Please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Darlene Riel. 

Tell us about your favorite art medium.
My medium is photography.  My passion is to travel and to explore other countries and their cultures.   I’d like to think that I “see things” that many people overlook.  I’m drawn to texture and aged patinas, especially of wood and metals.  I like to print my images on premium canvas, as I feel that the nap of the canvas gives my images extra texture and depth.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
On occasion I like to take some of my photographs slightly out of focus, and with the addition of digital post processing noise, they become very painterly.  I first became more familiar with this process by Canadian photographer Michael Orton who started “painterly impressionistic images” that became known as “Orton Imagery”.  This might sound familiar to those who use Adobe Photoshop software as “Orton Effects” were integrated into their post processing software in the 1980’s.  Otherwise, my influences are what I see in the world around me and in my travels.

What motivates you to create?
Sharing my photographs opens dialogs about a sense of place, memories, and the love of travel.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
Early morning or late afternoon.  However, because I may be traveling at any time of day, lighting may not always be perfect.  I’m often moving constantly.  I do not go on “photo shoots” and I therefore capture images of what is presented to me as a passerby.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Socially, it definitely does!  Belonging to Auburn Old Town Gallery (and two other galleries) and being around so many creative people is a huge bonus and inspiration.  I’ve also met some amazing fellow travelers and people from all over the world, and many keep in touch.  

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Read Darlene’s previous interview here.
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Please introduce yourself.
Hello, I am Tim Turney, and my passion is woodworking.

Tell us about your favorite art medium.
Non-endangered exotic woods are my favorite to work with.  Their beauty is unsurpassed and I like to take full advantage of Mother Nature’s medium.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
Mother, sisters, brothers and my children.

What motivates you to create?
Not sure. Just an innate desire to make things I can touch and feel. I get a great sense of accomplishment and pride with each finished project.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
All day… every day.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Eh…not really.

Please introduce yourself.
Hi everyone – I am watercolorist, Sonja Hamilton, SWA

Tell us about your favorite art medium.
I knew at once when I tried watercolor that this was for me – it is challenging and so much fun! The best thing was that it was portable, to make painting outdoors so doable! And I have been doing this now for decades besides painting and teaching indoors.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
After earning a degree in Art and a teaching credential in art ONLY, I found my mentor, Dorner Schuller, a retired commercial artist who painted just as I wanted to paint. I took his workshops as often as I could, watching and learning new teaching techniques that I knew would work for me. Subsequently, I took workshops from nationally known artists for their teaching techniques, and gleaned what would work for me.

What motivates you to create?
That is simple. I collect photos that I take with my phone and file them under “to paint”, so I have a selection of ideas that are available when I need a particular subject.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
Daytime, for sure! Usually, my days are so filled that I am ready to relax in the evening. Having said that, sometimes I want to finish a few strokes, so I work under “daylight” lighting in my studio, so my color choices ring true and are not influenced by anything dull and not in true color.  If it is a night scene or a still life illuminated by artificial light, I paint those in the daytime.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
You know, it doesn’t matter what you do if you understand art principles and design. For example, when I plate food, it is pleasing to look at and more appetizing. When I dress, I wear clothing with color harmony. In photography, I edit to “help” the natural composition my camera takes. Art influences me in all facets of life. I “see” things differently and know my paintings are appealing for this reason.

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Read Sonja’s previous interview here.

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Please introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Jenn Norpchen.

Tell us about your favorite art medium.
Gourd and Clay-wire sculpture. I love to look at gourds as a substrate to create using wire and clay.

Who/what is your biggest artistic influences?
Leonardo da Vinci and how he studied people and animals in action, especially animals’ expressions.

What motivates you to create?
When I’m out hiking in the morning or talking with my friends.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
Late evening and morning.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Many times. It’s a wonderful talking point with people. It has helped me to want to teach others one of my favorite passions. 

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Read Jenn’s previous interview here.

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Please introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Cathy McAllister.

Tell us about your favorite art medium.
Doing up-cycle projects. I love to find old things, different items and bring them back to life.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
Gosh, there are so many to choose from as I get influenced by so many different things. I probably can’t really say one in particular. I do love nature, and I love colors, and I also love movements.

What motivates you to create?
I like to create things that are whimsical because it makes people happy.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
I used to think there wasn’t really a favorite time of day. I could do it all the time anytime but lately it seems like the nighttime is a great time to create.

Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Yes, art does help me. It makes me focus. It makes me feel better about myself. It’s a great outlet.

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Read Cathy’s previous interview here.

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