Andrew Young

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an artist but studied Landscape Architecture in school. It was a five year course of study and I took most of my electives through the art department which included stained glass. 

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

After college I decided to return to Jackson and open up a stained glass studio. It took a long time, 10 to 15 years, before I really knew that glass had the possibility of holding my interest for a lifetime of work.

What gives you inspiration?

It might be easier to list what does not give me inspiration. As a creative person I am always looking for juxtaposition of experiences and perception. I never really know where I will find what inspires me. A lot comes from visual perception, what I encounter in my day to day life. I am an eclectic reader so I am constantly inspired by ideas from an array of concepts. Because I do stained glass I am quite often working with Christian theological themes that relate to the symbolism and imagery in my windows. The research I do by reading scripture and other related texts is a rich source of inspiration.     

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

There is a moment when working on a painting, in the garden, preparing a dinner, designing a stained glass window when time seems to dissolve into the background. At this moment everything is perfect and each stroke is direct and not in question. Some years ago, Tom Crouch, now the design manager at Pearl River Glass Studio, and I would talk about the idea of direct drawing. It could be defined as being in a state when you know that your ideas and abilities are in sync in a profound way. 

What message do you hope to share through your art?

I consider it a great privilege and honor to design and make stained glass windows for the Christian Church. I have deliberately chosen certain paths of study and belief to better prepare myself for creating works of art that can inspire the faithful and unfaithful alike.  What I wish for my windows to exhibit is that the process of worship and faith can be creative and personal. The images and symbols I depict in the stained glass are meant to be an entry into a further world of possibility and a deepening of the religious experience.  For some years I have been aware that stained glass has the ability to reach individuals through their sense of perception on a conscious and subconscious level. I have reached a point in my life where my God given talents have purpose and meaning.  

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

In my own work it is all about the process, it is the doing what is important. I have stacks of paintings on paper to show for it! My studio work in stained glass gives me much joy in knowing that our windows will live on for generations to inspire others.  

To learn more about Andrew Young and the Pearl River Glass company visit http://www.pearlriverglass.com

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Bill Wilson

“In my portrait work I’ve concentrated in oils and pastels, but in my illustration and gallery work, I’ve had to become proficient in acrylics, watercolors, pen & ink, clay, pencils, and just about anything else that can make a mark, whatever captures the image and tells the story best.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a kid I went through a number of the standards: paleontologist, motorcycle cop, movie star, and a superhero. I was studying for the ministry for a while, but my passion for the arts always came bubbling back to the surface. I could never quite turn it off. After a great deal of thought and prayer, I began to realize that one could serve the Lord in many ways and art was what He had called me for.

What gives you inspiration?

I paint things as they are; I paint things as I would like them to be; I paint things as I dream of them having once been. This lets me find inspiration in any and everything.  Looking at something as mundane as a fork, I’ll either find myself studying how the light is playing off the surface, or I begin to transmogrify it into some sort of character with its own unique personality for a story I’m writing. Even the least attractive thing can inspire the artist in me. Why, sometime I even look in the mirror and.  .  . .oh, never mind.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

I love to tell stories. With my portraits, I’m not just trying to get a likeness, that’s the easy part. I want to convey something about that person as an individual, tell their story.  It’s the same with my gallery work and illustrations. A work of art should take the viewer into another world; a world one can loose oneself in, at least for a little while. Years of thinking of each work of art as a story in and of itself made it easy for me to begin writing and illustrating children’s books. My second book that was published just a few months ago, The Fib: A Wordy Tale, was for me a perfect blending of art and literature, supporting one another to tell a story. As far as I’m concerned, art without story is just dry technique or navel gazing. 

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

The Scottish Olympian Eric Liddell said, “I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run, I feel His pleasure.” Just substitute painting for running and you get the idea. When I paint, I feel His pleasure.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Yes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.”  Colossians 3:23. First Corinthians 10:31 says much the same thing. My first duty as an artist is serving God by being the best artist I can be. My second duty is conveying a message. In short, telling a story. And as Christians our stories should serve God and be created for the enlightenment of our fellow man.

