Two Artists Talking
Connie, I first came to your blog, The River Rat, because of the beautiful photographs you post. I thought right away --- this woman has and "artist's eye!" Since then, I've loved seeing what you see through the camera lens. Also, it's so beautiful where you live!
I came upon all this photography by accident, Rita...in 2004, when my mother died. I got her computer. and enough money for a camera & dock...and it all went from there. Until 2004, I couldn't turn a computer on...I realized the camera didn't need film or anything and I just went crazy with it I guess. I've always loved taking pictures.
Me too, Connie! Digital cameras have freed artists up so they don't have to worry about wasting film! Now, as you advised me, I try to keep my camera with me at all times.
As a child, do you remember when you first wanted to create something, Connie?
Rita, as a child I wrote poetry..always had a note book and a pen...it was something I had no control over. Poetry wouldn't leave me alone.. I remember sitting on my hands as a child and wishing it would go away. I thought I was weird. My sister 3 years younger than me would get mad at me all the time. She hated my note books. I didn't sculpt a lick or think of doing it till one day in 1985. After seeing a friend sculpt flour and salt dough.I went home and started sculpting it...then I found clay in 1992..and 1995 my favorite ..Paper Mache...
I didn't get into writing poetry until high school when things get emotional. It's interesting that so many artists enjoy writing poetry too! You sound like you thought it was a bad thing to write poetry, Connie. I hope that wasn't the case, but children get ideas in their head at a young age.
Artistic children often think they're weird. They either hide it or flaunt it by being different!
Sculpting didn't come along until later for me either, Connie, but I was always drawing. I would doodle and draw on everything --- books and homework. My parents didn't like it much and I was often accused of wasting time. I wasn't the best student in those days. It was part of my daydreaming stage, I guess.
Connie, how did making artwork make you feel in those early years?
It was weird, realizing I could do something outside of poetry and lyrics...At first it didn't seem real. It felt like magic. With poetry, I'd read what I wrote and say..how the heck did I think of that....I have more control over the sculpting than I do poetry..poetry just pops into my head and won't go away...
Poetry usually takes someone who has lived a few years to make it real, but it sounds like a natural for you, Connie! Sometimes I'll have a poem or the beginnings of one pop into to head now. When that happens it has to be written down right then!
My family wasn't overly encouraging to me pursuing art as a career. They wanted me to be a secretary or teacher --- something practical. Did your family encourage you to pursue art, Connie?
I got married at 16, due to well, (Terri Jean was on the way), quit school in the 11th grade...but my family encouraged my poetry and sculpting all the way. Especially the poetry and later lyrics.....Grandma and Grandpa and my Mother all encouraged me to do it.
That is fabulous, Connie, I think that can make all the difference in creating a good artist. Because of my early years, I always seem to put off doing my artwork until I have all my work done! Which never happens! That is not a great way to be creative, especially painting.
I know having your daughter so young has been amazing for you and that she has your artistic talent too. Also, you love having all your family around you and I think they give you lots of energy to work and make things with your hands.
Sculpting is ....something I'm very thankful God let me do...it is rewarding..a very nice surprise to discover back in my mid 30's....I would love to paint pictures, Rita, but I feel God blessed me plenty enough.
When I paint a painting, I still want people to like it and it makes me want to try harder when they don't. I don't like doing a commission piece either. Do you ever worry about pleasing someone when you make a creation?
Rita, when I sculpt..I go over it and over it..I truly never feel it's done...I have to take a deep breath and tell myself. stop. this is good enough..or I'd just keep messing with it. I do one of a kind folk art so it gives me some room to mess up or be different. I'd think you're under more pressure as a Artist..The first time someone bought my work was nice. Especially my first show making $1,500 I felt weird inside... suddenly I knew I could sell it..I knew people liked it and would buy it..it was a strange feeling. I couldn't believe it.. I was thankful.
