Artists In My Midst Dialogues
Submitted by Maureen Howard
What motivates you to paint?
It's the challenge of trying to produce something that gives me the "Oh I like that" rush. As my skills develop, the bar gets higher and I am less easily satisfied so that is frustrating but if I push through and am brave, I can often get there. It's the journey that motivates me. I also try to line-up a yearly art residency as I find I get energized by the new surroundings and the opportunity to focus so deeply for an extended time. As well, I actively seek out collaborative projects that bring me into contact with other disciplines and other artists. Their ideas and experiences push my boundaries.
What are your sources of support? Family? Other artists? Courses, classes?
As I live in a rather small, somewhat isolated community, support has been a continuing quest. I have taken workshops and been part of a long-term painting program with Pamela Caughey, an abstract American painter. Through everything though, my fantastic friend, Mary, a painter/creator in Calgary (Alberta) has been the most important. Amongst many other activities, we have video painting calls for hours at a time, sometimes without words and sometimes very chatty (mostly me!) I am also grateful to have friends and family who purchase my work.
Do you have any ‘artful’ or ‘non-artful’ routines to help you get your art done?
As a retiree, I find myself happily schedule and routine free. All those years of working and HAVING to do things was torture! So now I respond to my inner 'boss' and we seem to have a very good relationship. She lets me paint when I please and I seem to want to do that regularly.
What are some stories that you share to explain your art?
When I was young, we spent summers in the Shuswap at my grandparents' house along the lake . My grandma was a hobby painter and I remember distinctly, sitting on the beach while she was painting one afternoon. She gave me a piece of her 'good' paper and let me use her ‘good' oils and brushes. Before that, all I had were the usual kids' stuff from school. I was so excited by this experience that I wanted very much to do that too when 'I grew up.' In all my work with children and their families, I've always given them opportunities to use the 'good stuff’ as I think it sends an important message, at least it did for me.
