Artist Interview: Tim Sullivan

(c) Tim Sullivan

This month, I'd like to introduce Vancouver Abstract Expressionist artist Tim Sullivan. Tim and I connected at one of my workshops in 2011, became immediate friends with a deep soulful recognition.

Looking at your portfolio online I can see that you do work in a number of styles - still life, abstracts, landscape, etc. Is there one particular style that you enjoy the most. Why?

I am most partial these days to expressionist abstract works. Who can say why.  I work very intuitively, letting what wants to come forth do so. Not always a smooth process, however. The mind tends to trick me sometimes, lets me think it knows what to paint. This usually results in less successful productions or less than enjoyable experiences. 

However, I have also been exploring figurative work, especially faces and nudes which I then “deconstruct” or situate into more abstract compositions. I feel the urge to explore this more in coming days, among other artistic ‘urges.’  

Looking at your most recent works I see a lot of textures and thick resinous layers. Would you share with us about your painting process.

These works you mention arise from a process of “addition and subtraction.” I’ll explain. After an opening ‘gesture’ which is the initial addition to the empty canvas there begins a process, partly intuitive play, partly aesthetic judgement, of removing parts or ‘subtraction’ then adding more layers...and so on, each more refined, sometimes even desperate, until completion, which is to say when something in me says, “OK, enough! It’s finished.” On more than one occasion, I have put aside a work for months not knowing what comes next, then take it up again with a new inspiration. Other works can be complete in hours.   

Tim, can you tell us how did you passion for painting began?

I believe the passion for painting, and artistic expression generally, was always in me, from an early age. However, through circumstance and other influences that passion was diverted, suppressed even. Other interests dominated, like science, reading literature and philosophy, or relationships, personal growth and spirituality, all these so-called diversions were other expressions of “passion” (it turns out) that worked on me, refined my personality, opened up my vistas and sensibility. Then, around age 48 the passion for painting re-emerged quite suddenly. Bam! I was into it. It was partly catalyzed by a romantic breakup which can also be a dramatic opening. For me it certainly was.  During this time, at the suggestion of a friend I began reading The Artists Way, and just followed the instructions.  

What's your favorite all time favorite art piece of yours and why? of another artist?

I don’t have an all time favorite piece. Sometimes I will return to view an older work and am surprised I still like it, or I see something there I hadn’t seen before that delights me, or inspires. More often though, older works bore me or worse. The favorite really is the one I’m working on that still excites me, still intrigues like a current lover. Yum yum. 

There are many contemporary artists I have discovered through Facebook who’s works are inspiring, intriguing and capture my imagination. I could mention Conny Niehoff https://www.facebook.com/conny.niehoff?ref=ts  whose process, scale and works inspire me greatly. But there are many others. 

As for modern masters let me mention Klimpt, Egon Schiele, and Turner, not to forget Picasso of course. I could go on indefinitely, for every artist I turn to offers rich vistas. 

What are you working on currently, please tell us about it...

I have been lingering on a series of “dramatic orange-red and blue” abstracts, which I hope to finish up for the East Van Art Crawl. Maybe when its done I will understand consciously what that has been about. It’s a mystery at the moment. 

I have been contemplating putting together a compendium of past and present images of works into a presentation book.  I have quite a lot of work to choose from now. Partly to inform a wider public and of course for promotion of my work to potential collectors. 

I get many ideas, more than I can handle really. It’s about putting these ideas into action, that’s the real challenge. 

For you, What the best thing about being an artist?

When it’s all flowing smoothy, which isn’t always, then the best aspect aspect is the sense of freedom that surounds the whole endeavor. The freedom of being yourself immersed in a creative flow, which is in itself satisfying, and more so when something you create - a piece of art - impacts another, moves them to respond, to reflect. It’s a deep communion, certainly a spiritual one, though not always recognized as such. 

What 's the most challenging thing, for you, about being an artist?

The mundane challenge is being caught up in the fear I won’t be able to sustain my artistic situation. In other words, support myself through sales, to continue working in a studio and stay supplied with materials, paint, canvas. 

The more existential challenge is remaining true to the “artist within.” Resisting the tendency to rest on one’s laurels, or past achievements, resisting the temptation to become a mere image of an artist, the pretense of it. That’s a fine edge. 

How would you define success  for yourself as an artist? What are some success you have achieved thus far on your journey, and what has been a key factor in you achieving your success?

I measure success first in the satisfaction of creating something I and others genuinely respond to, or are deeply affected by. (Art as Personal Revolution, or as Transformation.) A second form of success, more material, I would say, is achieving financial sustainability through sales of works, prints or artifacts of the works I create. (Art as Business Enterprise) Third, would be a measure of public or peer recognition for one’s contribution to the domain of art, either as works, philosophy or process or technique. (Art as Cultural Legacy)

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to other artists -- specifically to other painters?

