April Member Interview: Ophelia Staton

Ophelia Staton

Ophelia's Collage Creations

Blog: http://opheliasart.blogspot.com/

1. What inspires you to create?

I find inspiration everywhere. Going into an art store, an antique store or good ole' junk store, being around other artists, art retreats, a visit to the art museum, art related books and magazines. I often find when I am in a slump or feel that my muse eludes me, I go to my bookshelf and look through my stash of books, dig through the treasure trove of art supplies I have, or head out for a little art date, and I'm back to making art that I love. Being around other artists REALLY inspires me. Being in the company of "dreamers" somehow has an energy that truly cannot be described. We have a connection that I don't think others understand, and I love that.

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

I wish that I could say that I have always been an artist. I have read the stories of others who state that they have been creating in some form since childhood, and I have no such memory. I do think though, that a true love of art has always been in me hidden somewhere, because I just have such a passion for it. I do recall that in third grade I stated to my teacher that I wanted to be an artist, and she told me, not so nicely, to reconsider my career choices. That is my only memory of even considering art as a child. Back in 1996, I was to have surgery and wanted to find something to do while I was out of work. I found a quilt kit in a JoAnn's store (a fan quilt) that I was going to do by hand while I recovered. That quilt landed itself in the garbage, but I searched and found a quilting class with the local parks and rec department, and my journey began. I moved from traditional quilting into "art quilts" because I was still on empty with following someone else's pattern...and I also realized that I was truly no good at the 1/4 inch stitch. I was introduced to rubber stamping and picked up a book on artist journals and sketchbooks, and found myself truly in love.

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

By day, I am a teacher....8th grade history. Now that I have finally decided to call myself an "artist," I can never imagine my life without it. Although, I have always thought I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader....better stick with art!

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

I teach at a middle school in Oxford, where I continuously find inspiration as well as guidance and support from the art teacher there, Mr. Massey. He has helped me discover new things both about art and myself as an artist. I have worked at a quilt store store which has helped a great deal.

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

The acrylics call me initially, but I lose time. I find that I can look around an art store with no intentions for hours it seems. Just imagining what can be done with what is there. It seems that I go through the entire store, several times with nothing in mind, just looking. The art store for me is an oasis...it brings me sheer joy just being there. Some days I leave with a whole bag of stuff, and sometimes its just being around the supplies is all I need.

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

I am totally in love these days with making books. I love working with Art Journals, and would love to make my own books. I recently took a class to learn "Coptic Binding" and man oh man...here we go again!!

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

I would love to put my art into the public eye by entering shows. It has taken me a long time to consider myself good enough to even be called an artist, so my artwork ususally never leaves my studio. I would love to one day change that and enter my work in shows or magazines.

We say: "Go for it, Ophelia!" There are lots of us who'll assist you...just ask! And, thanks for a great interview.

May Member Interview: Nanette Zeller

More M4 Creations

Here are two more of the Guild participants' creations in the M4 Mixed Media Kit Challenge:

The first is from Dawn Meisch, and shows her book's cover and one of its inside spreads.

(Click on all images for enlargements)

This piece is by Debbie Altman, and it includes the Minnie Aumonier quote: "I think of HEAVEN as a GARDEN, where I shall find again those DEAR ONES who have made my world."

Again, two unique creations, using the same elements. Congratulations, Dawn and Debbie--your work is beautiful!

For a look at the elements included, and the first two creations in the M4 Kit Challenge series, click here.

Guild Event: Kit Challenge Code Name M4

Photographs of M4 kit contents and artists' creations courtesy of: Frank Pierce

M4, also known as the "Mixed Media Madness Mission-Art Possible", our first Kit Challenge was a resounding success! In this and the next several posts, we'll highlight the work of our members and you'll see how each responded to the challenge.

The rules: "ALL contents of the Kit must be used in the creation (approx. 30 items)- 'Incidentals' (adhesives, paints, inks, dyes, glitter and wire) can be added without limit(s). Two (2) additional items can be added to the creation beyond the Kit items and the 'allowable' elements. These are completely optional, and will serve as a way to give artistic voice to the Kit Challenge (they can serve as the substrate for your creation, or even a 'container' to house the new treasure)."

As you can see, the items contained within the Kit were diverse to say the least! And, after much thinking, considering, rejecting, dreaming, not sleeping, discussing, sketching, starting, stopping, gluing and deciding, our members produced outstanding results!

Here's Amy's creation, using a box as her substrate. (Click on the photographs to see enlargements).

And, here is Carolyn's doll, using all the same elements. Amazing, isn't it?

Stay tuned for more of the Kit Challenge artists'

creations!