Artist Spotlights
Artist Spotlight - Dottie Whiplash aka Julie Pitman
Fri, Jan 29 2010 08:44 PM
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Artist Spotlight Dottie Whiplash aka Julie Pitman
Name: Dottie Whiplash aka Julie Pitman
Email: juliepitman@rocketmail.com
What type(s) of art do you like to create? I am a summistic stone sculptor and painter. Summism uses the exhisting planes of a broken rock. Summistic painting creates three or more planes and creates the work from them. summistic sculpture also incorporates themes, concepts, and styles in the piece of sculpture. Jungism is also part of the art.
Where did you learn to do what you do? I saw the Cistene Chapel at age 8 and spent many years in Nigeria studing the ebony and ivory carvers. I studied stone sculpture in Pietrasanta, Italy. Attended Stephen F Austin and worked as assistant director of Katzen-Browne Gallery in NY.
Tell us about your most important projects. I carved Plenty 4\'x6\" in pink Portuguesse marble before studing in Italy. I was assistant sculpture of 40\' of The Wall in Concordia Kansas in 2007 I carved four Green Soapstone Female Heads recently and was able to create a chain and loosen a link in 2009.
Describe your studio. My studio is a large skylit room with 20\' ceilings. Filled with paintings, stone, clay, brick, and aluminum sculpture. My courtyard contains a stone sculpture and sand garden mainly my early work in Indiana limestone. Including the sculpture of THE VIRGIN OF THE GUADELUPE GIVING BIRTH TO WOMANHOOD.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? None. Sometimes blues or chants.
Where do you find your inspiration? The cosmos.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Seperate yourself from anger and still your mind. Allow the creative seed to grow in you.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Former president of TSA 94-95 and current member. Mac member.
Do you have a website? No
Name: Dottie Whiplash aka Julie Pitman
Email: juliepitman@rocketmail.com
What type(s) of art do you like to create? I am a summistic stone sculptor and painter. Summism uses the exhisting planes of a broken rock. Summistic painting creates three or more planes and creates the work from them. summistic sculpture also incorporates themes, concepts, and styles in the piece of sculpture. Jungism is also part of the art.
Where did you learn to do what you do? I saw the Cistene Chapel at age 8 and spent many years in Nigeria studing the ebony and ivory carvers. I studied stone sculpture in Pietrasanta, Italy. Attended Stephen F Austin and worked as assistant director of Katzen-Browne Gallery in NY.
Tell us about your most important projects. I carved Plenty 4\'x6\" in pink Portuguesse marble before studing in Italy. I was assistant sculpture of 40\' of The Wall in Concordia Kansas in 2007 I carved four Green Soapstone Female Heads recently and was able to create a chain and loosen a link in 2009.
Describe your studio. My studio is a large skylit room with 20\' ceilings. Filled with paintings, stone, clay, brick, and aluminum sculpture. My courtyard contains a stone sculpture and sand garden mainly my early work in Indiana limestone. Including the sculpture of THE VIRGIN OF THE GUADELUPE GIVING BIRTH TO WOMANHOOD.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? None. Sometimes blues or chants.
Where do you find your inspiration? The cosmos.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Seperate yourself from anger and still your mind. Allow the creative seed to grow in you.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Former president of TSA 94-95 and current member. Mac member.
Do you have a website? No
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Artist Spotlight - Nan Phillips
Thu, Dec 31 2009 05:22 AM
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Artist Spotlight - Nan Phillips
Name: Nan Phillips
What type(s) of art do you like to create? My favorite medium is clay, sculpting realistic figurative nudes – I love using the bone and muscle structure to create “life” in my work. Unfortunately I spend the least amount of my time working in this medium. Most of my artwork is fused glass, and I have a preference for working in the lower heat range (1250 to 1350 degrees) to create dimensional glass. I find that keeping the definition and dimension in the glass is more fun and challenging than bringing the glass up to a full fuse temperature. I also work in stained glass and decorate my cold glass work with a sculptural solder technique that I devised. I recently created a large beaded sculpture with member artist Jan Ayers for a show at The Cedars Gallery and really enjoyed the process of creating such a different kind of sculpture. Actually, I find that the medium is not nearly as important to me as just being able to create!
