I Believe In Artists: Jessica Davies

Artist Jessica Davies

One of the many things I love about my I Believe In Art Facebook page is that it connects me with all kinds of talented and inspiring artists.  When I posted there that I was looking for artists to interview for this blog, Jessica Davies was among the first to respond.  I am so glad that she did and I think you will be too.  Enjoy!

"Day Dreamer", Self Portrait By Jessica Davies

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Jessica: Realism, colorful, random, surreal, detailed, dark.

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Jessica: I dont have a specific favorite artist, however, I enjoy works that are technically complex with hyper-realism that are often surreal.  An artist whose work springs to mind is Jaroslaw Kukowski.

"Self Portrait with Lily" By Jessica Davies

Question: What inspires you to create?

Jessica: Everything inspires me to create though as a child it was a love of animals and wildlife that got me hooked on making art. 

"Prayer" By Jessica Davies

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Jessica:  My favorite part of the creative process is when a painting is starting to come together and you begin to see the finished image start to take shape. 

Commissioned Painting By Jessica Davies

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Jessica: The challenging part of the creative process for me is procrastination and consistency. To tackle this, I often go out to see some art in museums, draw outside , or even switch mediums to clay for example as this really helps to break up routine and get the creative juices flowing.

Commissioned Painting By Jessica Davies

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Jessica: To me Believing in art means a vast amount of things. From enjoying and recreating beauty to diving deep into dark places to drag back and share some profound feeling or intense experience. Believing in art to an artist, is believing in themselves, believing in their skill, in learning , in beauty and passion, in good , in nature, in humanity, in hope and transformation. 

Thank you Jessica for sharing your amazing art and your thoughts with us!

For more information about Jessica and her art, visit her web site at http://jdaviesartjd.wix.com/jdaviesart

FYI, I'm still looking for artists to feature in this series.  Click here for information on how to apply.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

5 Art Quotes I'm Not Tired Of Yet (And Why)

Are you tired of all the art quotations on the internet yet?  Sometimes I think I am.  Some of them I see so much they have lost all meaning to me.  And yet there are others that always seem to spark something in me no matter how often I encounter them, kind of like a favorite song or poem.

So here are five quotes on art or creativity that still have the power to move me (and why):

An artist feels vulnerable to begin with; and yet the only
answer is to recklessly discard more armour. - Eric Maisel

I am not tired of the above quote by creativity coach Eric Maisel,  but sometimes I do become weary of the truth it expresses.  The fact that being an artist requires me to be vulnerable is definitely something I struggle with.  However, when I read this quote I realize that resisting it is futile and off the "armour" goes which, though scary, is also liberating.

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.
- Erich Fromm

I love this Erich Fromm quote because I actually find it a huge relief to realize I don't have to have everything figured out all the time. In fact, not knowing what the hell I'm doing can sometimes be an asset to my creativity if I just have the courage to experiment and let go of the outcome.

The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt. - Sylvia Plath

Identifying the enemy is important.  Sometimes I don't even know that it's doubt that is standing in my way until something like this Sylvia Plath quote reminds me.  Then I know what I must do: believe in art and believe in myself.

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful
state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

I want to be one of those people who wakes up and goes straight to the studio every day no matter what but I'm just not.  However, when I am inspired you can't keep me out of there.  This quote by artist Robert Henri reminds me that there are things I can do to get inspired - that getting myself to "that wonderful state which makes art inevitable" is my responsibility.

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control. - Julia Cameron

Why am I not tired of this quote?  Let me answer that question with another one: Why do I keep forgetting this?  Really, I can't be reminded enough of this simple but transformative bit of wisdom.  Thank you Julia Cameron!

Do you have a favorite quote on art or creativity?  Please feel to share in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

I Believe In Artists: Rachel Lewandowski

Abstract Artist Rachel Lewandowski

I have been seeing the art of Rachel Lewandowski pop up in my Instagram and Facebook feeds for awhile now and I am always struck by the power and attitude inherent in her fascinating, abstract creations.  I was eager to interview Rachel and learn more about the story behind her paintings and her process and she did not disappoint.  Enjoy!