1. Play.   (Imagine Yellow It is Curiosity). Practice playing to stay in the moment. Paint like a three year old. 

1. Steal.   Think Blue. That’s not copying...its being influenced, inspired by others, everything. 

1. Ground. Feel the Black & the White.  Sense your genitals, no really! It’s the connection to physicality and immediate sensation.  Rock/Paper/Scissors.  

I am, as you know, a big believer in self care - especially for artists! What do you do to nourish your self and soul? to re-charge your batteries so to speak?

Not enough. My Spiritual practice in Open Ended Inquiry into experience arising in the moment. This the most efficacious practice I know to nourish my Self, my true nature.  I have been doing it for more than 25 years now. The experience always returns me to my true being, widens my understanding, illuminates the interior, inspires me to live moment to moment, and loosens the grip of that relentless nagging mind.   

What recent or upcoming shows/and or gallery representation can we look out for or go and see of your work?

I am always exhibiting recent works at the Brushstrokes Gallery at the Quey in North Vancouver. Also preparing for the East Van Art Crawl in November when I will be exhibiting works at Studio 202, 1000 Parker Street. 

  

See more of Tim’s work:

Facebook Photo Gallery: https://www.facebook.com/Emodyne/photos

VirtualGallery: https://timothyosullivan.virtualgallery.com/

Tim, Thank you for taking the time to partake in this interview! 

Artist Interview with Dana Dion

This month I'd like to introduce you to award winning Australian artist Dana Dion. Dana and I met via The Beaumont Studios here in Vancouver where I was giving a talk about the "3 WOW's" and the secrets behind what makes some abstract paintings sell while others sit in the studio collecting dust. Dana brought her ipad with her to share her portfolio and I became entranced with her work and wanted to know more about her and her process.... 

Dana, I have to admit I was intrigued by your accent when you spoke. Personally I grew up in Canada with a South African mother and Australian father so I've had my own small exposure to various accents, but the way you spoke I could not peg it! Could you share with us your childhood and how you came to live in so many places?

I was born in Israel. When I was two years old, my family moved back and forth between Kenya, Tanzania and Israel. We eventually settled in Vancouver when I was 14. My husband is Dutch, also with an accent. We have been living in Sydney Australia for the past 12 years, and before that, we spent three years in London. Maybe this is why Deb, you could not "peg it" I think it is a "mish mash" of accents. I call it: my own special brew. 

Generous Morning (c) Dana Dion

It also seems from reading your biography on your website that you were first more focussed on fitness - teaching pilates, yoga and personal training - before you came into the artistic portion of your life. How did art come into your life and please do tell us about this transition from tri-athlete and beauty pageant persona to working artist....

I see myself as a creative person. I always try and find a creative aspect in what I do, and believe that creativity can be executed in many ways: As an artist, as a creator and inventor, as a business owner, and as a Pilates yoga and Fitness teacher etc.... It is all creative to me. And with that comes a creative journey.  This journey is where you explore different ways to express. 

Unbounded (c) Dana Dion

Looking at your portfolio online I can see that you do work in a number of styles - still life, abstracts, landscape, etc. Is there one particular style that you enjoy the most. Why?

I work with passion and feeling. I am not precious about subject matter or technique.

It is the process and the act of creating that I am interested in.

I just want to express,and feed back into the image as it develops, allowing the result to dictate where I take it next.

Sometimes my work alludes to landscapes, sometimes to figurative, or abstracts.

The theme is of secondary importance to me, and I like to paint whatever comes to mind. Lately, I have made landscape paintings. I have a lot of fun with topics and styles, that sometimes do not matter at all, and sometimes they may be personal.

 

Dana, please tell us about your painting process. In particular I loved the process you shared with me when we spoke at the Beaumont about how sometimes you paint a surface and then stamp or lift another canvas onto that and then use this to inspire a painting... I've never heard of this before!  

My works are drawing and  paintings, as they represent both working methods. 

The canvas or paper serves as the basis of the work, I apply many layers of paint and build up paint quality. I then start introducing my mark makings, drawing lines and motifs I collect in my memory, developing my own language. I keep going until I am satisfied With what I see.

Other working methods include drawing using pastel, charcoal, ink, pen and pencil on paper. I also like the Intimacy of working on paper as it lends itself to  personal imagery.

Drawing allows for integration of my acquired language of mark making and vocabulary of semiotics, and for the freedom to let the paper play a large part in the finished work.

The process I mentioned previously, is a simple printmaking technique which gives exciting results. It is a method which produces a single print from a smooth sheet of metal, glass or acetate. which is used as the printing plate. 

I use a big sheet of perspex.

