Hello, it's TAT day =) it's crazy hot here in the UK and while I don't like Narnia-long winters I don't do well with 'too-hot hot' either. So I'm currently laying here on my bed with window next to me wide open, huge tower fan spinning between me and Sweepiebum in turn and trousers rolled up my legs despite it being nearly 11pm. Come join me in grabbing a popsicle and dousing yourself in this weeks interview =)
Tell us a little bit about yourself & what kind of artist you are.
Hello, I’m Elvina. A married mum of two who works with young children. I’m also studying an BA Hons Open Degree with the Open University (distance learning) focusing on early years education and the arts. I’m a mixed media artist who came to art journaling 18 months ago after stumbling around in the dark for too long! I love pencil work and am now branching out into watercolour pieces and acrylic on canvas. I also love to design artwork for children as well as make my own journals as gifts for others.
What is the biggest challenge you personally face as an artist and how do you overcome it?
The biggest challenge right now is finding time for my art in among my studies and this was especially true lately as I revised for an exam leaving zero time for creativity. I also have no art studio and have to adapt my bedroom and garage as art spaces.
Do you think you have achieved a uniquely recognisable style as an artist, or do you find it a struggle to find your own style?
Finding my own style is a current ambition and it’s coming - slowly! I’m currently taking Millande’s CAPI course, which is a free online course aimed at helping you discover your own style. It’s slow paced which is just perfect for my busy lifestyle and it’s really helped me along. I would recommend it for new and seasoned artists alike. I do get rather envious of artists who have their signature style but they were just like me once and it’s all part of the journey.
What messages do you try to portray in your work and do you feel you achieve it?
I find that when my art expresses my own spirituality I get excited as well as when it captures the beauty of the feminine and the natural world. This is the essence of my art and when it’s focused on these themes it tends to be my best art.
Thanks so much Elvina, I have to say I really enjoyed your art...I know you say you haven't discovered your own style completely yet but I have to say from what I've seen to me it looks very expressive, flowing and joyful. Good for you for the studying too, especially during a busy period of your life with your work and kids. I think the old (paraphrased) saying of 'if you really want something/or something is really important to you then you will find time for it', regardless of what else is on your plate, is so true. If fact I kinda noticed through different periods of my life the more you have going on, the more you attract to keep going on lol make sure you find some decent art time for yourself after your exam, think of it as your most deserved reward ;)
Do you want to be a featured TAT artist??
To be featured email me or find all the details here =)
(I'm a little behind with TAT emails, don't worry I'll try and clear by inbox in the next week =) )
Thanks so much for the wonderful comments Jenny, you're such a star.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny for hosting another TaT for us! It was a pleasure to meet Elvina and to see her artwork. I agree with you Jenny -- her style has a great deal of loose movement to it. Very captivating! Its a shame she didn't share that she's also quite a marvelous poet as I discovered from visiting her blog. Wonderful poetry of the past shared there. :-)
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. I admire your bravery and perseverance Elvina. Keep making art. Your journal pages are awesome.
ReplyDeleteOh my, ladies, thanks soooo much! Von, your words mean so much. I actually got back into my poetry after I emailed my answers to Jenny. Angella, thanks a million for the wonderful encouragement! I think all artists are made of strong stuff otherwise we'd never get anywhere and we keep going because we are passionate about what we do.
ReplyDeleteSince submitting my answers to Jenny I've find my style is emerging more, just shows how quickly things move on.
Ladies your words mean everything, thanks so, so much. I actually go back into my poetry after I submitted my answers to Jenny and am hoping this summer will produce some worthy of my blog :).
ReplyDeleteOMG - I'm in love with that "My Life is Art" work with the buttons and the embroidery and everything else! Elvina, is it somewhere where I could pin it on Pinterest? Between you and Jenny I think I'm getting well and truly inspired - bless you!
ReplyDeleteHoi
ReplyDeleteik vind dat je aparte dingen maakt zeer creatief.
Groetjes Marja