March Member Interview: Vivianne Voyles

Vivianne Voyles

The Expressive Thread

Etsy Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5108234
Blog:
http://expthread.blogspot.com/

1. What inspires you to create?
Fiber, texture, sunlight filtering through my garden plants, quiet, bits of rusty things found while walking, rocks, pebbles, shells, fossils, shards, color, birds singing on a frosty winter day....
I have a drive to ‘do’ something with those things seen along the way of living life, like that metal bit of broken sunglasses along the road – I don’t see trash I see ‘what can I make with this?’ Once, I collected parts of a dead tree because I wanted to make a big wooden horse sculpture for the garden. Another was an old 60’s metal hanging kitchen light fixture that will become something to hang the bird feeders from. No fabric is safe. I haunt thrift stores, finding clothes I may never wear but get inspired by the fabric, the texture, the threads. I go home tear it apart and make something else from it – even if it becomes another piece of fabric when combined with other torn bits of paper, wire, and other clothes. It is addictive.

Another inspiration came when joining CMMAG. Such support! I found my ‘tribe’, those that wouldn’t scowl at my latest experiment in art, those that share what each has learned at a workshop, giving advice about websites, helping each other to create. The group won’t let you sit in and wallow in self-doubt, they see right through the excuses and go right on encouraging everyone to get out there and make something! I knew this was the right spot for me when a member said she had picked up something while walking and said she had to use it in her art – another member had looked at a little bit of dyed cheese cloth from a grab bag and said she can do something with that! It was cool!!

2. When did you decide to pursue art or did art pursue you?
I have never pursued art; it’s always been there with me. I’ve ignored it plenty of times while driving onward to get a ‘good paying job’. The secret was listening to the inner heart and voice that kept asking ‘what are you waiting for’. The real question was ‘what was I afraid of?’ I started to actionalize my desire to create around 3 years ago, which resulted in my dream of a studio being built over the garage. Windows and windows and space galore! So this was my push to get going and stop being afraid. I read somewhere that you can live your dream but first you have to wake up. I guess I decided to wake up!

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
If I wasn’t a project manager in a major computer industry – what would I be? Being an artist is limitless. If I couldn’t be an artist, somehow I would create, learn, and dig into the history of things. I’d definitely be an archaeologist (my minor at the University of Arizona). Wow, I would dig and sit in the dirt, searching for the little things that spoke of another time and life.

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?
I really haven’t had any job that aided my art or the desire to create. The closest thing and that’s a bit of a stretch is when I was an aircraft engineer on the flight line. It involved tearing apart the aircraft's instruments, flight controls, engines and putting it all back together. Let’s see, how to do this without getting hurt, killed or killing someone else. That was creative.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?
Ah, an art store! The way I relax and unwind! In an art store there is so much to be distracted by, a way to get lost from the stress of the day! I love paint brushes and sketching pencils and can spend hours looking around. I see a pencil, it's not what I actually what I went to look for but when I see it I say ‘I bet that is a great pencil’ I feel the lead, hold it in my hand, give it a try, see if it smudges just right … same thing with a brush, feel the bristles, what can I use this for?

6. What new technique or art form would you like to learn? Do you have plans to do so?
I’d like to learn more about encaustics. I love the depth it can bring to an object or painting. Just how can I take a piece of fabric and pull out the texture, add objects and add the wax, cool!

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you choose to do?
I would like to adventure around the country and the world. Looking for fabric and bits that I can’t even describe! Learning about other cultures. To live among people so I can understand and learn about their lives, and their history. I’d study plants, how they are used, sketch them, and sketch the people that depend upon them. I would dance and sing and celebrate the world. I would move back to the southwest, digging for fossils, finding color in cool stones, and creating from those things. Fearless. Endless energy and living until I did everything I wanted to do with art.

We hope you get to do that and more, Vivianne! Thanks for a great interview.

April Member Interview: Ophelia Staton

February Member Interview: Jodi Ohl

Jodi Ohl

Blog: www.sweetrepeats.blogspot.com

Etsy Shop: www.lucysweetlucy.etsy.com

Latest Publications: Nov./Dec. '08 & Jan./Feb. '09 issues of Cloth Paper Scissors

1. What inspires you to create?

There are so many things that inspire me to create it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. I think first and foremost, my inspiration comes from my experiences, my relationships with others, my hopes, my dreams, and my fears. I’m perhaps most creative when I’m troubled or mentally torn, isn’t that strange? I’m sure it’s the deep emotions that stir up my need for release artistically. Creating allows a positive response for all of life’s bumps in the road. Beyond that, I create to escape to a place that brings me joy and peace. I think those that follow my work, have seen an evolution of sorts with my style. A common thread is definitely portrayed through the voice of color. I often find my color inspiration from clothing or fashion. For example, one of my latest color combinations of yellow, white, gray and black came from a great shirt I saw at one of my favorite stores. You just never know when or where inspiration will come to you. It does take opening your eyes to the little things, or rather to everything.

