Tell us about your artwork.
Hi, I’m Diane Tharp.  I primarily paint in watercolor and water media. It is a passion! I paint realistically with stronger colors than is usually associated with watercolor. My inspiration comes primarily from nature, and I especially love to paint birds. My paintings often tell a little story or have a touch of whimsy which makes them even more fun to paint. I have been in many juried shows and have won many awards for my artwork which is always such an honor.

Describe how art is important to society.
People have a connection to art, whether it brings back a memory, a passion, or just makes them feel good. I’m loving that communities are now supporting public art and it’s common to see murals, sculptures, and other art pieces in public places. I feel it fosters a sense of pride in our communities and certainly beautifies those areas. And it also brings art up close to communities’ members who might not usually be exposed to art. I volunteered to paint a large utility box at the Gold Country Fairgrounds with rodeo scenes and it always gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction when I visit the fair and see it.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Painting is an enjoyable, meditative process for me, and I don’t put pressure on myself to paint the perfect painting. I love networking with other artists and supporting our local galleries and art organizations. I’m a proud member of the Auburn Old Town Gallery and High Hand Gallery in Loomis. I’m also part of the North Auburn Artists Mother’s Day Tour and the Placer Artists Studios Tour in November.

Has your style changed over time?
Although my style hasn’t really dramatically changed over time, I can see the personal progress and improvement of my skills as a painter.

Describe your dream project.
My dream project at this time would be to paint a full sheet painting of my beloved animals at our ranch home in Auburn. We have an amazing llama, dwarf goats, and sheep that have captured my heart. There will always be a new dream project to replace the current one once it is painted!

What superpower would you have and why?
I’d love to have the superpower of not needing rest or sleep! There is so much to experience and enjoy in this life and just not enough time to do it all! Life is a blessing, to be appreciated every minute of the day!

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Read Diane’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
Hi, I’m Christina Salazar, a jeweler at Auburn Old Town Gallery. My artwork is a simple style. With different textures and with or without stones.

Describe how art is important to society.
The beauty of art can communicate information and make a social statement.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I know myself as a natural jewelry artist. My designs are different and simple. I don’t like to repeat the same designs.

Has your style changed over time?
Yes, it is more exciting and unique. Texture and shape.

Describe your dream project.
My project would be a pearl creation with an image of under the sea.

What superpower would you have and why?
To give everyone the power to find their inner creation.

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Read Christina’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
My name is Barbra Paitich.  I paint on silk, making scarves and wraps and I combine silk with torch-cut metals for wall art.

Describe how art is important to society.
All art mediums (painting, sculpting, music, dance etc.) inspire all of society. Our souls are nourished and healed by beauty, curiosity, experimentation, creating.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a silk painter who has added ways to display my work in multiple ways by incorporating metal (steel, brass, copper), plant life, (twigs, small branches, leaves, flowers). In my career as school counselor, I used art as a therapeutic tool.

Has your style changed over time?
My style of work is organic and free flowing and has always been, but the means by which it evolved was a lovely journey as a progression. Watercolors transported me into dyes on silk. Raising sheep and spinning the wool pointed me to texture and to silk. The need to display my paintings led me to welding classes.

Describe your dream project.
I’ve had a few of large projects; the largest was a 17 ft. x 14 ft. project of silk hung on steel that hangs in a home in Nevada County.

What superpower would you have and why?
The ability to heal by touch. I feel that our world needs compassion, a kind word, and a gentle touch. Fear has invaded our world.  I’d like to be part of the shift away from that.

Tell us about your artwork.
I’m Susan Stoll. I am a photographer and a painter. My work features the closeup observation of nature. The vast array of colors, patterns, light and shadow nature provides never ceases to amaze me.

Describe how art is important to society.
The importance of the arts to society ranges from the benefits of art education with young children to art therapy programs to the exposure to different ways of seeing and thinking about life. Creativity, observation, fine motor and problem-solving skills are all developed with artistic exploration. Art therapy is known to improve communication and foster consecutiveness. Somewhere I saw a quote that said it best, “Art is a gift from one should to another.”

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
If I have to describe myself as an artist, I guess I’d say: Art is a part of who I am and the way I see my surroundings. There is so much beauty in the world, much of which people walk right by. I am intrigued by the simple things, such as the way the morning dew glistens on a dandelion.

Has your style changed over time?
Certainly, my work has changed and will continue to change as I grow as an individual.

Describe your dream project.
I would love to travel to as many arboretums and botanical gardens as possible and put together a coffee table book highlighting them.

What superpower would you have and why?
If only there were a superpower that would end conflict using the power of spreading peace to one and all. Just imagine what humanity would accomplish if we were all united.

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Read Susan’s previous interview here.

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Tell us about your artwork.
Hi, I’m Patty Pieropan Dong. Oil painting is my primary medium. I also enjoy watercolor, acrylic, pastel and block printing. My first teacher was my mother, Elice Davis Pieropan, who learned from some of the best oil painters in the New England area in the mid-20th century. She studied painting at Boston University as I did a generation later. We had wonderful plein air painting experiences along the New England coast and in the hill towns of western Massachusetts. Our Sierra Nevada foothills have been home for the last 40 years and have provided much inspiration and subject matter.

