When you want to create a new piece, what does your creative process look like? What is something that is non-negotiable when it comes to your work?
If what I’m working on is a commissioned piece for a client, then I start the process by getting to know my clients, their wishes and inspiration for the project. From there I begin the sketching process, which can take weeks as I need to be truly happy with the connection between art and inspiration that the client had given me. Once I decide on a draft that I’m happy with, it then goes onto paper or canvas and then the painting begins. I take on framing for the client as well if they wish.
The process for a personal piece or collection piece can look one of two ways, I either start with inspiration and sketch out my ideas on paper like I would with a commission or I go into the process without any guidance and it’s just the canvas, the paint and I. The second process is extremely relieving, sometimes I feel like the canvas is my therapist and I’m the patient, and other times I feel like a scientist creating a formula, studying and experimenting.
A non-negotiable for me during my art process would be my space and setting. I cannot create in a chaotic environment, my surroundings need to be calm. Luckily I now have an art studio so I no longer need to worry about working from home and being distracted.
What is the most difficult part about being an artist for you? What about the most rewarding part?
For me, the most difficult part about being an artist is imposter syndrome... it can eat away at my motivation, confidence and inspiration. It’s a rollercoaster, some days it doesn’t affect me and other days I feel like this whole career I’ve created is fake. At the end of the day, I do know my worth and capabilities, and I’m excited for my future, imposter syndrome is just a little monster that I need to squash.
On the other hand, there are so many rewarding parts about being an artist that the difficulties are worth it. First, I get to work for myself, this alone is one of the biggest rewards for me. Growing up I always said I would end up working for myself, I was too creative and had too many ideas that working for someone else just wouldn’t be a good fit. Another huge reward is having my artwork in people’s homes, the amount of clients that have come back to me to inform me on discussions that their friends and family have had with them regarding the interpretation of my work is the brightest feeling in the world. That’s one of the coolest superpowers that art has, it speaks to different people in different ways.