What is your process in finding new ideas for your paintings?

CL: When I feel a spark about a particular subject or idea, I begin to play with it. I take photos, and I research about it. I call this my “play period,” which is a big part of my discoveries that can lead to new ideas and concepts. I particularly love this time because I try to let go of any judgment on my work and enjoy the intuitive exploration of new materials, colors, textures, or even a different approach or technique. 

The playtime can recharge my batteries and refresh my mind. 

Hopefully, this exercise leads me to create a new series that excites me. I used to teach kids art, and I realized that the more you allow them to play with their art, the more they become unafraid to imagine freely and be prolific.”

RRM: What is your current muse these days? Any new projects?

CL: Nature is my current inspiration source, but I want to communicate my subject matter beyond what I see. Asheville’s beautiful vistas and terrain provide me many choices. My goals are simple – to uplift, inspire, and sometimes provoke to open up a conversation. 

I am also finding inspiration in social issues. I have a new series on the drawing board, and I am very excited to bring it to fruition.

RRM: What direction are you heading with your new works?

CL: The Impressionists and Expressionists masters have always influenced me, so light and color are my design’s entry points. Now I am using brighter color palettes and bolder brushstrokes and creating contrasting textures.

As a mixed-media artist, I have recently started working with alcohol ink, which lends itself towards a more expressionistic direction. Still, I strive to explore any medium with spontaneity and a more intuitive approach.

RRM: How can you tell when your painting is finished?

CL: It is not easy. It can be a tough judgment call by the artist. I tend to work more with spontaneity. When I have expressed my initial emotion about my subject, I usually feel it in my gut when I think I have communicated my vision. 

Otherwise, I let the painting sit on the easel for a day or two and come back to it before making any more changes. Sometimes I can’t see it, and I am ready to move on to the next work, then other times, all it takes is one brushstroke of color, an accent, or a highlight. There are paintings I have intentionally left unfinished, letting the viewer finish the story, but sometimes I go a little too far.

RRM: What do you do when you are still not happy with your work?

CL: In my early days of painting, I would throw some works in the garbage bin. The next day I would see it in my Mom’s room. My sweet mother saw things in the paintings that I rejected. I don’t throw out my not-so-good paintings anymore. There is still value in them as a point of reference. For example, did I progress in this work? What mistakes should I avoid? Am I more excited to do another one? 

My last step is to find someone I trust to give me honest feedback. Sometimes, I leave my studio and take a walk, and when I return, I have a new perspective on the work.

RRM:  I understand you lived in Los Angeles and San Diego before coming to Asheville. How does the art community here compare?

CL: Los Angeles has a very diverse art community and accepting of all genres. They are supportive of artists in both visual and performing arts. I feel fortunate to have been able to participate in several art exhibitions there. San Diego is a beautiful city that offers plenty of material for painters, but the art community seems more limited than Asheville’s. I am glad I had an opportunity to be a member of Gallery 23, a thriving gallery in Balboa Park that reaches out to the local community and international visitors alike.

Asheville is truly a unique, dynamic city. I consider it an art mecca in the South. I’ve never seen such a vast array of creatives contributing to the city’s art community as here. Paintings, sculptures, glasswork, pottery, basketry, jewelry, fabric art, music, and even culinary diversity are present. The creative energy in this city is unbelievable, with so many talented, dedicated, skilled artists, and artisans. I feel so blessed to be part of Asheville’s impressive, growing art community.

RRM: You are currently showing in the Asheville Gallery of Art. How has the current pandemic affected the art business?

The Asheville Gallery of Art has done well, all things considered, during this challenging time. We were shut down until mid-July but recently opened our doors to the public during selected days and hours with all the safety protocols in place. Despite the limited time we are open, the gallery sees local and out of town visitors who are happy to purchase and enjoy our diverse art collection. I have met several visitors in the gallery who were so grateful to see us open again.

RRM: How well are artists being supported during these pandemic days?

CL: This pandemic has brought artists, art institutions, art lovers, and non-profits together. It became a binding force to unite these groups during this unforeseen economic challenge. Even my husband, a veteran, has participated in grant-based programs for veterans, including drawing and songwriting classes via the Asheville Area Arts Council. There has been an outpouring of support from both the private and government sectors. I see this as a historical moment when creatives pull together not only to survive but contribute in this time of unprecedented difficulty.  

RRM: As a woman of color, do you see good support in our art community for people of color?

CL: Yes, very much so! Artists love diversity, and that is very true here in Asheville. Many groups are encouraged to have a voice through their artistic expression, social views, and beliefs. I have personally received encouragement, support, and acceptance as I continue to meet fellow artists and art enthusiasts alike. I feel truly blessed to be in an art community united to beat the challenges before us. 

On the other hand, there are always those that will see others as “outsiders” and unwelcome. I am ok with that and understand that kind of feeling. My birth country went through 400 years of Spanish government, soldiers, and priests.

RRM: Why is art crucial, and what role do artists play in our society, especially during this time?

CL: I believe that artists have an essential role in every society, community, or tribe as a positive and influential force. 

From the earliest recorded history, art has been an integral part of societies and a common language of cultures and races. Art has a strong influence to uplift, unite, and encourage social interactions and conversations. I believe that there is an urgency for us artists to keep sharing art in our community for others to pause, reflect, and find peace while also stimulating thought and discussion. 

Art can help us uncover new and comforting perspectives during these challenging times.

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Ongoing Exhibition: The Asheville Gallery of Art  

82 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC

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