Monday, January 25, 2010

7 Questions with Artist Russel Whitten


Large Abstract #2, Russel Whitten

1. What do you do when you're not feeling creative? How do you get back in your groove?

Inspiration is everywhere, so this rarely happens to me. When it does happen, looking at other artists work will often trigger an emotion, or give me an idea I can jump off from to use in my own painting.

2. Do you think creativity is innate or learned or both?

There is no question that some people are born with a creative intuition. I don't think creativity is something one can learn, but rather the furthering of education will add to their creative spirit. The only other trick to being creative is the following through with the ideas and prevent from standing in your own way.

Self Portrait, Russel Whitten

3. What has been your biggest influence or inspiration in the past? Currently?

Other Artists and minds that think outside the box.

4. How do you feel living in Maine affects your work?

This is an interesting question, for it's something I never considered. I graduated from Old Orchard Beach and at that time I knew I was going to be an artistic painter. I always found myself looking elsewhere for something to paint. (New York, Italy, London...) I honestly had little appreciation for Maine until I returned from New York after a year studying at The Art Students League. I feel like I had a new perspective, and still do to some degree, on everyday life around me. As a result I am finding interest in painting subjects I never would had considered otherwise.


Drawing Class, Russel Whitten


5. Who is/who are your favorite artist/artists? What do you love about them or their art?

To me, the thing that makes a good artist is they inspire you to take up that craft and try it yourself. I think when we hear music that moves us, we want to sing or play along. When I see a Degas, I want to work in Pastel. When I see a Rembrandt or an Anders Zorn, I want to etch in copper. Artists that inspire me are Lucian Freud, Andrew Wyeth and William de Kooning.

Now as of this week, I have a new favorite artist and it's my 2 year old daughter Adora. For a number of months she has been playing with watercolor media and enjoying the mix of colors and water on all shapes and sizes of paper I have provided her with. Seeing that she has the honesty and pleasure that can be found in all good art making makes her by far my most inspirational source.

6. If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would go and what would you do?

Florence or Giza. I would spend time in Museums and temples if I could, and start each day with a painting.

See full size image See full size image

7. What's your best advice to beginning artists?

To be an artist is to be inspired. I find it important to take time for it everyday. I tell my students that taking 5 minutes a day to sketch out an idea is better then a 3 hour class once a week. Follow it through, for once you have it, it will never let you down.


The Crash, Russel Whitten


Thanks for playing Russ! We hope to continue with Artist interviews so check back!

Russ teaches adult education classes and has a drawing class starting in February. Contact Saco/OOB Adult Ed or check out our past blog for more information.

-Jenna

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

What's Going On?

The Southern Maine Potter's Guild is having a show, dates to be determined. They are going to participate in the Empty Bowls event in February or March, at the York Art Association. More details to follow.

Thursday, January 28th, the Second Congregational Church will host the Biddeford Adult Poetry Project featuring biker poet K. Peddlar Bridge's "Ever Changing Line" lecture. All are encouraged to bring their own work for peer review, followed by a performance. All are welcome and the fun begins at 3:45pm.

The Dyer Library is pleased to announce award winning artist Timothy Parks will be teaching Pastels and Drawing, in the Deering Room of the Dyer Library on Tuesdays from 1-4pm. Classes begin February 2nd. Cost is $40 for the four-week session.


by Timothy Parks

The Biddeford Art Walk will be housed at the North Dam Mill during the months of January, February, March and April to avoid dancing with Old Man Winter. There will be food vendors, artisans and other interesting things happening. Would-be participants are encouraged to contact info@biddefordartwalk.com or call 229-3560 to get involved. The deadline is January 24th and it's free. This month's art walk is Friday, January 29th from 5-8pm.

Check out lovinganvil and Hog Farm Studio for other fun things to do like the Lovefest 2010 on February 13th. There will be champaign and treats at lovinganvil at 5pm followed by a parade over to hog farm studio down the street for some music by The David Wax Museum and Friends at 6pm. Sounds like a lot of Saint Valentines Day fun!

-Kathryn

From the Saco Community Garden to Manatees

The human mind is an interesting thing. You can start out thinking about the Saco Community Garden, which can lead you to thoughts of how lovely and lively the color green looks, in the dead of snowy winter, which can bring up general musings on the color green. From there it's a simple jump to California Paint's Colors of America. As your eyes wander over the historical green shades, your hand chooses coral springs. Before you know it, you are remembering the name of a place in Florida the Weather Channel mentioned: Homasassa Springs, where manatees graze on soft green river grass. Now this grass image leads you to think of green lovely things in general, that you can grow this Spring in the Saco Community Garden!

The mind is an interesting thing!



Editor's note: Trivia ---> Kathryn's favorite animal is the manatee!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Practice What We Preach

Red Barn - Gilsland by Diane Noble

The Saco Museum will present "Practice What We Preach: Work by Maine Art Teachers" January 16th-March 19th. There will be an opening reception Saturday, January 23 from 1-3pm.

More than 45 teacher-artists will show their work including Deb DiGregoria of CK Burns, Diane Noble of Young & Fairfield, Jodi Thomas of Thornton Academy, Judy Pulia of Saco Middle School and Piper Bolduc of Loranger, Old Orchard Beach. This exhibition will celebrate drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and fiber arts. It is part of a bigger program of school tours, art-making workshops and artist talks.

Ninety-nine Bottles of Beer on the Wall by Piper Bolduc

Having been fortunate enough to see many of the works of these talented artists at other shows, it will be a delight to revisit them and see new works too! The Saco Museum just gets better and better.

Contact Camille Smalley, education and program manager, at 283-3861 x 115 if you have any questions.

-Kathryn

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Artists' Survey


We mailed 15 surveys to the art group Uncommon Threads & want to share with you responses from the 4 returned to us. We could wait for the others, but Artists are busy people and we cannot wait. Here is what we have learned about the creative process from these Artists, so far.

The first questions asked were, “Where did you study, or are you self-taught? How has that informed your art?” Each answer was as unique as the Artists answering the questions.

One Artist took life drawing sessions, attended Leighton Studio in San Francisco and credited self-study for a number of years with art being a big part of life, always. This Artist finds that good art is heartfelt and inspires emotion in the viewer. New Artists should enjoy the process because art is about self expression, beauty and sharing.

Another Artist attended the University of Southern Maine to learn self-expression, to create things that have never existed before and in response to a life threatening disease, creates every day. Art saved a life. This Artist finds good art in the strong, uninhibited natural art of children and advises new Artists to “just do it” and watch the magic begin.

The third Artist developed an expansive vision through studying at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of Southern Maine. This Artist expressed art was always part of life and good art challenges norms, pushing the limits of work to express passion. New Artists should know there is a world to explore, always there for everyone to discover!

The final Artist was informed by her mother’s style and earned an Art History Degree in Maryland. While striving to become an Art Educator at Hirshhorn Museum, this Artist continued to evolve artistically. Good art is a sense of wonder: color, a balance of shapes, and the essence of design without becoming faddish and with the intent to keep on learning. New Artists should keep looking and inquire without judgment.


-Kathryn