September Member Interview: Christine Candora-Hickey

"Mysterious Rings on the Horizon," chosen for inclusion
in Raleigh's SPARKcon photography exhibit, 2011

Christine Candora-Hickey

Photo Album:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyalchemy/











1. What inspires you to create?
A lot of my inspiration comes when I least expect it and in the most unexpected ways. I dream up a lot of projects during my long commute to work.
Maybe it's the fact that I'm half-asleep, but ideas seem to just come to me during that time. Otherwise, I get sparks from magazines (not just art-related ones), books, songs, the NC Museum of Art, long walks, and people watching.

2. When did you decide to pursue art or did art pursue you?
I really believe that art pursued me. I learned to crochet in when I was 8 so that I could make booties for my, and my friends', Cabbage Patch Kids. I learned how to make simple bound books in high school to make cool photo albums for friends. Throughout my life, I have always done something creative. In my adult life, I became interested in rubber stamping which led to mixed media which has now lead to photography. Who knows where art will take me next?!

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I have a real hard time calling myself an artist as a title. When used as a descriptor or label, I guess it's no different than "sister" or "wife" or "friend". In that way, if I wasn't an artist I would want to be something that made me happy :)

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?
None. My professional background is in Elementary Education and currently I work as an office manager for a non-profit. I am eagerly seeking a job that would combine my experience as an educator and non-profit administrator with a focus on the arts.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
The acrylic aisle. Color and texture always get me excited!

6. What new technique or art form would you like to learn? Do you have plans to do so?
Right now, I'm really excited about the possibilities with incorporating photography into my art. I would love to learn more about historical and alternative processes, being that they are more hands-on and in line with my love for mixed media. I am taking classes at Art & Soul in 2012 that have a photography/imagery slant and I am also planning to take classes with Diana Bloomfield, an accomplished Raleigh-based photographer specializing in alternative and historical processes.

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you choose to do?

I have two different dreams (I think back-up dreams are as important as back-up plans). I would love to either own a gallery that specialized in showing emerging artists or run a community-based art school.

We know some artists who'd love to be included in your gallery, and some kids who'd think a school like that would be great, Christine!  Thanks for the interview.