Artist Interview: Honoring Nature

1. What drew you to art? When did you start?

I don't remember actually. I've loved art since I was tiny. I spent a lot of time drawing, taking pictures, and painting as a child, and my mom bought me a little easel for finger painting before I could hold a pencil or brush.

2. What mediums do you work with? How would you describe your subject matter? What themes seem to occur/reoccur in your work?

I do a lot of photography and painting. I love watercolor and acrylic painting, and I like to photograph and paint scenes in nature. I think bright colors, nature, and natural light are my reoccurring themes.

3. What does art do for you?

Art allows me to forget my symptoms and focus on something beautiful. My photography helps me to appreciate the beauty in everything.

4. When people ask you what you do how do you respond?

I usually respond that I am a hobbyist. I take photos, paint, and I love to write as well!

5. What inspires you? What are you currently reading, listening to or looking at to fuel your work?

Nature inspires me. I love to go out into the garden or the park to find pretty flowers or tiny bugs. I also love to watch other photographers and artists on youtube describing their processes for creating.

6. What do you think the biggest challenges to creating art are? Do you have one that is particularly troublesome for you?

For me, the biggest challenge is self doubt. I get excited about something I've done, but later I find flaws in it and think I shouldn't share it. It can also be difficult physically, which is particularly hard for me. Sometimes I want to take photos or paint, but my hands and arms are too weak and twitchy to try.

7. Do you have a piece that you are most proud of?

I don't think I do. I enjoy all of them in their own way, and I can always see ways to improve. I guess the piece I'm most proud of is always my most recent one since it shows the most growth! :)

8. Do you have advice or life experiences that have influenced your work?

I think everything I've experienced influences my work. I've always loved to be outdoors, and I have a soft spot for animals. I also really enjoy taking photos of friends who normally don't like photos of themselves so that I can make them feel beautiful. I can relate to them, and I like seeing them excited for their photos.

9. What do you want your work to do for others?

I want my work to inspire them to use art as a therapy for chronic illness or just stress in general.

10. Do you have a motto?

I don't have a motto, but I do have a favorite bible verse. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

11. What three things never fail to bring you pleasure?

My puppy, the outdoors, and any kind of art!

12. Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting that you can tell us about?

Yes! I am currently working on painting extra spoons to sell as gifts for the chronically ill in my etsy shop! I'm in the process of painting bottle caps for jewelry as well, and I've been having a lot of fun!

13. Are there different skills or techniques that you are hoping to learn/try in the future?

I would love to learn more landscape photography and art journaling.

14. If you could have an art class with any artist in all of time, who would be your top 3 and why?

I think I would choose Monet, Van Gogh, and God. Monet and Van Gogh are two of my favorite artists, and I think it'd be incredible to see how they work. God created everything that I love to paint and photograph, and I think he could give me some good tips for sure! Haha. :)