In doing a painting, it is hard to know when to stop working on it too. At some point, Connie, I have to say I'm finished!
I can't do painting and truly admire those that can...Rita, of Momma Never Told Me, can I ask you a few questions I've been wondering?
Sure....... ask away, Connie!
When was the first time you realized you could create paintings?
I had just started school and I was five years old. One of my paintings won a contest at school and I got to go on TV and show it off. It was a painting of Santa Claus. I was so proud! My friends liked my artwork and would always ask my to draw them something. My teacher's would always get me to do the bulletin boards and other art related projects. Back then I knew I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, Connie.
Rita, what was your first, hang it on the wall, painting of ?
I painted a lot of stuff before this, but one painting I did --- a still life with a gourd, corn and an old jug --- my parents really liked it so much they had it framed and hung it on the wall in their home. I was very proud of that artwork and now that they're both deceased, I have it again. That was a good memory because I felt like they had accepted the artist in me, Connie. In their later years they did appreciate me being an artist and were proud of me.
Now that you are older, Rita, what does your family think of you being a artist.
My siblings like my artwork and have always been very encouraging. Except about my singing! Sometimes they tell me I got the talent in the family, but I know that's not true!
My parents both had artistic leanings, but never followed that path. My dad did get into outdoor advertising which gave him work in designing signs. I've wondered if maybe their parents thought being an artist was foolish and so that's where my parents got the idea when they were growing up.
I'm self taught, Rita. Did you go to school to learn to paint or did you teach yourself?
Both, I would say, Connie. Art was always my favorite subject throughout my school years. I did drawing and painting on my own and didn't really start taking serious art classes until I was married and had my daughters. At that point in my life I felt I needed to do something with my talent because, you're right --- to be creative is a gift from God . Now I worry I don't have enough time to paint! Or something will happen to my hands.
What do you hate most about painting a picture..I know that I truly love the sculpting part of my sculpting...but I have to force myself to paint the sculptures.
That's an interesting question, Connie, because there's some truth to it. Sometimes when I come up with an idea in my head, I have a hard time getting the painting to look like I want it to! That's always a worry --- but what I hate most is not being left alone to finish something. When I start a piece of art, I want to stay with it while I'm on a creative high. In my younger days, that might mean painting all night long, but no more.
All my friends in real life, are artists and sculptors...do you surround yourself with artistic friends?
No, it's strange, Connie, when I ran the museum, I was deeply involved with artists and art and I was in the Artists' Guild and competitions. But no longer. I still have some artists friends, but I just don't seem to run in those circles anymore. Maybe when I start showing my artwork again things will change. With my first show in years scheduled for September, that will be a new beginning for me!
My hubby is not artistically inclined, and often resents my time sculpting ....How does your hubby handle your work as a artist..and the time it takes?
Connie, I know when I was younger, he didn't like me working, and neither did my children. Making my art took me away from them mentally. Through the years he has become my biggest fan and now works with artists in his part-time job. I call him my "sugar daddy" since he's my best supporter! Which is a good thing because I've needed a patron most of my career. My later artwork did sell and I hope to reach that point again some day. One great thing about being an artist is age isn't a factor! Maturity should only enhance my work.
Almost All my grandkids are artistic. Rita, did any of your children or grandchildren lean towards art?
Yes, both of my granddaughters have enjoyed drawing and painting from a young age, Connie. The oldest granddaughter is quite good and both are at a school where art is treated as an important classes. She gets to try many different things and she has a great eye for detail. But she's good in many things, so it's hard to tell if she'll become an artist. Their mother, my oldest daughter, is a published author and has always enjoyed writing.
My youngest daughter has an art degree and uses it teaching all kinds of art to handicapped adults. She is a great photographer too, like you, Connie!
We have covered a lot of territory, Connie, but I wonder if any of our artistic Streamer friends have any questions for us???
Follow these links to our respective blogs:
http://youarthere.blogstream.com/
http://seeritarun.blogstream.com/
