Hi all!
I'd like to invite you to a new episode of the special feature on my blog I called Ambassadors Spotlight.
Last month I interviewed talented Monika Huculak and this time I'd like you to make yourself a cup of good tea and spend some time "chatting" to another great Artist who's very close to my heart and whose creations I have admired for many years now - my Brand Ambassador and a wonderful friend - Linda M. Cain!
I just love how Linda called her blog "Friends in Art" (and this is how she always ends her emails :) 'cause this is exactly who she is - a wonderfully warm Friend with a big heart, always ready to share her art, beauty and inspirations!
And here's what Linda says about herself.
Please enjoy and feel inspired!
I am basically an Artist interested in all mediums. I jump from one to another and love each one almost as much as the other. But, having said that, vintage patinas and rust with a picture from the past is what gets my blood pumping.
The only thing I love more is my family and all the crazy-busy things that keep us active in their lives. They mean the world to me, and I’m grateful for all the time they’re letting me spend pursuing my love of creating art.
1. How and when did you start your art adventure?
I suppose I started my adventure as a child.
I wanted to be an architect in grade school, but decided to get an art degree out of high school. My middle school teacher that tested us for career assessment looked at my results and said, "you should be a grease monkey instead of an architect." Needless to say, I'll never forget him.
But I seriously began after my 2nd child was born by taking watercolor lessons from a local artist. Later I found stamp and paper art when a friend started selling stamps and I was hooked.
I like a 3D style that incorporates vintage and found objects with a photo from the past.
I love flea markets where you can dig around to find small discarded pieces of the past. The rustier the better. Bringing these items back into the spotlight for others to see is what I'm all about.
3. What are your art dreams/plans/wishes?
I wish I could finish more of the ideas that are in my head. Getting started is always a challenge for me. I overthink, which is what drives me the crazy. My dream would be to be able to just jump in and CREATE. Still waiting on that to happen.
Hands down, my favorites are the Mechanicals. But I couldn't live without the 3D Matte Gel and the Gessoes. The pastes are a must have, especially the Patinas. Anything that gives a project added texture. But I love everything.
5. Share a quote that you find particularly inspiring.
"Blessed are the weird people... the poets, misfits, writers, mystics, painters, troubadours... for they teach us to see the world through different eyes." ~Jacob Nordby~
6. Share a word of of advice for all those who want to be creative and maybe are stuck in a creative rut or feel too shy or insecure to make and/or share their art.
Everyone has to be new some time; the kid waiting tables at the diner, the salesperson at the farm store, the teacher entering the classroom for the first time.
So be yourself, don't try to be Finnabair, or Adele, or Michael Jordan... we already have them... just be you. Create what YOU like.
And remember, we all evolve. I look back on my first pieces and cringe, but I kept trying and have learned so much.
If you want to be better, take classes in everything. Different mediums all blend together to make you a well-rounded Artist.
7. Show us your favorite artworks.
The Clock and Butterfly canvas is definitely one of my all-time favorites because of all the found objects and color that are surrounded by lots of texture.
The Lady in the Medallion which combines paper clay, metal, texture, vintage lace, and of course, a classic picture of a lady.
I hope you enjoyed today's interview as much as I did. :)
Stay tuned to another inspiring Spotlight conversation in June!
Stay tuned to another inspiring Spotlight conversation in June!
Finn & The Team
Beautiful projects Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kristie❤️
DeleteWhat can I say Linda other than - you are an amazing artist , a really lovely lady and friend with as Finnabair says a big warm and generous heart! Loved reading your spotlight interview, seeing your studio (drool) and your incredible art- I am in awe. Thank you for sharing .
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Oh sweet Amanda, you make it all worthwhile. Thank you for being my Friend in ART. ❤️❤️❤️
DeleteI had to stop by and congratulate this wonderful friend and artist.Her works are stunning and always filled with superb detail and inspiration.Her creations challenge me and keeps me on my toes. I am a bit set back by her remarkable, organized studio though(I mean I could sure learn a few lessons there) and my question for Linda today is,"how on earth girl do you manage to keep that carpet clean?" LOL I would have to have a painters cloth covering the entire area! Love you bunches Linda, you are the real deal!
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Kim
Kim, there have been plenty of “stuff” dropped on the floor, but it usually goes in my lap. I’m kinda OCD when it comes to keeping things picked up...my favorite thing to do when I finish a project is put everything back in its place and clean off my desk!!! It’s a sickness. It’s a thrill to work along side of you at RCAG and share our love for creating projects. You rock everything you do, and I’m honored to be your Friend in ART. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, loved reading more about Linda and your creative space is fabulous. Wonderful pieces of art too. Tracy x x
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracy. You know it doesn’t always look like that, you should see what was on the floor behind me out of the picture!!!
DeleteOh yes .... Linda is an amazing artist. Very skilled and creative !!
ReplyDeleteI love your style Linda. But you already know that. I have learned so much from you ... And you are always ready to help and do reply if/when we are asking about details from your art work. I love that you share your talents with us. Thank you so very much !!!
Hugs from Monica
Spain
Thank you my long-time friend from Spain. We’ve solved many issues together, haven’t we? It’s what we do, it’s why we’re here. Hugs back Monica.
DeleteThank you Linda for your sweet reply. I find it amazing that you have time and energy to reply each one !!
DeleteI forgot to tell you one of tje best thing I’ve learned from you : your clever way to incorporate paper clay objects in your art. The way you use these pieces. The way you color them. You just keep on to inspire so many people. I’m truly grateful for being able to learn from skilled artists like you. Thank you again for being such a warm and generous artist !
Big hug from Monica
Spain
How wonderful! Linda is one of my heros: as an artist, and as a shining example of a human being with ethics, intelligence and creative courage. Thank you for this lovely treat. xox
ReplyDelete“Always here. Got your back. Love to share. Don’t mess with my Peeps!” That’s the pledge from Heather and I. Simple logic. I’m honored to be your friend and Art Sister, Heather. You always make my day. Love ya, girl.
DeleteAwesome interview and crafting office! I have always loved your art and enjoyed seeing your favorite pieces!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kathy. We’ve been doing this quite awhile, right? ❤️
DeleteWOW! Heather posted your article and I am so thankful. Your work is so inspiring. I love your style. The texture and colors make me happy and I want to touch. When I started reading I saw myself in your- getting started, over thinking and the stupid school testing. I am a huge fan <3
ReplyDeleteHeather is a treasure. We both love the same things and enjoy spreading the news. Gotta love her. And Tina, just be what you want to be. And have fun. Thanks for the kind words.❤️
DeleteLove your art and the glimpse into your journey. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI’ve followed Linda and her art for a few years now and love to see what Linda will do next, I love her creative style it always stands out from the crowd...lots more please Linda xx
ReplyDeleteBack at cha Kaz! Love what you do. ❤️
DeleteYour work is amazing Linda! I sure wish my mind worked like yours and Heather Traceys so I could create works of art like you do. I find myself staring at them with a smile on my face just enjoying all the little discoveries in each piece. So very nicely done!😍
ReplyDeleteYes! Heather is my idol. She is one amazing artist with a treasure trive of ideas. Brilliant gal. ❤️
DeleteThank you so much. It was fun writing this.
ReplyDeleteI need a supply list or links to start my mixed media project?
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