Where did you learn to do what you do? 17 years ago I began taking stained glass classes at a small shop in Richardson, and pottery at the Craft Guild. I fell in love with glass immediately. I wasn’t as enamored with pottery, but met another student who was taking a sculpting class from George Davis. As soon as I saw the picture of the piece she was working on, I knew that was where I belonged. I began taking George’s classes and worked with him for many years. I still return to his classes whenever I have time, and I consider George my mentor. Also while I was at the Craft Guild I came across someone teaching a fused glass class. I took that class, creating my first piece in an old non-programmable pottery kiln. The bowl was horribly over-fired, but I was hooked. I bought a kiln and spent the next 5 years experimenting and teaching myself to fuse glass. I began working with dichroic glass shortly after it came on the market before there was anyone to teach it, and after much experimentation, money and a lot of pretty awful results, I developed my own techniques for working with that glass also.
Tell us about your most important projects. I have two: The first was sculpting the piece that I titled “Tranquility.” I started the sculpture in George Davis’ class and Bethany Wright Looney was the model. She was a fabulous model. What I discovered from working on that sculpture was that I could change the body position, and by doing so, impart passion and movement into my work.
The other was working on the beaded sculpture with Jan Ayers. That was a fantastic experience. I found her whimsical and fun approach to art perfectly complimented my structured approach. By working together, we learned from each other, and eased each other’s styles. Jan gave me permission to play. It was a gift that I had never before received.
Describe your studio. My original studio is quite small – about 7’x11’, but perfect for one person working. Unfortunately I outgrew that space and my work and materials piled up around the house, so as my kids left for college I began a land grab in my home. I took over one bedroom as a sculpting studio, and recently took over the entire game room, turning it into a teaching studio. The pool table now has a sturdy 5’x8-1/2’ work table top.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? I admit to being an NPR junkie, although I’m never able to hear more than bits and pieces of any given news program or interview. Glass grinders are noisy.
Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration in the most unlikely places. A splash of color or shape in a magazine or art poster; a shape on a billboard; the muscle of someone’s arm or neck. Then I allow my mind to wander.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Absolutely – keep working and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s the only way to learn and grow. Work with other artists and be open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something difficult, but if you are, give yourself permission to be afraid for a while, and then do it anyway.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association (I did belong to TVAA and Art Glass Association, but I think I let my memberships lapse. I’ve been a little distracted lately.)
Do you have a website? www.nan-art.com
Name: Nan Phillips
What type(s) of art do you like to create? My favorite medium is clay, sculpting realistic figurative nudes – I love using the bone and muscle structure to create “life” in my work. Unfortunately I spend the least amount of my time working in this medium. Most of my artwork is fused glass, and I have a preference for working in the lower heat range (1250 to 1350 degrees) to create dimensional glass. I find that keeping the definition and dimension in the glass is more fun and challenging than bringing the glass up to a full fuse temperature. I also work in stained glass and decorate my cold glass work with a sculptural solder technique that I devised. I recently created a large beaded sculpture with member artist Jan Ayers for a show at The Cedars Gallery and really enjoyed the process of creating such a different kind of sculpture. Actually, I find that the medium is not nearly as important to me as just being able to create!
Where did you learn to do what you do? 17 years ago I began taking stained glass classes at a small shop in Richardson, and pottery at the Craft Guild. I fell in love with glass immediately. I wasn’t as enamored with pottery, but met another student who was taking a sculpting class from George Davis. As soon as I saw the picture of the piece she was working on, I knew that was where I belonged. I began taking George’s classes and worked with him for many years. I still return to his classes whenever I have time, and I consider George my mentor. Also while I was at the Craft Guild I came across someone teaching a fused glass class. I took that class, creating my first piece in an old non-programmable pottery kiln. The bowl was horribly over-fired, but I was hooked. I bought a kiln and spent the next 5 years experimenting and teaching myself to fuse glass. I began working with dichroic glass shortly after it came on the market before there was anyone to teach it, and after much experimentation, money and a lot of pretty awful results, I developed my own techniques for working with that glass also.
Tell us about your most important projects. I have two: The first was sculpting the piece that I titled “Tranquility.” I started the sculpture in George Davis’ class and Bethany Wright Looney was the model. She was a fabulous model. What I discovered from working on that sculpture was that I could change the body position, and by doing so, impart passion and movement into my work.
The other was working on the beaded sculpture with Jan Ayers. That was a fantastic experience. I found her whimsical and fun approach to art perfectly complimented my structured approach. By working together, we learned from each other, and eased each other’s styles. Jan gave me permission to play. It was a gift that I had never before received.
