Michael Ryan

Your website(s): http://www.michaelryanart.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born is Southern California in 1982, grew up there always knowing I wanted to be an artist.

Tell us about your recent artwork.
I have quite a few paintings and drawings I am working on that are a continuation of this series/theme thats been on going for a couple years. Its ever evolving, but there is an underlying world throughout. Using historical models contrasted with contemporary elements and environments to depict the replacement and direction we are going in regards to spiritualism, the physical world, industry, individually, many other societal elements. Also very much dealing with human condition, the physical effects of a corrupted heart. Everything is being corrupted and polluted, but there is always a glimmer of hope, maybe a chance for salvation. Im also very much in love with just beautiful portraiture and am working on a series of portraits as well. Theres still alot of beauty left in the world and the soul but it just seems like its in front of a really ugly and disturbing back drop, and that beauty cant help but be polluted alot of the time.

Describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us; do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
Yeah I usually play music, either pretty heavy and fast music, or movie scores and classical. I usually prefer to be alone.

What interests do you have other than art?
I pretty much read when I'm not painting.

http://www.manufactured-dissent.blogspot.com/2007/06/michael-ryan.html

Anna C.

Among other things and non-things
Anna was birthed in Philadelphia in 1975...

i was born like all of us and there were green plush carpets that I crawled on
up stairs and into a room where I was funnily received and
Brought back downstairs to our apartment from the well-received intrusion on adults fucking
and there was a yellow room and a crib w/ orange and green and pink and white plaid walls which the cracked ceiling was rectangularity framed by and there was a bathtub that was a huge pool to my scale, that my parents made and I learned to swim in, before i learned to talk and a “dinning room” with tin punched silver dragon walls where many bananas were mashed by gums and then baby teeth then there were pigeons that would fly in the window of the new home we stole from them and my mother in the adjacent room , who heard me scream, coming in to swat them away from me and their former home, with a broom and there was space and light funneled though two story spaces, opened up, in an old Victorian building being re-broken-down, after it’s most recent inhabited (/renovated) past/life, as 1930’s tenement housing we found strange things small skeletons in opalized bottles, in 1 and a half feet of dirt, we dug out of the basement. closets, Victorian, original to the place, with toilets in them, small divided cells where people lived Victorian stencils and frescos -broken, on ceilings and passageway walls, when we removed the many years of layers layers of years of wall paper
Then there was living there in transformation walking over plank bridges to my bedroom, with the curtain wall and I mean the wall was a curtain, not the architectural term “curtain wall” a curtain I drew my favorite beings/characters on: Dracula, Alice in wonderland, the Cheshire caterpillar and others, when the hall was being leveled there there was space and time and the sound of records in bright, light, space david bowie, KISS, Marvin Gay, Beatles, Diana Ross, Echo and the Bunny Men, Prince, Michael Jackson and more this is where I was born again and again i am not religious but am reborn again and again through life, films, music, light, space, body, love, sick, muse...

Yuko Adachi

Your website(s): http://www.superfineartist.com/ or www.YUKOADACHI.com

Tell us a little about yourself. I was born in Tokyo and was raised in Japan, Paris, London and the United States of America. I traveled extensively while I was young. I acknowledge cultural differences between countries and respect them as a historical legacy of humanity, but deep in my heart, I just feel that I am a person, just like anyone else, who just wants to connect with people from soul to soul. I am humbly fascinated with how every human being is born with a talent unique to themselves. The contributions of every one of us have the potential to make this world better. I just happen to be born to become an artist. I feel I am here to share and nurture my gift with others. I’ll rejoice the moment we are able to share in being alive through my works. Today, I live and work in Boston with my partner, Swiss artist Andreas Gmur.


Tell us about your recent artwork. My works reflect my genuine love for life, an appreciation of being alive and my interest in expressing the spiritual journey during the process of creating art. I find it my responsibility as an artist to stay genuine to what it means to create art works and to understand how art can be so important to support and foster the potential human spiritual evolution. To me, art is about exchanging the pure energy of love by staying true to my present self, and by giving the best of my purest present energy. I paint and draw in many different styles and I want to stay that way. I do not want to get imprisoned in my own creation as long as I can stay creative and free and to trust myself. Just like art, music and books have enriched my spiritual growth; I want my work to be a part of encouragement and discovery of beauty and strength for the growth of inner life within all of us.

When did you first realize that you wanted to work w/ art? I told people I wanted to be an artist when I was 5.

