From time to time at Paper Traders
we like to spotlight one of our members,
so that we can all get to know each other better.
Today, our Member Spotlight is shining on
How did you find Paper Traders?
I had joined several ATC trading sites, but they had limited membership and I seemed to be always trading with the same people, so I searched the web for a larger group. Paper Traders is enormous and also has various challenges that appeal to me.
How long have you been a member?
Only since July last year (2012)
Where do you live?
I’m a fortunate resident on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is, as the name implies, usually sunny and has beautiful beaches that go on forever.
How have your surroundings affected your art?
After moving from Sydney 12 years ago my palette has become more colourful, and sunny. I often use the colours of the sea, and plenty of yellow for the sunshine. I used to make pottery more often than paintings, but have recently given it up so that I can spend more time at the easel.
Please share a little about your own art experience.
As a very late starter (almost 40) I had to catch up quickly so spent seven years at college doing Visual Arts, Studio Ceramics, and Glaze Technology. The pottery was intended to pay for art materials as it is easier to sell pots than paintings, and I wasn’t up to prize-winning standard for years. Since coming to Queensland my painting has brought me more regular awards, and sales, so I felt free to give up making pots.
What are some of your favourite techniques or genres?
I LOVE mixed media, and am moving towards more abstract work. Collage has become a big part of my creative life.
What inspires you?
Good art, of any kind, is inspiring. I am an avid collector of art books, both on technique and individual artists. The more you look, the more you learn. Gallery visits are fairly regular, particularly if I can get a few ‘arty’ friends together for a gallery crawl.
Who are some famous artists whose work you admire and
what especially appeals to you about this?
It depends on what sort of art I’m doing at the time. Overall one has to be inspired by Picasso whose work was groundbreaking for its time, and still has relevance in today’s art scene. Currently the expressive paintings of Barbara Rae (
http://www.barbararae.com/ ), a British artist, are whirling around in my mind. My collage hero is Steve Specht (
http://monkeybrain-collagist.blogspot.com.au/ ). For mixed media…friend and local artist Noela Mills (
http://wabisabiart.blogspot.com.au/) has an enormous range of skills, from jewellery, to making art books. I admire artists who are true to themselves and don’t slavishly follow trends but are trendsetters themselves.
Describe your work area... Do you have your own studio or craft room?
I have my own workroom; it’s too messy to be called a studio. It is simply the area below the house. Our house is on a slope and the back is quite high, and bricked in. I guess the previous owners used it for storage. My husband put in a concrete floor, and sink, and added windows and lights, so that I have a well lit work area. Sometimes I am working on several projects, in different mediums, at once. Collage makes the biggest mess of all.
What tips or tricks have you found to help carve out a niche for your supplies and art?
Network! Visit local galleries often and tell the owners about your work. Enter any art competition you can. Just get your work out there! Some of my friends have open studios every so often, and have had a great response…and many sales. As for art supplies, do your research on the net. There are many discounts around, and loyalty cards.
Please share a little about your family and pets...
My only family, and pet, is my husband Richard. I adore him. He’s cuddly and cute, easy to take care of (tho’ a little difficult to train, but perseverance pays off), and loves me unconditionally.
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f you'd like, please share a little about your childhood, where you grew up,
and when your creativity began.
I was born in a small town in country NSW, before the days of drugs, and violence. We had a carefree existence, roaming free around the countryside. I left there to go nursing, but found that I was not emotionally suited to be around the sick and dying. I tried lots of jobs, settling on office work, a fairly dreary way to spend the days. I moved to Papua New Guinea in my twenties, where I met my husband. After we moved back to Sydney he was studying at night for his job so I decided I should do something too. I went to a community school at night and thus began my artistic career. I soon realised that I needed to know a lot more, so I began a seven year commitment to college. Now I’m obsessed by art.
Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
Many…. photography, making beaded jewelery, reading, surfing the net. If only the days were longer.
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