- People often comment on the way I dish wash. My mother taught me well.
- I am a neat freak (except in the darkroom, the one place where tidiness is imperative!). What gives.
2 - What is it about your life right now that quantifies you being a starving artist?
3 - What are your first memories of doing art (of any kind)? What did art mean to you back then?
4 - What sort of art are you doing lately?
Photography is an ongoing process; the imagery never lessens. There are always photos to take, prints to make. I am trying to update my photo binder by making a habit of printing contact sheets for each new roll that comes in. It is not daunting if you stay on top of it.
I don't really illustrate much these days, the stencils take up most of my free time. No complaints there as it feels good to be onto something.
5 - Who or what inspires you these days?
Fearlessness, kindness and confidence are attractive qualities in people.
6 - Do you have a favorite work of art (of yours) or a favorite medium of all time?
The work of painter Modigliani is powerful. Maira Kalman's illustration work with gouache paint just kills me. She's good. My favorite photographers include Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Stieglitz, ManRay, Betty Hahn, Brassai. The list is essentially endless.
I feel most at ease with either one of my cameras or an ink-loaded squeegee in my hands.
7 - Say something about how the mainstream school system impacts our creativity as kids.
It is thrilling to listen to elementary kids talk about their experiences with art class. Programs offered these days are much more advanced than what was available 15-20 years ago when I was just a squirt in the countryside school system. Maybe it's naive to say that the impact is unavoidable! It's relieving to know school systems are still teaching hands-on art. How frightening the thought of losing literal touch with art in our technologically weighted world. Just the other day I was listening to a bakery customer's kid rave about her school's pottery class. She was about ten. Kid's pottery? Cool. I am happy to know that there are still, if not better resources for kids/ teens who are hungry for it. I hope kids don't take it for granted! It was slim pickings back in my elementary day. Growing up in the country offered little to no art classes and I was astounded by the darkroom upon introduction back in grade nine. Thank god for Industrial Arts!
7 - Say something about how the mainstream school system impacts our creativity as kids.
8 - What do you love the most about being an artist?
9 - What is something that is difficult about being an artist?
10 - How has your art surprised you recently?
11 - Tell me about a great moment you've had with art lately.
12 - Do you care about what people think of your art?
13 - What's it like to price your art for sale?
14 - How does art seep into other non-arty aspects of your life?
15 - What are you most proud of, in terms of your art career?
16 - How has art changed in the age of iPhones and Instagram?
The internet is intense. I prefer the darkroom.
17 - Say something about originality in art vs. "everything has been done before".
18 - What's in your toolbox?
- General tools: ink and quill, envelopes, type writer, inky pens, stamps, good shears, paper cutter, T pins.
- Photo work: big into Ilford FP4 120 contrast film right now. Printing paper and processing chemicals by Illford usually. HOT Water. The cameras close at hand: Nikon F3 for life and that Russian beast, Kiev 60. 50mm and 80mm lenses for portrait vision. Flash and bracket.
- Stencils: overhead projector, leather apron, Olfa knives, a beater light table handed down from my Greek photography guru in Montreal, Zoi Kilakos. Pencils, transparency sheets. Spray adhesive and Krylon paint.
- Silkscreen: print apron, good cardstock, imagination.
19 - What are some of your dreams for your future with art?
Writing, I see that too. Pure dictation at the very end if nothing else. I'll direct my grandchildren to fire the camera from my lap if my hands give out.
20 - At the end of your life, how might being an artist have made a difference for you?
I hope my passion for quality production continues well into old age in whatever form or medium possible. May community remain important and the integrity of my work true. At the very least, my stories will be entertaining as hell.
20 - At the end of your life, how might being an artist have made a difference for you?
oh my word; this woman and her words.
ReplyDeleteUgh, just crying over here because I know this woman and she knows me! My love for you has no bounds, Megan DAWN!
ReplyDelete[Same to you, Jennifer ANNE (e or no e?????)]
Heart full, 3 beers deep.
xo
i love the fact that i'm related to both of you beauties. <3 <3
ReplyDelete