I apply paint (mixed with retarder) and ink and create shapes, or rub off some of the paint, and just have fun on the plate. Then I place un-stretched canvas or paper onto the plate, and use a roller to apply pressure and lift the image from the plate onto the support. I do this multiple times (allow to dry between layers) until I am happy with the image. I then stretch the canvas onto a frame, (don't need to do that with paper) and start to work on "resolving" the composition. 

That could be by adding more paint in areas, defining certain areas, push back some areas, etc....

I love working this way method. It is a great way to "start" a piece.

What's your favorite all time favorite art piece of yours and why? Your favourite art piece of another artist?

Usually when I paint family members, those works become my favourite. I get attached to them. They are created with lots of though, feelings and memories of moments with them. Reminding me of how important they are to me. Those pieces become important and I end up keeping them.

The Professor (c) Dana Dion

What are you working on currently ( a new series, a calendar,other) and please tell us about it...

my current work consists of landscapes examining different places. The landscapes aim to define or locate a place where I belong. I chase the feelings of belonging and look for a reaction to the feeling. The landscapes do not depict a specific place, but rather a memory or recording of the many places I have lived in: no borders, boundaries or identified area. 

For you, What the best thing about being and artist?

Being an artist makes me look and see. I am never bored. I am always searching for images and symbols to add to my visual language and I try to notice everything. I find it a great challenge to create an image on blank surface that can give people pleasure and ability to see whatever their minds want to see or needs to see.

its the greatest feeling to "Catch" someone looking, really looking, at your work. I think this is great. 

Fishing and Thinking (c) Dana Dion

For you, What 's the most challenging thing about being an artist? 

Resolving works is the challenge. Making it all come together. And making the time to do it.

Telling Stories (c) Dana Dion

How would you define success  for yourself as an artist? What are some success you have achieved thus far on your journey, and what has been a key factor in you achieving your success?

I guess what defines it for me is the validation of my efforts by being included in selective art shows and receiving awards. 

I know the awards are subjective and they do depend on the judges, but for my work to be noticed and singled out from hundreds of works, is a great feeling.

I started exhibiting my work in 2006, and since then have won over 25 awards, I guess that defines achieving success to me.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to other artists -- specifically to other painters, perhaps younger than yourselves looking for advice and inspiration?

The more you paint, the better you get. you need to spend lots of time in the studio. It does pay off.

Misty Voyage (c) Dana Dion

What recent or upcoming shows/and or gallery representation can we look out for or go and see of your work?

In August I had a solo show in Sydney Australia, where I live, showcasing my recent landscapes.  It was called Without Borders. It would be great to have a show in Vancouver. As my landscapes have Vancouver in them.

Dana, Thank you for taking the time to partake in this interview! 

Artist Interview: Janet Sadel

Janet Sadel

This month, I'd like to introduce ARC artist in residence Janet Sadel, Photographer and Interdisciplinary Artist originally from Toronto and now living here in Vancouver. Janet will be opening her studio this upcoming November 2012 for the eastside culture crawl open studios event at the ARC here at 1701 Powell Street, East Vancouver @ Commercial Drive November 16, 17, & 18th, 2012.

Janet and I met when she became a neighbour (2011) living in the ARC (Artist Resource Centre). She’s been involved in many of the group events and exhibits. Over the year, we’ve bonded and become good friends. She is a fairly new arrival to the Vancouver art scene, having lived and worked as an artist in Toronto for many years.

Janet, please tell us tell us about your work.

I’m a Fine Art Photographer. My digital and analog images are of landscapes, scenic views, architectural, botanical, still life and sometimes abstracts. I’ve traveled in France, Mexico, New York City and all over Canada and the U.S.A. – so lots of original and unusual views of interesting places.

My larger prints are always on archival, fine quality papers. I do sell a variety of smaller prints and photo greeting cards as well. I will also shoot commissioned works – for example: Your lovely garden, in it’s best season; A portrait of your home or vacation property.

Currently, I’m working on a few photo series themes: 

1) “Doorways of Commercial Drive”  

2)“Rain Where” – abstracts, showing views of Vancouver and some other places through the filter of a rain-soaked windshield. 

 

3) Rainforests and Sea Views from BC and Washington State.

Would you share with us some thoughts about your creative process?

I’m a fairly spontaneous and impulsive photographer. I love traveling to and exploring new places to create images that offer a memorable and transportive moment for viewers.

It’s uncanny how I’ll often go in search of unique locations and find that invariably “The shots find me”!

So, the lesson I’ve learned is about how to be fully “open” to all my intuitive senses when I’m shooting in the field.

Can you tell us, how did your passion for this art form began?

I’ve always been a Visual Artist, having worked in every media (from sculpture to video).

My passion for photography came early – my engineer father was a gifted self-taught photographer, who encouraged me in my artistic practice.

