Interview with Artist { Sara Bowersock}

Tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of art you do

I work as a graphic designer during the day for a company called Jeanmarie Creations-we design gift bags for all occassions, so I spend most of my days drawing disgustingly cute critters, santas, hearts, things of that nature. I chose graphic design as a profession, because I thought it was the only way I could make a living as an artist…which I don’t necessarily believe to be true anymore.
But the art I truly love to do, is what you see on my site – expressive, pop inspired pieces of things that I enjoy-music, monsters, guns, and so on

How long have you been creating art/have you always been a creative person?

I think I’ve always been a creative type…remembering back to kindergarten when I stole a classmates crayons to go write on the school doors. Haha, I guess that was my first attempt at graffiti. I think I started thinking of art as something more serious to pursue in high school, so that’s when I think I started creating more seriously.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

Of course! Always have to be working on something. Right now I’m terribly terribly behind on commission work…so definitely looking forward to finishing those up, so I can move on to some other projects!

Where do you create?

I work in the basement of my home – pretty much the whole space is for creating artwork – with the exception of a room for my inventory or prints and shipping supplies, and a room for my cats litter boxes haha. The biggest room is primarily where I work, and I usually work on the floor, I’ve never been good at working on an easel. I move around a lot, for some reason, so I’ll usually start off working on one side of the room, and by the end of the project I’m usually on the opposite side of the room.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist?

I think one of my biggest challenges is getting past the feeling of pressure (that I put on myself to be better, sell more, etc etc. One of the things I mentions learning through creating art was that you should never compare yourself to others and let it get you down…but that’s definitely a challenge for me. But I do try to take it, and turn it into inspiration instead. There is so much brilliant artwork out there, and so many talented people, it’s just really not a good idea to try and compare yourself!
It’s also somewhat of a challenge to continue progressing sometimes…like, you have your thing down the way you do it and people like it, so it’s tempting to just not change things up…but that’s boring. I think pushing myself to try new things is important, but there’s always that sense of fear, like, if I try something new, will the people who like my art now, not like this new thing? But I’m learning that the most important thing is to do what I love, and not worry about the rest.

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

Never compare yourself/your work to anybody else. You aren’t them. You won’t ever be them. Be you. Do what you do. Let other people inspire you to do different things, to be a better artist , etc, but don’t try and compare yourself. Also, never think you’re better than another artist--art is subjective. What’s crap to you, is a masterpiece to someone else, and vice versa.

How do you deal with criticism?

I’d say, probably not very well. I don’t know many artists that DO deal with it well, really, haha. Someone told me once that they thought most artists are just insecure %^$#@ who just want you to say “I love it”, and they’re really just looking for praise when they ask you what you think of something.. haha..well, I can laugh at that because, there’s an element of it that rings true for ME. Of course I want to show my work, and just have people say “I love it!” But that’s not always the case. And It’s difficult NOT to take a criticism personally when you’ve spent so much time with a piece of art, and you have a relationship with it. criticism , however, comes with the territory, so what can you do? Learning to deal with it better, is definitely something I’m working on.

What kind of creative routines or rituals do you have, if any?

I guess I do…I like to clean my house and studio before I start a new project. For an artist, I’m a pretty organized person, so having everything in it’s place before I make a giant mess, helps me get started.
Once I start a project I’m never without music. Music is a key motivator while I’m working on a painting.

Is there any medium, other than your own, that you would love to try?

I’d love to try oil paints and watercolors - two things that I’ve never really had a chance to experiment with. 

Where do you get your inspiration from?/What inspires you?

I’m inspired mostly by music, and other art, and I’ve drawn plenty of influence and inspiration from Warhol, Shepard Fairey, Banksy, Ralph teadman…I’d say those guys play a huge part in the style I’ve developed.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and/or your art?

Nope, I think I pretty much covered it ! Thanks for this opportunity to share about myself and my art!

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Thanks for sharing with us Sara. Your work is so expressive and colourful!! Also, you might need to give me some cleaning/organisation tips, I am a very messy artist it has to be said. It is definitely something I am going to be working on in the New Year.

Don't forget to check back on Sunday, Dec 1, when the Twelve Makes of Christmas will be starting! Eek I'm so excited.

