February Member Interview: Liz Miller CDA

Liz Miller CDA (Certified Decorative Artist)

Web site:  http://www.artfulendeavors.net/
Blog:  http://www.artfulendeavors.blogspot.com/
Creative Workshops:  http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/

Facebook:  Artful Endeavors on Facebook

You can find my art at: 
Artful Endeavors, Raleigh NC
The Society of Decorative Painters permanent art collection,
   Wichita KS
Chatham Street Café, Cary NC

I've been published in:
The Decorative Painter, Summer 09 and Winter 09
Quick and Easy Painting, June 2010

On line videos at:  http://www.creativeworkshops.ning.com/

1. What inspires you to create?
Nature and the challenge of creating small slices of nature inspire me, the play of light on objects, capturing movement and shape, the mood of a moment. The colors of nature and color combinations of nature are a constant inspiration. I love observing and painting animals. They are constant works of art.
My students are always a source of inspiration, constantly challenging me to progress in my art. Creative friends and the seeing the art of others is very inspiring also. And the support and encouragement of my husband and family are constant inspiration.

2. When did you decide to pursue art or did art pursue you?
I’ve always enjoyed the creative process. As a child, I was always making something or building something. When it was completed, I moved on to the next creation. Some of my favorite toys were my coloring books and crayons. Love the crayon colors and smell and feel on paper. I was one of those girls that loved anything to do with horses, including coloring pictures of horses in my coloring books, and collecting pictures of horses and studying their colors, muscles, and how they moved. In the first grade I found a picture of an Indian pony in a library book and traced it so many times that I discovered that I could draw it freehand, the next step in the creation of an artist. My next door neighbor taught me how to draw a girl’s profile, which led to more face drawing, branching out from horses. Art has been a gradual process my whole life.

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I love animals and enjoy working with them. I have thought of being a veterinarian at times.

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?I have a difficult time thinking of any profession where I did not gravitate to the creative part of it. In my working life I have been an RN, dance therapist, belly dancer/teacher/performer, and decorative artist/teacher, and business owner, always enjoying the creative parts of the profession. Although I’m not working as a RN or dance therapist now, I am still working therapeutically, increasing options in life through art.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
Paint and more paint. Love the colors.

6. What new technique or art form would you like to learn? Do you have plans to do so?
I always love to learn something new. I’ve recently discovered vivid watercolors and plan to explore painting with them.

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

Failing is not a reason not to try something. I would continue to develop my art, teaching, and business. I would love to add classes for children and adolescents, encouraging them to pursue art as part of their life.
I would want to introduce art to more adults that think they are not artistic, or have put art and self expression aside till later in life, or those just waiting for an inspiration to get started.


You're an inspiration to all of us, Liz!  Thanks for the interview.

January Member Interview: Michelle Davis Petelinz

Michelle Davis Petelinz

Blog:  Artventuring

Web Site:  Kindred Spirit Studios

Etsy Shop:  Kindred Spirit Studios

1.  What inspires you to create?    
I'm inspired by the natural world, by color combinations I observe around me, by the motifs, patterns, and symbols of world cultures and by my desire to make the world a more beautiful place. I'm also inspired by other artists who create incredible work in a variety of media.

2.  When did you decide to pursue art, or did art pursue you?  

I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is of the delight I felt in opening a box of 64 Crayola crayons. That waxy smell  for me still evokes the image of my round wooden table, little black chair, and a clean white piece of paper. Later, I loved painting with fluorscent tempera (hey, it was the 70's, and black light posters were all the rage!). In college, I discovered acrylic paints, and still use them, among many other media in my work today.

3.  If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I would teach in an elementary school. I was fortunate to be able to do a bit of that as a part time art teacher. If I couldn't teach, I'd fulfill what my mother often predicted: I'd be a librarian. To be surrounded by books and fellow avid readers would be a great joy! 

4.  What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?
My first job after graduating college with an Art History major and Studio Art minor was in a textbook publishing company's design department. It was an excellent professional start; exposing me to the world of commercial illustration, design and photography.  It taught me the now-arcane skills of typefitting and manual page layout.  Later, as a manager, I directed the work of illustrators, art editors and designers. I found I needed a creative outlet, and turned to jewelry design. My painting took a back seat at that time, but resurfaced again once my son was born. The "job" of motherhood tested my creative abilities in many ways, and I think I've passed some of my creative abilities, and appreciation of art to him.  My first company came about because I wanted something for his nursery which I couldn't find, so I created it myself. Kindred Spirit Studios is a fusion of art, spirit and culture, as well as the creative vision I share with my artist husband, Stan.

5.  At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
It depends upon what's on sale! If I'm just browsing, I'll go to the art books section, then to the paints and most recently, to the mediums.  Actually, I do a great deal of my "shopping" in Stan's studio, which I jokingly call the art store!

6.  What technique or new art form would you like to learn?  Do you have plans to do so?

I've always been fascinated by blown glass, especially the work of Dale Chihuly. I love raku pottery, and find the work of Joseph Woodford inspiring. I recently met potter Charlotte Munning, and purchased a piece from her to add to my raku collection. Could I work in glass or raku? They're out of my comfort/knowlege zone, so I have no plans to do so now, but they're always in the back of my mind, and often inspire color or form in my own work.
 

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I love to ask this question of people whom I'd like to learn more about!  My own answer has changed through the years. Now, it would be to open a free art school for African American girls, where they would be encouraged to develop and express their creativity in whatever medium they choose. The school would have a gallery to exhibit and sell their work, and all proceeds would be given back to the school, to provide even more opportunities for them to grow and blossom into creative, productive young women.  This is why our association with the Chavis Community Center is so exciting to me; we'll get to do something very similar to my dream!

Happy New Year!

As the clock ticks down the remaining hours of 2009, we reflect upon all of the joys, successes and opportunities this year brought to us; CMMAG more than doubled its membership, became involved in a variety of artistic endeavors as a group, met challenges, hosted events, supported the creativity of our members, and had BIG fun in the process! 

We hope 2010 will bring even more of the same, as well as increased opportunities for creative expression, for sharing our talents with others, and more art, fun, food, and friendships found.

Stay tuned, and watch as it all unfolds....