As an artist I enjoy working with graphite and acrylic paint: graphite because of how easy it is to manipulate and move across the paper, and how I can create such a complex piece of art with just a pencil. I like acrylics because I like the texture; how it feels and the vibrant colours that I can make. The reasons that people might be interested in my art are to figure out the story behind each piece, and what inspired me to create such a piece. It is difficult at the time for me to find inspiration, but it is usually other artist's work, my own experiences and the experiences of others that get my artistic "juices" flowing. I have never had a special mentor or muse. I would like to have one though. I am self-taught, but I would love to have someone teach me how to draw correctly or to show me painting techniques.
If I had a "guide-at-the-side" I would like them to give me advice and point me in the right direction. Support, ideas and constructive criticism would be really helpful. If someone were to ask me questions about my work I would like them to ask: "What was your creative process? What challenges did you face while creating? What is the story behind your piece? Do you work from your imagination? Why did you choose to make your art look like this?"
My favorite artist is Gustav Klimt. If I had been able to meet him I too would have asked what was his inspiration; Why did you choose to shape the human body as you did; How did you feel people would react to your art and how did they?
I have never taken part in a collaboration but I would love to do so with an artist who shares similar views. Finally I would say that the hardest challenges for me are: future things to inspire me, motivation, quality time limits and being too self-critical.
The Girl with the Red Umbrella, artwork by Emma Parsons
