Where are you located:
Eunice, LA
What do you make:
I’m a self-taught impressionistic artist creating work through paint, sculpture, & piano.
Part time or full:
Part time
6 words to describe your work:
line, rhythm, spirit, gesture, movement, color
A typical day in your life:
Before I ever start painting, I have to prepare. I may study my subject matter (such as ballet or Louisiana birds) for weeks before I start sketching & experimenting with form. Next, I set up my music, lighting, and paint palette---and then I throw my heart into it! One thing I’ve learned is to condition my brain and art to just start working instead of waiting until I’m “in the right mood”. It’s not always perfect--interruptions are inevitable to the process (especially since I have kids in the house). I usually try to set something up for them to work on while I work and sometimes that inspires me too. Even when life takes over and I don’t have a chance to paint, it’s always on my mind. I’m creating even when I’m not painting….it spills over into every aspect of life including music, projects for the kids, and beyond.
Your favorite color:
Burnt sienna (it’s an underlay color to so much of my work)
The best advice you ever received:
Get your space & materials organized so you can concentrate. Stretch out and experiment but also try to go back and learn from your own work. – Joann Quillman (my mentor & fellow artist)
What makes you feel inspired or produces the best work in you:
Diving deeper into a subject that interests me. I’m always in shock of how my artistic abilities come out and the spiritual connection I get through the process.
Artist that inspires you:
Carolyn Anderson
How does living in Louisiana affect your work:
My French heritage seeps into my work--I can’t even help it! I go on long drives around the Cajun prairies & crawfish fields with my family and get so inspired by what I see.
The best part of what you do:
Whenever what I made is recognized or connects me to others. For example, I love when I record something I did on piano & my daughter wants to listen to it over and over. We can enjoy the beauty of it together.
The most challenging part of what you do:
Preparation and getting things in order, kids and time restraints, and commissioned work are all challenging.
Where can we buy from you?
You can email me haidee12@gmail.com or visit me soon at my upcoming studio space at Basin Arts in Lafayette.
