This weeks Featured Artist... Gina Suzette Reid
GINA SUZETTE Gina Suzette is a Lincolnshire lass which is where she got her love of sky, landscapes and water as she been surrounded by it all her life. She's a self taught artist after studying A-level art at Boston college Lincolnshire and finished her degree in media at Carlisle college of art and design.
Describe yourself in 5 sentences... " 1. I’m a vegetarian and have been for over 30yrs.
2. I’m a keen environmentalist and do what I can to reduce my carbon footprint.
3. Im an enthusiastic artist and believe everyone can paint or draw with the right direction.
4. I opened my art hub in feb this year as I want everyone to be able to access affordable art and affordable art tuition.
5. Art is excellent for mental health and self worth and I’m on my journey to bring it into the community. "
What inspires you to make art? "Nature is a big inspiration for me. I like to go for walks and look at things from different angles. "
Do you think art always has to have a deeper meaning? "I don’t think art has to have a deeper meaning. Art is often just simply someone’s interpretation of what caught their attention. What meaning is subsequently put on it is just the viewers thoughts and feelings. "
What are some of the challenges you face as an artist? How do you combat these? "When I paint I like to be undisturbed and just keep painting till it’s complete. I put an audio book on or a film and zone out. One of the biggest challenges is finding time and space to do this. Partly because my art space is a busy hive of activity." How does your artwork relate to current issues in the world? "Does art work need to relate to current issues? My work stems from nature and positive feelings. I like to be surrounded by images that build my positive mental health not one’s that contend with current issues. So in relation to relating to current issues maybe you could say that it helps people feel positive, enjoy their happy memories and makes them feel positive in a very busy, confusing and sometimes ugly world!"
What is your favourite medium to work with? "I like to work with watercolour, acrylic, resin and mixed media. I don’t have a favourite as it depends on what mood I’m in and what I want to create as to which medium I choose to use"
Is there a particular artwork you've created which you are especially proud of? "My favourite image I’ve created is from a trip up to Scotland in January 2022. It’s of Buachaille Etive Mor and created as a triptych, 120x160cm in mixed media, so very textural. I wanted to capture the sheer vastness of the wilderness, the bitter winds and the scary nature of the place as the sun starts to set which it’s why I’ve called it ‘isolation’."
How do you balance your creative work life with your personal life? "Unfortunately at the moment my personal life is suffering as I’m working hard to ensure that my new art hub becomes successful. As a creative though I do feel that I’m constantly thinking about my next project even when I’m out trying to chill. It’s my passion as something I find very difficult to put down!" What would you say to your younger self if you could? "If I could say anything to my younger self it would be to pursue my passion ASAP and not wait till I’m in my 50s. No matter what anyone says ‘it is possible to have a thriving art career!’"
What has been the highlight of your career so far? "I only started my art career fairly recently but so far a highlight has been opening my art hub and becoming a finalist in the north east, Humber and Yorkshire startup awards 2023."
What does your dream studio look like? "Although I already have a fantastic art space, my dream one would be large with lots of space to create in a beautiful quiet, country location where I can gain inspiration while sitting looking out of a picture window." What brings you joy? "Joy can come from many places. Watching my children enjoy life and be successful. Taking some time out in the countryside, climbing a hill/mountain and taking in the amazing views or spending time with the special people in my life."
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