid facing the reality of having success,
I convince myself that my work needs to be perfect. Since it will never be good enough to be perfect, I forever
postpone finishing it. I’ve learned that perfectionism leads to procrastination.
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