Describe how art is important to society.
Think of what survives and carries on our common human story. Artists react to and record their moment in time. From the aboriginal pictographs of Australia and the cave paintings at Lascaux, France through the Renaissance and into the present day: art installations, digital creations, and more in addition to traditional techniques. Art links us with shared experiences. Art is a window to others lives and cultures. For those who enjoy art as a pastime, it is a wonderful way to be present in the moment!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I feel that I am always gathering shapes, colors and compositions. I’m considering point of view, shadows and highlights. It’s a pleasure and it’s also work. It’s nice when it all comes together.

Has your style changed over time?
I have always been a representational painter. My early work was more detailed and academic. As time has passed, I have become more expressive in terms of composition and color.

Describe your dream project.
My dream? A painting trip to a new spot …a village …a garden, together with my sisters or some good painting buddies, capturing the “golden hour.”

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Read Patty’s previous interview here.
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Tell us about your artwork.
Hello, I’m Gini Crepps. My art exudes color and texture! This is my passion! I love exploring mixed media – combining elements of texture with the beautiful transparency and brilliancy of alcohol ink. Add in music, nature, spirituality, positive energy, and love of creativity – you hope it all works out!

Describe how art is important to society.
So many times, when somebody views my art, there is an immediate response to the color – they stand there almost mesmerized! It is not the subject matter as much as an emotional reaction…When you can create this kind of magical impact in somebody’s life, even momentarily, it generates happiness, joy, uplifted spirits, and connection…If it makes a difference in someone’s day…and somehow influences their future in a positive way…you can’t ask for much more!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I love learning and exploring new techniques, new products, new styles…there is always more to discover! Sometimes it works…sometimes not! But the whole process of creating is having successes and failures…moving forward and having new experiences!

Has your style changed over time?
Yes – I started out doing much more realistic interpretations – I am now much looser and have a more impressionistic style of painting, adding in more abstracted elements.

Describe your dream project.
My dream project would be to have the time, inspiration and energy to develop a body(bodies) of work to have a spectacular one person show…and the space to make that a reality!

What superpower would you have and why?
Magic…magical, imaginative, joyful, creative and connective…how fun would that be?

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Read Gini’s previous interview here.
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Tell us about your artwork.
Hello, I’m Kirsty Roberts.  I work with Galvanized Hex Mesh Wire. Similar to Chicken Wire, I use a 3/4” Hex Mesh specialty wire that I cut, mold and layer it into stylized animals, insects and statuary. A blend of wire, wood and beadwork help me achieve subtle detail in my pieces and I enjoy the many stages of each design. I continue to be inspired, to challenge myself and enjoy discovering what I can create.

Describe how art is important to society.
To the Artist, it’s an expression, a need to create artwork to show a perspective and let out feeling or a message. To the Admirers, it invokes reaction, feelings and/or captures a time or feeling to remember. Both perspectives equally important for society to flourish.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
My unique media and style allow me a “quiet voice” in the huge and overwhelming world of Art. I’m humble to share space with so many others that are also inspired to create and share their passion and ability with others.

Has your style changed over time?
My style has developed and evolved over time. I continue to improve and smooth out my skills, and processes, in manipulating the wire mesh. Also working with driftwood, wood and other natural materials helps me get inspired for my next project.

Describe your dream project.
Life-size pieces intrigue me. Fulfilling a group of life-size statuary, would rise to a dream project in my book.

What superpower would you have and why?
The power to control TIME. If I could control TIME, I could use ALL the moments that got wasted, lost, and or focused on the wrong priorities.

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Read Kirsty’s previous interview here.
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Tell us about your artwork.
Hi, I’m Barbie Smith.  I am an oil painter who loves and appreciates the beauty that I find as I observe God’s creation. My goal is to find an expressive way to share this beauty through my paintings.

Describe how art is important to society.
We learn much from studying the art that has been preserved through the ages. Art reflects the thoughts, values, spiritual beliefs, and practices of society. It uplifts the spirit by inviting the viewer to acknowledge and appreciate the beauty of their world instead of dwelling on the negativity that often clouds our view.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I cannot describe myself or my art without first acknowledging that truth and beauty are attributes of God my Creator. Since I believe that God created me in His image my purpose as an artist is to reflect His truth and beauty through my paintings. I hope my work will be filled with light, truth, beauty, joy and peace.

Has your style changed over time?
I hope that I am becoming an artist who is developing a deeper understanding of color and how to use it harmoniously, and one who is becoming more skilled in the use of my tools to create paintings filled with expressive, deliberate, and confident mark making.

Describe your dream project.
I don’t have a dream project, but I would like to find the time to work on some larger pieces.

What superpower would you have and why?
As I stated earlier, I really desire to have a greater understanding of color and how to use it. I know that this takes practice and discipline and much patience, but I feel that I am ready to put in the hard work to achieve it.

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Read Barbie’s previous interview here.

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