Take care

Ciara
xoxo

2013 Christmas Gift Guide: Gifts Ideas for Artists

1.colour wheel tote bag//2. paint strokes iPhone 5 case//3. pantone mugs//4. the art of zentange//

 5. ikat monogram letters//6. artist palette watch//7. derwent artist pencils// 8. klimt the kiss silk scarf

This weekend is 1 December so it's my guess that many people will be starting there Christmas shopping (if they haven't started it already!). I thought it would be fun to put together a few gift guides to help you all with your shopping this year. The most obvious one to start with is Gift Ideas for Artists. Personally, I would be over the moon to receive any of these gifts!

Ciara

xoxo

Interview with Paper Crafter {Laura Barker}

Tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of art you do
My name is Laura and I have a passion for paper craft in all its forms. I particularly like to create personalised cards either to my own original designs or incorporating upcycled vintage papers. I’m based in Sheffield where I’ve lived and worked all my life and love to sell at local markets and fairs as well as work with local shops too.

 

How long have you been creating art/have you always been a creative person?

I’ve always loved to be creative and liked nothing more when I was younger than a big box of crayons and a stack of paper! (and maybe some glitter glue…) I couldn’t bear the thought of throwing pretty things away either and was always collecting ‘rubbish’ to make things with. I love the idea of making something decorative and personal. I took the step of turning this hobby into a small business in May this year and I’m loving it!

Are you working on anything at the moment?

At the moment I’m working on creating my Christmas items. I’ve got a lot of cards designed and now I’m trying to get to grips with a sewing machine! I’ve made hand sewn decorations for myself and my family for a few years but thought I’d try selling them this year too, so a machine was in order. Unfortunately my mind seems to go blank when I’m around them so it might take a little practise!

Where do you create?  

I create, design, make, market, store and package everything at home. I don’t have a lot of space so usually find myself sat on the floor with everything spread around me. If I get myself organised (so I don’t have to keep running up to the attic to fetch things) I use the kitchen table.

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

I’ve learnt to keep trying and be flexible. Sometimes an idea I think is great just doesn’t work out in reality. Other times I’ve just stumbled across items to upcycle or an idea has sparked from a little comment someone makes and an item I’ve never thought of gets created.

How do you deal with criticism? 

I was a secondary school teacher for a number of years so I’m accustomed to not taking comments personally! I know not everyone will like my work (or my prices) and if it’s not their thing that’s fine, that’s a great thing about arts and crafts – there’s lot of choice out there. If someone close to me or someone who I think of as a customer doesn’t like something I feel a little defensive at first wanting to explain how much thought and efforts I’d put into a piece, and if you’re particularly close to me I tend to voice this too! However, I then think about it logically and try to work out what the criticism is based on, is it just a matter of taste or am I missing a customer’s needs? This then turns into a new starting point to start creating again.

 Is there any medium, other than your own, that you would love to try? 

I’ve always wanted to be able to paint or draw and really admire people who can do this. My work is more stylised designs and paper pieced together so it doesn’t get the subtleties of hand drawn or painted. Whenever I try to be ‘artistic’ it always ends up like a child’s drawing, but I’d love to learn some proper technique.

 Where do you get your inspiration from?/What inspires you?

Inspirations come from lots of places. For my upcycled work it’s wanting to preserve a memory, an occasion or a piece of history. For my other work I like to make things I like (that’s how I started out, making things for myself) and see if others like them too. Usually I think of a special occasion that someone would want to commemorate and start from there hopefully creating a memento of the special day.

 Do you work in a sketchbook/art journal? 

I have a couple of notebooks or journals that I have especially for sketching down new ideas. Whenever I see something that sparks a thought I jot down my interpretation in there as a starting point. Sometimes this works wonderfully; other times I go back and I’m not sure what I was thinking! It’s always fun to look back through the books and see where designs started or discover little seeds of an idea that I’d forgotten. 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and/or your art? 

I love to create unique pieces. Going into a small shop or around a market full of interesting, unique pieces which represent the different ideas of artists always fills me with enthusiasm, so hopefully this is what I can do in my work too. I love the idea of being able to create something really personal and working with people to make something just for them. Upcycling lets me create lots of one of a kind pieces as I use original papers that can’t be reproduced.

More information can be found here:

www.pinkflamingohandcrafting.blogspot.co.uk

www.pinkflamingocrafting.etsy.com

www.wowthankyou.co.uk/pink-flamingo-handcrafting

www.facebook.com/pinkflamingohandcrafting

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How about that? A fellow Sheffield-dweller! I hope to see you and your gorgeous creations at some local markets this Christmas season :)

I hope you enjoyed this week's interview. If you are interested in being interviewed on the blog email me on ciaramcguireart@gmail.com. I am interested in all types of artists, big and small, old and young, all are welcome.

