When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I was a klutzy kid so skating and ballet were epic fails; luckily art classes stuck.

Honestly, art became essential to me during an orientation day at the University of Alberta. I originally planned to be a dental hygienist and after touring the campus in the morning I thought, “Why not be a dentist!” But, later in the afternoon, I joined a tour of the Fine Art Department – just for fun. I saw studios with large paintings in progress. There was a thick layer of paint over every surface; floors, walls, and chairs. I toured the photography department and saw dark rooms with trays of developer, and the sculpture department that had giant kilns. It was the printmaking department, however, that hooked me. I hadn’t heard of etching baths or lithography presses

It was so intimidating and mysterious; my imagination was lit. I think that was the pivotal moment for me. I finally saw that art wasn’t just something for this klutzy kid. It was so much more! I phoned my Mom, long-distance on a payphone, to ask if it was okay to change my mind and take art. Luckily, her reply was, “Do it. You can also try something else later.” Thanks Mom!

Who are the artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?

It was working at The Paint Spot with David Bradley and Sidsel Naess Bradley, the previous owners of The Paint Spot, that had the greatest influence on me. David was compulsively curious and very knowledgeable about art materials. Sidsel was great at inspiring artists to experiment with new things. I found that I loved art materials and the processes of making art. I wanted to share this with every artist that came into the store. Perhaps it was also meeting the colourmen and resident artists from our art material manufacturers. They are a bunch of passionate geeks. From them, I formed an idea of where I could fit in the scheme of things.

What is the inspiration behind your artwork?

It is all about the materials. I do not paint sunsets. I open a jar of red paint and say “Whoa! How can I use this?”

What is distinctive about your art that sets it apart from others?

Hmmm, people often ask how my art is progressing and I smile and put my arms out to say, “All this is my art.” Buying The Paint Spot 15 year ago was the best decision. I have been part of the business for 25 years and The Paint Spot is celebrating 35 years in businesses in 2020.

I love testing and evaluating the products we stock at The Paint Spot. It is not making art, but helping others make art. Not as an art instructor, but as a seller of art materials. I am passionate about assisting artists in their journey to find their unique path in art. Often people come in for one particular item but after a discussion and some brain storming they may leave inspired with a completely new idea. I often use this example: Two artists can came in to buy a drill but we discovered they just want to make a hole. One left with bookbinding awl and the other left with a shovel. That is the beautifully rewarding part of being in the art materials business.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I don’t know where the quote originated but here is the best advice:

You have 600 bad drawings in you; best get them done as quickly as possible.

Just do it. The only thing that separates the good from the great is time and practice.

Describe the environment or your studio in which you create. Do you have any artmaking rituals?

My studio is on the main floor of my home. I walk past it every day. I work it in two nights a week and twice on the weekend. I did not work well in a separate space outside of my home.

It is odd but I create in silence. I may ease into it with music or a podcasts but I am usually unaware when the playlist is done. Sometimes a whole afternoon goes by before I even realize I was working in complete silence.

Deadlines are the magic motivational technique for me – even if it must be artificial or self-imposed. It is one of the many reasons The Paint Spot has gallery exhibitions and created the Whyte Avenue Art Walk. Artists create more when they have a reason to. Otherwise all the good ideas just stay in our heads and may never come to light.

Sometimes procrastination is just the hesitation to get out the supplies and start. So I pick something small and quick like sketching from a holiday photo or a little still life using an art tool I haven’t used before. When I am really stuck. I pick something that intimidates me or something I think I am not good at. Then I make myself do it 20 – 50 times. The hand project was an example of how quickly practice can improve ability and style.

What destination around the world most inspires your work?

Nothing beats the epic splendor of the Canadian landscape.  Alberta is so diverse. We have grasslands, badlands, boreal forests, foothills and mountains. My grandfather was a Boy Scout leader so I got to camp, hike, climb, hide and play around more nooks and crannies of Southern Alberta hoodoos and foothills than most kids.

Did you go to art school or are you self-taught? What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned along the way?

I took art classes from the time I was twelve and then got a BFA from the University of Alberta. A lifetime of experience has taught me that even a very bad painting or drawing makes a great underpainting.

From Walter Jule in the printmaking department I learned a technique I make myself use in every work and my students use in every class:  “Stop before you think you’re done.”

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

It is a tie between two powers. The first would be teleportation so I can get to work and back home faster and be able to travel to exotic places for an afternoon or evening.  But a practical super power would be to have the ability to move things with my mind, then I could draw and paint at the same time while doing laundry or cleaning the house.

Where can people find you online or in person (gallery, upcoming show, etc.)? 

It is all about The Paint Spot. My life is art materials. You can find us here:

10032 81 Avenue

www.paintspot.ca

Instagram: @thepaintspot or @paintspot.ca or @yegartwalk

Facebook: The Paint Spot or Artelier Studios

Twitter: @thepaintspot