To learn more about Bill Wilson visit www.billwilsonstudio.com

Christy Henderson

“Just like life, I see my artwork ever-changing and deepening…I want there to be a clearly identifiable quality to my work. As I walk though different seasons of life, it is my desire to communicate what I am experiencing thru the means of art. By doing so, my spirit is strengthened, and hopefully others will be touched in a positive way.”

Mediums
construction materials, sheetrock mud, construction grade paint, fabric, paper, acrylics, crayon, oil pastels, pencil, wood stain, polyurethane

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
A cartoonist.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion? 
It was more of a process than a moment. Through life circumstances, God’s Word, and His Spirit, I began to see that this is the way I had been designed. Art is one way that I can share the love that I have experienced and communicate a hope that endures forever.

What gives you inspiration? 
Relationships that I have… places in my past… words and quotes… songs… color combinations that make me happy.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent? 
My daddy, a building contractor, and wonderfully creative designer, restorer of old buildings; he always had an eye for the potential in something that was falling apart and the know-how to bring it about. My mama was always in the garden and flowerbeds or at the sewing machine. She would say she is not artistic, I would have to disagree. I’m constantly pulling from the memories of watching her work, even the color combinations in her yard this year make me want to run to my studio and paint..

Where and when do you feel the most creative? 
When the sun starts to set well into the night. In a time of worship. After a long break. When I walk into a well designed space.

What message do you hope to share through your art? 
Love. Hope.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be? 
Layers. I am most pleased with a piece of my artwork when I come back to it several times and add a new layer of color or texture. It seems to develop a deeper message that way and the result is much more appealing to my eye…and my heart.
What do you enjoy most about creating your art? 
The transformation process…taking raw materials and telling a story with it. There is a deep satisfaction that comes from hearing from folks who are truly encouraged by my artwork.

Cliff Speaks

Oil and Acrylic paint

“I really love art.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a mountain man like Grizzly Adams, weird I know.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

I suppose those moments have been many, but lately it has become very clear to me that this is my purpose in life, and that God has directed me to move toward art more and more.

What gives you inspiration?
I think everything around me is inspirational, life, people, music, and living.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?
I had a professor at USM, Jim Meade. He was everything I wanted to be as an artist.

Also, many artists before me, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollack, and others have inspired me to be creative and do more.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

Absolutely in the morning is my time, and in my spare room/studio is the place.

What message do you hope to share through your art?
I hope to share that art is a wonderful experience to enjoy.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?
Enjoyable

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

I love the whole process, building frames, stretching canvas, getting paint all over me and the house. I love making something new that was not there before, to me that’s such an interesting idea.

To learn more about Cliff Speaks visit www.speaksart.com

Dot-t Dehmer

Mediums

Torn paper that I have painted with watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil pastels with no idea of what it will become.

What did you want to do when you grew up? 
I dreamed of having an orphanage.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

I cannot say that art is my purpose. I can say that I would rather be designing with scraps than almost anything, so it is probably my passion.

What gives you inspiration?

The scraps. I see shapes and designs and go from there. Also, an idea or focus like angels, flowers, or ‘polka-dot-tee” whimsical ladies can keep my imagination flowing. I love to illustrate books with deeper meanings and concepts like environmental issues (The Wasteful Part), and loss and grief (The Best Part and the Worst Part). I see images in my mind and then I start tearing the paper. I do not draw the design first. I do not know how to draw!

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?

About 16 years ago, Constance Pierce was the artist-in-residence at Millsaps College.  Through her class on Sketchbook Journaling, she encouraged me to add torn scraps to the pages. There always seems to be wonderful ‘nuggets’ in art that I would tear up. I loved it!

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative in my art room. One wall I painted with butterflies, flowers, clouds and life-size grandchildren. Another wall has shelves of early artwork. The room is chocked full of quotes, paraphrases, favorite childhood things, art from friends, designs laid out to glue, scrapbooks, pictures, photo albums, journals and boxes of prints and my greeting cards and other projects I have worked on. There is barely room to walk; it is very messy, but it is a fun creative place for me.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?