Rachel: This is a favorite of mine that I will probably never part with. A single raven soaring through the clouds. I love how the color blending worked out. 

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Rachel: Only 6 words is hard. My best answer would probably be "Abstract art inspired by the elements".

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Rachel: I can't say that I have a favorite artist. I love the aesthetic of Aiden Hughes, who does almost propaganda-style posters and prints. I've recently fallen in love with the work of Brian Kirhagis, whom I discovered on Instagram last year. He does a sort of abstract portrait...it's difficult to describe, but it truly gives an emotional reaction.

Rachel: Also a favorite of mine. 4 canvases stacked together (I used a staple gun and Gorilla Glue to make that happen), with diluted acrylic paint cascading over the layers. Modern yet not. Definitely eye-catching on a wall. 

Question: What inspires you to create?

Rachel: I draw inspiration from so many things...I have a fascination with the Northern Lights, how colors seem to blend in the sky, highlights and lowlights seamlessly flowing in and out. The patterns found in crystals and gemstones always capture my attention. The way that light will catch on a fissure in the stone, bringing a flash of brilliant color that was otherwise hidden.

I did what I called my 'Music Box Collection' last year, which were my visual interpretations of songs that had stayed with me.

There is beauty everywhere, but we need to be open to seeing it.

Rachel: A recent completion. I love all shades of blue...how even the most subtle shift in shade can completely change the dimensions. This is one of the more demure pieces I've done lately. I like the idea of how layers of paint can catch the light, creating hidden images that not everyone sees. I find it very inspiring that different perspectives can see completely different things. 

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Rachel: My favorite part of the creative process is sitting down with a blank canvas and arranging my work space. Sometimes I have a clear image of what I'm trying to achieve, and other times I just let the paint flow. Literally.

Rachel: This was a piece that I gifted to a dear friend. Black canvas, white, red and black acrylic. I discovered the wonder of sand gel late last year, and I used it to excess. I wanted everything to have that gritty texture. This was one of the few that turned out the way I wanted it to. 

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Rachel: The most challenging part for me is knowing when to stop. Knowing when a piece is actually complete or whether it needs "just one more tweak". I've left paintings to sit propped against a wall for days, so I can continue to look at it until I'm satisfied.

This has, of course, led to more than a few 'do overs', but it's the method of my madness, so to speak. If I don't want to hang it on my own wall, it's not done.  

Rachel: This is the second piece I did for the mosaic collection I started this year. Black canvas, black acrylic paint, and black tiles accented with a few shimmering clear ones. Simple, modern, clean. I was so proud of this beauty. 

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Rachel: "Believing in Art", in its simplest form, is wanting to continue creating. I love putting paint to canvas. I love the satisfaction that comes when other people see beauty in what I've done. It makes me feel a little less alone in what I find pleasing to the eye.

Thank you Rachel for this insightful look at your artistic journey.

Rachel's paintings are available through her Etsy shop.

Would you like to be featured in an upcoming "I Believe In Artists" interview post?  Send an email with a link to where your art can be seen (website, etsy shop, social media, etc.) as well as your answer to the question "What does believing in art mean to you?" to mail@ibelieveinart.com for consideration.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love & Art,

Victoria

Art Studio Refresh

I can't believe it has almost been two years since my Art Studio Redo.  It still feels like a dream come true for me every time I walk in the door, even when it's a mess.  However, recently I have made a few changes here and there which I think make it even better.

To refresh our memories, here's how it looked back in April of 2014:

My Art Studio in 2014 - Click Here For More Photos

And here's how it looks today:

My Art Studio Today

As you can see it's not a huge change but I did switch out some of the rugs which made a nice difference to me.  However, the biggest difference happened on the wall above my desk.

Here's what that looked like before:

Art Studio Desk Wall Before

And here's what it looks like now:

Art Studio Desk Wall Today

I decided to move my art to my home gallery so I could add some deeper display ledges for my growing collection of art books and other stuff.  Then one of the art fairies got loose and did her magic above that which I think was the perfect finishing touch.

