Follow the Sparkle

Excerpt of an interview with Violette, folk art painter, by Mel. Edwards for the Votre Vray creative women’s project.

Ever want to just go wild with color? Have you seen the houses in other nations, like Jellybean Row in Newfoundland (http://www.flickr.com/groups/jellybeanrow/), and dream of transforming out of the beige that seems to have captivated much of America? Let me introduce you to Violette, a wonderful Canadian woman as colorful as her palette. Her house is purple, van is multi-hued emblazoned with creativity quotes such as Joseph Campbell’s “Follow Your Bliss,” and her home is so vibrant that it has been profiled on an episode of Weird Homes.

You may have noticed she doesn’t give a last name. “When you’re a girl, you have your father’s name. You get married and have your husband’s. I’m happy with just Violette.” A bit of research reveals that Violette and several friends were so set on claiming their own identities that they each had a wedding ceremony – to marry their own true selves. That for feminine identity independence that goes a lot further than calling a woman "Ms." instead of Miss or Mrs!

I asked what her neighbors thought of her home. She said a gal friend asked an older gentleman from down the street when she first painted it. His reply? “It sure is colorful!” Violette laughs. Still, she keeps moving forward adding personality to her belongings and her art to the world. “I used to get embarrassed when friends would go with me to art supply stores and tell people I was an artist. I found it hard to accept the title because I’m not a fine artist. I’m a folk artist. Now I think it is great and I’ve grown into it. Still, as women we’re trained to think about others (first) and to not get a big head. It is a process.”

When you’re an emerging artist, others often offer advice whether you ask for it or not. Violette’s friends were amazing, “They kept saying, ‘Oh, yeah. That’s a great idea. Go for it,” and her grown children also gave their seal of approval. However, other artists weren’t always so encouraging. “I like glitter. I have it on my van, and my floors, and my work. The worst advice I have ever been given was from an artist who said, ‘Wait ‘til you’re established, then add your glitter.’” The artist advised to do what appeals to others first and be eccentric in her style later, even though to do so would have been a denial of part of Violette’s essential self. “I ignored it. I use glitter everywhere. I just love it.”

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You may see Violette’s home, her art van (including instruction on how to paint your own), her pieces for sale and the video of her home by visiting her website: http://www.violette.ca/
Be sure to tell her Mel. Edwards’ Votre Vray sent you.

Four Women Artists Worth Knowing

Hello, and Happy July!
Most of us get a three day weekend coming up, and since you have time to sit back and relax a bit, why not meet an artist?

The Votre Vray interviews are moving along fast and furiously, with about 30 slated to be completed by July 11th.

Here are links to a few of the fabulous women I've had the pleasure of speaking with in the past week:

Carla Sanders is an artist who focuses upon shamanic and erotic sculpture, painting and silver work. You can't be more pro-feminine than this! Visit her at: www.CarlaSanders.com

Janet Perry, master needleworker and author who has her own designs (and promotes needlework of others through her shop as well) in spite of the fact she is battling MS.
Janet can be reached at: http://www.napaneedlepoint.com/

Violette, a sassy, spunky, Canadian folk artist with a genuine love of color and glitter. See her art, van, and watch a video
of her house (as was featured on the TV show Weird Homes). Violette's site is: www.violette.ca

Tisha DeShields, wanted to have a legacy all mothers could pass on to their children filled with memories and love, so she created belly castings that can be decorated and personalized for each child. You've got to see: www.OriginalBellyWorks.com

Keep posted as the first wave of artist profiles pop up as the holiday weekend nears, and continue through July 18th.

Until next time, keep creating!