People describe my art as whimsical, colorful, playful, bright and happy. The illustrations in my books, hopefully, are thought-provoking and emotionally touching and have a message. 

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

I enjoy art because when I am working with ‘scrap art’ I am completely absorbed in it and no other thoughts go through my mind. It has a peace about it. Collage is about serendipity. It is having no idea of the finished product, not choosing the obvious, using a discarded scrap as the most important piece, finding an unexpected scrap, saving a scrap for years and being inspired by it, believing in the importance of negative shapes, knowing that nothing it wasted and TRUSTING. Collage mimics faith and life! 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I believe that everyone is creative; the direction it takes can be surprising and the possibilities endless. It requires a willingness to risk the adventure to discover it and be dedicated to it.

Ellen Langford
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Then, as now, I had no crystal clear career goals, more ideas of how I wanted to live, places I wanted to travel, mountains I wanted to climb, injustices I wanted to help conquer. I always loved to draw and paint, but I also loved to play basketball and sing and play in the creek. As I teenager I continued most of those things as well as hiking in the New Hampshire in the summers and building community with friends and family. None of those offered much direction for the future, except perhaps a desire to do more of the same. I still don’t know what to be when I grow up. I’ll take any ideas you have.
 
Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?
 My first junior year in college I was at Ole Miss, having transferred from my liberal arts college in the northeast to try pre-med, at which I was a disaster. At Ole Miss I withdrew from most of the pre-med classes second semester and added instead philosophy, history, government, journalism, and painting with Jere Allen. It was in Professor Allen’s class I first felt that the passion I’d always had for creating images could be translated into a life choice.
 
What gives you inspiration?
Connection with the earth, with people, with animals; how our shapes and energies interact. Stories people tell or which I experience.  The look a dog gives a child, a chicken gives a piece of strawberry.

 Where and when do you feel the most creative?
 To be a serious artist one doesn’t have the luxury to wait for creativity to strike; I have to keep working, constantly, and occasionally I find really inspirational, creative things will happen, seemingly by themselves.
 
What message do you hope to share through your art?
 I don’t want to preach any particular message through my work. We all have our own interpretation of what’s before us and I don’t want to hit anyone over the head with my opinions. I do hope, however, I can share with my viewers the ideas of closeness of beings, delight in color and form, and harmony that I often experience at the finish of a work.
 

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?
The on-going conversation with the viewer. Pushing space and color. Finding where I’m wrong and fixing it, learning lessons, sometimes the same ones over and over.
 
To learn more about Ellen Langford visit www.ellenlangford.com

Gail Pittman

“It is my prayer that everyone could get up every day and look forward to their work the way I do each day...what a great blessing! And thankfully…I know it.”

 What did you want to be when you grew up?

A rock star!

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

Absolutely! The moment I painted my very first bowl at the kitchen table...I thought it was fabulous. It wasn't, but I really do believe I heard music!

What gives you inspiration?

I have been inspired by many different things at different times in my career...maybe something from nature or a certain combination of color that made me smile. Now I am inspired by the challenge of designing products for the home that have purpose, flexibility, and great style for the way people live today. I have no desire to create products that are of no use, it is a waste of time and natural resources to do that. I am inspired today by looking to the lasting beauty of cherished antiques and objects from the past and updating them for today's lifestyle.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?

I could not find any ceramic artists when I first began painting, so I was pretty much self taught, but there were some valuable life lessons that I feel made a big difference in my career along the way.

My fraternal grandmother "Grannie", was a great lady of style and hospitality, while having the humble heart of a servant. You would never find a paper napkin in her home, much less a paper plate! My maternal grandmother, “Nana", was a single mother who sold shoes at the Cinderella Shoe Shop in downtown Jackson during the depression, working even when she was sick, because she knew there were 10 people waiting to take her job. From these two women I learned about hospitality, style, serving, giving back, and work ethic. It was God who put the Spirit of creativity in my heart. I guess you could say...He made my heart sing...and I've been singing ever since!

