Who are you and what do you do?
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| THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME oil on canvas 5 ft x 4 ft |
Hometown:
Los Angeles, California
Artistic weapon(s) of choice:
I have several: Oil paint, graphic art, philosophy, photography, video installation, music, sometimes just charcoal on paper. All are equally important in my process and actually all work together. Painting is top on the list normally, but I choose to express myself through several media. I normally work on two or three projects simultaneously. I like to experiment across the board.
I have several: Oil paint, graphic art, philosophy, photography, video installation, music, sometimes just charcoal on paper. All are equally important in my process and actually all work together. Painting is top on the list normally, but I choose to express myself through several media. I normally work on two or three projects simultaneously. I like to experiment across the board.
Inspiration(s):
I’m inspired by my dreams, music, omens, nature. Also, a good philosophical conversation can always spark a project. Sometimes it’s something I can’t get out of my head. For example, I painted Biohazard after I read the story of the man that was assaulted and pushed into the polluted Ala Wai canal. The bacteria killed him within weeks. Sometimes inspiration can manifest from something as simple as a moment. As with No Place Like Home, which is about my rediscovery and inclusion of music into my life after a long time away from it. I come from musical parents so it’s in my blood and there’s no denying it. I’m playing again and find it to be incredibly cathartic but I don’t see myself as a traditional musician, rather, I use music as an element of sound in my installation pieces.
Guilty pleasure
I love video games.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
A musician friend once mentioned to me that artists must set boundaries, take space when necessary, and never apologize for doing so. I’m hyper aware of this fact; it’s important to set boundaries against toxic elements you might come across. Engaging is okay, but balance and awareness is key. I also think that it is reasonable to take space from anything that is counterproductive. Of course, keeping in mind that things are never permanent.
What role does the artist have in society?
I think artists lead by example. I also think we collaborate with our audience in a very intimate manner. It’s interesting because it’s almost a two fold process. Initially, most artists make art for themselves. To have your art touch others is magical, but that is never the initial goal. The goal is the process... the making and developing of a piece. The making of art is intuitive and personal. The sharing of the piece is the final expression.
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| MORGAN oil on canvas 5 ft x 4 ft |
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken and was it worth it?
Moving to Hawaii. I did not have any connections out here, I didn’t know a soul and it certainly felt like a big risk. I made a commitment to leave my hometown and put myself out of my comfort zone so as to work through some artistic blocks. I am in the process of building an interesting body of work now and I am grateful for the healing properties of this island. The risk was totally worth it.
If you feel a creative block, what do you do to jump-start inspiration?
I have many tools. I have found that doing stream-of-consciousness-hand-written pages works very well. It’s an exercise I learned in the book The Artist’s Way. Another tool I use often is shifting media (for example, I keep my acoustic guitar next to me when I paint. As I work through a painting I play guitar as well. Looking and listening. They go hand in hand and keep me moving forward). I appreciate the shamanistic approach to creativity and of course all things that include nature. Also meditation and yoga, work very well for me. I would never imagine a person following the same rituals or using the same tools, though. These tools are very personal. I believe it’s up to every individual to find the tools that work for them. That’s a big part of the creative journey.
Favorite or most inspirational place in Hawaii?
I really love Haleakala in Maui. It is surreal and mystical, almost otherworldly. Also, I had a chance to experience a zen and magical moment with friends in the lava tubes on the Big Island, the whole trip was unbelievable. As far as galleries I love Art at Marks Garage. I also love Ong King Art Center. I’ve had several shows there. I really dig the vibe and always have a great night when I visit. Very inspirational. Muses everywhere!
Suggestions for fellow artists:
Find your own way through hard work and discipline, nothing is ever handed over and half-assed effort will get you nowhere. Do something creative everyday. Be genuine; nobody likes a fake. Self-awareness is an important element of a creative life. Learn all the rules then break them; this is cliché but valid. Find inspiration in everyday life; it’s all around us. Always be open to change.
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| BIOHAZARD oil on wood 5 ft x 4 ft |
My work is mostly conceptual. I find that each piece is multilayered and always speaks back to me in many forms. Throughout the years, I have experimented with Phenomenology and it’s currently something I use as inspiration. Through Phenomenology we are asked to turn naturally to our immediate experiences. In our everyday world, we are accustomed to concentrating upon matter or thoughts and labels and not upon the actual “act of experience.” In Phenomenology we try to meditate upon the moment through pure transparency and clarity. We rely on primal expression. Heidegger describes Phenomenology as “the process of letting things manifest themselves.” The Greeks called it Aletheia: the self revelation of a phenomena. It’s a Noetic standpoint that truly resonates with me.
Current projects:
I am currently working on a large-scale painting series and a video installation called Possibilia Pods. I hope to show next summer. In the current work I am approaching feelings as objects, things as events, and thoughts as energy and interpreting that across several media.
I am also in the process of launching a design agency called Light Verse Studios which will focus on commercial art and graphics.
You can see my fine art portfolio at www.cillaspace.com
This is an exceptional interview.. Priscilla thank you for sharing these deeply profound, personal insights into the process of your formidable artistry.
ReplyDeleteColie