Can you explain how you decide on the images you use in your work? I do not have any images I work with from the start till the very end. I have no idea what comes up next and that keeps me excited because the sky is my limit when I create art. The imageries will all come out naturally through the dialogue between the blank sheet of paper or canvas I start off and where it takes me is an unknown path, otherwise, why bother doing art? To me, art is about trusting human potential and opening myself to the higher ground that is yet to be awakened so I can be in touch with the universal energy of life. It is a way to be in the state of ultimate nothingness filled with everything about life.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music? I can never work with anybody around me. I can not even work well when I detect my own presence. It is hard to get there every time but when I am able to purely become one with the present moment to the point that I forget my identity and I am no longer bounded by my physical body, I feel as if I become a ball of energy. When I catch that later after I snap out of it, I feel that I was in the ultimate creative environment. Sometimes I play music when I make art but it all depends on my mood. I love music so it is always in me. I use music to get myself into a meditative state or when I try to bring out certain emotions that I need to get in touch with.

What interests do you have other than art? Food, music, singing, travel, books, yoga and nature. I love throwing parties with my own cooking. I have a tremendous joy in making delicious and creative food using ingredients I have never tried before and presenting them in such ways so that the guests enjoy the ambiance of the party. I love music and can not live without it. I play instruments but I am not proficient. If I were musically gifted, I would have loved to be a musician because I feel music is the most powerful form of art to reach the human hearts.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist? People react very well to my work and I am not too worried about my future as long as I keep creating the best works I can in the given moment, but the business side of art is hard especially for someone like me who will not trade the freedom of my creativity with commercial success. I used to think that I want to make a living with my art but learning the downside of it, selling art is secondary to me at this point and I try to bring money for living from other sources to pursue my true calling as an artist without any distraction of financial stress. I do not want to paint just to fill up the gallery walls to have a look of a coherent body of works like a factory without any artistic connection to the work. If it naturally happens, that is fine but I do not want to create art for any other reasons except for expressing my inner voices to connect with other souls. To me, that is real and I want to be true to my art. I see the importance of exposure so people will notice your work and your presence as an artist, so I try to show my works when I think the venue is right for me. I feel that fundamentally, true art and business, they should not interfere each other. Each stands on its own. I am learning to take time to find a gallery or art rep who understands what I am and encourages me to stay true to my path. I know it will happen.

Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past? Yes, 2 years ago, I was fortunate to be discovered by two talented musicians, Ai Isshiki and Sakiko Mori, who offered to create original music for my paintings and I also painted listening to their music and we put a show together. They performed a live music in front of my paintings and audiences and the energy of the show was beautiful. You can check the reviews at: http://www.meniscusmagazine.com/6_issue_site/6pages/vibes_i6_019.htm

Who and what are your influences? I am just one of the living entities in the universe, so everything around me influences me including physical and non physical matters. My most positive influences are spiritual connection to the energy of life, especially with people who are on the similar energy vibration as me and all the nature.

Looking back, how has your style changed? I don’t know if I can call it a change but I can definitely see the growth.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I am unable to think about too much of a future given the fact that all I have is now. If I am still alive in 10 years, I will be excited to learn what I am at that moment. I shall see!

Have you had any other careers? How have these influenced your career as an artist? Once I worked for a big firm and I did not have time to make art. It made me realize that if I do not create art, I die. So here I am. I want to dedicate my energy to create art as much as possible.

What are the best and worst parts of your work? Best part is when I look at my work, although it came through me, I feel the art work has a life of its own and some of my own works moves me when I am feeling down and gives me much love. Worst parts? If I do not like my work, I let it sit for a while till the day I feel I know what to do with it, so I need lots of storage!

Have you studied art in school? Besides taking other classes, I took some art classes at Georgetown University in Washington D.C, and I received my second bachelor's in painting in Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University and I also attended the School of Museum of Fine Arts as a selected exchange student. After graduating art school, I took continuing education classes at Mass College of Art.

Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them? They evolve.

People in your field whom you most admire: I admire any human beings who are genuine and passionate towards what they do, so there is no specific single person who I admire.

What has the reaction to your work been? Emotionally charged and positive. Some even cry.

Do you have the memory of a very special moment in you career? Yes, when I realized that my body is just a container for my soul when I am creating art and when people connect with my work and a total stranger came and hugged me and we understood each other’s energy.

Favorite songs/ favorite music: Songs I love are so personal and it does not mean a thing to anyone else so I will not list them here but I love acoustic music, Jazz, Bossanova, 80’s, soundtracks from movies and Classical music.

