Meet: Dale Anne Potter

Q: How long have you been an artist? How did you get started?
I have been calling myself an artist for only the past 5 years. When I look back, I have been an artist since I can remember back to when I was 5 years old. In school, I had a teacher tell me not think about a career in anything to do with art & so I have been a secret artist I guess you would say until 5 years ago when I declared it LOUD & PROUD.

Q: Do you have any formal training or are you self taught?
No, I have no formal training, mostly self taught by magazines, books and online.

Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration comes LIFE around me. One day its the trees talking to me or the flowers or even our sky.

Q: What sort of things motivate you?
I am motivated just by living - I am a 11.5 year cancer survivor and I cherish every minute of everyday and try to LIVE each day to the fullest. So, I don't need much motivation, but when a piece of my work sells, that's always a great motivator.

Q: When you think of your artistic career, what do you feel is your most notable accomplishment?
My accomplishment might not be like others but to me its BIG......I am recognized by my peers as an ARTIST!

Q: Which artists have most influenced you and why?
Its hard to say as I like all artists, young and old. I would say the one who seems to have touched me the most is Grandma Moses because she did what SHE WANTED and didn't care what others thought.....that sounds exactly like me!!! LOL

Q: Do you have a favorite piece/project that you are most proud of?
I am proud of most of my work, but its usually the latest one that seems my current favourite....today, it would be my "O Canada" piece.

Q: What medium/mediums do you work with?
I call myself a Mixed Media artist because I work mostly in textiles, but also add paper, metal, glass, wood, etc to my pieces.

Q: Are there any mediums you have yet to experiment with but would like to try?
I would LOVE to try Encaustic wax work one day.

Q: Do you have any favorite art supplies or suppliers that you would like to recommend?

My favourite tool is always my Janome 6500 sewing machine, Presencia threads and then I would say Caran d'Ache Neocolor II Artists' Crayons.

Q: Do you have a blog and/or a website you would like to share?

My website is: http://www.daleannepotter.com and there is a tab on there for my blog.

Q: Finally do you have any words of advice for beginner artists?

JUST DO IT!!!