Describe your studio. My original studio is quite small – about 7’x11’, but perfect for one person working. Unfortunately I outgrew that space and my work and materials piled up around the house, so as my kids left for college I began a land grab in my home. I took over one bedroom as a sculpting studio, and recently took over the entire game room, turning it into a teaching studio. The pool table now has a sturdy 5’x8-1/2’ work table top.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? I admit to being an NPR junkie, although I’m never able to hear more than bits and pieces of any given news program or interview. Glass grinders are noisy.
Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration in the most unlikely places. A splash of color or shape in a magazine or art poster; a shape on a billboard; the muscle of someone’s arm or neck. Then I allow my mind to wander.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Absolutely – keep working and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s the only way to learn and grow. Work with other artists and be open to new ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something difficult, but if you are, give yourself permission to be afraid for a while, and then do it anyway.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association (I did belong to TVAA and Art Glass Association, but I think I let my memberships lapse. I’ve been a little distracted lately.)
Do you have a website? www.nan-art.com
Artist Spotlight - David Hickman
Mon, Nov 30 2009 03:41 AM
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Artist’s Spotlight – David Hickman
Name: David B. Hickman
Email: dbhickman@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Artist Spotlight Questionnaire Submission
What type(s) of art do you like to create? I like to create objects that move, or that through their form give the illusion of movement. I usually work fairly large scale.
Where did you learn to do what you do? I studied sculpture with Octavio Medellin in the mid sixties. I grew up on a farm using my hands, worked in electronics in the Navy, owned a motorcycle shop, and worked as a mechanical designer for Johnson and Johnson Medical. All of these past activities have given me the skills to make my art as I envision it.
Tell us about your most important projects. My most important project is usually the one I am working on at that moment, however recently completed projects that I am proud of include the Lobby Clock, Pendulum Ball, Ceiling medallion, 12 o\'clock marker, Podium, and Fountain rails in Hunt Oil\'s new headquarters; and also the three kinetic Dragonflys at Children\'s Medical Center.
Describe your studio. My studio is a large tin building in my back yard with two covered outdoor work areas.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? I listen to a wide range of music including Blues, Cajun, Celtic, TexMex, Swing, Gypsy, String band, Jazz, Folk,
Where do you find your inspiration? I find my inspiration in the forms of nature.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Learn your craft and do your best.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association, Texas Visual Arts Association, International Sculpture Center.
Do you have a website? davidbhickman.com
Name: David B. Hickman
Email: dbhickman@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Artist Spotlight Questionnaire Submission
What type(s) of art do you like to create? I like to create objects that move, or that through their form give the illusion of movement. I usually work fairly large scale.
Where did you learn to do what you do? I studied sculpture with Octavio Medellin in the mid sixties. I grew up on a farm using my hands, worked in electronics in the Navy, owned a motorcycle shop, and worked as a mechanical designer for Johnson and Johnson Medical. All of these past activities have given me the skills to make my art as I envision it.
Tell us about your most important projects. My most important project is usually the one I am working on at that moment, however recently completed projects that I am proud of include the Lobby Clock, Pendulum Ball, Ceiling medallion, 12 o\'clock marker, Podium, and Fountain rails in Hunt Oil\'s new headquarters; and also the three kinetic Dragonflys at Children\'s Medical Center.
Describe your studio. My studio is a large tin building in my back yard with two covered outdoor work areas.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? I listen to a wide range of music including Blues, Cajun, Celtic, TexMex, Swing, Gypsy, String band, Jazz, Folk,
Where do you find your inspiration? I find my inspiration in the forms of nature.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Learn your craft and do your best.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association, Texas Visual Arts Association, International Sculpture Center.
