Interview with Artist and Philosopher Maggie Davis

Maggie Davis next to the Wall "Beautiful Stranger" currently happening at The Goat Farm.

Who are you, what do you do and what is your background?

My MFA was in painting but drawing has always been a private practice. Mark making on slips of paper, small sketchbooks, and some times on large surfaces has been a continuous obsession. Drawing is a visceral origin: the infinite mark making language; the direct line from the breath and heartbeat. My painting practice occupies a high mental plane circling around questions of perception, assumptions we hold and the contemporary experience. I am also a writer because I love language, its precision, ambiguity and its close relation to drawing.

What is integral to your art and or art career?

Philosophical thinking anchors my work as a human being and an artist. Two years of course work in the IDSVA PhD program exposed me to the great thinkers about art, theory and criticism. My curiosity finally found a place to land where answers to questions were less important than the questions themselves. In graduate school I was accused of too much “chair time” thinking about the next move I would make in a painting. In the PhD program, reading, thinking and writing philosophy were the principle means for examining the role of art in being human. 

What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?

I have been chewing on questions about perception, its mechanics, the way we collect data visually and how we create and interpret whole images. My paintings explore the slippage of form from one to another through the contrast of color. I want to get inside the space where we make assumptions about the world. I try to set up expectations of space within the work and then confound it by letting the space slip away to a different condition. Form, color, plane, brush marks, tonality, and process are the tools but what I am hunting for is a mirror for the world we now live in, a painted surface that gives us back our complex experience but allows us to examine it slowly. I make slow paintings about our fast world. I rely on abstraction to avoid creating nostalgic memories or metaphors.

Artist books, printmaking, drawing, painting, collage, water media, acrylic and oil are all available methods to articulate my ideas. 

Detail of recent painting by Maggie Davis

What makes you angry? What makes you happy?

The absence of truth is catastrophic to our democratic ethos. 

Searching for truth through my studio practice. Being in community.

Who or what inspires you in your work or in your life in general?

Simon Critchley’s Infinitely Demanding, Ethics of Commitment Politics of Resistance as well as Hannah Arendt’s Responsibility and Judgment.

The persistent questions: What makes us human? How does art gives us back our humanity? What does it mean to be moral? How can philosophy and art contribute to a just world? These are the questions that will make my life as an artist worth it. They comfort my soul and trump any personal recognition or material gain. 

What superpower would you want?

Art, philosophy, history and community are superpowers enough.

Who is your favorite artist/s or other person?

Depends on what I am reading or who I thinking about. Currently I am reading an examination of Heidegger’s writings

Detail of wall "Beautiful Stranger"

about sculpture. At the same time I have been thinking about how the body expresses mark making in space and how that relates to my drawing practice. Heidegger’s ideas about the body, ideas about the mark as an essential expression of being human and Lauri Stallings approach to movement as relational are stretching my thinking about drawing. In collaboration with glo’s hybrid performance exhibition gestures that will soon disappear at MOCA GA, I did an drawing installation, beautiful stranger that gave me an opportunity to push the boundaries of writing as drawing. 

What advice would you give to other artists?

Always look for places that will open you up to new possibilities. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t dismiss that which you don’t like. You are a member of a large and illustrious tribe with a long history. You don’t work in a vacuum. If your work flags consider the philosophers who write about art. I mentioned the ones who back me. 

Contact details 

http://maggiedavisart.com

http://maggiedavis.blogspot.com

"Untitled" by Maggie Davis

Interview With Donna Horn

1.Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?
My name is Donna Horn. I am an artist, primarily a painter. I've loved to draw and make things from the time I was very young. Even though I was a Fine Arts major in college, I did not pursue my art until I was a mature adult. Instead, I got a masters in business so I could make a living. In the 90's I went to Georgia State, got a BFA in art education; but in the end, I discovered I wasn't really cut out to be a teacher. Finally I realized that all I really wanted to do was paint, so I began to study with various instructors, trying to learn as much as I could about art and painting.

2. What's integral to your art and or art career? 
Having time and a place to work with minimal distractions; having the ability to evaluate my own work. Learning to deal with rejection that comes with the territory, and developing an ability to continue painting even when I get frustrated or discouraged. I would say that being stubborn has helped me.