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

In one way, shape or form, I’ve been creative since a child. It’s just that the creativity bug has manifested itself in different forms. For the longest time I wanted to be a writer. You might be surprised to know that I’ve written a lot of poetry in my day! I actually took a independent study course with a poetry professor while in college. Down the road, I’d like to incorporate my poetry in my mixed media paintings. Truthfully though, I am a relative newcomer to the art world, having started painting with mixed mediums and acrylics roughly 2 years ago. My first works were primarily painted journal pages. Over time, I began relying less on other peoples images and started employing my own illustrations embodied with distinct texture and bold colors. My artistic adventure began after going through some traumatic events over a period of a few years. I was at my wits end and needed an escape, and a way to calm myself down. My first audience was through my blog, Sweet Repeats where I received an outpouring of support and encouragement each time I posted one of my completed pieces or took my readers through my process as work evolved. It has been like having my very own little cheerleading section! . My first sale was to one of my blog readers, and it was then that I had an ‘aha’ moment. Maybe I CAN pursue this path and not only create for myself, but create for others as well!! The beauty of this story is that, even in the darkest day, there will be light . My light was found through a reintroduction to the creative world. It wasn’t chosen, it was a lifeline that I was drawn to.

3. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Believe it or not, I’d love to be a music producer or whatever the occupation is where you go out and develop new talent and foster the careers of musicians. This question kind of goes hand and hand with the next one. At one time, I worked in an independent music store as a manager and I was constantly inundated with cds of up and coming and mostly unheard of groups. I could always spot the rising stars once I listened to the cd. The owner allowed me the freedom to start buying music for the store, and I was a hero on more than one occasion when I bought unforeseen hit cds! It was a blast. So, I dreamed I could take that to a different level and actually go out and find those musicians and bands myself..haha. We all have to have a dream!

4. What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?

I’ve been a manager most of my life in. First on a smaller scale in the restaurant business, then I moved on to small retail stores, which led to a position in a large retail company. Currently, I run a bank for one of the country’s largest financial institutions. But how has this all helped me artistically? Well, my work in the restaurant business taught me how to understand customers wants and anticipate their needs. Working in retail in general has taught me a great many things. I know how to put in long hard hours, and that’s probably why I am able to survive on very little sleep juggling a full time job, being a single parent, creating my artwork, keeping up with an online shop, keeping stock in several local galleries and promoting all of these appendages of my world. In addition, being a manager has aided me in the ability to see the big picture of my ultimate goal of being a truly successful working artist. I understand in order to be successful, you need to be forward thinking, ready to react, able to multi-task, and be business orientated in the pursuant of your dreams. I want eventually be a full time artist so I think that my professional experience has given me a solid foundation to be able manage my business and creative goals interchangeably.

5. At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?

I always wander over to the paints and get lost in all the possibilities each color holds. I am almost obsessed with owning as many colors in my favorite paints as I can!

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

For the longest time, I’ve been intrigued with encaustic painting. I definitely want to learn how to do this but that means investing in a whole new line of paints and supplies. Not that that’s a bad thing, but I need to find a place to store it all! My dining room is just about filled to the rim!

7. If you could do anything, and knew you could not fail, what would you choose to do? Sing on stage! Actually after a few cocktails, hand me a microphone or turn on a karaoke machine and I’ll put on a show for you! Seriously, I’d like to write a book one day and hope to despite my fear of not being able to see it through or have an idea that is going to be appealing to the masses. I think the biggest obstacle in life is ourselves. As I’ve gotten older, I have realized more and more, that failure is a state of mind. I try to stay out of that state and focus on the positive side of life so that I can work towards my dreams. It’s a process though and some days I do it better than others. The best thing I’ve done however to erase those fears is to join this group of artists (CMMAG) as well as connect with other like minded individuals in my community and online. There’s something to be said about the strength found in numbers: when you have a lot of ‘wind’ at your back, it truly makes leaping upward not as scary, there's always someone around to help you dust the dirt off your knees if you fall and show you how to get back up and jump once more!

Thanks, Jodi! We're looking forward to seeing what you'll jump into this year!

March Member Interview: Vivianne Voyles

January Member Interview: Jeanne Rhea

Welcome to our first in a series of Member Interviews.

Jeanne Rhea

Web Site: http://www.jeannerhea.com/

Blog: http://artfortheheart.blogspot.com/

Etsy shop: http://www.heartofclay.etsy.com/

What inspires you to create?

I find inspiration everywhere – in nature, colors, patterns, fractals, landscapes, photomicrography, the human body, life experiences, art books, quotes, my artsy friends and the very act of creating.
I usually approach my artwork with an idea and then find techniques and materials to capture the concept. Experimenting with various techniques and materials is part of the lure of art for me. Discovering techniques with a new product is especially inspiring and exciting. I enjoy the process of creating – the journey – as much as the end product.