Do you have a website? davidbhickman.com
Artist Spotlight - Elizabeth "Sissy" Bingham
Fri, Nov 20 2009 05:27 AM
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Name: Elizabeth “Sissy” Bingham
What type(s) of art do you like to create? 3 D mosaics with found objects
Where did you learn to do what you do? Creative Arts Center, Dallas TX
Tell us about your most important projects. The State Fair of Texas Totem Exhibitions—these projects take time and lots of patience’s working with my studio partner (my sister). She likes to make changes at the last minute—but I love her for that and she normally is always right about the change—don’t tell her that
Describe your studio. It is located at 8612 Forest Hills Blvd in Little Forest Hills, in my sister’s garage. We took over her garage, at least half of it and we have students on most Thursdays. We only charge a minimal charge of $5.00 for 3 hours of fun. It is always a work in progress, get new items, make room and since we do our mosaics in this studio—we have lots of found objects that we incorporate into the studio—tables, chairs, shelving—great hog poj of items.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? Oldies, country
Where do you find your inspiration? Normally by just picking up an item feeling the vibes from the piece or seeing that perfect piece while curb shopping and knowing that you will find a home or project that will make the piece look perfect.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Just do what feels good.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association; Creative Arts Center, Dallas, TX
Do you have a website? Www.rockinartists.com
What type(s) of art do you like to create? 3 D mosaics with found objects
Where did you learn to do what you do? Creative Arts Center, Dallas TX
Tell us about your most important projects. The State Fair of Texas Totem Exhibitions—these projects take time and lots of patience’s working with my studio partner (my sister). She likes to make changes at the last minute—but I love her for that and she normally is always right about the change—don’t tell her that
Describe your studio. It is located at 8612 Forest Hills Blvd in Little Forest Hills, in my sister’s garage. We took over her garage, at least half of it and we have students on most Thursdays. We only charge a minimal charge of $5.00 for 3 hours of fun. It is always a work in progress, get new items, make room and since we do our mosaics in this studio—we have lots of found objects that we incorporate into the studio—tables, chairs, shelving—great hog poj of items.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? Oldies, country
Where do you find your inspiration? Normally by just picking up an item feeling the vibes from the piece or seeing that perfect piece while curb shopping and knowing that you will find a home or project that will make the piece look perfect.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Just do what feels good.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Texas Sculpture Association; Creative Arts Center, Dallas, TX
Do you have a website? Www.rockinartists.com
Artist Spotlight - Deana Hinchcliff
Fri, Nov 13 2009 03:05 AM
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Name: Deana Hinchcliff
Email: info@primalearth.net
Subject: Artist Spotlight Questionnaire Submission
What type(s) of art do you like to create? My main creative efforts are currently focused on the more organic side. I work mostly in leather, which I sculpt into "Spirit Masks". I also use as it as a surface to create pyrographic illustrations. I have also started working with PMC (precious metal clay).
Where did you learn to do what you do? I have taken some random independent classes. Mostly self-taught.
Tell us about your most important projects. The most important projects I have worked on are the commissioned pieces. Those are the most challenging because the outcome is based not only on my ability to create, but also on trust of the recipient.
Describe your studio. I have a studio at home that we built onto in 2005. It's great to have a dedicated space that allows me to have more than one project going at a time. It allows me to be more creative and more productive.
What type of music do you listen to while you work? I like a variety...rock, country, a bit of Native American, with some NPR thrown in. Sometimes, though, it's good to have quiet.
Where do you find your inspiration? Most of my inspiration comes from the native peoples world-wide. Nature is also a big contributor.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Find things that inspire you to keep creating. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Do you belong to any art organizations? Board member, TSA
Do you have a website? www.primalearth.net
Artist Spotlight - Murray Stein
Wed, Oct 28 2009 09:38 PM
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Artist Spotlight - Murray Stein
Name: Murray Stein
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
1. Figurative and abstract sculptures in wood
2. Exotic Vessels (Wood turning) multi-colored wood
3. Large Pen and Ink Images
4. Judaica (wood, stone, metal) including Biblical themes
5. Sculpted period furniture
Where did you learn to do what you do? Self-taught
Tell us about your most important projects.
1. Lest We Forget was inspired by very emotional gut feelings to memorialize the 6 million victims of the Holocaust. The sculpture is of two adult hands and two child’s hands in the window of a cattle car which was taking them to a death camp. As my hands cramped when I was chiseling the hard maple, I could relate to the suffering of the victims as they were beaten by their guards. This will be installed in the new Dallas Holocaust Museum.
2. Sombrero is a life-size Mariachi hat made from over 1,100 pieces of wood. This is one of a series of musically oriented sculptures. 63" circumference. Third place in TX State Fair, Champion Ribbon in MD Fair.
3. Suspended Chord is a sculpture for the upcoming Arts Hall (Allen, TX), the future home of several area orchestras. Presently it is in the Executive Offices of the Plano Symphony Orchestra. 5’ x 3’ x 2’.
4. Schubert’s Trout Quintet is a commission which was installed in the promenade of the Strathmore Music Center, Bethesda, MD. 7’ x 5’ x 1’. Strathmore hosts 30 concerts/yr of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Describe your studio.