For many years I was an Arts Educator (specializing in photography) and through the years of teaching, I always maintained my profile as an exhibiting artist and photographer.

I still teach photography and/or visual art to small classes, in my East Van. studio and in

other education venues.

How do you make time for your art  when it's never urgent nor a priority to take time for your creativity? Where does the dispipline come from to practice. Do you have a ritual? How do you get motivated?

Because I’m a photographer…. “my artistic vision is always with me.” Meaning that, I never “turn it off.” As long as my eyes are open – I’m seeing potential shots. It’s both a blessing and a huge distraction. I could be walking to a dentist appointment, spot a great local garden and loose myself to the moment with any small camera that fits into my bag… then have to make a lame excuse to the dental receptionist about loosing my house keys and having to find them…

I could not live any other way. I’m a confirmed and committed daydreamer! Watching fabulous clouds drift above me is my idea of tuning into all my inner senses and creative energies.

My secret to happiness – is to live fully in the moment and always be prepared to give yourself up to visual beauty… wherever and whenever you find it.

What's your favorite all time favorite art piece?

There is a painting by Rosseau (in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC) – “The Sleeping Gypsy”… I played hookey from high school many Fridays and went straight to  MOMA for the day, just to be able to sit and look for an hour at that image, mesmerized… then look at all the art (Henri Matisse was a favorite) and especially MOMA’S fabulous photo collection. I’d wrap up the day by viewing one of their vintage films from the cinema archives too. What better Fine Art education could I have had?

What are you working on currently?

I’m thinking about showing some of my photos as ART INSTALLATION pieces. That will involve some sculptural presentation that incorporates my photos. Can’t explain why… but the word “miniatures” keeps tempting me. We’ll see where this leads….  My ideas are still “percolating”.

For you, what is the best thing about being and artist?

It’s all about the freedom to think boldly and creatively, to get completely “obsessed” with an original idea and “run with it”.

It’s also about the community of other artists that you affiliate with.

The feeling of isolation that many associate with being an artist, is something very foreign to me. I’m a social person and I often work in creative collaboration with other artists.

For you, What 's the most challenging thing about being an artist?

Of course, one is always challenged to balance creative life and regular every-day existence.

Basic survival issues put the “wolf” squarely at the door.

There is no easy path to becoming an artist.

It’s a life-style choice and a hard one. It takes a special kind of commitment…

How would you define success  for yourself as an artist? What are some successes you have enjoyed thus far on your journey, and what has been a key factor in you achieving your success?

Success is simply a matter of waking up each morning, knowing that I’m able to stay on my path to show and share my art with others. The joy is in reflecting on all the good moments that have accumulated to confirm my commitment – there were many, but most of all, I can say that the many artistic talents I have encouraged were the best reward!

Deb, this idea of success is purely relative to one’s inner nature… To be honest, being adaptable to situations/opportunities and to see “outside of the box” have been features of my “success”.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to other artists ?

For Photographers especially:

1)       Concentrate on COMPOSITION, CONTRAST and COMMUNICATION in every shot.

2)      Allow yourself to PLAY  - in any way you wish to define it. It’s important to preserve your sense of play and connect with the child in you.

3)      Never, ever let NEGATIVE CRITICISM affect you. Of course,CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM is useful and you can always take it or leave it. DO STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE PATH.

I am, as you know, a big believer in self care - especially for artists! What do you do to nourish yourself and soul… to re-charge your batteries so to speak?

Probably preserve my right to daydream… and look at the world with wonder.

A little yoga in the morning keeps me focused.  Hiking and walking into great landscapes

are always restorative.

I read and write quite a bit too. Certainly, looking at the works of other artists fills me with inspiration.

What recent or upcoming shows/and or gallery representation can we look out for or go and see of your work?

The East Side Culture Crawl – this November 16, 17 + 18.

Please take a moment to share with us your experience living in a work/live studio.

Being privileged to live in the ARC (work/live studio) has been the best choice I ever could have made when moving from Toronto in 2011 to Vancouver. It immediately immersed me into an artistic environment – where sharing and collaboration are an everyday experience. 

The friendships and social times are always a great crucible for more learning, planning or just great networking. 

How amazing is that!!?

What can we look forward to this upcoming November at the Culture Crawl. Please share your studio number and any special demos/events you'll be offering.

STUDIO #508

I will be showing photographic art works, photo-based artworks and perhaps some installation art.

There will be demonstrations and some hands-on activities in doing Hand Tinting of Black and White Photos.

Be sure to sign my guest list and also sign up for my WINTER WORKSHOP SERIES.

YOU CAN REACH Janet AT:  sadelj@gmail.com

Janet, I just loved your answers! Thankyou so much for sharing this with us here! Deb xoxoox