Virginia Cramer
Brooklyn Water Lilies, Mixed Media
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? My earliest memories go back to taking lessons at the Brooklyn Museum of Art when I was about 7 years old. My mother always encouraged the arts and took us to museums and concerts when growing up in Brooklyn NY.
When did art become a pursuit? Since childhood. I have always made art, but in 2001 I began to consider Art as a major part of my life. I had been an elementary school teacher at the time and re-certified to become an art teacher and began to be more serious about making and showing my own art.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am both self taught and formally educated in visual art. I’ve worked with private teachers and taken many courses at different universities and museums.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? In the past I have had a studio at the Western Avenue Studios in Lowell. I currently maintain a studio at home and am a member of the Arts League of Lowell. I also teach art at the Middle School level in the Chelmsford Public Schools.
Lotus, Mixed Media
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think artists can play many different roles depending on the personality and interests of the artist. Artists help us understand and express ideas about the human condition, social and political issues, spirituality and personal experience.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in mixed media. I have an interest in textures, color and materials. I enjoy playing and working with different materials and combining them in interesting ways that draw the viewer into the surface of the art work where they too can explore the variety of materials and textures used.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I find my ideas from my own past experiences, nature, my garden, and from the materials themselves.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I have a lot of pieces that relate to the female figure and others that relate to the natural world. But many pieces are quite different from one another and really stand alone.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I think the Brooklyn Water Lilies are my favorite. I was inspired by the Water Lily Terrace at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. As a child growing up in Brooklyn my mother would often take my brothers and I to the botanical gardens. My daughter now lives in Brooklyn, and she recently took me there while I was visiting her. That is when I first saw the Water Lily Terrace. So this piece has a lot of personal significance to me.
Autumn Trees, Mixed Media
What is one of your artistic goals? My main goal is to keep making art and to continue to try new techniques, materials and explore new ideas through my art. To continue to grow as an artist.
What’s your favorite place to see art? I like the Addison Gallery in Andover. They have a wonderful collection and lots of interesting and varied
exhibits. It is rarely crowded and small enough to see everything on view without being visually overwhelmed. It is free and I think a real gem.
What living artists are you inspired by? My most recent inspiration is the mixed media artist Joan Snyder.
Do you own any art by other artists? A few pieces, but I have so much of my own work that trying to find wall space is tricky.
Do you have any shows coming up? None scheduled, but am always on the lookout for this opportunity.
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Website: www.virginiacramer.com