Interview Questions from Willow

1. I absolutely love your collage style. How long have you been doing collages and how did your specific style evolve?

Thank you kindly Willow. Near and dear to my heart is the authentic, creative voice each of us has. Artists, engineers, Mom’s, teachers, kids, everybody has one. The story of seeking my own artistic voice, learning to hear my own voice, and of nurturing it isn’t linear, of course. I had a desire. I sought ways to learn. I read. I chose a few good art workshops. I was taught about and really studied design elements and principals. I worked. I worked some more. When I was stuck, I wrote, and I worked and I studied. (See #5 below, tenacity.) I worked some more. I really do ask myself the question “I wonder what would happen if I…?" And then I try it. Now I use a variety of papers I have prepared, using paints, inks and anything else, and my own techniques which have evolved from techniques I was taught. Using organic shapes, non-objective imagery, patterns and marks, and a limited color palette isn’t easy, but I like the challenge. And I have learned to give myself the gift of permission; permission to experiment, and permission to like some results better than others. It’s all good. I suppose I have been making collage in one form or another about 15 or more years, but I have been more serious about it for the past 10 years.


2. I know this is a tough one, but if you could pick just one artist, living or from history, to have dinner with, who would it be and why?

John Lennon. Because I miss him. We could have had so much more of him. I hope he brings Yoko. Wow, what a night!

But Suki, if you want to join John, Yoko and I, I’d love to join you and Emily Carr! (I got around those directions, didn’t I?)

3. Other than your loved ones, what is your most treasured tangible possession?

I thought about this question more than any of the others. I think I am past the point of treasured possessions, although there are many things I truly enjoy. I grew up with a Mom who treasured so many things as symbols of love and of her family who were far away. I’m a bit worn out by that. I realize I will not take anything with me “but my soul” (see #2 above, can you hear him sing it?) So here is a possession that makes me smile. It is an antique mahjong set. After my Mom died we found living relatives (via ancestry.com) who grew up with Mom. Her cousin filled me in on the mahjong set. My Mom, her cousin and Mom’s brother taught themselves how to play with this set, using the Encyclopedia Britannica, which is as you know, a precursor to the modern day Internet. I love that story, and I love the little drawers, the feel and the sound of the tiles, and the translated directions. In the directions, circa 1924, one move is described as “too regrettable to be endured.” I can’t help but giggle at that one! Once in a while my friends and I play using this set.

4. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Allowing and encouraging myself to evolve and grow, really celebrating my life, on this planet, and in this time.

5. What is your most marked characteristic?

Tenacity.

6. What’s up with the camera?

After several days drying out the old camera began to work, just like it always had. By then Kurt had ordered his new SLR Canon EOS with a 28 to 80 mm lens. So the old point and shoot is mine, and if I am very, very good, perhaps I can take pictures of my art with the new one. Boy, does it take nice photos!

There are wonderful people who read this blog. I would love to interview each and every one of you. Please, don’t be shy! It’s fun!

Instructions:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the
questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview
someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.