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

I draw and sketch all the time. It is the only way I can focus. I sit in meetings and draw. I carry designs around in my head around for weeks, months and internalize them. I even dream about them. I have often said to be an artist just might be to dwell on the edge of insanity! But the feeling I have when it starts coming together is a thrill I can hardly describe...it's just a feeling of "knowing” it is right that I've got it down.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

There is always an inspiration behind each design...a purpose...a reason for it to be. I hope that when someone sees one of my designs they see the love I have for my career, and the gratitude I carry in my heart to God for the great blessing of the gift he has given me.

To learn more about Gail Pittman visit www.gailpittman.com

Ginny Futvoye

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was five years old I wanted to be a teacher. After college, I taught high school art for one year in Nashville and five years here in Jackson. Today, I enjoy teaching summer art camps to children.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

My purpose is to use those gifts God’s given me for his glory. Since I was young I have painted but during college I took a summer course in Taos New Mexico. Everyday I was outdoors painting, learning from my professors and colleagues. It was that summer that I grew as an artist and realized painting was my passion.

What gives you inspiration?

I paint because I am inspired by what the ultimate Creator has already created: the organic lines of a tree, the contrast of the red bird against the winter landscape, the negative shapes formed in a still life, the warm light creating shadows in my sunroom, or the brilliant colors of an old barn at dusk.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?

As much as I would like to list all the wonderful professors I have had in high school, college and from workshops, I will have to say my parents have been my mentors. When art classes weren’t available in our small town, they researched and found courses for me to take. They cut out newspaper clippings for me to read about artist and exhibitions. (To this day I still find them on my bedside table when I return home) After buying me art books, they would take me to museums and galleries. But more than anything they were constant encouragers. Even when I brought strange paintings or sculptures home from college, they continued to be supporters. They never once stifled my creative aspirations.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

When I slow down enough to really see light and color, and their contrast; And at that moment I want my camera or canvas to capture that split second of inspiration.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

 I am brought to Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

When I am painting, the subject matters that I choose hopefully encourage these thoughts.

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

The unexpected. When I paint I start with an image whether it be a wooded landscape, vase of flowers, or bed of zinnias. Probably a third of the way into it, I do not look at the image but paint from intuition. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s the unexpected colors and textures that I enjoy most in a completed painting.

To learn more about Ginny Futvoye visit www.ginnyfutvoye.com

Jerrie Glasper

Oils, Acrylics

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?
At the age of 19 years old, it happened to be my lot to win the Mississippi Duck Stamp Competition in 1983. The following year I was the Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year and placed 7th place in the Federal Duck Stamp Competition in that same year. Naturally, my confidence increased. I began to voraciously read more books about color theory, art history, and various painting techniques for oils, watercolors, and acrylics.

What gives you inspiration?
There are times when inspiration is elusive; usually when there are in balances in my life.  Unexpectedly, however, my muse will appear in the light that dapples over the surface of a leaf, a stone, cattails, or the reflection in creek waters, for example.  She (my muse) makes her sudden appearance sometimes on lazy days as I'm looking up in awe of the heavenly firmament and cloud formations. Too, inspiration can be in the animated facial expressions of an old blues singer while his aged fingers intuitively strum the strings of a wooden guitar. Enlightenment comes in many forms.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?
My father was my first and most influential mentor and instructor in fine art. Not only did he teach me how to draw, but he stressed that I pay close attention to my surroundings at all times and to embrace my imagination. My next major influences were Bobby Tompkins and Leon Koury, respectively.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when my family life and career are balanced. The place where I am most visited by the muse of inspiration is when I am outside enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.  Classical music also seems to gives me a refreshing kick in the pants.

What message do you hope to share through your art?
Through my art, I convey the message of love for the simple pleasures. With faith and humility, I hope that the viewer my paintings walks away a little bit more introspective, more self awareness, and just a bit more appreciative and respectful of the natural world.

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

The desire to leave behind a few beautiful objects that can be enjoyed by many, for years to come, is what keeps me painting. The fact that I am getting paid to do so is still awesome to me. For that, I am grateful.

To learn more about Jerrie Glasper visit www.artwanted.com/glasper  or contact him at kiddioart11@yahoo.com or call 601-667-7131.