A Closer Look At The Desk Wall And Some Art Fairy Magic

My chalkboard wall really hasn't changed that much but here's a picture of that too, just for fun.

My Studio Chalkboard Wall Today

Of course the best thing about these changes is they are inspiring me to spend even more time in here making art.  Yay!

If you'd like to see another room refresh, click here to see The Cabbage Gallery Refresh over on The Cabbage Blog.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

I Believe In Artists: Mary Claire

Artist Mary Claire showing off her work, "The Heart Of Buffalo" on a signal box,
part of a community project (read more here)

I have been a fan of Mary Claire's art for a long time now.  I find her soulful style and feminine themes to be uplifting and healing.  So when she agreed to do this interview, of course I was thrilled.  I had a feeling her answers to my questions would be as inspiring as her art and I was not disappointed.  I'm happy to share both with you below.  Enjoy!

Artist Mary Claire

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Mary Claire: The six words I would use to describe my art.......playful, simple, expressive, colorful, reflective, and intuitive.

"Wild Heart" Painting by Mary Claire

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Mary Claire: Marc Chagall is one of my favorite artists and has definitely been an influence on my art.  I love his symbolic figurative work, his surprising use of color; the scenes in his paintings coming from memories and dreams; all of these aspects in his art really speak to me.  I find his style unique and interesting; especially for his time.  I love the fact that he delved into many mediums to create art including mosaics and work on tapestry.

"Stillness Within" Painting By Mary Claire

Question: What inspires you to create?

Mary Claire: Inspiration to create initially came from within for me, it has always been an urge or a calling.  Drawing as a child gave me something quiet and productive to do, and being an extremely shy child, it gave me confidence I really needed.  I would turn to art growing up and it became a great expressive outlet throughout my life.  And now I find the things that inspire me are very different from when I was a child yet I strive to keep the childlike quality in my paintings.  I find inspiration in all of my life experiences, the people I have known my whole life, people I've recently met, and even people I've never met.  I enjoy using my imagination to capture a feeling or a character.  I'm inspired by walks in nature, books, strong women, quotes, looking at paintings in a museum or gallery, or just being around other artists. 

"The Goddess Within" By Mary Claire

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Mary Claire: I really get into and enjoy my creative process, but I would have to say being fully satisfied with the outcome is my favorite part of it, with the ultimate goal being making someone else happy with it.  As far as the actual art making process itself, I usually approach each painting differently over time.  With the nature of the type of work I do being very forgiving, there is room for growth, happy accidents, and experimentation.  I pick up new methods and techniques by taking classes or from books or online,  but ultimately developed my own style by doing a ton of work, struggling with the bad, and keeping the good for the next one.  

"Creation" Painting By Mary Claire

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Mary Claire: The most challenging part of the creative process for me is living a balanced life alongside the constant need to create.  I work on overcoming this by infusing a little more discipline and organization into my day, paying more attention to my health and well being, a lot of family time, more time unplugged and less time on the computer.  In turn, this has helped me use more restraint in my art (number of pieces, color choices, not staying up late making art), and I believe these changes have and will help me mature and evolve as an artist.

"Joy And Sorrow" Painting By Mary Claire

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Mary Claire: Believing in art means believing in freedom; the freedom of expression available to all of us in so many forms.  Believing in art is believing in life.

Thank you Mary Claire for this enlightening glimpse into your creative life!

To learn more about Mary Claire and her artwork, visit her website at maryclairestudios.com

You can also connect with Mary Claire on Facebook and Twitter.


Would you like to be featured in an upcoming "I Believe In Artists" interview post?  Send an email with a link to where your art can be seen (website, etsy shop, social media, etc.) as well as your answer to the question "What does believing in art mean to you?" to mail@ibelieveinart.com for consideration.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love & Art,
Victoria 

5 Reasons To Not Make Art

Make Something

There are more than a million wonderful reasons for me to make art.  Number one would be that I really enjoy doing it.  And yet somehow I still manage to find a handful of ridiculous reasons to not do it.

