About me.... Never had any formal training in art. Dropped the subject like a hot potato at school, held absolutely no interest for me at all. Then about 5 years ago my brother was killed and as a direct result I started to paint. I had no formal training, couldnt even claim to be self taught (since i never specifically went out of my way to learn anything), something inside me just wanted to PAINT. For the next wee while it kept me sane, then I made the mistake of painting a portrait of him. I say mistake 'cause by way of that, I got sucked into doing portraits for people who found merit in my work. Portrait after portrait until it ended up I was only ever painting (and only ever portraits) for other people instead of for me. It had become a job with deadlines and commitments to keep and I hated it. I used to use my art simply to relax, to unwind and now it had become another source of stress. Then, mibbee 6 or so months ago a dear friend, in her own subtle, tactful way, sat me down, verbally beat the crap outa me, pointed me in the right direction and booted me out the door.

So here I am, having fun, enjoying my art again.


How did you discover deviantART, and how long have you been a
member?,

I had been aware of deviant art for quite some time through a couple of friends of mine and used it on and off to view other peoples work but I never had any desire or indeed the courage to submit my own stuff. Eventually, in a bid to encourage a friend to display her own stuff I kinda just took the plunge.


Do you have a favourite thing about deviantART? How about least favourite?

My favourite thing about da...???? Gotta be the feeling of community and the positive comments that encourage and inspire. Least favourite...??? Erm....fave'ing without commenting. Drives me nuts.


What is your favourite form of art? Do you have a favourite artist (either on or off DA)?

I kinda like all forms of art and am extremely envious of those who can do the sorta stuff that is beyond my ability. Sketching for instance. Some of the pencil sketches on here just have to be seen to be believed. There are paintings that are like photographs. Digital art that you swear is REAL. It’s ALL good. As for favourite artist..??? I’m gonna fall into the old cliché of nepotism and go with [link] LOVING her stuff, but shes having a bit of a time out at the moment, honestly???? Im not sure i could pick just one. There is a list of artists I love and admire as long as my arm.


What is your favourite piece that you have created?

Oh god.... my favourite piece of MY work.... erm....It changes but at the moment its probably either this [link] because it turned out so much better than I hoped or this [link] cause i think it conveys some of the emotion of the subject.

Or this [link] because it was such a happy accident (It was accidentally sat on... totally RUINED the jeans).

Do you create your art to send a message to people?

I paint or whatever simply as a way to relax. There are times of the year that i'm much more productive than others but that’s simply 'cause there are times when I’m much more stressed than others. There’s never any intentional message in anything I paint or photograph. Sometimes after it’s finished I can see a message there but it’s never intended at the outset.

Do you have any favourite tools of the trade?

Until recently my favourite tools were canvas, brush and the bin. I seem to use the bin alot less often now.

Where, or what do you pull your inspiration from?

I find that others inspire me to actually paint but that WHAT I paint is usually down to how i’m feeling at the time.


peace.