Where were you born?
I
was born in Richmond Hill, our first home was on Weldrick Road. Our
home faced South and when you looked out there was nothing but fields.
Art related vacation....
If
I could have an art related vacation anywhere in the world, it would be
to Hawaii. I would really like to do some underwater photography and
I would love to see dolphins up close and personal. My art related
vacations always center around wildlife and nature.
What is your favourite thing to create and why?
I
have many favourite creative pursuits, my favourite is when the
inspiration flows and I become so involved in creating, that when I am
finished the painting, book, article, photography - it is better than I
could have imagined possible.
How did you get your started in the world of art?
It
was a serendipitous moment combined with the decision to try something
way out of my comfort zone that led to my first art show. I had been a
professional photographer for many years, and had started taking
painting courses to expand my offerings. One day I was taking a course,
and I started talking to the woman sitting beside me, Michele who just
happened to be the organizer of a local art show/tour. I was learning
to paint some elephants using the photographs I took on a trip to
Africa.
Michele
suggested that I should apply for the upcoming Fall show that year. I
had never had an art show before, I didn’t think it would be possible
given I did not have a body of work yet. I filled out the
applications, and explained in the application what I would create for
the art show. I did not have any completed painting to submit, just the
images and the concept. To my enormous surprise I was selected amongst
many applications to be in the show. Once I was accepted into the show
I worked many late nights preparing the pieces for the show. My first
show featured encaustic & photography combined, featuring
elephants. Taking a leap of faith, really paid off and led to many
opportunities and leads - 2 galleries representing my work, sales, new
customers, and in invitation to teach.
Do you have a go to paint colours that you love to use in your art work?
I
do not have just one go to paint colour that I use in my art work. I
tend to favour the blue, purple side of the colour palette for sure. If
I had to pick my favourite paint colour it would be Phthalo Turquoise.
Who has been your biggest inspiration as an artist?
Nature is my biggest inspiration, animals especially.
What have been some of your crowning achievements?
Some
of the most rewarding career achievements as a photographer have been
seeing my images on the cover of magazines in nicely designed layouts
and for my writing, seeing my first published compilation book go to a
bestseller on amazon.
If you could have 3 wishes as an artist what would it be
- A studio, over looking the ocean, with high ceilings, lots of natural light and windows, surrounded by nature and peaceful.
- Unlimited resources - time, money, inspiration to devote to painting and creating art
- Having
the following mentors: Michalangelo & Rodin for sculpture,
Leonardo DaVinci for facial expressions, Rembrandt for painting
portraits, Monet flowers, landscape, emotional impact, Picasso for
imagination, Degas for drawing & lines, Turner for lights &
darks (contrast) and the use of water mediums, Georgia O’keefe for
originality and courage.
What is the best advice your have received as an artist?
When
I started out in photography, a mentor told me to take 100 pictures a
day of my favourite subject. Over and over. There are 2 things about
this that really helped me, firstly it helped me see the extraordinary
in the seemingly ordinary things in my day to day life. Secondly this
exercise helped develop consistency and discipline, showing me the
importance of practicing my creativity and passion every day, even if
only for 5 or 10 minutes.
What colour best describes your personality?
The colour of the sunrise