Here are five examples of that ridiculousness and how sometimes I am able to overcome it.

1. I Can't Make Art Because Conditions Aren't Perfect

My Options (Dry Erase Board Available Here)

For me "conditions aren't perfect" usually means my art studio is a mess.  Perhaps for you it might mean that you don't have an art studio or you think yours isn't big enough or pretty enough or whatever.

There are two simple solutions to this: fix it or get over it.  I suggest the latter because it's quicker.  Believe me, I have spent years renovating, reorganizing and redecorating my studio and it hasn't made me a better or more prolific artist.  In fact, when I allow myself to embrace it, I find chaotic surroundings can be very conducive to creativity.

So when this excuse pops up I try to remind myself of that or just spend the ten lousy minutes it takes to tidy things up a bit.

Problem solved.  Next...

2. I Can't Make Art Because I Have Too Many (Or Not Enough) Ideas

My Beloved Idea Notebook

I get a lot of ideas.  I'm pretty good at writing them down but that's as far as it gets sometimes.  I tell myself that I'm overwhelmed, that I don't know which one to choose or where to start - blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda...

But here's the truth: when I have a good idea, I mean a really good idea, I usually can't stop myself from pursuing it.

Oh, and guess when these fabulous ideas tend to occur to me.  That's right, when I'm making art.

Enough said. Next...

3. I Can't Make Art Because I Have More "Important" Things To Do

Priorities

Note to self: Unless there is some kind of emergency or a Rick Springfield concert, nothing is more important than making art.

Next...

4. I Can't Make Art Because I Don't Feel Like It

"Art? You just do it."- Martin Ritt

I have this problem with exercise too, which is understandable because I hate exercise.  However, I'm probably more disciplined at making myself do it precisely because I never expect to feel like it.  I do this by just planting my feet on my yoga mat and not allowing myself to focus on anything other than my first move.

So when I don't feel like doing the thing I love to do, I try to remember to treat it like the thing I hate to do by just planting my feet in front of my easel and focusing on that first brush stroke.

Or I procrastinate, speaking of which...

5. I Can't Make Art Because The Internet




There are a lot of fun, creative and worthwhile things to do on the internet (like blogging, for instance).  However, when I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time searching for photos of cat tee-pees on Pinterest, it may be a sign that I am procrastinating on making art.

I hear you saying, "But Victoria, cats in tee-pees!  How can you tear your eyes away?"

It's extremely difficult but if I can just muster the strength and courage I need to click onto my I Believe In Art Pinterest board, I am often motivated to take my own advice and just go make some freaking art already.

Which is what I'm going to do just as soon as I finish this post, and so should you!

Happy creating!
Victoria

I Believe In Artists: Abby Sernoff

The Hummingbird Paper Collage on 5" x 7' canvas 2015 by Abby Sernoff

Something I started thinking about after writing my I Believe In Art Manifesto was that believing in art means believing in artists too.  I think it's important for artists to learn from and support each other and I believe an artist's life can be just as inspirational as their art.

With all that in mind, I decided to create an "I Believe In Artists" interview series so I, along with you, can get to know some of my favorite artists better.

Artist Abby Sernoff of 111 Collage Design

My first interview is with Abby Sernoff of 111 Collage Design, an artist I very much admire and relate to.  I first discovered Abby's nature inspired collage art on Instagram and instantly fell in love with it.  I purchased a couple of her mini prints (available at her Etsy shop) for my home and looking at them gives me the same feeling of serenity and delight that spending time in nature does.  

Balance Mixed Media Collage on 30" x 40" Canvas 2011 By Abby Sernoff

Abby was kind enough to take the time to answer the following questions I had for her.  I think you will find her answers as inspiring as her artwork.  I know I did.

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Abby: This is an easy one, because my "tag line" reads Mixed Media Art Inspired by Nature.

