Liquidambar Studio of Art is located on the Haw River in Pittsboro, North Carolina surrounded by huge beautiful trees, mostly the Sweet Gum. The scientific name of the Sweet Gum is Liquidambar styraciflua, hence the name of the studio.
Let me introduce you to the artists: John is "our leader". He works mostly with black and white photography and clay. I am second in command and work with all mediums! Nancy is our illustrator and silk screener. Clint is currently working with throwing clay on the wheel. And I cannot forget Biscuit - she is the "deer protector".
Q: How long have you been an artist? How did you get started?
I have always loved designing things and worked as an Architect for 15 years. I first took a couple of night classes in painting. But didn't do much with it for about 10 years.
Q: Do you have any formal training or are you self taught?
About five years ago, I quit my job and headed back to school full-time for Studio Art. I took over 70 credit hours in art and art history.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
I mostly draw my inspiration from the human form. I also took an African Art History course while I was teaching in Africa; this has had a huge effect on my work.
Q: What sort of things motivate you?
My husband is the best motivator for me. He takes one day off a week to join me in the clay studio. Plus, he put several classes together where we would teach at the local art center.
Q: When you think of your artistic career, what do you feel is your most notable accomplishment?
I have won several awards along the way, but I think being accepted into the North Carolina clay community and showing my work along side other wonderful and notable potters makes me feel that I have accomplished a great deal.
Q: Which artists have most influenced you and why?
Allison Saar is one of my favorite artists. She uses the human form and her pieces all have a story to tell.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece/project that you are most proud of?
There are several of my people sculptures that I am proud of. The last one, Mothers and Others, because my husband didn't want me to sell it. That says a lot to me when he really likes one of them!
Q: What medium/mediums do you work with?
I work with all mediums. I say I have artist ADD because I can't stick with just one, but clay and glass are my current favorites.
Q: Are there any mediums you have yet to experiment with but would like to try?
Probably the only medium that I haven't tried is true blown glass. But, I the set-up is so expensive that I don't want to get started in that.
Q: Do you have any favorite art supplies or suppliers that you would like to recommend?
Delphi glass, Axner and Ornamentea
Q: Do you have a blog and/or a website you would like to share?
http://www.liquidambarstudio.com/ and www.liquidambarstudio.blogspot.com
Q: Finally do you have any words of advice for beginner artists?
This is so hard... I guess that you should be doing it for your self and not to make money. That probably is what most artists would say, but I truly believe that. I think that your love for art will come through in your work and people will see that. The other thing is, I do not believe you need to use only one medium to be a great artist (I hate that school of thought). Yes, you may become famous if you crank out 1000 paintings all with the same theme, but I do not think that makes you a good artist. I think that people should experiment with different things and you should never stop learning.
2 comments:
Hi Kitty,
Your artwork is just beautiful. I hopped on over and took a peek. I love, love, love, the gorgeous necklaces and have never seen anything like them. I will be back to shop when I have more time! So unique, and I see you are on Etsy too!
It must be wonderful to have a husband who is also an artist and such a huge supporter of you and you of him.
Great interview, nice to meet you, and thanks for the intro Melissa!
Kim
Fun to read Good job Laura Q
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