3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?
My themes come out of my subject matter, which is mainly the natural world. Currently I am painting abstracted landscapes. Because my tendency is to paint, scrape, repaint, etc. I have come to see the creation and destruction that goes on throughout my process as parallel to that of the natural world I am depicting. I start with an image and then use color, texture, brushwork to convey something more. I don't feel bound to depict the image realistically. So I would say that the way memory affects our perception of things is another theme that has come out of the work. I work mainly in oil.

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy? 
I dislike artistic (or any) pretensions; I am irritated by by arrogance, insensitivity, and excessive self interest or narcissism, and get angry when I feel it directed at me.

Painting makes me happy (most of the time.) Also, the love and company of my family and friends makes me happy. I also enjoy solitude, which I need to think about life and my art. Travel, when I have the time and money because it renews and invigorates me. 

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general? 
In my work, I am inspired by my natural surroundings, and by artists whose work I hold in high regard. In life, I admire those who have overcome obstacles and made peace with themselves. I am inspired by those philosophers whose ideas address what is important in life in order to be happy, or perhaps 'content' is a better word. Course, I can't think of names right now.

6. What superpower would you want?
The only thing that comes to mind is to be able to go without sleep, if I needed to, and still feel good. That way, I could paint for longer sessions and still do the other things that my life requires...not really practical though, I suppose.

7. What is your favorite artists and or other person? 

There are many artists that I like and admire: Richard Diebenkorn, Paul Cezanne, Andre Derain, Cy Twombly, Willem de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, Nicolas de Stael, Phillip Guston, Hedda Sterne, Pat Steir...others I can't think of at the moment.

8. What advice would you give to other artists?
Figure out what you want to do early on, if you can. Stay at it; don't get discouraged. Recognize that we are here for a short time, so make the most of it. Don't let your success be determined by some else.

9. Contact details if any?

donnalmhorn@gmail.com

Interview with Artist Gwen Gunter

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?

I am Gwen Gunter and I am primarily an abstract painter at this point in my career.  I have been a graphic designer, photographer, product designer and manufacturer of functional art items for the gift, home décor and apparel industries.  This has included such diverse activities as designing paint by number kits, commercial sign painting, licensing my art for posters, note cards and fine art publishing. All of these endeavors have provided outlets for creative expression and contributed to my overall aesthetic.

2. What's integral to your art and or art career?

I think what has been most integral to my career has been dogged persistenceI have refused to give up on what I believe to be my reason for being here.

3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?

My themes always seem to revolve around the personal narratives that make up everyday life. Whether it is the layers of memory or commentary on present situations, the many layers of existence are always there, some revealed and some completely hidden in the painting process. I use acrylic on wood primarily, but also mixed media from time to time.

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?

What makes me angry is the emphasis on “hopeless” worldwide conditions that we are bombarded with through the media daily. I feel there is always hope for transformation no matter what the circumstances happen to look like on the surface and redirecting our focus to what is good and enduring and the highest in each of us can bring about that change. Knowing that makes me happy.

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?

In my work I am inspired by all the artists I know who make quality inspired work and keep at it even when it is unrecognized and unrewarded.
In my life I am inspired by so many wonderful teachers: Eckhart Tolle, Steven Pressfield, Marianne Williamson, Emmet Fox, Michael Neill.

6. What superpower would you want?

I think I’ll stick with what I have, probably couldn’t handle the pressure of more!

7. What is your favorite artists and or other person

Wow, this is hard to answer, there are so many!  Artists I admire are Richard Diebenkorn, Nicolas de Stael, Brian Rutenberg, Franz Kline, Ad Reinhardt, Ben Nicholson, Lance Letscher, Robert Rauchenberg, Sammy Peters, Ciao Fonseca

8. What advice would you give to other artists?

 I would advise developing a very tough skin to protect the precious gift you’ve been given.  It will be up to you to hold your vision and keep joyfully creating to let the “muse” know you are serious about this calling.
And I would strongly suggest reading (and rereading) two books by Steven Pressfield:
The War of Art and Turning Pro.

9. Contact details if any? www.gwengunterart.com    Ggunterinc@comcast.net

"My Story, Your Story" by Gwen Gunter

"All are invited" by Gwen Gunter

"Alternate Universes 2" by Gwen Gunter

WCAGA BOARD REPORT

WCAGA Board Report

August 11, 2014

Sally Wansboro Eppstein was elected by the board to be vice president. This fills an important board position that has been vacant since January. Kate Colpitts, former vice president, became president in January when then-president Judy Parady left the position before the end of her term due to family issues.