1. The Allen, Tx studio is in a garage and consists mainly of four lathes, associated saws, drill presses and means for sculpting and finishing wood. The arbor-covered patio serves as an extension of the studio for al fresco work. The former living room, along with the family room serve as galleries. My easels are my lathes, my brushes are chisels and my paints are domestic and tropical woods. (It’s nice to live in a gallery).
2. The Rockville, MD studio has two lathes, one of which is home-built, and permits turning very large vessels. My 42” diameter UFO was turned on this. (See website).
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
1. Classical music from Baroque to 20th century.
Where do you find your inspiration?
1. From visiting museums, galleries and craft shows.
2. From sitting on the can. (true)
Do you have any advice for other artists?
1. Join art organizations and be active.
2. Exhibit where ever you can. Galleries, libraries, public venues, restaurants
3. Visit museums, attend craft shows for inspiration.
Do you belong to any art organizations?
1. Texas Sculpture Association
2. Dallas Area Woodturners
3. American Association of Woodturners
4. Senior Artists Alliance
Do you have a website? www.woodizgood.deviantart.com
Pot Sombrero II Sculpture Strathmore Trout Quintet No. 1 Suspended Chord
Name: Murray Stein
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
1. Figurative and abstract sculptures in wood
2. Exotic Vessels (Wood turning) multi-colored wood
3. Large Pen and Ink Images
4. Judaica (wood, stone, metal) including Biblical themes
5. Sculpted period furniture
Where did you learn to do what you do? Self-taught
Tell us about your most important projects.
1. Lest We Forget was inspired by very emotional gut feelings to memorialize the 6 million victims of the Holocaust. The sculpture is of two adult hands and two child’s hands in the window of a cattle car which was taking them to a death camp. As my hands cramped when I was chiseling the hard maple, I could relate to the suffering of the victims as they were beaten by their guards. This will be installed in the new Dallas Holocaust Museum.
2. Sombrero is a life-size Mariachi hat made from over 1,100 pieces of wood. This is one of a series of musically oriented sculptures. 63" circumference. Third place in TX State Fair, Champion Ribbon in MD Fair.
3. Suspended Chord is a sculpture for the upcoming Arts Hall (Allen, TX), the future home of several area orchestras. Presently it is in the Executive Offices of the Plano Symphony Orchestra. 5’ x 3’ x 2’.
4. Schubert’s Trout Quintet is a commission which was installed in the promenade of the Strathmore Music Center, Bethesda, MD. 7’ x 5’ x 1’. Strathmore hosts 30 concerts/yr of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Describe your studio.
1. The Allen, Tx studio is in a garage and consists mainly of four lathes, associated saws, drill presses and means for sculpting and finishing wood. The arbor-covered patio serves as an extension of the studio for al fresco work. The former living room, along with the family room serve as galleries. My easels are my lathes, my brushes are chisels and my paints are domestic and tropical woods. (It’s nice to live in a gallery).
2. The Rockville, MD studio has two lathes, one of which is home-built, and permits turning very large vessels. My 42” diameter UFO was turned on this. (See website).
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
1. Classical music from Baroque to 20th century.
Where do you find your inspiration?
1. From visiting museums, galleries and craft shows.
2. From sitting on the can. (true)
Do you have any advice for other artists?
1. Join art organizations and be active.
2. Exhibit where ever you can. Galleries, libraries, public venues, restaurants
3. Visit museums, attend craft shows for inspiration.
Do you belong to any art organizations?
1. Texas Sculpture Association
2. Dallas Area Woodturners
3. American Association of Woodturners
4. Senior Artists Alliance
Do you have a website? www.woodizgood.deviantart.com
Pot Sombrero II Sculpture Strathmore Trout Quintet No. 1 Suspended Chord
Shelley Kolman Smith
Thu, Oct 15 2009 02:50 PM
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Name: Shelley Kolman Smith
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
Portraits mostly. I enjoy capturing personalities in clay, getting the subject to look back at me and feel that they are about to take a breath. I like creating liturgical art for churches because I can do figurative work without the added stress of making it look like a certain person. When I’m creating something that will be cast in bronze, I work in plastiline; however, I frequently enjoy sculpting in terra cotta for myself.
Where did you learn to do what you do?
I started drawing portraits 21 years ago when my children were born. There was no time or money for lessons, so I read and studied everything I could get my hands on. My husband encouraged me constantly and told me that anything I wanted to learn badly enough, could be learned from a book. Six years ago I took a sculpting class from Bobby Gentry at Creative Arts and was hooked. I have also attended numerous Portrait Conferences with the Portrait Society of America.
