How did you get into art?

The normal way– out of the womb, crayons clutched in my fists... but seriously, ever since I remember art has been the way to make the world I wish I were in... which is to say, for me it's the finest escapism and greatest self-indulgence one could ask for.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

I'm inspired by pretty much everything, but especially elderly objects and narratives get me (I was a history major in college, so I suppose that's little surprise).  I keep a sketchbook with me with a long list of phrases that are usually the springboard for most of my pieces.

What has been your best creation to date?

Hmm, to say that that would make the other ones jealous... I'm usually a fan of whatever I'm working on at the time.

How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?

I would say that buzz definitely alters the market's understanding of 'good' art, but what that really means to the artist and art consumers may (should) be very little.  What actually constitutes 'good' ought to be up to the individual.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

I believe it was "Begin to Hope" by Regina Spektor.

How did you feel when you realised that art could make you some money?

I still haven't been weaned off the day job teat, so I suppose I'm still forming my thoughts in that regard... I do know that I'm very grateful to be able to sell art at all, and I'm so thankful to those folks who have made homes for my work.

Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?

Oof!  Good one.  I think it has a lot to do with what is culturally understood as popular consumables, and what may be considered luxury  (not to say that I believe that art ought to be a luxury, quite the contrary!).  I would say that I'm pleasantly surprised just how much art is being bought, though-- and places like Etsy and flickr make it so easy to own original art.

Where would you be without art?

I would be one boring/bored girl.  Really, I can't even imagine.

What makes you happy?

Painting, of course!  Museums.  Being surrounded by tiny, silly knick-knacks.  Fiestaware.  Old books.  Noisy jazz concerts.

What makes you sad?

Silence. 

What's it like to be interviewed?

Bizarre... :)

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

"Or"?!  Ok, sex.

Last time you cried?

-mum-

What's your favourite soup?

I'll eat pretty much anything that's been food-processed, but I do love split pea.  And potato leek.

Tell us a secret?

I don't have any good juicy ones!  Well... I'm a synaesthete...

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

Grace Cathedral hill / All wrapped in bones of setting sun / All dust and stone and moribund / I paid twenty-five cents to light / A little white candle...

Is there a downside to being so talented?

I guess I'm pretty hard on myself to continue to produce.  I wish I could take a break now and then without feeling guilty about it.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

Q.: What do you want that you can never have?
A.: A socially acceptable moustache.

What's your worst habit?

Speaking before thinking.  I was born with my foot in my mouth.

Describe your perfect day?

One with more hours than I know what to do with.

What else do you like other than art?

I love food & wine, and I am an exhausting junk store rummager.

Any regrets?

Fretting so much that I often forget to enjoy myself.

Final thoughts?

Thank you sincerely for the opportunity to share!

Interview - Mr. Burrows 12/11/07