Take care

Ciara

xoxo

Interview with Artist {Rachel Bingman}

Tell us a bit about yourself and the kind of art that you do?

I'm a full time, professional artist living in the DC area with my husband and children. As of late, I have focused primarily on abstract realism and contemporary landscape paintings. My signature style includes dramatic stormscapes and richly detailed contemporary tree paintings. One of my lightning storm pieces was used on the set of “Save Me” which aired on NBC this past spring. I will also have one of my tree paintings featured in the book, “The Custom Art Collection: Contemporary Art for the Home” which will be available in Barnes & Noble in November 2013.

How long have you been creating art/have you always been a creative person?

I began painting on my family farm in rural Arkansas with my grandfather and siblings when I was a young child, but I did not pursue art professionally until January of 2012. I believe that all humans are inherently creative as it is a part of our God-given nature to desire to bring things into existence.

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

The most important lesson I've learned is that mistakes can be beautiful. Much of what I've learned has started with an accidental drop of colour on the wrong part of the canvas. It ends up completely transforming the piece. I've always said that each painting is a journey. I've also learned that you must go boldly forward into your art and be willing to make yourself vulnerable by taking what risks are necessary to help grow your career.

Where do you get your inspiration from?/What inspires you?

Nature, in essence, is a grand reflection of the imperfection of man and that is why I choose it as my theme. There is always room for improvement in nature just as it is with humanity. Nature is a constant struggle to grow and make better and stronger what was once weak. There is no room for perfection and that is understood, but there is room for improvement. At the same time, every tree bends a little differently and that is what makes each one beautiful in its own right. Every day in nature is a fingerprint, completely unlike the day before and completely unlike the day after. I like to reflect this in my work. I can paint the same tree a dozen times and each tree is still going to have unique qualities that make it completely its own.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist? 

The biggest challenge I face is trying to juggle my family life and my work life. I have two children and a wonderful husband and have found it absolutely necessary to strike a balance between work and home. One of my children is also chronically ill. My son, who is now 9 years old, suffers from a rare Chiari Brain Malformation that is basically a chronic pain illness resulting from a blockage of the flow of Cerebral Spinal Fluid. There is no known cure and precious little research to date making guidance in how to deal with a child who lives in chronic pain difficult to find. I can tell you, though, that he has found healing through art.

Name 3 artists you admire and why?

Sheri Wilson, who is a contemporary seascape artist. I can absolutely lose myself in her oceans and even have one of her works hanging in my home. Rene Magritte, whose surrealist works allowed for a truly unique viewing experience. Claude Monet, who was known mainly for his impressionist works. He greatly influenced other artists, including Van Gogh!

What are you trying to communicate through your art?

There is absolutely a story behind each and every piece of art I create. Some I choose to share, while others I keep for myself. In many cases, I don't make the story public but am happy to share it upon request. I want to allow those viewing my work the chance to find their own meaning and connection with the piece.

What do you think art’s role in society is today?

I believe that art brings healing to a broken world. By no means is it an exclusive form of healing, but in conjunction with other means, it helps to bind the wounds of society. I decided from the beginning to commit my work to God in hopes that my paintings would bring some amount of peace to those who view it.

Do you work in a sketchbook/art journal?

No, not at all. There are no rough drafts in life, so I don't allow myself rough drafts in my artwork. I create in the moment and allow the colours and brush strokes to determine where a piece will take me. Like I've said before: every piece is a journey.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and/or your art?

You can find my original works for sale on Etsy in my shop. I currently don't offer prints as I want to be able to offer affordable and ORIGINAL art for every home.

My sites:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BingArt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BingArt/310610222318820

Blog: http://bingartbyrachelbingaman.blogspot.com

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Thanks to Rachel for sharing with us, her work is so beautiful and I, for one, have gained a lot of inspiration not just from her work but from her words as well. What an inspiration her son is too! We all can learn from people like that, who suffer more than we can even imagine everyday but still keep going and find strength and healing through art. When I hear stories like this my faith is restored in the place of art in our society today.

I hope you enjoyed this week's interview. If you are interested in being interviewed on the blog email me on ciaramcguireart@gmail.com. I am interested in all types of artists, big and small, old and young, all are welcome.

