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Sydell Masterman

20 Faces, Acrylic on canvas

What are your earliest memories of being artistic?  I was in the fourth grade when our family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. In Grammar School art classes, my paintings were always chosen to be displayed in the hallway’s glass case. I soon began to make new friends, because my classmates like to see me draw. I realized my artwork helped make me feel welcomed in a new school and state.

When did art become a pursuit?  In High School, when I was asked to create the artwork for the Year Book.

Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art?  I am trained. After two-years in College, I moved onto a four-year program in Fashion Design and Commercial Art. I also took classes at Vesper George (art School) and Mass Art, when I was interested in a course offered at the schools.

How did you first become involved with CAA?  I heard about CAA through friends and fellow artists, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.

In what other ways are you involved in the local art community?  I presently have a studio at the Lincoln Studios in Waltham, and in the winter I paint at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, as well as having a Studio. I have had two “one women show’s” in Fl.

Noon, Acrylic on canvas

What role do you think the artist plays in society?  Art whether it be music, theater, painting, sketching, etc. all contribute to a more meaningful life’s experience for the young and the old.

What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium?  I have worked in most mediums, including print making and clay, but I prefer painting. I use acrylics, it works well with how and what I paint. Acrylic paint  dries quickly and has less harmful chemicals.

What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days?  There is a reoccurring theme that is in my work. I went after that human moment that we are all familiar with. It’s about individuals and where they are and what are they thinking. Ultimately, the viewer should interpret that for themselves. I am inspired by people, to tell a story though it’s untold, personal – a mood or a moment in time. I can get this from a photo that I take, newspapers or magazines. Anywhere I can get inspiration from.

How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work?  There is a reoccurring theme in my work. I went after that human moment that we are all familiar with. It’s about individuals and where they are and what are they thinking. Ultimately, the viewer should interpret that for themselves. I am inspired by people, to tell a story though it’s untold, personal – a mood or a moment in time. I can get this from a photo that I take, newspapers or magazines. Anywhere I can get inspiration from.

The Party’s Over, Acrylic on canvas

In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made?  I am not sure! On any day, I could love what I’m painting and then the next day I am unsure. I do feel some paintings are created better than others. No favorites, it’s how well have I painted whatever I am doing at that time.

What is one of your artistic goals?  To continue to paint with the same passion I have for it now.

What’s your favorite place to see art?  Museums, artist’s shows

What living artists are you inspired by?  I believe I relate more to trained commercial artists. I like the simplicity of the composition, and the contemporary look, like Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, etc.

Do you own any art by other artists?  Yes, I do own original Lithograph’s created in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Such as Motherwell, Stellar, Hockney Alex Katz, Jim Dine, Kenneth Noland, Estes, Lichtenstein and some others, as well as some of my instructors works.

Do you have any shows coming up?  At the present (Feb.2019) I have a one woman show at the Palm Beach Atlantic University. As well as, being chosen to be part of the curated show that was just shown at the CAA.

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Website:  sydellmasterman.com