INTERVIEW 1
Q1. What does being and artist mean to you?
A1.To me being an artist means that I am able to extract elements from the world I live in and give it a focus it might not have without me. It is a chance that I have to show different views of our world and sometimes, I hope, to even influence the way people will perceive certain elements, actions.
Q2. If you could use your art to express something socially important to you, what would you do?
A2.Right now like many others, my concerns are about the environment and what I can do to preserve it. Through my art I want to show that we are surrounded by beauty even the mundane elements that we see every day. And by giving it the spotlight, I am hoping that we will be more careful and try to preserve what we see. Also I am working on a new series called “silhouette in peril” that portrays different animals that are endangered species or at risk. I am putting a special emphasis on our very own species endangered here in BC.
Q3.What is your favorite subject to paint?
A3.Close ups are great! It does not really matter what. I like to challenge myself and the viewers by finding subjects that might have become ordinary and bringing it in the focus. Also, landscape excites me. There is so much beauty every where… I find it hard to decide what to paint first!
Q4. Do you have a favorite style? (Realism, abstract…)?
A4. Realism is something I aspire to. I try to keep a “painting aspect” when I paint in a realistic why though. It appeals more to me. I am having fun with pastels. I find it a great medium for creating realistic paintings. Also, I have just discovered abstract and I am having a blast with it. It is quite liberating in many ways! For sure there is going to be more painting is this style soon.
Q5. What is your medium? Why? Do you like to try different mediums or you are more conservative person?
A5. Graphite is a wonderful and many times underrated medium. Through graphite I am able to see more the influences of the light and shadow. I love it simplicity and versatility. Graphite is till my first love.
During my studies, acrylic became my medium of choice for painting and it has now been my main medium for many years. I like its properties especially the fast drying quality. I can work on a painting and add many layers and not have to wait too long between them. Or I can choose to paint with more energy and mix paint on canvas. Acrylic is also very forgiving! If you do not like something you can just cover it and start again!
Let’s not forget Pastels. I have just discovered it and pastels has now become my new love. I love the immediacy. Like Dianna Pointing would say “there is no ugly stage”. The colours are also quite vibrant. I just love it. I am going to explore Pastel more and more in the next little while.
Q6. How do you see your future as an artist? What is your dream?
A6. My dream, like many artists, is to be a well known artist. My goal is to keep on improving my technique and to keep growing as an artist. I strive for perfection, and even though it is an unattainable goal, it keeps me working hard and humble.
Rose Petal, Acrylic on Canvas by Sophie St. Pierre