Favorite painter/ artist: I enjoy looking at Gauguin’s color palette and subject matters, Klimt’s design quality and handling of the paint, Magritte’s psychology behind the work, Francis Bacon’s composition and surface and energy, Picasso’s different stages in life, Sargent’s brush works and Van Gogh’s dedication and it goes on…

Magazines you read regularly: I don’t do anything on a regular basis except for making art…. But I sometimes read spiritual magazines if I feel like it and also look at fashion magazines to look at the photos.

Movies you love so much you've watched them more than twice: Sound of Music, E.T, Something Got To Give, Amelie, Waterloo Bridge, Roman Holidays.

Last concert/performance attended:
Concert: Gomez
Performance: Aoi and Komachi

Favorite authors, fiction: Osamu Dazai (Japanese author).

Favorite authors, nonfiction: There is a book I absolutely keep close to my heart which I would like to share with you. It is called “THE POWER OF NOW” by Eckhart Tolle. I connect very much with the contents of this book and it supports me to be who I really am when I feel lost and the world seems little overwhelming for me to handle.

Message from the artist:

Yuko would like to thank you for reading this Q&A, and she would like to wish you a wonderful day!

Joel Bergner

While growing up in Illinois, Joel took a few art classes in high school and college, such as figure drawing and photography, though he was mostly self-taught and developed a unique style of drawing and painting inspired by his experiences in life and the people he encountered along the way. He worked various jobs, from roof construction to restaurant work, but it was community-based work that became Joel's passion and direction in life. He worked closely with schizophrenic patients in a mental health facility and then went on to work with the homeless population in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood as a homeless center and shelter supervisor.


Despite a busy schedule, Joel always found time to paint, often staying up most of the night creating large-scale and extremely detailed works of art that were intense, emotionally powerful, and increasingly socially conscious. Joel eventually turned to painting murals, and spent the summer of 2001 working on the mural "The Storm" in a Taylor Street cafe called Jamoch's (now called Demitasse Cafe).

During this period Joel spent time in Honduras and later in rural Dominican Republic, where he worked for short periods of time as a volunteer doing construction work and teaching.
The mural, entitled "De Frontera a Frontera," featured social commentary on the relationship between wealthy tourists, Dominicans, and Haitians on the island, as well as everyday scenes of life in rural and urban areas of the country. The mural, located in San Francisco, made such an impact on the community that it was voted the "Best Public Mural" at the 2003 Precita Eyes mural award ceremony.

In the spring of 2004 Joel worked for an organization in El Salvador as a teacher, and he was also an International Election observer for the presidential elections that year.
In 2005 Joel painted "El Inmigrante" on the corner of 23rd Street and Shotwell (in San Francisco), which was recently featured in the New York Times.

In the fall of 2005 Joel went to Salvador da Bahia, in Brazil, to live with the family of some friends. During these months Joel taught English and art classes for children and learned Brazilian Portuguese. He lived in a community of Candomble, an Afro-Brazilian religion, and painted four paintings of the deities, known as Orixas, for the community.

Joel continues to live in San Francisco, where he has worked for more than three years in a treatment center for emotionally troubled teenagers who struggle with violence, suicide, drugs, and other issues. http://www.joelsmurals.com/

Bill Dunlap

Bill Dunlap has shown his art in many galleries and art centers across the country. He was a Spring 2006 Fellow and Artist-in-Residence at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a painter, sculptor, illustrator, cartoonist living in a small town in Western Maryland called Cumberland. I moved here about six months ago. Before that, I lived in San Francisco for 15 years, and I still manage to go back there every few months.


Tell us about your recent artwork.
I’m working with cheaper, more ephemeral material these days, like butcher paper, sticks, string, and cardboard. I’m working on things large and small at the same time. The big one I’m working on right now is a 6ft tall and 25ft long mural on paper.


Have you exhibited your work?
I have, and I think I still enjoy it, but showing art can get to be a bit of a drag. There is a formula to getting shows, hanging them, opening receptions, then taking down the work that can get to be quite depressing. I’ve had over 50 group and solo shows over the past five years. I often tell myself that I should stop showing my art and just build my own private world on my property, kinda like Howard Finster did, but I guess I’m not ready yet.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music?
I generally work alone, and I work in various places around my house. I have a large-ish basement studio where I do most of my painting, but I will start drawing or building things with paper, string, cardboard, etc. almost anywhere. I also work in the woods outdoors making large stone and stick-pile sculptures. I prefer to work in quiet outdoors, just listening to the wind in the trees, but often the barking dogs drive me inside the house. There, I generally listen to music, most often classical.


