Friday, July 16, 2010

Question of the Month--Art Guru?

Carol:

There are so many artists that really inspired me that it is difficult to pick just one or two. And of course there are all the wonderful artists of PAC who continue to amaze and inspire. But to pick just one I'd have to say Judy Wise, http://judywise.blogspot.com, whose art is lovely and whimsical, and her heart is as kind, generous and sweet as anyone you'll ever meet.


Suzie:

Andrew Wyeth. When I was very young, my mother and I saw his work and we both fell in love with it. I’ve lived with a poster of his for nearly 40 years. His work understates the delicious contrast between the ordinary and the sublime. It evokes emotion without drama. I love this:



Suzanne:

Another tough question! Artists who inspire me...you mean outside my wonderfully talented PAC friends? Let's see...for fiber, I have a recent discovery in Rebecca Ringquist , as well as a long time fave Jane Burch Cochran. For paper; Albie Smith. In mixed-media, Ann Baldwin. For all-around inspiration, I would have to say Teesha Moore.


Fran:

When I was in high school I read a book about Auguste Rodin, "Naked Came I", by David Weiss written in the mid-sixties. I saw some of Rodin's pieces, and I think that is what made me want to be an artist. He was not a particularly nice man, but he was a genius when it came to sculpture. It took me a long time but I finally found a book of his art several years ago, and I still go through it from time to time. You can just imagine how thrilled I was when we moved to the Columbia Gorge and discovered Maryhill where they actually have some of his small pieces. One day I hope to go to Philadelphia to see his collection there.


I would highly recommend the book "Naked Came I" if anyone is interested in learning more about Rodin.

Tory:

I was getting ready to answer the question of the month "Who is your art guru or an artist who has really inspired you? " and so I went to her blog to get the address and read her latest post " Old women who paint on their walls" and was brought to tears. I think you all would enjoy reading it. As well as watching a animation that she made, its on the left hand side of the blog about half way down called " The Fish and The Doll". Here is her link. Her name is Rima and she lives in the UK.


Paula:

Judy Wise inspires me to be courageous, go for it, start a blog, journal, draw, paint and become an artist. We met through an online class about ten years ago. I've seen her grow as an artist, take on the challenge to work in a new medium and put her own twist to whatever she makes. She's very generous in sharing how she creates. Check out her blog.


This photo is from my accordion face book that Judy inspired me to make. Here's the post about the face book on my blog.




Dayna:

My art guru/inspiration is a two-fold answer: Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way and Gretchin Lair of Scarlet Star Studios in Portland who guided and mentored me through a 12-week Artist's Way Creative Cluster. I originally thought I wanted to work my way through Julia's book so that I could become a better writer, but when Gretchin offered weekly creative activities during her 12 week course, I realized I loved art and getting my hands dirty! Gretchin and I have become friends and admirers of each other. Here's their website.


Z'Anne:

I was sitting in 8th grade art class watching a slide show and Starry Night clicks on. Something hit my heart and took my breath away when I saw that picture. Ever since, I've loved the Impressionists and especially Van Gogh. The intensity of his art has inspired me since that Spring day in art class, so long ago.

Tammy:

I have been inspired by more than one, from the classics, to the graffiti fence painter down the street. Of all of them I feel I have been inspired the most by Nikki Blackwood. She is amazing in many areas, and I have learned so much from her.


Cynthia:

I consider Danny Gregory to be my journaling mentor, and Gwen Diehn, as well, after I read her book on journaling called "The Decorated Page". Danny has inspired so many people with his three books, starting with "Everyday Matters," and I can go back again and again to get inspiration from "The Creative License." He really spawned a journaling movement, I believe.




Lenall:

I have been inspired by many since joining the ranks of artists. A few come to mind quickly other than all my PAC friends who inspire me monthly! Chris Key Lock Williams who paints and teaches Watercolor classes at the Village Gallery instilled in me a sense that it was alright to be different and painting realistically isn't necessary. It's just as good to paint with feeling using color and texture and shape. It should be fun!

Other inspirations came from Oregon painters: Pat San Soucie, Ruth Armitage, and Linda Aman. There have been many, many more. What doesn't inspire me?


Robin:

I always admired Susan Shie's fiber work in magazines, but when I saw an exhibit in person, I sat down and cried. I was moved by the way it looked like she put her soul into every one of her bazillion stitches. She has a playful nature and seems to take sheer delight in the process of stitching. Similarly, William Park inspired me in painting. His work is well composed yet still has a raw spontaneity to the brushstroke. I am always inspired when I find artists who seem to get lost in the process of their work and exude the joyfulness of creating.


Steph:

A guru (Sanskrit: गुरु, kannada: ಗುರು) is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area, and who uses it to guide others (teacher). In Sanskrit gu means darkness & ru means light.

There are many I do admire, my go to people for inspiration. No one I follow with religious devotion, but rather admire from a distance. I'll give one blog I visit regularly, but my lists of favorites changes quite frequently!

Robyn Gordon-- She carves amazing totems and panels. I love tracking her blog. She highlights many mediums & artists, and her tastes in art run quite closely to mine.


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