Laura Pennebaker

Oil on canvas and watercolor

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an interior designer.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

After my first painting class at Ole Miss, I knew painting was something I wanted to do the rest of my life.

What gives you inspiration? 

God's creation is my main inspiration. The way light and shadow can transform a subject, and the way colors change throughout the day.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?

James Baker at Jackson Academy was a real encouragement to me and also, Jere Allen from Ole Miss taught me how to use vibrant colors.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I am outside observing nature.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

Through my work, I hope to reflect just a tiny fraction of the wonderful Creation of our Lord and bring a touch of joy to those who view it.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?

Colorful

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

My most favorite thing about creating art is making it my own. My work is very loose, energetic and has a definite style.  There is something so fun about your art not looking like anyone else's art therefore, I have a great appreciation for other artists' works. 

To learn more about Laura Pennebaker visit laurapennebaker.com

Mary Buckley
Acrylic and watercolor

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
I had no clue!

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion? 
I don’t know if there was a ‘moment’ per say, but there was a ‘season’ in which I experimented and studied art for the first time. During that time I developed a passion for being a serious artist.

What gives you inspiration?
When I look around this beautiful world and see God’s handiwork. I want to make a representation which will give Him glory and remind us of what an awesome creator He is.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?
My mother was a well-respected artist in the Jackson area. She was represented by Brown’s Fine Art and taught art at Holmes Community College. I learned volumes from her, and continue to learn as I remember how she lived her life as an artist.

Where and when do you feel the most creative? 

24-7 Whether I am staring at a huge blank canvas, a dreary room, or considering what to cook, I want to create something new and beautiful.

What message do you hope to share through your art? 
“The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be? 
Light

What do you enjoy most about creating your art? 
Tapping into the creative energy of the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing!

To learn more about Mary Buckley visit www.southernbreeze.net

Peyton Hutchinson
Oils

“We are all creative human beings because God made us that way. Whether or not you can, “draw a straight line, or stay inside the lines.”  All of us are given different talents, whether it’s painting, writing, making music, telling stories, cooking, there are so many different ways to express your artistic abilities.  I think we’re all most creative and inspired when we use the gifts God has given us. I hope you can find your passion and go for it!”

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
A cosmetologist! Growing up, my sister and I loved to play hair and makeup. For special occasions, my Mom and sister still ask me to fix their hair or apply their makeup.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion? 
In college, I realized my passion for painting. I honestly didn’t know if I could truly make a career out of it. I knew if I could somehow convince my dad into letting me stay at Ole Miss and secure a fine arts degree in painting, I would try my hardest to make something of it. My dad allowed me to pursue a degree in painting, although he asked me to also earn my teacher’s license just in case this “art thing” didn’t work out. 

What gives you inspiration? 
I’ve always admired our Great Maker’s design.  I enjoy painting landscapes. When I see something in nature that catches my eye, I can’t wait to get back to my studio to try to create it and capture that moment.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent? 
My high school teacher, Carolyn Causey, helped hone my skills. She taught me the basics of drawing, which has helped me in all of my paintings.  

Where and when do you feel the most creative? 
When I’m outside painting--plein air.  I also paint from photographs, but whenever I get the opportunity to paint outside, it teaches me much more than a photograph.   

What message do you hope to share through your art? 
Because I paint landscapes, I hope that sometimes the viewer will look at one of my paintings, recognize the location, and think to himself, “I’ve never noticed all of those colors before!” Hopefully it will encourage others to stop and notice the beauty that surrounds us…to create more of an awareness of the beauty in nature that we pass by every day, even in our own backyards! A tree is not just green, and a sky is not just blue!

What do you enjoy most about creating your art? 
I get to do what I love everyday. I feel extremely blessed to be able to work at home and be my own boss. I love that my little boy, Max, is just around the corner from me when I’m at work in my home studio. I feel so lucky, that now I am trying to give back by teaching. 

Sarah McTaggart

“I have been blessed to have the opportunities to work as a self-employed artist even in today's economy and am able to support myself doing something I love to do.’