We also now have a new co-treasurer. In the spring, Donna Horn agreed to share treasury duties with Ann Rowles. This was approved by the board.

Exhibitions

The WCAGA Members’ Show, “Layers”, opens at Georgia Perimeter College on September 11. There will be a catered reception.

On August 2, a WCAGA pin-up exhibition of work from various drawing marathons at UpStairs [ArtSpace] in Tryon, NC opened. Barb Rehg also has a solo show at the same gallery and attended the opening which she said was very well received. Our drawing marathons have inspired the artists in the Tryon area, spearheaded by WCAGA member Linda Hutchins, to hold a drawing marathon in Tryon.

Draw 4 Days

Our most ambitious drawing marathon will happen August 18–23. Over 14 WCAGA member artists have signed up for space to draw for 4 consecutive days at the Further Polycontemporary Gallery at TULA Art Center on Bennett Street. Some artists have arranged to share their space with another artist or a small group. If you have not previously signed up for a space, please drop by and see what’s happening. There will be a small space for drop-ins to work as well as a chalkboard area for one-day drawings! Feel free to Instagram it, blog about it, post a note on Twitter, and comment on WCAGA’s FaceBook page.

Opening—

Please come to the opening reception and see the results of a week of drawing in public. The opening will be 6:00–9:00 pm on Friday, August 22.

Artists Discussions—

There will be a discussion with the participating artists on Saturday, August 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
 
If you’re interested in knowing more about any of these or other WCAGA topics, feel free to contact Kate Colpitts, klfrost@aol.com.

Draw 4 Days

WCAGA and Further Poly Contemporary Gallery Present 

Draw 4 Days

Place: Further Poly Contemporary Gallery at MOCA GA /Tula Art Complex

on Bennett Street

Dates: August 18 to August 23

Closing Reception: August 22, 2014 - 6 to 9pm

Artists Discussion - August 23, 2014 - 2 to 4pm

For the last three years the Women’s Caucus for Art of GA has had an ongoing Drawing Marathon Program meant to be a respite from demands of an individual’s own art process. The artists gather at one another’s studios and spend the day drawing; however they wish, whatever they want and with materials of their own choosing. The purpose: to return to a simpler process and just allow the experience to generate ideas, release oneself from restrictions of ongoing work and enjoy the company of other artists while doing so. 

Beginning August 18, WCAGA members will participate in a four day drawing marathon

at Paul Light Jr.’s Further Poly Contemporary Gallery, located on Bennett Street in the MOCA/Tula Art Complex. Further Poly Contemporary maintains a commitment to a unique and eclectic program. Working with emerging, mid-career and established artists, Further is an ever-evolving context for exhibitions,  lectures, gatherings, and informative presentations that enrich the community's relationship to the arts. 

Over the years there have been dozens of formats for Drawing Marathons. Presently, MOCA GA has a dynamic, ongoing Drawing Program, directed by Angus Galloway, that celebrates the many aspects of the drawing process. www.mocaga.org

While that is an ongoing program, WCAGA’s Draw 4 Days is meant to be a one week program that has multiple purposes. Foremost: to bring a fundamental (not necessarily simple) art process to the viewer as it unfolds. Additionally, we want this to be an education and a celebration of a process that humans have engaged in for thousands of years. Drawing has many uses. It can be a way to journal about ideas of concept, methods of construction and solutions to problems or simply the end goal. 

Our format for this Drawing Marathon: Each day, images of the work in progress will be posted on WCAGA’s Facebook page. Writers, artists and the public will be encouraged to blog and visit. Engaging the artists in dialogue is encouraged.

On August 22, WCAGA will have a closing reception to unveil the results of our Draw 4 Days journey and on Saturday the 23rd, we will have our exhibit open and the artists will be present to discuss the process, concept and reason for participation. We hope you will join us, on line and in the space.  

www.furtherart.com

www.mocaga.org

www.wcaga.org

Interview with Karen Cohen

Image by Karen Cohen. "Suspended Animation"

 INTERVIEW WITH KAREN COHEN

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?

I'm Karen Cohen, and I sign my work KElise. I've been drawing and painting since I was 7 years old. I started out drawing portraits and to an extent, I'm still doing it, only the portraits I create now are of the human condition, not of individuals. They focus on all the ways in which we, idealized and stripped down (literally and figuratively) are connected, emotionally, physically, psychologically, circumstantially... our essential commonality.
As an artist my background has been primarily self taught, but with the guidance of two Miami Artists, the late Eugene Massin and RC Bailey--to each of whom I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude.