What interests do you have other than art?
Some would include: nature, quiet, meditation, vegetarianism, veganism, animals, exercise, saxophone, flute, Shakespeare, history, poetry, literature, book collecting, listening to classical music, hiking, biking, philosophy, wood work, simplifying my life.


Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past?
Not as much as I would like. People are very busy and it’s hard to find like-minded people near by. I enjoy collaborating with dead artists. I often take text from writers and images from old paintings and incorporate them in my own work.

Who and what are your influences?
Who: Mostly outsiders of one stripe or another. Among artists, that would be primitive peoples, developmentally disabled, children, visionaries (of the non-religious variety preferably), and the mentally ill (Artaud writing in his madness, for example).
What: Nature, quiet, animals


Looking back, how has your style changed?
I don’t know. I just keep trying to get at something, something elemental powerful complex hilarious stupid simple disturbing calming, etc. Lately, I’ve been working on (and dreaming of) much larger things.


Have you had any other careers? How have these influenced your career as an artist?
I worked for years as a graphic designer/web designer and co-founded an award-winning web development company in San Francisco called Terrascope. I did work for big clients like Travelocity, USAToday, Rand McNally, and US Bank. Luckily, the whole miserable thing imploded before I succeeded at drinking myself to death. What influence did this have? I realized I can’t hold a job or sit in long meetings. So what else is there but to become an artist?
Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them?

A little of both, but the real driving force of creating, for me, is the totally unplanned spontaneous intuitive coming out that happens somewhere along the line. Every “art thing” I do has to have a lot of that in it.


People in your field whom you most admire:
This is a hard one to answer. I think I should stick with people I know personally, since I know their personalities and to some extent their intentions as artists. For me, the personality and the intent of the artist is intimately involved in the art work itself. Let’s face it, everyone has the potential to be creative and probably 90% of becoming an “art star” is determined by the amount of hustling done by the artist, so if you are an asshole as an artist I really won’t have much interest in your work. Some of the sincerest people I know following their own voices are Stephen Tompkins, Jake Watling, MariNaomi, Peter Kohler, Sean Samoheyl.


What are your most and least two favorite films?
Two of my favorites might be Tarkovsky’s The Sacrifice (although I haven’t seen it in more than 10 years) and The Third Man, or maybe La Dolce Vita, or maybe something by Kurosawa or Bresson. I’ve not seen a Hollywood blockbuster all-star cast type of movie since I was maybe 12 years old. I suppose something like that might be my least favorite film.


What are you reading right now?
I really like reading Shakespeare. Currently, I’m reading/re-reading Richard III. I’m also reading a pretty good book about semiotics in the visual arts. It’s called Visible Signs by David Crow. I also randomly poke into these to get provocative quotes: Joseph Beuys In America, and an Antonin Artaud anthology I have. Here’s a random quote from Artaud: “I hunger less for food than for some kind of elementary consciousness.”


Favorite music:
Some of my favorite songs are by Bob Dylan, and a lot from old time Appalachian singers like Roscoe Holcomb, Dock Boggs, and Bascom Lunsford. But lately I’ve been listening mostly to 20th Century classical music, with my favorites being Lutoslawski, Pendereki, Bartok, Berg, Schoenberg, and Webern.


Favorite comic strips/ comic books:
Even though my work has a lot of cartoony looking imagery, I’m not really a big fan of traditional comics or cartoons. However, I have been influenced a lot by Little Nemo in Slumberland and Lyonel Feininger’s comics from the early 1900’s. Among contemporary comics, I think Matt Brinkman’s stuff is, at times, pure genius.

Last concert/performance attended:
The most recent performance I saw was Bob Marsh performing as Mr. Mercury at an art opening I had at Receiver Gallery in San Francisco. Bob’s a genius, too (just like Brinkman in my previous answer) except that I know Bob. Which means I can follow him around town and bug him with thousands of questions. You can hear and see more of him here: http://www.myspace.com/bobisadoctor

Bill Dunlap's Website: http://www.billdunlap.com/

Erin Candela

Erin Candela's first solo exhibition, entitled “We, Needles Under Snow” opened in Montreal on December 6th, 2006. Erin’s work explores Canadian Identity and Mythology, through a combination of drawings and etchings. Candela approaches her work through story, history and narratives relating to the development of identity.

