What is the best thing that I love about my work? The best thing I love about my job is the creative process and working out solutions. I love to explore both in life and within my work, I’ve never felt grounded to one form of art. I’ve more so had to focus on my style due to that.
When clients feel a genuine connection to a work of art… There is no greater feeling an Artist can have. The joy they feel and the smiles in the photo’s after they’ve hung them up–just doesn’t get any better than that :).
What is my idea of happiness? Probably a complete feeling of fulfillment in my life while pursuing my passions. A healthy balance of family and business/work. Often, we end up having to give up that time in our pursuits, we should never forget to stop, and smell the roses. Recharges are needed so we don’t get so burnt out, the problem is–most of us wait for burnout before recharging. I am definitely guilty of this. Perhaps my happiness needs added hours…. 🙂 My happiness will come when all I do is paint, draw, or sculpt and get more time to spend with family. My two greatest passions in life.
What is my greatest fear? The loss of either of my passions in any capacity. I think my greatest strength comes from within the very nature of my children and my personal pursuit to prove “you can do anything, go get it” here I am, proof. I thrive the most, when they are thriving in their pursuits and passions. It was often just my children and I during my husband’s 21 years in the Army, so there is a natural supportive bond that becomes unbreakable. If I lost my children, I would lose my passion, and any will I had to pursue that passion. That is my greatest fear.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I think my greatest regret is letting others who had no knowledge in my field, give me instructional advice, and I listened. Every. Single. Time. Once I learned how to shut off the noise, including the naysayers, I began succeeding. I needed to believe in myself with conviction and stay true to the Artist I am. Remain honest, raw, and natural. I definitely have some moments that are filled deeply with regret in myself. The journey has made me stronger and most certainly, wiser.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I don’t have a favorite Artist that I currently follow, as awful as that is to admit. However, the truth is, in order for me to remain focused in my work and my style, that meant blocking out the rest of the world. I’ve focused more on getting an understanding of the art world than I’ve spent time studying its artist’s, minus the time I was in school. I usually go to Galleries and Museums when I need the culture of it–And I often fall in love with so many other artists’ work, the list is long lol.
What is my greatest extravagance? Oh my goodness, my husband and family would definitely tell you body care, perfumes and makeup. So bad of a habit, I’m creating a large area in my studio for it. For the longest time in my youth I wanted to go into fashion and design clothes. I think that little sparkle of makeup and fashion is just something I absolutely love and is a part of my soul. It’s just who I am 🙂
On what occasion would I lie? Oooof… So, I will white lie, to shield or spare someone’s feelings. Overall, I’m not a fan of lying. In fact, I’m too obvious when I do, so, I just tell the truth. I told a lie when I was around 11? I think? Over the span of a week, I had used every lie in the book with my parents. I was so worn down and stressed out by the time I finally told them the truth. That night, I may have been grounded, but I got the best sleep. I’m not even sure anymore what it was I lied about, but I remember the lesson. I sleep easier at night without things on my mind.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I hate that it is usually viewed as a “hobby” not a “career”, and usually people who don’t avidly do art, have an option on the “type” of art you should do. Or, we are seen as the great drawing printers, people want things in an instant… Some artist’s just don’t work that way.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When I was a student at the Academy of Art University. Not only was it a dream come true and an honor to go there–but it gave me the tools and education I needed for my future. Regular colleges and universities, while their art programs are great, the school just isn’t geared towards the creative side like it is the academic side. It’s more about talent, and it was freeing almost. I was happiest because I was finally in an actual art geared school, showing my kids, hey, go after that dream and get it–no matter what. We thrived together. That was my happiest time in my work, when I was learning how to do my work. 🙂
If I could, what would I change about myself? I often wish I only did one form of art and focused on just the one thing to master it. It seems however, I am trying to master everything and have no control, hahaha. My biggest challenge as an artist has been to zero in and hone my skills in particular areas and find my conformed style. That comes easy for some, others like myself, it does not. So, I had to focus on style, because I don’t plan to stop experimenting and learning new forms of art.
Here you can see my work
The Heroine's Journey 