Take care

Ciara

xoxo

Interview with Fibre Artist {Sarah Louisa Burns}

Tell us a bit about yourself and the kind of art that you do?

My name is Sarah Louisa Burns. I live, work, and play in NYC. My work studio is nestled in the heart of Harlem. From my little perch uptown, I crochet body parts for my shop An Optimistic Cynic, and write a web comedy called True Story. You can find them at www.AnOptimisticCynic.etsy.com, and www.TrueStoryTheWebSeries.com (also on YouTube)

 How long have you been creating art?

My parents tell stories of a wee little Sarah, who would hoard materials of all kids because “I can make something with that”, and preform variety shows on the stage that was our living room. Creating is like breathing; involuntary, necessary, constant. 

Where do you create? 

When I first opened an Etsy shop, I greatly underestimated the amount of time/effort/energy and space it would require, in a very short amount of time, my crafting materials overtook my living space. It was a hectic, disorganized way of living, and needless to say, not terribly productive. My awesome fiancée, Josh Hibbard (of the make up special effects company, Bloodpump Productions) helped me remake what was a large closet into a usable studio workspace. We installed shelving units to hold supplies, a desk area, a ‘shipping station’ with all my packing materials, boxes for orders-in-progress and completed pieces-there’s even a place for scripts and storyboards for when I need to switch gears from An Optimistic Cynic mode to True Story mode.

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

I’ve learned to cut myself some slack, and not shy away from trial and error. Not everything you make will turn out exactly like the image in your head – and that’s a good thing! How boring life would be if we knew for certain the exact outcome of each piece before it’s even finished. Embrace mistakes, learn from them, revel in the process, not just the endgame. 

How do you deal with criticism?

Hater’s gonna hate. I don’t try to change minds, or argue, or get upset. There are always going to be people out there that, for whatever the reason, want nothing more than to just tear you down. People can only get to you if you let them. 

Constructive criticism, on the other hand, I love, even if I don’t agree with it. It gives me a starting point to change something, or look at things a different way, which I find incredibly helpful. It’s important to get out of one’s own head from time to time. It helps us grow in directions we might not have even realized were a possibility on our own.

What are you trying to communicate through your art/does your art hold any hidden meaning?

I think my pieces are unifying on a very basic level. We all have organs. I've found that even when a person has no idea that the piece they’re holding is, say, a pancreas, they instinctively realize that it’s a body part, and subconsciously hold it up to themselves, as if trying to work out where that piece could fit.

My writing and performance in True Story reflects this ‘every man’ kind of universality.  These are three women who find themselves in awkward social situations that at some point we all find ourselves having to deal with. It’s essentially an extension of this “figuring out where the pieces fit” idea encompassed by the body parts.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

The body parts specifically were inspired by a childhood toy, The Invisible Man. It was essentially a display piece, but you had to assemble each piece, and what you’d end up with was a skeleton, complete with organs, with its pieces all neatly snapped into place. I must have taken that thing apart and put it back together at least fifty times.

Upon opening an Etsy shop, I realized I needed a niche to help my work stand out. There are many lovely hats, scarves, and gloves out there, but I wanted to do something different, educational, and amusing. Crocheting body parts just made sense  as it fulfilled my lifelong interest in anatomy while simultaneously providing my shop with a little something extra.

When the shop started taking off a few years ago, and I started getting orders more regularly, I was able to play around with some funds with co-producer, Rebecca Panfile, and we started writing True Story. The shop helped to define the show in a similar, irreverent  tongue-in-cheek way. I've started adding comical, crafty “How-tos” to supplement the series, and the results have been well received, reflected by the new YouTube and Facebook followers we've managed to gain. With the popularity of these new videos, I've been very inspired to keep making more, and I'm continuously thinking of new tie-ins to marry my crochet life to my video life.

Do you work in a sketchbook/art journal?

I do. I like to sketch out designs before I pick up a hook, and I often use the same notebooks for storyboard purposes, so I can figure out ahead of time what I need to shoot. The pages are almost completely illegible to anyone but me, as they’re full  of sketchy images of abstract shapes that will eventually form whatever body part I'm trying to stitch, with the next few pages filled with little boxes each containing stick figure representations of True Story characters. And of course, doodles. I don’t do it often enough, but I love to draw, I even sell a few prints in the shop.