"Canadians, being part of a fairly new country, and being made up of a number of different cultural sources, have difficulty and are resistant to the application of a generalized cultural identity. We sit in the shadow of one of the loudest and most dominant countries in the world, and we react against it's overwhelming nationalism. This makes it that much more important that Canadians; that is Quebecers, recent immigrants, prairie peoples, Metis, Maritimers, and the rest, become conscious and recognize their own place in the world, their own history, and what it is that makes them part and parcel of this complicated and beautiful piece of land that we call Canada. This is not to say that we need to subsume our particular histories, nationhood or cultural backgrounds. That we guard and keep these differences is what makes us different and complex as a country. However, as Canadians, we also need to become more informed and aware of what connects the peoples of this geographical area. We are different, but we all choose to live and be here together."

Much of what is seen in Erin Candela's drawings is typical of what has been considered particularly "Canadian" themes: natural landscape, wild animals, portraits of isolation and estrangement, and the discussion around "multiculturalism". Her drawings are more than simple depictions of the established history, however. Over the past year, Candela has researched and talked with people about their own impressions of what being "Canadian" means, and her drawings reflect the beginings of a personal take on the essentials of a Canadian mythology. How do we situate the pioneers and explorers of our past stories with the political and social problems of our present?

For more information, contact Erin Candela at candelae@gmail.com or (514) 842-0540. http://www.myspace.com/candelae [Press release reprinted with the permission of the artist.]

Warless Rabbit

Your website(s): http://www.warlessrabbit.com

Tell us a little about yourself. I live in Chinatown in East Vancouver, I love to ride my bike, play my guitar and make my friends laugh (when I can).

Tell us about your recent artwork. This trajectory, aesthetically is very influenced by my time spent abroad over the last few years in Asia and a recent association with Maori culture. I'm zooming way into to create macro form from micro detail. I love art that has been given extensive attention through detail, it’s a mark of an artists devotion to the craft of Art. I love the juxtapose of watercolors unpredictable organics with the precision of fine point black ink.

When did you first realize that you wanted to work w/ art? Work with art? As in an income, im still working that out, work with art as a process or act, as most artists, very young. I remember drawings that I did at 5 or 6 yrs old vividly.

Can you explain how you decide on the images you use in your work? Honestly they just come to me, I do very little pre thought or conception, a lot of it is stream of conscious. I enjoy the randomness that comes with that. It also allows me to be freer, less restricted by preconceptions.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music? I work alone. Usually in silence. At night generally when there is little else to draw my attention away. (I have a short attention span)

What interests do you have other than art? Im a musician, writing and playing my own music, singing my songs. I’m actually really trying to focus on that side of the creative field right now, I sing as “Warless” look out for me around town and come listen, sing, dance along yah!


How have you handled the business side of being an artist? I hate to fall into a stereotype but poorly. I support myself with graphic design. It’s another side of creativity that allows me to be broader in my creativity, which is important to keeping your creativity strong and diverse.

Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past? I spent some time in Japan where I had shows with others, there are some great artists over there. But really im abit of a lone wolf. That said I would love to get more involved if the right project came along.

Who and what are your influences? H.R.Giger, First Nations art; Northwest Coast and Maori (with full respects to their ownership) Klimt, Hindu mythological art. Far Eastern pattern design, Japanese Manga.


Looking back, how has your style changed? I believe that to be a true artist one must always be in the process of progressing, evolving, developing their craft, aesthetically and mentally. So my work is all over the place, from pencil sketches to digital mediums, such as Photoshop. but if you step back I’m trying to tighten up, I’m becoming more stylized, less objective. More toward pure aesthetics with some narrative and mental content but basically im trying to make beautiful things that people enjoy having around them.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I have no idea.

Have you had any other careers? Ive been a whole list of things! A suit salesman, I was a gardener on the island for most of the 90’s, ive been an English teacher in Japan, and now a graphic design, even a short stint as a creative director.

How have these influenced your career as an artist? Part of my “Diversity quotient”… creativity needs a diverse diet in order for it to grow and prosper, variations of jobs, places lived and lifestyles keep the mind refreshed and curious, and eager and able to react creatively to what it experiences.

What are the best and worst parts of your work? Best part is being able to exist in the moment of the process of a piece that is coming to life and you feel a sense of satisfaction mingled with the tension of maintaining the level of quality broughton by your own high level of expectation. Worst… stressing about trying to make a living at this sometimes can get to you. But it pales in the sunshine of making art…and theres always gardening!

Have you studied art in school? I spent over 6 wonderful years there… doing that.


Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them? Stream of conscious, although lately I’ve been sketching out pieces in order to control style continuity.

