When did you first become interested in art?
I first became interested in Art when I was an infant and toddler. Drawing on walls and floors to my parents despair! And my sisters and brothers (I’m youngest of six,) have always been artistic and cultural. And even have made a name for themselves my mother sent me to summer Montessori art school in Boston. In college, I studied Art History, Still life, and photography at Dante Aligheri in Florence for 1 year. My degree was in Psychology and Art History.
How would you describe your design style?
My design style is abstract expressionism.
What inspires you?
What inspires me? The joy of life. The sadness, the bits and pieces often ignored, the strength of will and hope. My Cancer has inspired me in a multifaceted way, to see differently. Existentialism.
What is your favourite piece in your collection?
My favourite piece? Difficult… but”Soul-Bloom-Rapture” (and Vitality, Depart and Hope, etc)
Is there any artistic talent in your family?
Yes, a lot of artistic talent in my family. Sculpture, painting. My deceased brother Peter had his sculptures on display at the Met in NYC, Fog Art Museum, Boston, etc. My sister Holland is a master of sculpture and well known in New England. My sister Jan paints in ancient asian style with original tools.
What is the journey you take to produce your work?
When I have the urge to get myself on canvas. My feelings. Living with cancer is sometimes limiting, but the senses are more ‘raw’ and real for me.
What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?
Birgitta Menzies, my dear friend, got me hooked up with Jodie. And I thought it a natural vehicle for my art!
When you’re not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?
When not creating; I enjoy spending time with family, my cat and my friends. Since I’m not always well, the good days are bright and there is a clarity I perhaps would not have experienced otherwise.
Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?
Haven’t had struggle getting noticed because i didn’t start out to get noticed. It was more of a therapy. Then the Swedish Cancer Foundation found me, recognised my art and we began a collaboration. Fundraising for research. Had my first Vernissage last october. Auctioned my art. It was a great success.
Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?
You would find me at a little cafe in Essex with my friend Birgitta or we’d be downtown London, having tea, or roaming around the streets being inspired by London, Art, Architecture, History, but mostly the cheer and laughter we have together is my favourite part. This coming Saturday i’d be planting poppies with her at London Tower if I could.
What makes British talent different than elsewhere?
British Talent is unique due to its history and landmans feeling of eclection, freedom of expression and still indeed an uptightness intertwined with an abundance of free thinkers and educated souls.
What are your plans for 2014
Plans for 2014: Live life one day at a time. Delve into my art, expanding on the textile side through Art Rookie. And having projects in reasonable amounts to be able to achieve them. And enjoy my loved ones and friends.
Thank you , so honoured to be Artist of the Week!!!