 Are you working on anything at the moment?

I've had a super detailed crocheted spine propped up against my work desk for a while now, until one glorious day I can just sit down and finish it! It’s going to be part of a larger piece, a skeleton, that I plan to then fill with organs, creating a life sized crochet version of the Invisible Man toy I loved as a kid. 

Is there anything else that would like to share about yourself and/or your art?

I'm very hard on myself, I think most creative people are. I have so many amazing people in my life that support what I do, that it’s easy for me to forget that, for the most part, I'm a one woman show. I do all my own marketing, create all my online content myself, do all the promotion, script writing, film scheduling, shop inventory, answer shop inquiries, fill orders – and I still work a day job part time and audition, because that’s what actors do.

There are days where I feel like I have a thousand things to do, and get nothing done, and I'm working on being more okay with that, because, sometimes, we just need to cut ourselves some slack.

I can be found on Facebook as An Optimistic Cynic, as well as True Story-The Web Series. Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter at SarahAndBecky@TrueStory_TWS, and Instagram at AnOptimisticCynic! I promise I’ll make ya laugh, or at least midly offend ;-)

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Well those certainly make a change from the humble old Granny Square! I can completely identify with what Sarah was saying about not giving herself enough credit for all the work she does all by herself. I think it's easy for a creative person (or anyone who is running a small business at that) to get caught up and worried about not performing well enough, not getting enough done, feeling guilty for having a duvet day every now and then. In reality we have to look at the bigger picture, we are running an entire business all by ourselves!! It's important to remember that, especially now as we come into our busiest season.

I hope you enjoyed this interview. If you are interested in being featured on this spot email me at ciaramcguireart@gmail.com

Have a great weekend!!

Ciara

xoxo

Interview with artist {Desiree Oude Groothuis}

Tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of art you do

I am a 51 year old - feeling 28 - woman from the Netherlands. I have a 23 year old daughter, a second husband and a 15 year old Westie dog. I own a business in Family and Children entertainment.

 How long have you been creating art/have you always been a creative person?

Ever since I was able to hold a pencil I have been drawing. When I was a little girl, every vacation and holiday I would get a new sketchbook and new pencils. The first page was always on trying out the colours, grouping them and make colour schemes.

Later, around 10 years old, I went to the library and spend hours there . I found every craft book possible to read about and try for myself. I was lucky to have an aunt that had loads of stuff to craft with.

 What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?

My favourite piece is my first Christmas bird.  He is the first and basic one of my birds series.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I am always working on something .. at the moment I am Doodling, making Fairytale tags  and I am in a Filofax Decorating phase.

What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist?

To find ‘my style’ and to stay true to it. 

Are you part of any art groups/organisations?

Well if Etsy counts as a group, that would be one!

In Facebook I am proudly hosting a Art Café since July 2012 , which is a fantastic group of ladies from around the world, we not only share art , we share life and creativity, there are some awesome artists in there!

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

The most important one is “HAVE FUN” do what you like, don’t force yourself into a

style or process that just isn’t you! The next important lesson is how freeing creating can be

but also how vulnerable it makes you. It is like giving birth a bit, hoping the world likes your baby. I attended a Art & Craft Market for the first time 2 weeks ago, so very different to have a LIFE audience, I was devastated that most of the people just glanced and walked by…

Having a Etsy shop is a whole lot easier! 

What kind of creative routines or rituals do you have, if any?

Ha! I am a real rituals girl! I burn some nice oils, light candles, maybe pick an oracle card, have a nice tea… it’s very important to get in the right mood! 

Where do you get your inspiration from?/What inspires you?

I can surf the internet for hours and hours, I am in different Facebook groups and Oh looooordie… Pinterest is a never-ending resource. But then I have to stop myself once in a while, because I want to be ME as much as possible, all the other art can make you feel a little overwhelmed at times.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and/or your art?

Yes, I have been through a lot of heavy times in my life, but for some reason there is this strong believe that ‘everything will be fine’ … I truly love Fairytales and they have been a red line through my life, I think you can see it in my art, at least I hope, that in the end it will all be fine…

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Amazing! Thank you so much Desiree for sharing with us. Your work is absolutely fab, I especially love those cute little birds. I love the idea of lighting candles and burning some oil before you create, it's almost like you are creating a romantic atmosphere for your work! 

Check back next week for another artist interview. Have a great weekend pretties!

