Interview with Christine Harkins ~

1. What style of art/medium do you use to create most of the time? I've always loved drawing. There are various sizes of journals everywhere in my home for doodling and drawing in pencil. There are also boxes and boxes of beads for my jewelry making fun. I got my ears pierced at 40 so I could wear the earrings I was making and selling at festivals and such. Once a week I go to a studio to paint in oils with two friends. We critique each others work and give suggestions etc. Its helped me grow as an artist and get out of the proverbial box and try new things. At home I also paint in acrylics on paper, canvas, wood, paper mache, and whatever else strikes my fancy.


2. What do you like about blogging your art?
I started blogging to have a site where I could easily show off my work. Ouch! I admit it! I had business cards made and periodically I send potential customers to the blogspot. I've received a few requests this way. I also wanted to know what other artists thought of my work and the online community is so kind and I have met new people who inspire me which is an added blessing that I didn't expect. I'm also trying to start a kids art blog to give kids a place to show off their work.




3. Is Selling your art your main goal or is it deeper than the monetary rewards? Art has always been my main goal just for the sake of making it and thereby enjoying life. When I hit a roadblock in my process with oil painting, I started taking lessons from Dale Momii. Great teacher! You've heard the term "Get a life!"? Well, I never quite understood what that statement meant until I joined 7 other people to paint once a week in Dale's art class. That was a fun few years. Without some form of creating almost every day, I don't feel alive.


4. Do you work outside the home as well? How do you manage it all?
I have worked outside the home off and on. And, apparently I don't manage it that well because I always end up back home. Sigh... We could use the money too. So, now I do art festivals, jewelry shows and home parties during the holidays. Now that my youngest of 5 children is in high school maybe I can do more of that.


5. Who are your favorite artists current and/or deceased?
There are so many. I like so many styles too and want to try everything. DaVinci, Pollack, and the impressionists, Monet, Manet and Renoir. Current artists I love are Bonnielynn Brankey for her underwater paintings and pencil drawings, Barbra Joan for her watercolor florals and pencil drawings, R Garriot for his realism, John Shult for his impressionism, Dennis L. Knecht for his abstract art, and the list could go on but it's almost like reading those books of the Bible where they just list name after name and no one really reads all that, right? So I'll stop for now. Thanks for this opportunity Carol, it has been a pleasure.

Hugs,
Christine Harkins

Thank you,Christine ~ Do check out Christine's art at her blog ~ http://christinesarts.blogspot.com