People in your field whom you most admire: I admire traditional aboriginal artists, carvers such as Bill Reid, and Gordon Hatfield in NZ. Designers such as Saul Bass and Stefan Sagmeister, artists, Shepard Farey.

What has the reaction to your work been? I try to only ever put out positive happy work, and so far that’s all I’ve got back, so the cycle is working. (that said, don’t look at some of the snowboards I’ve done).

Do you have the memory of a very special moment in you career? I remember when my grade 4 teacher had me come up to the board and draw a deer for him because he didn’t know how to, I thought “I must be onto something here if at this age I can outdo my teacher…”

Play list of ten favorite songs: Sisters Of Mercy (Leonard Cohen) Concrete Jungle (Bob Marley), Raspberry Beret (Prince), Wide Awake In America (U2), F-Stop Blues ( J Johnson), Ode To Joy (Beethoven), City Sleeps (MC 900ft Jesus), Crazy Mary (Pearl Jam), Any Deep House Music played by DJ Dave Tong, too many!... Massive Attack, Pixies, Cure, Dylan, Ben Harper, Salmonella Dub, Roger Whitiker…!!!

Favorite comic strip/ comic book: Asterix and Obelix

Favorite painter/ artist: ah… cant say favourite.. I like so many.. remember the diversity quotient! Dali, Giger, Klimt…

Web sites you visit regularly: Craigslist job posting

Magazines you read regularly: Juxtapose, Time, Rolling Stone

Movies you love so much you've watched them more than twice: All of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies (Japanese Manga) Brave Heart, Basquiat, Casino…

Last concert/performance attended: Lee Scratch Perry

Favorite authors, fiction: Rohinton Mistry

Favorite authors, nonfiction: Leonard Cohen, William Burroughs

Bill Sonic Fricke

Your website(s): www.myspace.com/sonicpopart
Had another but inexplicably it is floating around in hyperspace. I'm guessing it has issues with abandonment. Such is life.

Tell us a little about yourself. A little? OK. I'm tall and creative. I believe that to create is to tap into the Divine.

Tell us about your recent art work.
That would be art for a kid's book. It is about a witch named Esmeralda. She is a witch for today which means she has seen the Light. Very gratifying to see something you concepted fully realized. Truthfully, it doesn't really seem to have come from me. Life after all is illusion. I think the writing is very well done. Because you see I only illustrated it.

When did you first realize you wanted to work w/ art? As far back in time as my brain will allow. I had a very visceral connection to children's books. It went beyond just hearing them. I felt them.

Can you explain how you decide on the images you use in your work? It is a task that I feel most of us must utilize to find the prize within the conceptual grab bag. I just keep flowing out ideas until I have to progress forward. Once a concept is considered strong it is brought forth into the temporal. Basically, it resonates and I know it is ready to be created.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music? If I am illustrating that is more or less with subjectitvity or an agenda put forth by the client then I am very fully cognizant about what I am doing. If on the other hand I have a paintbrush in hand I will channel the info, and the imagery shows up in a fairly trance-like state. I feel no real ownership of the work. As far as music goes, you would perhaps assume by the imagery or
the subject matter that I use music to create. I can get away with that in the initial process. The conceptual phase. But the truth is I'm ADHD, and the last thing I need is another distraction! What was the question?

What interests do you have other than art? I am a deeply spiritual person and I meditate and seek Higher Truths about myself, the world, the universe and our place in it.
That pursuit is one that takes up most of my time. My belief if you will is that 'The Time IS NOW!' Empower yourself to be the being you were sent here to be.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist? You mean there is a business side to Art? Why wasn't I contacted? Boy, you learn something every day. Truthfully, it is not my strength.

Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past? Once or twice. I just am so aware of the finite time here on earth that I have taken my focus off art and onto other things. I have always loved art and music, but you are what you are and I need to be doing something else for awhile. The market just doesn't seem to support all of us. From my perspective, life is exactly as it should and needs to be.

Who and what are your influences? Everything. Literally.

Looking back, how has your style changed? Well, hmmm. It has gotten better if you need to 'qualify' it. It has more depth and says alot more with less. I'm a big fan of the Swiss design school. Less is more often than not more.

What advice would you give to people just starting out? Well, I would just say open your heart and Trust that whatever you need you will receive. This is a tough business. To really be effective I would hone my skills and keep on top of people like Gates and Jobs. They keep transforming our world. Have to stay in step with them and their innovations.

How has the Internet helped you? It is a very viable resource if used correctly. It can be a vast time waster. Although God Bless the Internet. That is where my wife was hiding and she is my best friend.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Difficult to say. Teaching art and music in Shamballah.

