While I have been working on my large marble commission, I received some some rather lovely feedback from Patience Brewster, the Artist behind her company's whimsical Christmas ornaments.
In honour of 'Artist Appreciation Month', she has asked me to answer a few questions and whilst I'm a little uncomfortable with the possibility of appearing slightly arrogant by posting so much about 'me', those that know me well, will know that's not me at all :0)
So, here goes...
1. As a child, do you recall a significant moment when you felt truly affected or inspired by any particular artwork or artist?
As I child I was easily inspired by anything creative! My own doodles in the margins of my maths book would fill me with inspiration, if only to 'pretty up' my other school books! But I didn't think for one moment that I could actually draw properly and I never dreamed that I could one day paint a 'real' picture. I always thought everyone elses drawings were much better than my own, so if anything, other art just made me think I could never be as good!
My 'significant moment' came much later, as an adult and was quite simply from seeing a sketch in someones sketchbook. That was my turning point. I immediately knew I HAD to do it myself, so I brought a sketchbook of my own. It took me six months to even open it because I was afraid to spoil the pages! It's only my own stubbornness and reluctance to give up that got me through the first few years. I learned a very important thing during that time... that in order to be a good Artist, I had to first allow myself to be a bad one!
2. As an artist, what do you hope to convey with your work?
Simply to see the beauty around us. We all spend so much time with our eyes open, but we often don't 'see' much at all! For example, when was the last time you walked in to a building and looked up? When did you last pass a snowy field and see not white, but pinks, yellows and blues? That is the difference between how an Artist sees and how a non Artist sees. And that difference; those simple details that are so often missed such as playful light and subtle colour changes, is what I hope to convey on a canvas.
3.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The best moments ever, have been when I've made someone cry! And I've done it a few times before... Of course I mean that in the nicest possible way! To see someone overwhelmed, for example by a portrait of a loved one who is no longer here, is quite emotional. When the tears roll, I know I've done a good job!
4. What is your dream project?
Hmm.. that's a tough one! I have lots! I would love to make an instructional DVD. I would also like to publish an Art book. But those things are maybe for one day in the future. For now I have recently been asked to illustrate a book, so if that does actually happen then I will be really proud of that! Meanwhile I have an exhibition to prepare for in May next year and another in the Summer 2017. So, my project for now is to get a new body of work together for those exhibitions. 'Is that a dream?' you ask... Well looking back to when I very first began, exhibiting was absolutely a dream and one I never imagined would be realised! So I guess it really is a dream, only now I'm actually awake!
5. What artists, of any medium, do you admire? (Famous or not!)
George (Danny) Elliott B.E.M.
I am lucky enough to have known this man throughout most of my life and he has been of tremendous encouragement and support to me where my art is concerned. I would say he is a big part of the reason I have stayed determined through both ebbs and flows. He is an incredibly talented man, a Master Mason, Sculptor and incredible Artist. He is probably the wisest man I have ever met.
Rosa Branson M.B.E
Rosa is the leading lady of 'The Worlington Movement', which is a group I have recently been invited to join. Her work is simply gob-smacking and to see it in the flesh is nothing short of astounding! I am lucky enough to be painting alongside her in November. This is probably the closest thing I'll ever get to learning from an Old Master, since she actually learned from one herself!
...I hope you learned something new about me! Meanwhile, don't go away because I will be posting a WIP of my commission in the next few days! Thanks for reading!
