Here is our latest I am an Artist interview from LA artist Michele Vavonese. Although this month Art is Moving is in Utah, virtual reality wins with a spiral accord. Lauren and I were so happy that Michele contacted us for an interview. Our process here at AIM is really organic and what ever comes up in our flow is always perfect. We just want to instigate a dialogue about art and its supreme importance in this world. And equally as important we want to hear as many individual voices as possible!
Enjoy the interview. I did!!! Michele is very insightful and as a fellow art advocate and animal rights activist I appreciate her creative vision!-Lisa
Enjoy the interview. I did!!! Michele is very insightful and as a fellow art advocate and animal rights activist I appreciate her creative vision!-Lisa
Michele Vavonese
Why are you an artist?
I became an artist for much the same reason that a mathematician becomes an engineer or a chemist becomes a Pharmacologist. Creating art is something that I both enjoy and was skillful at, and I channeled that passion and talent into a career. Being an artist is of course more complicated and rich than that, but that is the sincere base of it for me.
Other generous benefits I've found to being an artist is that it has allowed me to present and discuss issues that I feel are important in our society, such as animal rights and the death penalty. It has given me the avenue to be creative and produce in a very consistent way that I think very few people get to experience.
Being an artist has also been a gateway to meeting other people/artists/activists who are passionate and active in areas that I pursue, such as animal rights. It has also allowed me to contribute to activist organizations through the donation of my paintings for fundraiser's and in other ways, that on my teacher's salary I would not normally be able to do.
What does art mean to you?
Art to me is many different things. It is the most powerful and meaningful way for me to express my thoughts and ideas, it is a means to communicate, it is a source of income, it is a connection to others, it is a skill I can teach and share, it can be a frustrating nemesis (when things are not going my way) and it is a skill I have that I take pride in and continually work on.
Why do you use the medium that you use?
I use a variety of mediums. I have formal training in sculpture, ceramics, fabric arts, illustration, jewelry making, drawing and painting. Today I mostly stick to collage, drawing and painting. I work as an art instructor most of the week, so therefore most of my own artwork gets done when I can get to it. Also, those mediums have also been best suited to my work space which, due to the recent downturn in the economy, has been my living room!
How does nature and your environment influence your creativity? & Tell us why you sometimes use animals in your subject matter.
Well, nature and the environment are my creative influences! As a vegetarian (desperately trying to become vegan!) I have a deep belief that all creatures are sentient beings that have the right to not just exist but to live a full and trauma-free life. In my series of paintings called "Animals in Our World", I portray animals commonly used in agribusiness, face on and looking at the viewer. These are respectful, quiet portraits meant to let the viewer connect with the animal. In my shows I include an explanation along with each portrait that gives info on that animal such as their high intelligence levels and their sophisticated social and group needs and behaviors. And then on a side table I will have PETA literature and other informational brochures available if people wish to learn more about how these animals are abused and exploited and how our environment is being devastated by the toxic pollutants put out by these various animal product-based businesses: and what are some things that individuals can do to help .
In one of my other series called "The Hiding House" I paint scenes of interiors that include everyday characters that most people are familiar with, such as chairs, staircases and flying drapes being pushed by the wind. People really connect with these works and they often see the quirkiness, darkness and placidness of the pieces.
How do you come up with your compositions?
The blank piece of paper can be overwhelming and oftentimes if I have an idea but am at a loss as to how to formulate a visual narrative for it, I will go to the Internet and start to look up reference images of my subject(s). Whether my composition's subject is a cow or a chair, it will tend to be realistic in style so I will often have to find source materials (usually photos) that depict my subject in different lighting situations, angles and so on. It is from the gathering of these reference materials that the ideas will then start flowing.
Once in a while the composition will just pop into my head. This inspiration is much more rare, but welcomed all the same.
Social Question: Check out this article. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-m-eger/the-arts-are-not-a-frill_b_721674.html
I think one of the reasons people become so intrigued with the idea that somebody actually chooses to become a visual artist is because it is so undervalued in our society. Visual and performance arts are considered 'fun' or an 'enrichment activity' or a 'hobby' but they are generally not viewed as an 'intellectual pursuit' in the same way that other areas of study are. This idea is what the article "The Arts Are Not a Frill" by John M. Eger (which can be found at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-m-eger/the-arts-are-not-a-frill_b_721674.html explores in an expansive and global way. The article talks about how arts and creativity should be a high priority matter not just for the betterment of our children's intellectual development but for the global economy. Mr. Eger points out that one of the bright spots in our dismal economy is the growth of arts jobs such as, "...publishing,, television and graphic design." He also touches on the idea that in order for future generations of Americans to be more successful they will have to become much more creative and inventive in their pursuits. Not to put to fine a point on it, but I think more exposure to the arts for everyone should definitely be a no brainer, because when you study the arts you learn (among other things) how to problem solve, communicate and think outside the envelope.
I also feel arts in the school are necessary for our children's complete education because as shown in various well known studies the incorporation of the arts into a child's curriculum can greatly improve their ability to learn and for the successful growth of neural development. As outlined in the article "How the arts develop the young brain: neuroscience research is revealing the impressive impact of arts instruction on students' cognitive, social and emotional development." by David A. Sousa (which you can find at: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/How+the+arts+develop+the+young+brain:+neuroscience+research+is...-a0156417562 ) he summarizes that, "The arts play an important role in human development, enhancing the growth of cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor pathways. Schools have an obligation to expose children to the arts at the earliest possible time and to consider the arts as fundamental (not optional) curriculum areas. Finally, learning the arts provides a higher quality of human experience throughout a person's lifetime."
How can artists contribute to the fight for more art based curriculum in schools? What can an artist do to educate the public about the positive impacts art has on a community?
Artists can contribute to the fight for more art-based curriculums in schools by becoming more involved with their local government, either by helping political candidates and legislative initiatives that support these ideas or simply voting for them when election time comes around.
Artist's can also help by volunteering their time and skills to the schools and after school organizations so that kids will get some exposure to the arts. The ARTcart is a fabulous working example of this and shows how much of a desire people of all ages have to express themselves through art!
What is the role of the artist in our society?
The role of the artist is varied, because oftentimes the work they create serves as a mirror of current events. The artist is the social conscience, they are the architect and the decorator making your environment a little more pleasing.
Artists now and for a long time have been the visual journalists and interpreters of our society. Even when the artist is only creating work that talks about themselves they can't help but bring out their views of society because they are a part of it and directly affected by it.
Outside of the lofty pursuits of social change artists are also tasked with coming up with the visually pleasing designs on everything we look at everyday, from the moment we rise to when we close our eyes. As I point out to my art students, art is everywhere you turn, the graphics on your toothpaste bottle, the logo on your car, the design of the building your working in and so on!
Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
I have the same dream as so many artists out there, to be making a living at and a difference with my art. I'd love to be represented by some galleries and still be making and donating art for my causes. Also, I have talked about the importance of art in school and I have put my money where my mouth is! I've worked very hard in school myself to secure an M.F.A. (Magna Cum Laude) from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York and hope to also be teaching kids in a college setting within 5 years.
What are your ultimate goals as an artist?
To reach people and help with a dialogue that elicits change for both animals and humans.To teach people the skills to make and enjoy art and expose them to various artists and movements that will help them appreciate the importance of their work and others art.
And to work as hard as I can to become the best artist I can possibly be.
For more connection with Michele check out her various sites
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/
ETSY : http://www.etsy.com/shop/
ETSY : http://www.etsy.com/shop/
Thanks Michele for your interview!
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