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ARTELLAGRAM 10-10-08:
"In the Studio"
An Interview with Artist Chris Tessnear
(This interview is continued from the October 10, 2008 Artellagram...)
Artella: It seems that there is a prevalent belief that artists must be unhappy in order to create
that artists are "supposed" to suffer. Do you think that is true?
Chris: All people suffer -- artists and non-artists. It makes us who we are. Another artist and I often debate the issue of good artists being tortured souls. Art is therapy for many. Making art is a healing process. Creativity is an escape. Many have the need to express emotion through art activities. People make art for various reasons and it doesn't need explanation. Artists are special people indeed. Non-artists may just be missing something in their lives. Suffering or blissful -- go forth and make art. Robert Henri in The Art Spirit said, "a man must become interesting to himself and must become actually expressive before he can be happy."
Artella: What work of art are you post proud of?
Chris: Such a difficult question since I am rather modest in talking about my own work. I would have to say I am most pleased with a body of work I began a few years ago about women called "Her
". The series pleases me for two main reasons. It was the beginning of my exploration of mixed media with images and words. It also pays homage to women I really admire (my mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, and aunts.) I will return to this series again including friends and female artists. I often revisit themes and exhaust them. This is my way of pushing my creative mind to the limits. If you are proud of a piece of art you have made, it speaks to you. It will also speak to others and that's what art does. Artists make art for themselves but it is for the viewers to receive the message.
Artella: What advice would you give to a total beginner at watercolor? What kinds of classes, supplies, books, etc. do I need to get started?
Chris: A beginner class or book can teach you an amazing amount of info in a short amount of time. The key is to get the basic tools and practice daily. Basic tools include paper, brushes, paint, and a palette. There are so many kinds of each tool and if you shop at a knowledgeable store they can assist you well. Beginners need to start with the best supplies they can afford. Student grade is often fine until you get accustomed to the process. Here is a good place to start.
- Paper- 140 lb. cold press
- Paints - ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, and raw sienna
- Brushes - #8 round synthetic watercolor brush and 1 inch flat synthetic.
- Palette for paints can be a simple white dinner plate.
- Containers for water.
Paper can be taped or stapled to a piece of cardboard or foam core to keep it flat while painting. A basic class or book can teach you the basic strokes and techniques like washes, dry brush, wet'n'wet, wet'n'dry, etc. I would suggest learning these basic techniques and doing a hundred paintings to practice and get comfortable with the techniques. Sometimes local art groups will host classes for a good price. Go to galleries and study different artists to learn what styles you like. Try all the genre, landscapes, still life, portraits, and even abstract. Before you know it you will have developed your own style and create masterpieces along with the best watercolorists in the world.
Artella: What books can you recommend as being most inspiring and helpful to creative people, and why?
Chris: Books are my vice. I buy too many but love, love, love books. They inspire me, spark ideas, problem solve and sometimes collect a little dust along the way. I have a few that I return to over and over again for inspiration and basic knowledge when trying to decide how to do something. Here is my list:
- Marry Your Muse: Making a Lasting Commitment to Your Creativity by Jan Phillips. It is somewhat similar to The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron but I really do like it so much better. It is full of quotes and affirmations to give you confidence. It has creativity exercises and ideas to make you more conscious of what you already have within you.
- True Colors by Lynn Perella and a whole group of artists on a journey collaborating in art journaling about color. You will get so high on the beautiful imagery in this book you will not be able to keep from doing an art journal yourself. It inspired a group of artists and me to do a similar project. Maybe I'll tell you about that another time
- The Creative Artist by Nita Leland is full of ideas and exercises to get you moving and making art
- The Art Spirit by Robert Henri is an excellent source of wisdom an art teacher shared with his students
I would also suggest you find the very best resource and guide for your own favorite media, whether it be collage, altering books, painting, etc. It's good to have the basics when you are trying to figure out how to execute an idea. Books on artist's lives are also very inspirational.
Artella: What is the most important aspect of art in your personal life? What would your life be like if you weren't creating?
Chris: Having made some kind of art or craft my whole life I cannot imagine not creating but if I stopped I would surely go mad. We all have our crosses to bear but when I am creating art I am lost in a perfect world of contentment, peace and joy. Even when the piece I am creating turns out badly I have learned something. I share my art with others freely, giving much away and teaching for free many times. I find it my personal mission in life to speak to others through my art. I am a strong believer in my faith and others often mention to me messages they see in my art. Many times it is not intentional on my part at all. I try hard to not force my religion on anyone in this politically correct society but I guess if it's inside of me, it will come out without my forcing it. Make art. Let it speak for who you are and you will find a peace and contentment like no other.
See Chris' beautiful products in The Shoppes of Artella, here.
 Want more artist interviews from Artella?
Take a look at our eBooks Artist Profiles Assembled and Artist Profiles Assembled, Vol 2, and look at the "Ask the Artist" column every single day in The Artella Daily Muse, our daily online creativity newspaper.
Go back to reading this Artellagram
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