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never thought about doing anything other than art. It is just who I am.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion?

Growing up I dreamed of having my art in a gallery. This dream came true for me when my art was accepted by the Jackson Street Gallery. Ms. Paula Jackson has been a special mentor for me. All her encouragement has helped me grow as an artist. The most fulfilling part of selling a piece is meeting the people and hearing how my art makes them happy and how they enjoy having it in their home.

What gives you inspiration?

When I look around at God's creation I think about how beautiful and creative God is.  He is the Master Artist. He did not have to make everything so detailed and beautiful, but He did. I am a visual person so I notice details in everything. I think about how I would paint a scene. I am also inspired by other artist’s work.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?
I have snap shots in my memory of moments in my life, and one of the most vivid was Wyatt Waters coming to my ninth grade art class at Clinton High School. He introduced me to the world of color. He painted a portrait for us and used every color except flesh tones. Later in life I was able to take an art class under him at Belhaven. The first rule he had was no black paint in his class. I learned how to see color in everything from him. 

Where and when do you feel the most creative?

When you are a self-employed artist for a profession and you feel like it or not. There is nothing better than when I feel creative and can lose myself in a painting that comes from my soul.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

The most rewarding part of my job is when I bring joy to people through my art.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?

Colorful

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

When I paint I feel a spiritual connection to God to because He gave me the ability I have. I feel that when we use the gift He has given us we are the closest to Him.

Teena Grantham
Oils and Pastels

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist, but my parents convinced me that teaching would be a more reliable income.

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion? 
No great Aha! Moment, but painting and drawing have always made me happy. Art just puts me in a very good mood!

What gives you inspiration? 
Beautiful things in nature that God has given us to enjoy. 

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent? 
I really am grateful to have painted with a lot of wonderful artists including Bob Tompkins and Lucy Mazzaferro.

Where and when do you feel the most creative? 
I love painting with friends, and I also enjoy painting in my studio listening to music.

What message do you hope to share through your art? 
Painting is just one of the best ways I can communicate to others how beautiful and colorful our world is.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be? 
Happy

What do you enjoy most about creating your art? 
I enjoy pleasing others, and I enjoy the whole process of painting start to finish.

Is there anything else you would like to share? 
I would like to thank those who have encouraged me in art. That has meant so much to me.

Vicki Overstreet

Primarily Oils and Watercolor

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

An artist, of course!

Was there a moment when you knew this was your purpose and passion? 

 My husband Jim and I were backpacking in Europe and toured the Musee de l'Orangerie. I will never forget seeing an entire room of floor to ceiling paintings of Monet's Waterlillies. It was breath -taking. I had always painted but at that moment I fell in love with paint; the brushstrokes, color, light, atmosphere, and the quality of the paint.

What gives you inspiration?

Early morning light and the last light of day "the violet hour" are the most beautiful. To try and capture the essence of light, color, and shadow in a particular place and moment is a humbling experience.

Did you have a mentor or teacher that inspired your creative talent?

So many; Miss Gross my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Edna Glenn, high school art teacher

Doris Nunn, John Gaddis, Ann Barron, Eleanor Hughes, watercolor teachers from Jackson.

Oil painting instructors: Lucy Mazzeferro, Jackson. Nancy Chaboun, Scottsdale, Az., David Gallup, Calif., Dawn Whitelaw, Franklin, Tn., Ann Templeton, Tx, Quang Ho, Co.

Where and when do you feel the most creative?  

 When I am painting en plein air. The landscape is always a spiritual and emotional challenge.

What message do you hope to share through your art?

I want to show a passion for the subject matter and a total involvement. I want to paint the feeling of the day, the feeling of the place, rather than that particular place.

If you could describe your art in one word, what would it be?

I am always striving for beautiful color.  So color is the word.

What do you enjoy most about creating your art?

The process in creating a painting, no matter the end result, brings an awareness of the overwhelming gift that God has given us in His creation.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

A friend gave me a framed quote for my studio that I love by St. Francis of Assisi.

 It says:

"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist."

To learn more about Vicki Overstreet visit www.vickioverstreet.com