2. What's integral to your art and or art career?
The connections between art and science, technique and technology; color.

Image by Karen Cohen "Grace"

3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use? My work is all conceptual. I start with the skeleton of an idea and develop it through several iterations and variations on a theme. Usually that translates into a series, each one elucidating another vantage point. In doing so, I hope to convey complex concepts via a series of single images. I don't tell the same "story" over and over, each successive piece must add to it--there's always something new to consider, a new thought-path to explore.

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?
The things that make me angry are making the same mistake more than once, and making mistakes because I'm either distracted or hurried. Things that make me happy are my family's and friends'  happiness and success, doing good work, discovering awesome new things, experiencing bold, beautiful and exciting sensations.

Image by Karen Cohen "The Wall Between Us"

5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?
Visionaries, new technologies and awakenings are the things that truly inspire me. I'm very sentimental, but not so much nostalgic. I don't spend a lot of time looking back because I'm not going in that direction.

6. What superpower would you want? 
I would like to be able to time-travel.

7. What is your favorite artists and or other person?

Image by Karen Cohen " Indecision"

I don't have any real "favorites." I do respect anyone who's at the top of his or her game and executes their "art" with confidence, humility and aplomb. But I also respect the artist who never stops exploring. I especially like artists whose work stops you from whatever you're doing and steals your attention--like a "startle" reflex--and immediately and spontaneously transports you to another reality. At the moment, my current hero is not an artist but the visionary Elon Musk who is changing the art and landscape of business while at the same time building products that reduce carbon emissions--electric vehicles and solar energy.

8. What advice would you give to other artists?
Work more on "why" you're creating than on "how." The how evolves into a recognizable style which is a function of matching your ideas with the techniques you develop to best convey them, combined with time and repetition.

9. Contact details if any?
Phone: 770-605-3859
email: karen@kelisegallery.com
Web: http://kelisegallery.com
http://facebook.com/kecohen1
Twitter: @kelisegallery

Interview with Artist Kathy Meliopoulos

"Barking Dog"   by Kathy Meliopoulos

1. Who are you and what do you do, and what is your background?
I am an artist. I paint, draw and create art from chamois leather. I have been drawing since I could pick up a pencil. My grandmother said that as a small child, I used up all the paper in her house every time I went to visit. I still draw in the air with my finger when I am away from art supplies. I have a BFA degree in painting and drawing from the University of Florida and have taken additional classes at Florida International University and GA State.
2. What's integral to your art and or art career?
Integral to my art/art career has been the challenge of balancing family life and practical needs (generating income, studio time). I am constantly seeking that balance.
3. What themes do you pursue and what medium do you use?
I pursue three parallel tracks in my work: abstract, animal and chamois leather pieces. There are places where these three intersect. I am still exploring this trinity and have discovered that they are of equal interest. One is not dominant over the other. Since I am motivated primarily by growing and exploring, I am comfortable with this direction.

 

"Moss and Stone" by Kathy Meliopoulos

4. What makes you angry, what makes you happy?
The big themes of injustice in life make me angry - but specifically relating to art: my frustration in the gap of my skill level and my desire to communicate and create something powerful and beautiful. Art is a reflection of life and I have a limited area of concentration. I am committed to sharing those humble skills and observations.
I am happy when everyone I love is healthy and when I have productive time in the studio.
5. Who and what inspire you in your work and or in your life in general?
My family inspires me. My husband and daughters are all smart and hard working. In general, those who are committed to their vision, disciplined and willing to take risks to achieve progress are inspirational.
6. What superpower would you want?
I wouldn't want a superpower. An ordinary life is gift enough. I wish the same for everyone: good health, clean water, shelter and a loving family. The rest is luxury.
7. Who is your favorite artists and or other person?
My favorite well-known artists right now are: Kandinsky, Degas, Frida Kahlo, Amy Sillman, Alice Neel, Diebenkorn, Wayne Thiebaud. Any artist that makes me groan with admiration, love and envy - I have too many favorites! I have to say that my VERY favorite artists are the ones who may not be famous or "successful", the ones who struggle and strive, who believe in their vision and keep plugging away.

 

"Map of Parallel Interests" by Kathy Meliopoulos

8. What advice would you give to other artists?
Keep trying, keep learning, keep experimenting.
9. Contact details if any?
www.kmeliopoulosart.net