“…draw on everyday life for inspiration, and look for the interesting and the unexpected
in the flow of mundane or routine experience.” —John Schmidtberger
Ellen Sapienza “Cluttered Table” 32x28 inches framed, $900
On Sunday afternoon, I gave my first “Artist Talk” ever at Schmidtberger Fine Art Gallery. Ellen Sapienza also spoke with me. Sapienza is my fellow artist and partner in the current two-person show, “Here in This World.” During the talk, I was struck by some of the things Sapienza had to say about her process, so I thought I would write them down here to keep them with me.
Ellen Sapienza “Flowers on the Mantle” Oil on Canvas 26″x30″ SOLD
Sapienza paints large, on un-stretched canvases attached directly to the wall. She often paints several at a time, moving between them as she chooses.
Because her paintings are not stretched, she can decide later where she wants her edges to be, which gives her more freedom with the composition.
There is no rush to finish a painting. Ellen sometimes waits 15 years before returning to something unfinished, and completing it. It’s not a race.
“Interior, Green Table” oil on canvas by Ellen Sapienza. 24”x30” $650
4. Ellen starts with observation and response to a subject, but later, memory plays a role in her creative process.
“Still Life in the Studio” oil on canvas by Ellen Sapienza. 40”x30” $1100
John Schmidtberger, the gallery owner, said that both Sapienza and myself “draw on everyday life for inspiration, and look for the interesting and the unexpected in the flow of mundane or routine experience.” I’m so pleased by the comparison, and also I’m excited to expand my own creative practice, but taking my time and going slower on my paintings, and being brave enough to try my hand at some bigger work.
So, thank you Ellen Sapienza, for showing your work with me, and for inspiring me to try new things!