When did you decide to pursue art, or did art pursue you?
I cannot remember a time when I was not creating. I grew up in a large family and we used reclaimed and salvaged materials for our arts and crafts. I think that is why I find much satisfaction when I use found objects in my art today. Since these materials often cost nothing or very little, it feels like I am making something from nothing or giving something of little value some worth. I am certain that not making art is not a choice for me. Whether I pursued art or art pursued me, I think it is a symbiotic relationship. I had rather live a pauper’s life than to have the ability to create taken from me.

If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

This is an easy question as I just mentioned it in my blog. I am fascinated by many professions and would be an anthropologist, archaeologist, architect, geologist, biologist, medical researcher and travel writer if I could live for 300 years. Recently, I have become fascinated with biologists who catalog species of plants and animals. I think this is my desire to know that living things do not disappear without our knowledge that they existed. Even with those professions, I would still need my time to make art as I MUST create something every day or I feel out of sorts.

What other jobs have you had which have aided you on your artistic path?

Most of my adult life I have been self-employed. All of my work has contributed to who I am and the art I create. Working in a boot factory and working in a bank were good for my artistic career. The boot factory taught me how to eliminate unnecessary steps in the production of a product. I also discovered that I never wanted to be a production worker.

The bank taught me how to pay attention to finances and that I am too creative to be working in an industry where there is little leeway for the adventurous, independent, opinionated and unconventional person. Imagine my being creative with others’ money!

I have managed a bed and breakfast and know the importance of the customer. Managing an arts and crafts co-op and an antiques and collectibles shop, I learned how to display product and how to do store window displays along with many other skills.

I was a general contractor in the building maintenance and remodeling industry for many years in Alaska. That work exposed me to all kinds of tools, crafts and skills that I use to this day in my art.

I must add that being a single mom probably taught me the most - how to be organized, how to make the best use of my time and how to work with little sleep.

At the art supply store, which section do you gravitate to first?

When I go to an art supply store, I usually have a specific supply that I want to buy. Most of the materials that I use are not available locally and I must order online. With that said, I could still spend hours in an art store looking at everything! I just never know when I will see a product that will spark an idea or I will find a product that is a solution to a problem.
I spend more time at flea markets and garage sales looking for objects that I can use in mixed media assemblages and collages. I usually go to flea markets to look for scrap items (ephemera, old metal, fabric, jewelry and junk) and for old boxes to use in assemblages and to hold my collections.

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

I would love to learn a lot more about kiln fired clays. I have made some items and so far no disasters, but some classes would help a lot. There is just so much to learn!

I took one class in encaustics, but at the time I decided it was not for me as I thought the materials were too messy with all the other materials that I use. But every time I see a piece that I love, I get the urge to try it again!

I would love to learn to paint and draw the human figure much better so I could incorporate them in my ink paintings. I can sculpt the human figure or use wire to draw with, but all seems to get lost when I pick up a pen or paintbrush and have to put it to paper. It takes me many hours to draw a good human form, but it does not take me long to sculpt the human form. I plan on practicing drawing and painting on my own for now.

I tend to experiment and work on my own and rarely take classes. I will spend hours exploring all angles of a new technique or product. When I take a class, I like to learn techniques rather than trying to complete a project in class.

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

This question allows for dreaming so here goes: I would make this world a more peaceful place, food and medical care for all, and free from pollution, greed, discrimination and war. I believe that the internet will provide us with a new method of communicating so we will not forever have to learn from our past mistakes.

Okay, that is too much to accomplish in the real world.

So for now with the inauguration coming up, if I could write the portion of President-elect Obama’s inauguration address about the arts and its importance to society, here's what I'd have him say:

Jeanne's Version of Obama’s Inaugural Address on the Arts

The importance of the arts in our lives must not be overlooked.
We must encourage, support and, yes, fund the arts. Art enriches our lives.
It enlightens us. It entertains us. Artists across this nation contribute
daily to our economy, our homes and our communities.

The arts are as important as building roads. A road can transport us and our possessions from one location to another, but the arts will take us to places of the
imagination, emotions and beauty. A bridge can make the journey a shorter
and easier path, but the arts can bridge the differences in cultures and
pave a road to peace.

Good health care is a necessity, but with good health comes the opportunity and time to enjoy more of life. Hospitals attempt to heal and care for those in need, but the arts can also enrich, nurture and comfort the sick. Just as the body is fed with food, the arts can feed the spirit.

We want the best education for our children. Children studying the arts learn to explore, analyze, ask questions and learn many skills that will serve them well in adulthood. They can discover their passion or their passion can find them. The arts
will expand their horizons beyond our borders. With global awareness, our children will be more able to contribute to society and to the world. The arts have no less importance than science and technology. The creative mind is necessary to enhance the curiosity that science requires. The imaginations of those who study the sciences propel us to new frontiers.

The arts can make our hearts sing, open our eyes and show us our humanity. It records our visions. The arts are a record of our civilization and complete our view of the world.

So to each of you, I ask that you consider the value of the arts to society. Let’s make our nation a better place to live and let us fund the arts.

Jeanne concludes: On a practical level, I would do exactly what I am doing now, except I would get better and better.

Thanks, Jeanne! February Member Interview: Jodi Ohl