Wow, it has been just a minute since I did an official blog post!
I was recently interviewed for an upcoming art festival (more on that later) and the questions made me reflect a bit, and I thought I would share some of the questions and answers here with you!
Who should visit the festival and why?
Besides the obvious answer of those who come with money in hand to decorate their homes and offices with unique and personal art straight from the artist, I also really enjoy seeing people out just to appreciate the art. Young families who come in and talk to their children about the art and encourage them to ask questions of the artist really warms my heart!
Why should everyone visit your booth? What’s new/exciting and inspiring?
I am always experimenting with my techniques and materials, and this year I have taken mixed media collage to new heights. In addition to my typical birds and animals, I have also been doing many landscapes and still life.
How would you describe your art?
I would describe my art as whimsical, fun, and full of surprises. I use layers and layers of paint, papers, inks, and more to create pieces that invite, and reward, a closer look. Visual texture and patterns are favorite elements of my artwork.
How has the pandemic affected your art making and creativity over the past 2-3 years? Struggles? High points? Revelations?
Most of my artwork is happy and full of whimsy and joy. At first, it almost seemed wrong to be making happy art in the midst of so much hardship. I did a few serious pieces in response, more as my own way of coming to terms with what was happening in the world. I even created a zine about all the turmoil of 2020.
But I soon discovered that people still wanted, maybe NEEDED, happy art…. in fact, more than ever! Art is a way to process the world around us, but it can also be a way to cope with, and reframe those same events. it can shift our focus to what is still good and right. It can give us a bit of joy in a time of difficulty and stress.
How has the pandemic affected your business and bottom line?
Like many others, the pandemic challenged me to change how I do business. Since my main income was from art fairs and in person workshops, neither of which were happening, I was forced to learn new beneficial skills, like making online workshops, and You Tube videos. I also started a Patreon account during this time, something I have really enjoyed. All of these are things that will remain in my business plan, so I am thankful to be pushed into those directions.
This interview came about because I have recently been selected as one of the featured artists for the upcoming Loring Park Art Festival in Minneapolis, MN. As part of the publicity for that, I recently had a phone interview with Lory from the Festival. I had a booth at this festival in 2021 and it was a lovely experience. I was impressed with the variety of artists and mediums, the organization of the show, and the helpfulness of their crew who constantly checked that everything was running smoothly. I am looking forward to another great festival and I have loads of brand new art to take!
Hope to see you there… or at one of the other festivals that I am participating in this year!
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