By Jonathan Burger, Craven Arts Council & Gallery, Inc.
Where are you from and how did you end up in Eastern North Carolina?
I am originally from Nebraska. After thirty years of being a military spouse, relocating on average every three years, we decided to call Eastern North Carolina our permanent residence because of the mild winters, natural coastal plains, beaches, barrier islands, and rivers. I should also mention the quintessential Southern hospitality and familiarity of military presence and support in this community.
Does your work have a central theme or several different themes?
I am what is known as an Anthophile person. That is, someone who loves flowers. It is natural for me to focus on florals, leaves, and vines which are recurrent in my art. I am inspired by intense colors. In essence, my creative process often revolves around capturing nature’s beauty to share its inherent magnificence. I have an illustrative style that is flowing and expressive from layers of lines and color.
You teach at Craven Community College, what relationship do you see between your teaching and your studio practice?
I was recently selected as a finalist for this year’s Adjunct Faculty/Instructor Excellence Award. My teaching profession mimics many of my studio practices in aspects of organization, commitment, and desire to be a life-long learner. Each day I enter my art studio door, I have a ritual (much like in my classroom), to be mindful of my goals for the day, to show up as a dedicated professional, and to be open to learning and developing new skills that will make me a more well-rounded person.
You also do pattern design work for textiles and other mediums. How does this relate to your one-off, more unique works?
It is true that pattern designing for textiles and other mediums involves creating repeatable designs suitable for mass production, as opposed to one-of-a-kind art. Original art can be transformed to get to that point. I can use the industry standard approach to incorporate my original art, translating it digitally for my textile design efforts. This allows me to diversify my art. It’s a challenge and a thrill to be able to take my art in new directions.
You have organized a Sketch Club, where local artists meet and do live drawings at different locations in New Bern. What are the benefits of that technique, and how do people find out more about it?
I formed the Craven Sketch Club from a desire to encourage others to maintain a healthy habit of drawing routinely. While I feel that adding to my sketchbook daily is a rhythmic behavior, others may need encouragement, accountability or an opportunity to be inspired. Once a month I pre-arrange and partner with businesses in Craven County, to extend a free-of-charge invitation to new and experienced artists wanting to participate. We typically draw to hone our skills and challenge ourselves for one hour. Attendees are artistically inclined to draw various ever-changing merchandise and share their art efforts on social media. Our community also benefits as the businesses are tagged for recognition of supporting artists. For past and updated locations, please follow Craven Sketch Club on Facebook.
Is there another artist whose work you admire or who inspires you?
I am inspired by the use of natural forms by British textile designer William Morris. Philip Taaffe is an American mixed-media artist who incorporates many layers and exuberant colors into images. Frida Kahlo was emboldened to overcome hardships and as a Mexican representative, she is inspiring me with the use of our shared Mexican folk culture. Personally, my late Mother has had the most influence over me in my formative years. She often incorporated bright colors in her sewn creations, infusing joy and pride into the creative process. I hope to own her same skillset of always asking “What if?” to continue to propel me daily to experiment and explore as an artist.
Do you have any advice for an artist or those wanting to get into the arts?
Show up every day for yourself. Continue to solve creative problems and explore using your mediums of choice. Embrace your uniqueness. Seek constructive feedback. Gain a healthy habit of maintaining a sketchbook to cultivate a passion for ideation and continuous improvement. Seek knowledge about the business side of art. Stay adaptable. And, it is very important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What piece, award, or exhibition are you particularly proud of, and why?
To date, I remain thankful and proud to have received a past grant from The North Carolina Arts Council. This support served as useful for professional development and propelled me to continue along a new exciting creative path as a textile designer.
In one sentence what is art to you?
Art is an expression of thoughts, emotions, and ideas using various mediums that I never want to live without.
I know you participate in lots of events and exhibitions but, where can people find your work?
To view a sample of available surface patterns, please visit my Club Creative Art website at www.clubcreativeart.com. My ink and mixed media art and pattern/textile designs can be found online and locally at Spoonflower (ClubCreativeArt), Raspberry Creek Fabrics, Designer Studios (ClubCreativeArt), Redbubble (ClubCreativeArt), Craven Arts Council & Gallery Bank of the Arts, Ballantyne Framing & Art, and my current art studio space in New Bern by appointment at: veronica@clubcreativeart.com. My creative journey continues as I currently make strides to license my art. Follow me on Instagram for art updates.