Daily Muse: How would you describe your art?
Edina: My art is very eclectic.
DM: Tell us more...
Edina: I am always trying new techniques and materials and am inspired by diverse subject matter, from the small details of everyday life to larger universal themes. Words are often a starting point for my artwork...literature, quotations, song lyrics, random phrases I read or hear.
DM: What is your favorite piece of your own art and why?
Edina: My par la mer (by the sea) assemblage. It was one of the first times I had to completely scrap my original idea at the last minute and start fresh, and the end result transcended my expectations.
DM: What art supply can you not live without?
Edina: Besides the usual art supplies, paper towels! They are so handy for a variety of uses besides cleaning, such as applying and wiping away paint and mediums, masking, creating texture, and holding onto hot objects while soldering. However, do as I say and not as I do, and don’t try the last one because it’s a serious fire and
burn hazard and I don’t want to be responsible for anyone burning their hands or house down!
DM: Can you recommend your favorite book(s)?
Edina: I have many favorite art-related books; here are just a few: Evidence: The Art of Candy Jernigan, The Creative License by Danny Gregory, Drawing from Life: The Journal as Art by Jennifer New, Vintage Paper Crafts by Anna Corba, Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks by Lynne Perrella, Smith's Sewing Single Sheets by Keith A. Smith, and Collage Discovery Workshop by Claudine Hellmuth.
DM: Which artist(s) do you love?
Edina: Again so many, but right now I’m thinking of Picasso. Last year I went to museums dedicated to his work in both Paris and Barcelona and was very impressed when I saw how many styles and art forms he worked in, including drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. Not that I would even think to compare myself to him, but seeing his range of work made me worry a lot less about my own diverse interests because I used to think that I should focus on just one medium.
DM: Whom do you most admire and why?
Edina: To get through the winter here in the Pacific Northwest, we watch a lot of DVDs, so lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how much I admire filmmakers, particularly ones who have a hand in creating a movie from start to finish (writing, directing, producing, scoring, and sometimes acting). I am impressed by the amount of work involved in their attempts to create a unified presentation from such disparate elements; it’s a symphony of sorts to “compose” with a storyline, dialogue, physical sets, costumes, music, etc. A huge undertaking with so many obstacles - so different from other relatively accessible art forms like painting where you can get by with just a canvas, paint, and a brush to express yourself. I am amazed by the tenacity required to try and stay true to your vision for such a prolonged length of time and with so many other people involved in the process.
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This interview appeared in The Artella Daily Muse, a daily online newspaper published by Artella (www.ArtellaWordsAndArt.com). Sign up for a FREE two-day subscription of The Artella Daily Muse at http://www.artellawordsandart.com/members.html
