Very insightful! A great new artist interview with Elbee from Tallahassee, Florida y'all!
1. Thinking back, I might have pressured you into it, that being said, what interested you in joining this collaboration?
I'm not easily pressured into doing things I don't want to do, the pressure I felt was more of an artistic, loving nudge from someone who has faith in me, my talents and potentials; things I typically underestimate about myself. What interested me was tapping into that silent side of myself and watching what came to pass!
2. You've described yourself in the past as a "non-artist", but I was wondering what being an "artist" really means to you.
To me, an artist is someone who has, for a better lack of understanding, found their innerchild. When we are children, we are not afraid of our creativity; we shine in it, we thrive in it. When we become adults, that child tends to become muted and hidden and many times locked away forever. A true artist is someone who not only feels that innerchild, but embraces it and reflects it back to the world.
3. Was the artmaking more of an intimidating process for you, or did you enjoy yourself?
As a non-artist, many times the process felt intimidating, usually when I would question how my piece would compare to the other participants. I would find myself wondering if they would ask just what the heck this ridiculous piece of glued items was doing in an art series. However with that being said, I would remind myself to hush and let the art speak for itself.
4. Is there a specific part of this project, beyond your direct involvement, that is interesting to you?
I am very excited to see the series completed, displayed and presented to the art world. I am honored to be a part of such amazing creations.
5. What does the mandala mean to you in your life? Does it apply?
The mandala means a few things to me--it sparked some real creative juices for me so in a sense, it was a rebirth. I have been making collages since the series started and came to the conclusion that even a non-artist can create something thought-provoking and beautiful.
***Now we'll turn the tables, wherein you may also ask me a question. I'll post my answer on the blog with your interview...it can be whatever you want!
What was the most satisfying part of the series? Most frustrating?
Why are you so smart?
...I think the most satisfying part of the series has been getting mail/packages, honestly. I do enjoy making things work and marrying two divergent styles together. That gives me a certain sense of "thinking" satisfaction. But I really like getting mail. I don't get enough packages or mail that aren't bills, I rarely get presents, and if I do they are usually not wrapped, so I love opening packages! It's more of an inner child response I suppose, but my gut still tells me that I LOVE GETTING MAIL.
If I am smart at all, it is because I have phenomenally intelligent parents and their genes naturally elevated my mediocrity a teensy bit. ;) Thanks for being open and willing to take a chance on this project with me!
1. Thinking back, I might have pressured you into it, that being said, what interested you in joining this collaboration?
I'm not easily pressured into doing things I don't want to do, the pressure I felt was more of an artistic, loving nudge from someone who has faith in me, my talents and potentials; things I typically underestimate about myself. What interested me was tapping into that silent side of myself and watching what came to pass!
2. You've described yourself in the past as a "non-artist", but I was wondering what being an "artist" really means to you.
To me, an artist is someone who has, for a better lack of understanding, found their innerchild. When we are children, we are not afraid of our creativity; we shine in it, we thrive in it. When we become adults, that child tends to become muted and hidden and many times locked away forever. A true artist is someone who not only feels that innerchild, but embraces it and reflects it back to the world.
3. Was the artmaking more of an intimidating process for you, or did you enjoy yourself?
As a non-artist, many times the process felt intimidating, usually when I would question how my piece would compare to the other participants. I would find myself wondering if they would ask just what the heck this ridiculous piece of glued items was doing in an art series. However with that being said, I would remind myself to hush and let the art speak for itself.
4. Is there a specific part of this project, beyond your direct involvement, that is interesting to you?
I am very excited to see the series completed, displayed and presented to the art world. I am honored to be a part of such amazing creations.
5. What does the mandala mean to you in your life? Does it apply?
The mandala means a few things to me--it sparked some real creative juices for me so in a sense, it was a rebirth. I have been making collages since the series started and came to the conclusion that even a non-artist can create something thought-provoking and beautiful.
What was the most satisfying part of the series? Most frustrating?
Why are you so smart?
...I think the most satisfying part of the series has been getting mail/packages, honestly. I do enjoy making things work and marrying two divergent styles together. That gives me a certain sense of "thinking" satisfaction. But I really like getting mail. I don't get enough packages or mail that aren't bills, I rarely get presents, and if I do they are usually not wrapped, so I love opening packages! It's more of an inner child response I suppose, but my gut still tells me that I LOVE GETTING MAIL.
If I am smart at all, it is because I have phenomenally intelligent parents and their genes naturally elevated my mediocrity a teensy bit. ;) Thanks for being open and willing to take a chance on this project with me!
