DPW Spotlight Interview: Saundra Lane Galloway

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings.

To enter to win Saundra's painting, "S'up" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Saundra's DPW Gallery Page:

An artist for over 35 years working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, wax and most recently mixed media. You will see paintings in several different media. Saundra graduated with a degree in Art Education and taught public school secondary level for over 10 years. She now works in her home studio and teaches workshops in mixed media, wax collage and other requested art topics.

Saundra has won awards in Nebraska and Colorado and shows regularly throughout Colorado. (click to view more)

Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.

I actually began painting in 1975 when I was in college.  For many years, I read books and I really taught myself.  The desire to paint and be an artist began before I can remember.  I always wanted to be an artist.  I used to draw “Bambi” in magazine articles that were advertisements for art schools.  They sent me letters back that said I should pick another career.  However, that never killed my desire, so I just practiced and read and observed the world around me and did my own thing.

Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?

Yes, I stopped when my children were born so I could do the mom thing, and then, when they were older, I painted and drew when I got off work.  When I began teaching full time in the early 90’s, I did not have time to do my own art during the school year, but picked it back up in the summers.  Eventually, I figured out that I could create lesson plans that incorporated what I wanted to do - teach and create a painting or piece of artwork for an example… I didn’t get to work constantly on my own interests, but it did allow me to keep my fingers in my work.  My students were very enthusiastic learners, and even began selling the work they did in class.  It was very rewarding to see!

S'up
(click to see original image)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Saundra's interview.

What mediums and genres have you experimented with?

I have worked in oil, watercolor, acrylic, wax, charcoal, fiber, paper, wire, metal, wood; well just about everything I can think of.  I absolutely love experimenting!

Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?

I have developed a way of working that has allowed me to hold on to just about all the media I’ve experimented with.  I don’t do a lot of wax collage, but I still love it.  I don’t work in straight watercolor anymore, but I do manipulate acrylics as if they were watercolor when my work needs it.  

Dudley
(click to see original image)

Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?

I want to work more in 3-D.  I love working with materials I have created and am constantly trying to find ways to combine them.  Lately, I’ve been interested in how I can use my paper casts that I created molds for in old window frames; combined with branches.  My mind just will not stop trying to find ways to do things in a visual sense.

Who or what inspires you most?

My inspiration comes from observation and experimentation.  I have been an avid “watcher of the world” ever since I can remember.  It can be a color, or the way a composition comes from seeing a shoelace in the sun… just about anything.  I am inspired by Alisa Burke; our work isn’t the same, but her desire to find new ways to explain existing things and her recycling very much inspires me.  Other strong women like her have always been an inspiration.

Chiquita
(click to see original image)

What does procrastination look like for you?

I have never been one to procrastinate, so I’m not sure how to think about this.  I was always that kid that did what I was asked first, before I played, and that has followed me all my life.  I suppose it is a bit boring, but I am just wired that way.

What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?

If I am excited about what I am doing there is nothing that will keep me from working on my art every moment I can.  I think of my art as my job; my fun job mind you, but still my job, my responsibility, so I apply responsible thought to my work.  I have a routine where I get up and begin… before I shower, before anything just about. It doesn’t matter if I do it for five minutes or an hour, I just start. After that, inspiration takes over and there is no stopping me.

Ross
(click to see original image)

How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?

As I have mentioned, I am an observer of everything: color, pattern, design in everything. One idea came to me from the design on the back of my bathroom door while I was showering.  I have ideas for two paintings that I see in the tiles in my shower.  I take time to look at lots of art.  I want to find inspiration in them.  I see the colors they use and that gives me ideas, I see a line that looks so nice and it can become a beginning of a new piece.  I am just always thinking and experimenting with so many things and ideas just come from that.

How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?

If I am bored with what I am doing it is a clear indication that I need to grow. If I feel burned out, I take time to get away.  I use that time to see the world, walk a path near a lake, anything to clear my head.  It usually doesn’t take very long.  My fingers itch when I go too long without working.

Again, experimenting with many different materials is the absolute best way to continue to grow and keep work fresh.  I don’t feel like I have to continue doing the same thing because it is expected of me by a gallery owner or a collector.  I believe it is my responsibility to myself to continue to grow and change and find exciting ways to express my vision as an artist and person.

I have found that if I am excited with my work others will feel it as well.  There is no wall to stop a person if they are willing to find a creative way through it or around it or over it!  I apply this belief system in my life.  I don’t like the word “can’t”.  It is stifling and well, just not true in my world! Ha... within reason.  I’m pretty sure I can’t spontaneously speak another language, but I can learn how.

Pete
(click to see original image)

What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?

To continue to work diligently at something I love and becoming a success.  Success to me is a fulfillment of my dreams. I will find joy and excitement in my work, and I will share it.  I am learning that there are no walls, that there is always a new thing just around the corner that I will want to try and share.

What makes you happiest about your art?

That I get to do it!  I am so thrilled that my mind just keeps coming up with ideas and thoughts that lead to new work.  I have ideas that, in order to follow them all will take years… That is thrilling and fun!

Thanks, Saundra!

© 2015 Sophie Catalina Marine