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Abby: Even though I am a visual artist, my greatest inspiration lately has been poetry, particularly Mary Oliver and Rumi, even though Mary Oliver is of our time and Rumi wrote roughly 700 years ago. They both speak directly to my soul! I recently had the opportunity to listen to an interview with Mary Oliver (who cites Rumi as one of her greatest poetic influences) and learned that while Mary Oliver described an extremely difficult upbringing, she has consciously chosen to focus on the beauty in the world, and not the negative (which some artists choose to do.)

This statement really resonated with me because I have been dealing with chronic illness, at times severe, for over a decade. I have visited some very dark places emotionally, but in my artwork I always choose to focus on the beauty of nature, especially birds. I also recently came across the work of another poet Narriyah Waheed whose work similarly speaks straight to the heart- I highly recommend checking her out (she has several volumes available and also posts regularly on Instagram!)

The Cardinal Paper Collage on 5" x 7" canvas 2015 By Abby Sernoff

Question: What inspires you to create?

Abby: This is an interesting question for me to answer! I often refer to myself as an "accidental artist." I actually have an MA degree in Speech Language Pathology, and simply figured that my career path was set for life. As I mentioned earlier, I became extremely ill, and after that, was no longer able to work in my field. About 10 years ago I took the The Artists Way course, which is a book/program by Julia Cameron. About halfway through I decided to create a collage of a bird, having never really made anything before. I certainly didn't think of myself as an "artist!" From that one little bird (a cardinal), things really took off from there - sales, commissions, exhibits etc.

But the inspiration to create really stems from something much deeper. I can only speak from personal experience, but when I became ill, I unconsciously started redefining my relationship with nature and my place in the world in ways I had not before. I became particularly intrigued by birds. To this day I find it impossible to stand in the presence of a peacock with its feathers open and not believe there is something greater than ourselves at work. I also think a lot about what birds represented to various cultures living before us and as symbols and messengers, particularly in mythology. I am inspired by the fact that people have been asking the questions "why are we here" and "what does it all mean" since the beginning of time and visual art is one of the multitudes of ways humans have addressed these questions over the years. I have a book of Animal Totems called Animal Speak by Ted Andrews, and whenever I create a new bird collage, I always research what meaning the particular bird might carry with it.

The Peacock Mixed Media Collage on 8" x 8" Canvas 2015 By Abby Sernoff

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Abby: Definitely when it all starts to come together. Because I work in collage (and about 95% paper) it's hard to know how things will turn out. So you have the background (I almost always use canvas or a cradled wood block) and then you have all these disparate pieces. When they come together, and I feel it all "works", that's the best feeling!

Swimming Home Mixed Media Collage on 24" x 30" canvas 2014 By Abby Sernoff

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Abby: Well, I could say getting the bird's feet just right ha ha - sometimes that takes as long as making the birds themselves! But probably I would have to say the most difficult is the business side of things. Since this is not my first career, I know there are always parts of a job you love and parts you don't enjoy as much. Finally after 10 years I feel confident in my work as an artist, but sometimes it's still hard to "put yourself out there." I imagine most people feel that way. I rarely let it stop me though.

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Abby: Great question! I believe everyone is creative, even if it's not in the "traditional" sense. I really can't draw well, or even paint, but found my artistic talent through my love of paper and collage. My husband manages people - believe me - that's an art form!! If you look around almost everything surrounding you was someone's idea. I believe we are all artistic, creative beings. I believe art is a form of expression and communication that transcends language, gender, race, and class. I believe art unites us all. I believe art uplifts people by providing beauty and creates hope and a new way of viewing the world.  And I would very much like to believe art has the power to heal.



Thank you Abby for your informative and thought provoking answers!

To learn more about Abby Sernoff and her wonderful collage creations, visit her website at 111collagedesign.com

You can also connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.


Would you like to be featured in an upcoming "I Believe In Artists" interview post?  Send an email with a link to where your art can be seen (website, etsy shop, social media, etc.) as well as your answer to the question "What does believing in art mean to you?" to mail@ibelieveinart.com for consideration.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love & Art,
Victoria