We love learning more about our contributors, and an interview seemed like a fun way to hear more about the writers and artists we publish, so we gave them a choice of questions to answer. We hope you also enjoy hearing more about the artists and their works. Read on and check out issue 24 featuring the cover image "after Carlos San Milan" by Judith Skillman.



What was the inspiration for the piece published in the issue?
The inspiration for “after Carlos San Milan” was two-fold. Of course, paintings by Carlos San Milan are important. He captures light and uses the framework of the “doorzien” frequently in his work: “Doorzien – a Dutch word translated as “to see through.” In dutch art, doorzien referred to a painting that showed a view from one room into another, making the picture especially beautiful.” (https://www.seattleartistleague.com/2018/05/08/doorzien/, retrieved 17 November 2024)

In the summer of 2023, I took a class at the Seattle Artist League (SAL) from Ruthie V., director, and learned more about San Milan’s technique. Ruthie V. understands the way in which this artist uses contrast to hone in on the light source. It has a lot to do with edges, contrast, and hue. She gave us assignments. This piece was the result of one. It is unusual for me as it’s a hybrid work that employs oil, watercolor, and pencil on paper.

Who or what inspires your work generally?
My art is inspired by the natural world, especially waterways and oceans. I also love clouds and atmospheric effects, the moon and stars, and trees. There are many  artists whose work I admire such as Joan Eardley, Georgio Morandi, William Song, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, and countless others—sometimes I try to take off from one of them and/or do a transcription.

What is your creative process? Do you plan pieces out or let them happen as they come?
I am more interested in the process of painting than the final outcome. I try to do some planning but then let the piece take on its own life. Alla Prima is my favorite way to work but sometimes, especially with oil paint, one must let the thing dry and return to it later. One of my favorite things is painting over old canvases that didn’t work out; the texture of the first or second failed piece adds interest and dimensionality.

We think of "after happy hour" as the time you can really let loose and be yourself. What is your after happy hour?
As an owl on Pacific time, my happy hour comes after dinner, generally around 8 pm. It has to end earlier now since I have aged. This saddens me but still I try to enjoy a couple hours or so of unbridled creativity when the family schedule allows it.


What is your favorite vice? What are you drinking at happy hour, in a literal or a metaphorical sense?
Actually, I don’t drink, but chocolate is my favorite vice!