Reflecting on My Recent Interview: Diving into Art and Innovation

In my recent interview with Paul Constable, we explored my journey as an artist, focusing on the unique blend of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology in my work. We started the conversation light-heartedly, discussing the smoky skies in Canada caused by forest fires. This casual beginning set the stage for a deeper discussion about my art and experiences.

I shared how my art focuses on people immersed in water, capturing themes of reflection and tranquility. My passion for drawing and painting started in childhood and led me to pursue formal education. I completed a Visual Arts diploma at Grant MacEwan University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Alberta. Despite initial challenges, I chose to specialize in painting to master the complexities of color and technique.

For the past decade, I have been teaching on a reserve south of Edmonton. In my classes, I emphasize the importance of connecting with subject matter, often starting sessions with sketching exercises inspired by Canadian Indigenous artists. This practice not only enhances my students' technical skills but also helps them understand the cultural and personal connections to art.

A significant part of our discussion focused on my artistic process and how it has evolved over the years. My deep personal connection to water, developed through over 15 years of swimming, is a recurring theme in my paintings. Initially, I used licensed images and manipulated them with Photoshop. However, my approach changed with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into my creative process.

I explained how I use AI programs like MidJourney to generate unique compositions. This process has been both challenging and rewarding. While there are controversies surrounding AI-generated art, particularly regarding originality and copyright, I find AI to be a valuable tool that expands my creative possibilities.

Throughout the interview, Paul and I analyzed several of my paintings, discussing their composition, color palette, and the emotions they evoke. My work combines realism with abstraction, creating a surreal quality that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the scenes. By featuring anonymous figures, I allow viewers to connect with the themes on a personal level.

Looking to the future, I expressed my aspiration to acquire an underwater camera to create my own source images. This would help me further personalize my work and explore new creative avenues. We also discussed the logistical and financial challenges of such projects, including grant writing and arranging photoshoots with models.

We concluded the interview with a discussion on the pricing of my artwork, which ranges from around $1,000 CAD for smaller pieces to higher amounts for larger works. Notably, I donate 5% of my sales to mental health organizations, reflecting my commitment to using my art for positive social impact.

This interview was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my journey, my current work, and my future aspirations. I am grateful for Paul's encouragement to continue exploring and pushing boundaries in my art. The conversation offered a comprehensive insight into my artistic journey, my use of technology, and my deep connection to my subject matter.

I am excited to continue this journey and to see where my art takes me next. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, and I look forward to sharing more of my work and experiences with you all.