What are "Artists Narratives"
Artists Narratives is about the conversations I have had with mid-life successful artists working in various genres of art, music and writing; conversations about their creative process and how they live a creative life.
I hope that as you explore Artists Narratives you will be as inspired as I have been by the insights I have garnered from my interviews with artists from all over the United States; who while working in different mediums share a commonality in their view of living life passionately. Who better to learn from than those who make art and influence our culture? While on occasion I may indulge in my own musings, I will leave it mostly to the artists I have interviewed here and have met along the way to inspire, teach and excite us.
Sunday Morning (2018)
Interview with Pat Lasch, July 2019
On a beautiful desert morning, as I drove into a wonderfully quirky mobile home park in Rancho Mirage, California, I knew I was going to affirmatively scratch my creative itch. I was about to interview the extremely talented American conceptual artist, painter and sculptor, Pat Lasch (b. 1944)
Lasch was part of the first generation of feminist artists whose work gained prominence in the United States. Her sculptures depict ordinary objects created in unusual ways, often using dried acrylic paint made in pieces and stitched together. The daughter of a pastry chef, many of her works are of intricate wedding cakes and dresses, all made with polymer acrylic paint that she either pours, extrudes or presses into molds.
Interview with Diane Morgan, February 2019
Award winning desert artist and photographer, Diane Morgan, may be soft-spoken, but her paintings, whether watercolor, oils or acrylic, pack a powerful punch. Using lighting effects, reflected surfaces, exaggerated contrasts and unusual compositions, Morgan transforms the simple into the “un-ordinary, not-so-still life”. Her work has been featured in numerous art magazines, she has won many prestigious painting awards and her audience includes museums, galleries and private collections.
I met Morgan at her studio space located at the Coachella Valley Arts Alliance in late January.
Interview with Bill Schinsky, December 2018
A California historical fact; between the years 1848-1877, one-hundred forty-nine Mexicans were lynched in mob violence. In addition, California has the dubious distinction of being one of the first places a woman was lynched. I discovered this unfortunate piece of California history when I met with Bill Schinsky; its importance related to a current work-in-progress that is consuming much of his time. For those who don’t know, Bill Schinsky is not only a talented artist, but he is the Executive Director of and is responsible for the establishment of the Coachella Valley Art Center located in Indio, California.
Interview with Robin St. Louis, November 2018
I first met Palm Desert watercolorist Robin St. Louis about fifteen years ago when I had attended a meeting of the Coachella Valley Watercolor Society. I was new to the desert group and sat shyly in the rear, watching various members showcase their current projects. In attendance were both dedicated artists and hobbyists, but one could not get through that session without remembering the work of Robin St. Louis.
That evening she propped her art up on an easel, her talent undeniable, and I wondered how her artistic life would unfold. It was with that memory in mind that these many years later, I wanted to catch up with Robin to discuss her creative life since that first artful meeting.
Interview with Delos Van Earl, August 2018
The first time I met Delos was approximately ten years ago. I was with a friend who was interested in purchasing one of his pieces and she wanted to visit his studio space in Desert Hot Springs where he was located at the time. I tagged along to meet the artist, looking forward to seeing his steel and bronze sculptures and paintings. I remember him; a big guy, standing on a tall ladder, happily working on one of his pieces. He was warm, outgoing and excited to discuss his work. Fast forward to this past month when I met and interviewed Delos in his new gallery and studio space in Yucca Valley. He was as I remembered him; personable and passionate about his work. Open and honest, Delos is comfortable in his own skin; he enjoys discussing all facets of the artist’s life, both the business and creative side; and he has the experience, skills and success to back up his opinions. It was a joy to meet with him again.
Delos is a mixed media artist and sculptor who works in bronze, steel and wood ranging in size from pedestal to large, outdoor commissions. His current work focuses on large painted sculptures as well as wall sculptures in neo-modernism shapes and colors. He has an extensive resume; has had numerous solo and group exhibitions and is in both corporate and public collections. Please take time to look at his website, links and photos attached. Better yet plan a trip to visit his studio in Yucca Valley!
Interview with Artist, Lauretta Lowell, June 2018
I first met assemblage artist, Lauretta Lowell, at a small café in LaQuinta, California. Her art is whimsical, magical and at the same time intellectually challenging. We talked about her artistic process and her life story; a story of courage, inspiration and artistic success. I knew after our meeting that I wanted to interview her for my ongoing research for my book and blog Artists Narratives. Enclosed find snippets of our interview; I know you will find her life story and her thoughts on how to live a creative life inspirational.
Lauretta was influenced as a young girl by her stay-at-home mother who was also an accomplished artist and fashion designer. Her father’s military career exposed the family to travel and adventure. Her early years living in Japan exposed her to folklore, colorful parades and imagery that can be seen in her unique assemblage pieces. Lauretta was always an adventurer and knew as a young girl that she wanted to be an artist but felt she did not have the gift...It was her mother, she said, that had that gift and one that Lauretta would not receive until later in her life.
From the age of thirteen to twenty-six after her father retired from the Army, Lauretta lived in Hawaii, on the north shore of Oahu. Hawaii’s folklore, superstitions and spiritual activity would influence her life and art in a profound way. ...