Artspan Artist Q&A
http://www.bencheshireart.com/
When did you realize you loved art
and wanted to be an artist? I was very young and started drawing on walls,
grocery bags and anything that would take a mark so long ago that I think there
were only 49 States in the Union at that time. I believe I may be dating
myself, but when I think back to a point in time that could answer the question
I only remember enjoying drawing and painting things that were not there.
Who has been your mentor, or
greatest influence to date? I was mostly self taught. It was the comic
book artists that first attracted my attention, I wanted to draw just like
them. Then in High School I was introduced to the Classical, then the Gothic
and Renaissance artists. But if I was to name an artist of influence, I would
have to say Leonardo da Vinci. I know that he is not alive in the world, but
his joy of understanding and creating art is very much alive in my studio.
Who is another living artist you
admire and why? There are several living artists that I
admire, some of them live nearby. But I would have to list Daniel E. Greene and
his very talented wife, Wende Caporale as the persons that steered me to the
art of pastels. The reason is easily seen in their works.
What is your favorite surface to
create work on or to work with? Describe it if you make it yourself. I
love paper, all kinds of paper. I have boxes and shelves of paper. Graphite,
pen, pastel and watercolor. I just love the feel of paper.
What are your favorite materials to
use? Graphite and pastels are my
materials of choice. Although I am now learning oil and acrylic painting.
Do you have a favorite color
palette? I use so many pastels, that I do
not really have a palette. With my incursions into oil painting I have been
using Daniel Greene's palette. I like his set up and mixing.
How often
do you work on your artwork? How many hours
a week?
Pastels and graphite fit into my busy life very well, I can stop at a moment's
notice and pick up again quickly. I try to work 4-6 hours every day. Even when
I suffer "blank page" I will sit in my studio with a cup of coffee
and look at books and magazines. I have a lot.
What is the one thing you would like
to be remembered for? Simply, for being a good person.
There are many
culprits that can crush creativity, such as distractions, self-doubt and fear
of failure. What tends to stand in the way of your creativity? All of the above, I am never happy with any
of my work. This sometimes gets in the way of creating new pieces. But, I get over
it and paint.
How do you overcome
these obstacles? I close the door to my studio, and then
everyone leaves me alone. There are no phones in my workplace.
What are your
inspirations for your work? I
find inspiration in everything around me, foxes running through the forest,
early morning light through the trees. Just life in general.
What is your favorite
way to get your creative juices flowing?
It's figuring out how to flush my brain of all the aforementioned
distractions. Sometimes I will hop the Metro into D.C. and walk through the Art
Museums.
Which work of yours is
your favorite? So far I like the pastel
"Red Wolf".
Getting to know you Q&A
What is your favorite color in your closet? Greens, blues and the required artist black.
What
book are you reading this week? Dan
Brown's "Inferno" and
"Operation Barbarossa" by David Glantz.
Do you
have a favorite television show? I rarely watch any television.
What is
your favorite food? Just
about anything Italian, I love the colors, smells and the appearance of those
wonderful Italian dishes.
What
color sheets are on your bed right now?
That is an interesting question, they are pale blue.
What
are you most proud of in your life? My
three adult children. They are everything to me.
Who
would you love to interview?
Do you
have a passion or hobby other than painting? What is it? I love to work on and drive my
1971 Triumph. But I am very careful with my hands.
Who
would you love to portray in Mixed Media?
If you
were an animal what would you be and why? That is easy, a cat, they are totally cool.
If you
were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things, what would
they be? My pencils, paper and of course
my wine.
Share
something with us that few people know about you.
If you
could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Bermuda, the reason being, just enough
English, with a hint of American and beaches.
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