Red Hill General Store: Hi Mary, let's get started. How long have you been painting?
Mary Collins: Well, I have been painting off and on since I was a child. I did my first real painting at age 11 in oils. My grandmother was a very talented artist and taught me a lot. I started painting on a regular basis about 3 years ago and have moved away from oils to other mediums this year.
RHGS: What inspires your work?
Mary: Inspiration- that's a hard one...sometimes I just have an idea pop into my head and I give it a try, other times I give things I have painted as gifts to friends and family. Those gifts are usually inspired by something in that person or an event or moment that we shared. Other times I just look around at the world and see some little thing that moves me to paint.
RHGS: When did you decide to share your talent with others?
Mary: My husband encourages me a lot to share my painting with others. He's my biggest fan! (With both the art and on the golf course)
RHGS: Do you listen to music while you create? If so what music inspires you the most?
Mary: Sometimes I'm painting with my ipod on, other times the TV will be on in the background but I'm not really watching or listening to the TV. Gosh, the music on my ipod is so varied! I'm not as computer savvy as my husband, Steve, or our kids, so usually my son or daughter loads the music on there for me and the range they have is everything from current hits to what they call oldies (this stuff I listened to as a teenager) country, pop, rock and Bethany has included Broadway musical show tunes. My all time favorite music though, would have to be beach music.
RHGS: Apart from painting, what other hobbies/recreation do you have?
Mary: When I'm not painting and the weather is good I can be found at the golf course with Steve usually. This time of year I am content to curl up with a good book. I also like to try new reciepes and cook . I like to travel to new places too.
RHGS: What is your most beloved handmade possession (made by you or someone else)?
Mary: I have several items that were handmade by different members of my family but I guess if I had to pick only one it would be a quilt made by my great grandmother Delp. I think it was the last one she made. I also treasure a baby blanket made by my Granny A. for my kids that is special.
RHGS: What else would you like to share about yourself?
Mary: I most enjoy just spending time with my family and doing little everyday things with them. The kids are growing up so fast and moving on into their own lives I just don't know how much longer we will all be together in one house so I treasure everyday with them!
We enjoyed our chat with Mary, and hope that you liked reading it. To view Mary's creations visit our previous blog: New Artisan Wares
No comments:
Post a Comment