Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural Virginia you will find a mixed media artist passionate about life. Those that know or have taken workshops with Misty say she has a strong passion when it comes to art and her students. That passion has blessed her with a life full of love, art, travel and two wonderful children. All of that passion shows in her artwork and the wonderful photographs she shares on her blog.
Let’s get to the interview questions and learn more about Misty.
MP: What made you decide to become an artist and how old were you when you knew?
For me, it wasn't ever a decision, it was just what I did as a child and it grew into a deep rooted passion as an adult. Ever since I can remember I have been creating art, my medium has changed over the years, from dandelions to collage, to clay, to acrylic paint and I hope it continues to change as need be. I can remember collecting dandelions as a young child and dipping them in water, watching the split stems coil up and then I would weave them together to make a bracelet or headband or sculpture of some kind. Later I was always rightfully accused of taking the scissors, glue, and magazines that my mother would be looking for. In high school there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to go to college for art, I really had no idea what I would become, but if I was making art it would be perfect. Once I found the clay room in college I had found my direction, after many years of being a potter I started painting again, and here I am.
MP: What are two art supplies you don't think you could live without and why?
Watercolor paper and a black Marks All Pencil by Stabilo. I love 100% cotton watercolor paper because it is very tolerant of all the mediums I layer on and sand off. I use said pencil in every piece I create, from the basic foundation drawing to the final detail. It's a water soluble lush black lead, and it blends so nicely onto the paper and into acrylic paint.
MP: Do you have a favorite technique that you use a lot in your work?
One of my favorite techniques lately has been using my own images one way or another in my art. I love taking photos and I love taking my own photos and painting over them, transferring them with gel medium, or using them as a collage element in my work.
MP: What do you tell people who say that they're not creative, or that they're not an artist?
It isn't too often that I encounter people that think they are not creative, but every so often I will have a student that thinks they cannot draw or be creative or that they aren't an artist. What I tell them is that they CAN draw, that they are creative, that they are an Artist! I truly believe that anyone and everyone can be creative, draw, and be an artist, it's all how much they want to express themselves and how much of their heart & soul they put into it.
MP: Our rewards when taking one of your classes is a wonderful, talented, patient and humble teacher. What is it about teaching workshops/classes that you enjoy the most?
Thank you, I greatly appreciate that you think that. As a rather shy person I never imagined that I would become an art teacher, but I believe in fate. After putting my art out there and feeling so well received, I felt like the thing to do was to give teaching a go even though I felt a tiny bit apprehensive about the whole idea. I sent off a few proposals and was accepted, and before I knew it, I was standing in front of a the classroom, teaching others what I love to do. What I found out then was that I love teaching and sharing my art, it is such an amazing feeling to see students learning and loving the process just as much as I do.
MP: Is there a certain time of day that you find you're the most creative, and do you create daily? Do you ever get "blocked" and if so, how do you work through it?
My most creative time of day is unquestionably late at night, when it feels like the world around me is fast asleep. I have always been a night owl, working into the wee hours of the morning. The only problem with that now is that I have to get up early to get my children off to school, so if I find myself in a groove in the studio late at night I have to either sacrifice sleep or save what creative energy I can for the following day. I try to create every single day and go through withdrawal if I miss a few days here or there.
MP: Your blog is filled with wonderful stories and pictures, both of your family and your art. How do you intertwine the two and find a balance so that you can be there for them and also have time for your art?
My Family and my art are the two things that I feel I can indulge in fully! They are the things that make me happiest. There are times when I need more time to get projects completed or class preparations pulled together and there are times when I just want to soak in the love of my family without worrying what needs done. So when I am feeling that I do need more time for one or the other, I am fortunate that I can somehow find that time. It helps that both of my children are in school for parts of the day and that my husband takes over when I need him to. Of course there are times when I get off balance and feel overwhelmed with what I feel I need to get done, but thankfully those times pass and I find balance again.
MP: Do you have any upcoming projects/books/events/etc we can look forward to seeing in the future?
Actually, I am hoping to announce to the world that I will be coming out with a book in the future. It is something I very much want to do, I just have to make the plunge and DO IT! I also have a full teaching schedule this year, teaching in a few beloved places and a few new places as well. Next year I will be teaching in Italy in the fall and can hardly wait!
MP: Is there anything you would like the art world to know about you or your art that we did not cover in our interview?
Hmmmm. Final last words? lol. I guess I would just like to say that like so many, I am still trying to find my way, while exploring, discovering, and learning every single day, Somedays I tumble over my own uncertain steps and some days I dance wildly in the streets, rain or shine, both are a part of who I am and who I can and will be, my wishes and dreams are huge, and that's how I like to live, so far so good!
To learn more about Misty, her art and her love of life visit her blog here.
Images provided by Misty.
Misty, thank you for sharing with our readers your passion for art and life. Once again I would like to thank Sue Pieper for interviewing Misty. Great Job Girls!!!
Misty, thanks so much for doing this interview and granting us a peek inside your life. And it's a life that sounds quite perfect to me!
Posted by: sue pieper | July 2009 at 11:17 AM
Thank you Misty for doing this interview, and thank-you for sharing with us as a teacher. You are such a wonderful spirit, and my wish for you is to continue loving your life and your work. light and love-amanda
Posted by: amanda davie | July 2009 at 05:50 AM
Thankyou so much for this interview-it is wonderful to hear from someone so passionate about life, love, family, and art and it shows in your beautiful work.
Posted by: Carol Weiler | July 2009 at 11:02 AM
This is a beautiful interview!!!
Misty has always been a "huge" inspiration in my little art world. I have enjoyed watching her art bloom throughout the years~ Her work stands alone, she is one of a kind!! I can spot her style a mile away ;)
xo!! ~Bella
Posted by: Izabella | July 2009 at 01:15 PM
Misty is a poet, in all mediums, including life.
Posted by: Sue | July 2009 at 06:58 AM
I am a huge fan of Misty and her artful life. This was a wonderful interview. Thanks Misty for continuing to open up and share with us all.
Posted by: Deb Taylor | July 2009 at 11:17 AM
Thank you all so much for the interview! It is so wonderful what you share here and i am grateful that you asked me to be a part of it, thank you!!!
and to the comments here.... so very sweet, thank you. xo
Posted by: misty | August 2009 at 08:25 PM
what a wonderful interview and fabulous eye candy to accompany it!
Posted by: alicia | August 2009 at 10:53 PM