Have you had any other careers? How have these influenced your career as an artist? Well they really made me appreciate what it means to create art. The whole time I wasn't creating I would be wishing I was. I have to be honest though. When this becomes solely a business, it's time to consider other possibilities. I hope to fuse my art ability to my spiritual side and teach others to create with Light.

What are the best and worst parts of your work? Hmm. Well, the best parts are probably those that are yet to be realized. Truthfully, I don't recognize worst anymore. It all builds to something. Even the dark teaches us about the Light.

Have you studied art in school? Yep. Kutztown University.

Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them? I have always just sort of inclined my mind by disengaging it and flowing. Too much thought and you just choke off the natural energy that flows through and all around us. I believe that parameters put a choke hold on possibilities by limiting the outcome.

What has the reaction to your work been? Well the illustration is generally thought to be original and likend to etching. The painting seems to speak to people and that is a beautiful thing to hear and see.

Are there any interesting anecdotes related to your work that you would like to share? Not really. Just don't ever give into fear. It is the one thing that stops all progression.
Always do. You can always do again! Also be aware of your desires. I thought at one time that I really wanted to show my work. The truth was, I really didn't have enough Faith in myself and gave into fear. I thoroughly did not enjoy remotely my first art show for my paintings.
As I said, pay attention to the dark within. It teaches us about the Beautiful counterpart.
The Light which makes all things possible.

People in your field whom you most admire: Too many to mention. I love Gary Baseman. He just represents a guy who does it all with a good grip on what is important and seemingly someone who has tackled his negative ego and has tried to attain to balance.

Play list of at least ten favorite songs: I love it all. I suggest songs, music etc that helps you feel alive! Bob Marley lifts the soul. For meditation I suggest Osiris or Tibetan Chants. In particular, The Om Mane Padme Hum.

Favorite comic strip/ comic book: Bloom County

Favorite artists: Pollock, Lee Kranz and a zillion more. If it resonates it serves it's purpose.

Web sites you visit regularly: None really. Craigslist as I need to find a full-time hopefully creative job. A singular creation, excellent site for all artists. Major Props to Joe Barrouk.

Magazines you read regularly: Used to be Rolling Stone. Mostly Creativity.

Movies you love so much you've watched them more than twice: The Usual Suspects. Get Shorty. Constantine.

Last concert/performance attended: Steely Dan, PNC Arts Center, NJ

Favorite authors, fiction: Kids Books

Favorite authors, nonfiction: Dave Sedaris

Maryann Worrell

Maryann Worrell is an artist, designer and instructor working in Phoenixville, PA, outside of Philadelphia. Her most recent installation titled "Re-Generation," deals with issues of re-birth. Maryann tends to use various mediums. This work includes metal, ceramics, pressed paper, wood, sand, plastics and found object/hardware. Most of her work deals with women's issues and ideas.

http://maryannworrell.30art.com/

Tell us a little about yourself: I am a contemporary artist and metalsmith working out of my studio, She Rocks Studio, in Phoenixville, PA. I am currently teaching Metals/Jewelry at Arcadia University and at various art centers.

Tell us about your recent work: I believe my work tells stories of women and their struggles in today’s society of demands and expectations, given to us and those we put upon ourselves.


When did you first realize you wanted to work w/ art? I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to be an artist. Due to lack of encouragement, financial hardships and a life-threatening illness, it wasn’t until I was in my early to mid-thirties that I was able to really develop and strive to be an artist.

Can you explain how you decide on the images you use in your work? Most of my work is 3-dimensional and somewhat architectural, with a bit of darkness and humor, which speaks to my personality and sense of humor. I tend to work out any demons or emotions in the work I build.

Can you describe the environment and atmosphere you work in for us? Do you generally work alone or with people? Is it quiet or do you play music? I have a small basement studio which I share with another artist. She works mostly at night and I’m in there in the day. Working with fire and heavy equipment, a basement is ideal, but at times very cold and damp. It’s located in a building which houses an art center and several other artists’ studios. It is a great place to get feedback from other artists who work in different disciplines and also to go grab a cup of coffee and gab about art. I listen to music, quite loudly and rarely work without it.

What interests do you have other than art? I enjoy kayaking, books, art-house films and finding new music for my Ipod. I have occasional yearnings to practice yoga, but it never lasts for long.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist? This is the first year that I have taken a hard look at my art as a business. After talking to other artists and becoming part of a women’s “art marketing” group, I have been able to get organized, track spending and sales, and focus more on getting into shows.

