What
is my favorite medium/material to work with?
I
enjoy working with acrylic, glitter, oil crayons and spray paint on
canvas or maps. I mostly use sponges, brushes and palette knives.
Where/how
do you get your inspiration?
The
energy that surrounds us, by life and cultural experiences, I have
a strong need to do it. I love a challenge, puzzle solving, exploring...
and it's all there in creating a painting. If painting came easily,
I'd find something else to do. It's the challenge that keeps me involved.
I have a great time.
I
contemplate, what am I mean to paint? Do I want this mark or drip
to do exactly that? Is this the right thing to do here, this shape,
this color, this weight, etc? There is great joy in seeing a new painting.
I believe that people respond to the energy
radiating from art. My goal is to create art that is charged with
positive energy, so people will really feel it.
What environment do you like to work in?
A studio with open space, big windows with a
lot of activity around me.
Do you come from a family of artists or are you the only one?
Some of my family members wrote poetry, danced, sang, played musical
instruments and painted. I have a cousin who is an incredible photographer
and a painter who is involved in the art scene in Seattle.
Are
you self taught or have you had training?
Although art was never my main course of study,
I had wonderful art teachers in high school and college. Since then
I have read, studied and painted. I continue the learning process
with every painting.
How long have you been practicing your art form?
Since I was young. I always been drawn to the
arts and have done work in writing, voice, sculpture, glass, photography
and painting. All that I have done has brought me to this point.
Do you make your living as an artist or do you do it for fun?
I make a living as an artist.
Are you right handed or left handed.
Right handed.
How do you describe your stroke?
Visible strokes or textures. Lately I've been
working on paintings that have thick, sometimes rough surfaces that
are often scarred or gouged. On canvas, they end up feeling like stone
walls. I believe these canvases have a compelling physical presence.
Over the last year or two, I've become even more enamored of controlled
drips and runs. Most of my creations are painted with vibrant colors
and textures.
How would you describe your style?
Abstract expressionism to total abstract. My
work is mostly nonrepresentational art, an emotional experience rather
than physical reality. My images go from loose interpretive representation
to the abstract.
My viewers need to be relaxed in terms of not seeking an immediate
answer.
What
is the target and or smallest piece you have ever done?
As a kid I used to paint on Round Flint Stones.
Do you remember your first piece?
Elaborate.
From a very early age, I've been tuned in to
colors, materials and shapes. My first piece was shown in an elementary
school art show. It was oil crayon (light green and yellow) abstract
on black construction paper.
What is your favorite piece of art out of your own collection and
why?
Nest; 22 x 28; Acrylic on Canvas
This piece is a departure from reality and bears no or little trace
of any reference to anything recognizable. This piece awakes my emotions
in a playful way.
We have enough rush and concreteness in our everyday life. My paintings
are an attempt to connect with the unreachable, the subtle side of
being, something that is beyond a verbal vocabulary. Explaining such
a painting is an unnecessary challenge.
Favorite piece by another artist:
We have an original Jaline Pol. She is a contemporary
French impressionist. Her use of color is extraordinary.
Have
you been influenced by other artists or art movements in history?
Please elaborate.
I enjoy those artists who, in the face of worldwide
fame, continue to be humble. I admire and am influenced by early Jackson
Pollock and Willem de Kooning work. As well as the work of Jean-Michel
Basquiat and Robert Motherwell.
Where is your favorite place to travel and Why? How have you been
influenced by your travels?
When my husband and I travel we explore galleries
and museums. We both enjoy New York City and Washington DC and try
to get there each year. For me traveling out of the country is a breath
of fresh air, I enjoy different cultures, places, colors and energy.
My creativity comes from my life experiences.
Where can we come see your work?
Local. National worldwide.
http://www.clearlymelissab.com
http://beegalleryjax.com
Jacksonville Landing
2 Independent Drive, Ste. 108
Jacksonville, FL, 32202
Gartenhaus
Der Kunst
Im Garten der AdBK Munchen
Akademiestr. 2-4
80799 Munechen
10 – 12 June 2010
Florence Biennale: Biennale Internazion Del’Arte Contemporanea
Florence, Italy
5 - 13 December 2009