Take care

Ciara

xoxo 

Interview With Artist {Rose Colfer}

Hi pretties!!

How are you all today? Well do I have a treat for you today?! 
I am here with the first in the new series of artist interviews that will be featured weekly on my blog. Each interview will be with a different artist and most often than not it will be a completely different art form too. 

So I am officially opening it up with an interview with an amazing artist (and aunt ) 

Rose Colfer

Tell us a bit about yourself and what kind of art you do.

Hi Ciara, I am a single mother of two grown up daughters and grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren. I work part-time as an office administrator just 5 minutes from home.  I am not a professional artist. Painting is my hobby.  I discovered art about 5 or 6 years ago and began a beginner’s course in watercolours. During this time I was advised to get a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain to help out with my drawing skills. This book thought me so much.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who finds it difficult to draw.  From there I began to do pencil and charcoal sketches and eventually I ventured onto Acrylics which I am still using. Realism is probably the best way to describe what type of art I do. I love Jack Vettriano’s and Edward Hopper’s work, both of whom were realist painters.

How long have you been creating art/have you always been a creative person?

 As long as I can remember I have always been creative and this is thanks to my mother who instilled in us at a young age to be creative. She thought my sisters and I how to knit and sew when we were old enough to grasp the technique.  Over the years I have created Aran sweaters, winter woollies for my two girls, crochet quilts for my grandchildren, toys etc. I have only discovered the art of drawing and painting in the last 5 or 6 years but I know it will be a lifetime hobby as I love it passionately.

What are the most important lessons you have learned through creating art?

The most important lesson I have learned through creating art is to keep doing it as much as you can.  Don’t let one unsatisfactory painting put you off, just keep on doing it. The satisfaction you get from a painting done well is so worth all the time and effort you put into it! One night at my art group the tutor gave us a huge sheet of cardboard and told us to lean it against the wall and paint whatever we liked on it, so I picked a painting from a book and began to work on it. To my amazement it turned out brilliant. Nothing is impossible!

Another very important lesson I have learned is that without realising it, art comes from inside and you find the more that you paint the more of your soul you convey.  You discover a lot about yourself when you paint as different things come to the surface all the time.

Where do you get your inspiration from? What inspires you?

At the beginning, when I did sketches it was my family that inspired me. Family photographs that I wanted to transform into pencil and charcoal. I found this very rewarding.

Today, my inspiration comes from everyday life and people doing ordinary things.  I try to express love, mystery, intrigue, despair.  I also like movement in my paintings, for example the movements of a ballet dancer. Other things I am drawn to are a pose, a gesture, how a person tilts their head, holds their cigarette, their facial expression etc. For some reason which I can’t explain I like painting people wearing hats!  Like I said before, we learn something new all the time with art!

How do you deal with criticism?

When I began to draw and paint first I pestered my family and friends  always asking what they thought of my painting/drawing. They would be totally honest with me. If it was positive feedback this felt great but I felt very downhearted if it was negative feedback.

Today, I have learned that criticism is a very important teaching tool in art and I welcome any feedback I can get, be it positive or negative.  Criticism doesn't dishearten me anymore but helps me to improve my art.

Where do you create?

I don’t have any fancy studio for my art. I do all my art work on my kitchen table. I like to have the house to myself and not get interrupted.  I set up, put on some music and begin working on something and before I know it, several hours easily have passed by. You are transported into a different world where nothing else matters only your painting and getting it right. Time doesn't exist in an artist’s world. As Pablo Picasso once said “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”

What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?

I love the last painting I completed. It is a painting of a man at a bar, smoking a cigarette and looking ever so cool and mysterious.  I wonder what his story is? Another one of my favourites is the painting of Newly Weds walking along a coast road. This was taken from a photograph in a book called US.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

 Yes I have started one last night. This time it’s a painting of a girl sitting on a barrel in the sea looking very sad.

Finally I would like to say I am so lucky to have discovered this wonderful hobby. It takes me away from reality for several hours and I always feel uplifted afterwards. Art is an excellent way to relax and unwind.
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Wow! Well if that doesn't inspire you nothing will. Thanks so much to Rose for sharing with us. I love her work, I think it is amazing. I always admire those who have the patience to put so much detail from real life into their work. 

If you are an artist (of any description) and would like to be interviewed on my blog, it is so easy, just send me an email at ciaramcguireart@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap.

Have a great weekend everyone

Ciara
xoxo