Have you collaborated w/ other artists in the past? Yes. Collaborating is both frustrating and exciting. I enjoy the excitement of coming up with new projects and hearing someone else’s ideas, but it’s hard to not always be in complete control. It’s a good learning experience in patience and trust.

Who and what are your influences? HR Geiger, Alexander Calder, Judy Chicago, Francis Bacon, Louise Nevelson…I could go on and on. The human body and how it works, music and gallery walks inspire and influence me.

Looking back, how has your style changed?
I started to make work that I thought people would like and want to buy, landscape-types and safe. I have since directed my work to reflect emotions and experiences, regardless of public appeal.

What advice would you give to people just starting out? Work everyday, don’t stop. You may have a block, but you have to work it out in someway. Go to a gallery, sketch, read something inspiring, meditate…keep working. I go to my studio 5-6 days a week, even if I have not one thought in my head, I start to clean or fiddle around, eventually I make something which generally will lead to more and more work. Don’t get discouraged.

How has the Internet helped you? The internet has helped me to find shows, do research, order supplies, and connect to various people from around the world.

What inspires you and how do you keep motivated when things get tough? I am motivated by other artists. If I flip through the latest Art in America or go see a great show in Philadelphia or NY, this is what really starts the wheels turning.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years I hope to be traveling around the world and showing in galleries and museums.

Have you had any other careers? How have these influenced your career as an artist?
I have worked in various jobs…a horse carriage tour guide in Philadelphia, waitress/bartender, CAD operator for an architectural firm, pre-school teacher, just to name a few. I have worked with the public and people tend to open up to me, this has influenced the emotional elements of my work. Working in Architecture has influenced the structural, 3-dimensional elements of my work.

What are the best and worst parts of your work? Best and worse are similar…it’s physically demanding, emotional and some times misunderstood, all of which I like and dislike.

Have you studied art in school? I studied at Arcadia University, formerly Beaver College, Glenside, PA.

Where do you teach? I am currently teaching at Arcadia, Phoenix Village Art Center, and Wayne Art Center.

Do you plan each of your pieces in detail beforehand or do they evolve as you create them? I start with a few sketches and words of description, but it NEVER turns out the way I first imagine. It evolves more organically.

What has the reaction to your work been?
Here are three comments from my last show, “Re-Generation”… “This is amazing! I get it. The concept really speaks to me.”
“This is (pause) interesting”
“Don’t look at that ART!” -a mother to her 11yr old kid

Do you have the memory of a very special moment in you career? A gallery owner called me to talk about my current show at her gallery. She said it was generating a lot of conversations about female cancers and decisions about motherhood. Anytime my art generates conversation, I think that’s a special moment.

Are there any interesting anecdotes related to your work that you would like to share? I love when people try to “figure out” what I’m trying to say with my work, want to discuss what they see before reading the artist statement. Like it’s a little game. I find it amusing.

People in your field whom you most admire: Co workers/Mentors: Karen Misher- Metals/Jewelry Designer professor, John Heusser- Art Educator

Play list of at least ten favorite songs:
“Behind the Sun”- The Good, The Bad and the Queen
“Soul Meets Body”- Death Cab for Cutie
“Don’t F*ck with Love”- Sad Little Stars
“Australia”- The Shins
“Bowl of Oranges”-Bright Eyes
“I want you”- Rachel Yamagata
“Landed”- Ben Folds
“9 Crimes”- Damien Rice
“To Be Alone With You”- Sufjan Stevens
“Paperweight”- Joshua Radin/Schuyler Fisk

Web sites you visit regularly: http://www.inliquid.com/, http://www.artdeadline.com/, http://www.thedcca.org/, http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ats/, www.myspace.com, http://www.icantbelieveimstillsingle.com/, http://www.philaculture.org,

Last concert/performance attended: Local Philly Band: Buzz Zeemer

Favorite comic strip/ comic book: TV show-“Heroes” closest thing to a comic book

Movies you love so much you've watched them more than twice:
Closer
Little Miss Sunshine
Philadelphia Story
Brokeback Mountain
Fall
Amelie
Donnie Darko
Run Lola Run
Rivers and Tides- Andy Goldsworthy

Magazines you read regularly: Art in America, Art Matters, Art News, Entertainment Weekly


Favorite authors, fiction: Currently reading: Gabriel Garcia Marquez- “One Hundred Years of Solitude”

Favorite authors, nonfiction: Currently reading: Micheal Kimmelman- “The Accidental Masterpiece: On the Art of Life and Vice Versa”