Whopple.com

Today’s Artist Interview Is With Mary Dunn from West Mifflin, PA.

Whopple:  How long have you been an artist?
Mary: Most artists say that since they can remember, they had a pencil in their hand and were drawing. I am not any different in that respect. I loved to draw at an early age and my first painting was done when I was 10.

Whopple:  Tell us about your first attempts to be creative.
Mary: My first attempt at creativity came at an early age as I stated before. As a student in grade school, teachers would set aside a time for art. I remember having to draw a bird. I chose a cardinal and it did turn out better than most of the other student’s work. Some of the students thought I had traced it, but it was done freehand. Everyone thought I cheated, but it was my first attempt at drawing. I was in the second grade.

Whopple:  Do you make a living with your art?
Mary: Here in Pittsburgh, the competition with other artists makes it difficult to make a living as an artist. I wanted to hang some of my work in a little shop that promotes local jewelry artists and sells various crafts. I was told that the people of Pittsburgh would rather purchase poster art. I thought that very strange, however, it does seem to have some truth. Many of the galleries that partake in exhibiting local artist’s work in this area have closed. With the economic trend, people would rather spend money on necessities. Making a living as an artist is a challenge, and something I cannot afford to take part in presently.

However, I do exhibit and have sold several pieces. Besides selling during an exhibit, I do take commissions. Anytime I sell a piece, I am happy. However, I am not one to get upset at the fact I don’t make a living off of my creativity. I enjoy what I do, and that is most important to me.

Whopple:  How many hours a day do you create?
Mary: Being creative is an ongoing experience. To place a particular time limit to hours, for me, is a bit impossible. My mind is constantly thinking of ways to improve my creativity. I review ideas in my mind regarding my next project, and I am constantly reading about other artists and their techniques. Although I don’t have my brush in hand 24/7, my brain is always at work creating. Besides my mind, I do work full time and it limits my hours for creating.

Whopple:  How did you pick your creative medium?
Mary: I started out with a pencil drawing cute little faces, then, I wanted to try oil paints. I worked in that medium for very a long time. While in college, I used several mediums that included pastel, watercolor, oils and acrylic. I always wanted to improve my skills with pastel. Maybe pastels were something I wanted to use at a young age. I remember purchasing my first set of pastels. I save my allowances, and bought a set of Grumbacher pastels which cost me a fortune. I would sit and look at all those vibrant colors and I didn’t know how to use them. I had been so used to painting with oil, and didn’t know the first thing about pastels.

During the last few years, I took a few classes in watercolor and pastel. I really like pastel and have been working primarily with that medium for the past three years.

Whopple:  What are your inspirations?
Mary: Waking up everyday and looking at the beauty of a sunrise, a sunset, a budding tree, a beautiful flower, how could anyone not be inspired by what God has created.

Sure there are days when personal “things” get in the way of being inspired. I just pick up a book or pop in a cd, and relax. My inspirations take hold, and I am on my way.

Whopple:  How do you recharge when your creativity hits the wall?
Mary: Creativity is something that comes through being inspired by something or someone. I love to listen to music especially the blues. Some of my favorites are Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, and David Gogo.

Then, of course, I read many art books that discuss techniques. Once I read about a certain technique, I really have to try it.

Not only do these things inspire me, I might also take workshops in between. I have taken some really good workshops. I choose them selectively. In between the workshops, I purchase DVD workshops and watch some great artists showing their techniques.

Whopple:  What was your first job?
Mary: My very first job was a hairdresser/cosmetologist; another form of creativity. I loved being creative in that respect. In those days, hairdressers were paid strictly on commission. I was so excited to be hired at a local shop that was pretty well known in the area. During my first work week, I worked over 40 hours and my first paycheck was $18.00. I couldn’t believe it.

Although I no longer work as a stylist, I love to keep up on the latest trends.

Whopple:  What are your favorite snacks when you are creating?
Mary: Currently, I have been weight watching. I don’t usually snack while painting. However, I will drink an ice tea or a cup of coffee while my fingers are at work. Rarely, I will drink a glass of wine when painting.

Whopple:  What gives you hope in the world?
Mary: I don’t like to live in the “world”. Instead, I strive to work toward the what that comes after. I try to live my life with some sort of values and morals and strive hard to be a decent role model to my children.
Recently, I have become involved with art endeavors throughout the community. I am a board member for the Steel Valley Arts Council (www.steelvalleyarts.org) and became president of the Pittsburgh Pastel Artist League. Through these groups, I can make one small effort that possibly can bring art to a community that might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience local artists and their work.

Whopple:  What do you wish you could do?
Mary: If I could wish to do anything, I would change the way people think about money and about the value of life.

Whopple:  What are your artistic goals?
Mary: As an artist, my first goal is to be recognized as an artist. I have been working hard to be accepted into several artist associations. There are several Pittsburgh associations that I am working toward becoming a member through a screening process.

Whopple:  What is your favorite art book?
Mary: This is probably one question that I had to give more than a little thought. Today, there is a plethora of art instruction books, DVD’s and various artists who have contributed to the world of art and are noted in books about them.  However, I have to say, the one book that inspired me the most and actually began my love of art is “Fun With a Pencil” by Andrew Loomis.

By now it is surely out of print, but that little book opened up my world. Mr. Loomis was a talented artist/illustrator. The book guided me on drawing little caricatures of odd looking fun little people. I still have my book and wouldn’t give it up for all the money in the world.

Whopple:  What has been your most exciting moment as an artist?
Mary: I thought the most exciting moment for me as an artist was my first sale. The fact that my painting brought joy to someone’s heart that they were willing to pay for it certainly was an exciting moment. However, a few weeks ago, I was in a pastel exhibit at a local art gallery. An art critic from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (Kurt Shaw) and did a review about the exhibit. Out of about 40 paintings, several artists were mentioned in his article. I was one of the artists, and his review was very positive. Since most of my training has been self-taught, Mr. Shaw compared me works to being an artist who had been classically trained. That was a moment of finally being recognized for my hard work.

To See More Of Mary Dunn’s Artwork Please Visit The Following:

http://www.marydunn-artist.com
These Interviews With Artists Are Copyrighted To Whopple.com.
Classifications:  Landscape Painting Artists, Still Life Artwork