Nancy Carlsson-Paige
Walled Off, acrylic on canvas
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? Like most children, I loved to draw. I remember sitting alone and drawing what I saw and feeling a deep sense of peace.
When did art become a pursuit? I’ve had a full career in the field of education. As soon as I stopped teaching, I felt an inner calling to paint. I now find great satisfaction in painting and enjoy the process often more than I appreciate the outcome.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am not formally educated in visual art, but for the last 4 years I have taken art classes from Judith Praeger.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? The arts are critical to the health of any society and to the survival of democracy. Through art we think freely and originally and help new ideas to emerge in the culture.
Heartthrob, acrylic on panel
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in acrylics, often on panels. My choice was based mostly on practical factors. I travel a lot and can take paints with me, use them, and clean up easily.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I paint sometimes what I see, for example in nature, and also paint abstracts from my imagination. I spend a lot of time looking at the paintings of others painters to get ideas and also inspiration.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I like the piece I submitted called Walled Off.
Dune Walk, Acrylic on canvas
What is one of your artistic goals? My goals are simple: to create, to enjoy painting, to share the creative process with other painters.
What living artists are you inspired by? My favorite artist is Richard Diebenkorn, sorry he is no longer with us.
Do you own any art by other artists? I have a lot of art in my home from my son Kyle Damon, and a number of pieces from other local artists. I also have art from my travels in Central America and Argentina.