Tell us about your most important projects.
I have a life size bronze at Preston Park Mall in Plano, a series of 4 life size grandchildren for a family in Addison, several Liturgical pieces in the area including a life size St. Ignatius at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat in Lake Dallas. A second edition of him was installed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington DC last fall. A third edition will be going to North Carolina soon. My latest commission is a life size portrait of Jamie Foxx for Terrell High School. Last weekend I was allowed to spend some time observing and photographing Jamie. That was a hoot!
Describe your studio.
Three years ago, we had a large studio built in the back yard which will accommodate large pieces. The most intriguing and useful feature is an 8 x 10 all glass garage door. I love being out there, and have room for my paints, easels and art book library.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I try to tailor the music I listen to with the piece I’m working on. I find it helpful to listen to lullabies and children’s music when I’m working on kids. Sacred music for when I’m working on a religious piece, and will probably listen to Jamie Foxx’s CD’s as I work on him. I’ll probably also have his movies running in the background. When I’m working on the more mundane parts of a sculpture or stretching canvases, I like NPR talk shows.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In the eyes of my subjects. I also find it helpful to have touched the people I sculpt.
Do you have any advice for other artists?
Never give up. Get your work in front of anyone who will look at it. Volunteer constantly; make sure you stay out in the public eye. And always remember “The more you give, the more you get.”
Do you belong to any art organizations?
Yes, I am a member of Texas Sculpture Association, the Portrait Society of America, on the board of the Terrell Alliance for Education and the Arts, and Founding Board Member of the NorthEast Texas Fine Art Alliance.
Do you have a website?
Yes, it’s www.ShelleyKolmanSmith.com I strongly recommend that every professional artist has one - and that you can make changes to it without having to pay someone every time you have a new piece to show.
What type(s) of art do you like to create?
Portraits mostly. I enjoy capturing personalities in clay, getting the subject to look back at me and feel that they are about to take a breath. I like creating liturgical art for churches because I can do figurative work without the added stress of making it look like a certain person. When I’m creating something that will be cast in bronze, I work in plastiline; however, I frequently enjoy sculpting in terra cotta for myself.
Where did you learn to do what you do?
I started drawing portraits 21 years ago when my children were born. There was no time or money for lessons, so I read and studied everything I could get my hands on. My husband encouraged me constantly and told me that anything I wanted to learn badly enough, could be learned from a book. Six years ago I took a sculpting class from Bobby Gentry at Creative Arts and was hooked. I have also attended numerous Portrait Conferences with the Portrait Society of America.
Tell us about your most important projects.
I have a life size bronze at Preston Park Mall in Plano, a series of 4 life size grandchildren for a family in Addison, several Liturgical pieces in the area including a life size St. Ignatius at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat in Lake Dallas. A second edition of him was installed at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington DC last fall. A third edition will be going to North Carolina soon. My latest commission is a life size portrait of Jamie Foxx for Terrell High School. Last weekend I was allowed to spend some time observing and photographing Jamie. That was a hoot!
Describe your studio.
Three years ago, we had a large studio built in the back yard which will accommodate large pieces. The most intriguing and useful feature is an 8 x 10 all glass garage door. I love being out there, and have room for my paints, easels and art book library.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I try to tailor the music I listen to with the piece I’m working on. I find it helpful to listen to lullabies and children’s music when I’m working on kids. Sacred music for when I’m working on a religious piece, and will probably listen to Jamie Foxx’s CD’s as I work on him. I’ll probably also have his movies running in the background. When I’m working on the more mundane parts of a sculpture or stretching canvases, I like NPR talk shows.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In the eyes of my subjects. I also find it helpful to have touched the people I sculpt.
Do you have any advice for other artists?
Never give up. Get your work in front of anyone who will look at it. Volunteer constantly; make sure you stay out in the public eye. And always remember “The more you give, the more you get.”
Do you belong to any art organizations?
Yes, I am a member of Texas Sculpture Association, the Portrait Society of America, on the board of the Terrell Alliance for Education and the Arts, and Founding Board Member of the NorthEast Texas Fine Art Alliance.
Do you have a website?
Yes, it’s www.ShelleyKolmanSmith.com I strongly recommend that every professional artist has one - and that you can make changes to it without having to pay someone every time you have a new piece to show.