Synopsis: We chatted about how we have had to pivot during Covid when the art shows we usually do have been cancelled.

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Synopsis: Chatted with Carolyn about how her practice has changed since COVID and how she pivoted to making beautiful masks from her backyard studio. As I was doing this interview from hospital, we also chatted about all the hazardous material artist use.

Artist Statement: Carolyn Laidley Arn studied interior design and currently juggles being an artist with commercial real estate. An emerging artist, she has re-ignited her passion for making art and has since actively exhibited in galleries, juried shows and summer art fairs.  Her diverse career and day-to-day life in the financial core provide her with a unique perspective and strongly influence the subject matter and delivery.  She has a passion for cityscapes, abstracts, silhouettes, stamps, stencils and pattern and reconstruction collage and uses courageous, energetic colours and expressive, bold mark making.

For show notes, please visit my website.

To see more of Carolyn's work:

Synopsis: We talked about the importance of helping other artist succeed through a strong and supporting community. Mary shared her experiences with licensing her work and we got a tour of her studio (see @katetaylorart for details) 

Artist Statement: I am a contemporary landscape & abstract painter.  The natural elements, large expansive sky, peaceful water, quiet green forests, the rocks and wind through the grass are the passions that dominate my work.  Growing up on the Great Lakes created in me a sense that this natural world we live in is more beautiful and mysterious then we will ever know.

I currently work out of my studio on the third floor above the Magdalena Gallery of Art in the Carmel, IN Arts & Design District.   As a busy working artist, I travel to shows throughout the US.  Select galleries currently represent me along with design firms and art-consultant groups.  I have spent many years in the arts field working in different mediums; however, the large-scale contemporary oils are my current passion along with my groupings of 12" x 12"s and custom-created works.

For show notes, please visit my website.

To see more of Mary's work:

Synopsis: Julia talked about expanding your business by doing custom and embellished prints. We talked about her process and how her Friday Live painting sessions has increased her reach to both artists and art lovers. 

About the Artist: Julia Veenstra is a Canadian artist whose work is found in collections around the world. Julia has lived in four different countries, and brings the influences of each to her impressionistic representational, and lively style. Her work reflects the joy she sees in her surroundings, and so her medium of choice is acrylic as she enjoys the immediacy and the bright colours.

In the past few years, Julia’s work has highlighted here native Canada’s vivid landscapes, leading to nationwide recognition and a feature as the cover on the Royal Winter Fair. Most days you can find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton.

For photos of Julia's work, check out my website under Talking to Artists for show notes

Check out Julia's Instagram, Facebook and Website

Synopsis: Helen shared her experiences painting Plein air on stunning Vancouver Island and how this feeds her soul – especially in these Covid days. She talked about how the practice of Shinrin Yoku is something she practices in the BC forests as well as integrates into her oil and cold wax paintings. We shared our thoughts on the fast pivot of digital; artists needing to have a digital presence and how to achieve that.

For photos of Helen's work, check out my website under Blog for show notes

Check out Helen's Instagram, Facebook and Website

A brief discussion about the reasons why I decided to start Talking to Artists. During Covid, I missed my artist community so doing weekly Instagram interviews was a great excuse to reach out. I wanted these interviews to be more like 2 friends sitting across from each other at a kitchen table, nursing a hot cup of coffee. I wanted them to be spontaneous, candid and authentic - not polished and not scripted - so I decided to do them live with no safety net. I hope you will excuse the many screw-ups, technical issues and occasional swearing as you join us at my metaphorical  kitchen table!