Interview with Linda Wilder

interviewed by Joe Reimer on July 13, 2008

When did you know that art was something you really wanted to pursue in your life?

As a very young child, I used to draw on the blank pages of my parents hard cover books. I seriously pursued it when I was 24 and went to art school.

What are your immediate plans and goals as an artist?

To continue painting, marketing, and making a name for myself, to be able to make a living from my art.

Where do you see yourself as an artist in 10 years from now?

Hopefully supporting the man who supported me for so many unproductive years! (He retires in five years … I’d better get a move on!)

Who are three artists who have had the greatest influence on your work?

Hmmm. I had a period of about 15 years, where life kind of took over, and my art was put on the back burners. 6 years ago I met an abstract artist (David Segars) who rekindled my desire and brought me out of dormancy. Artists’ work then have inspired me - to name only three - Dan Macaw, Andre Kohn, and Robert Combs.

Being that we are part of an online community here, who are some of the artists you have come across that really make you go “Wow!”?

Wow … difficult question … there are so many. But off the top of my head, here are three that I have consistently liked ~dutter and ~ricardomassucatto. Funny, I just realized they both do street scenes.

As a member of the Energy Art Club, how would you describe your approach to creating work that is energetic or visually dynamic?

I approach my work with a lot of energy. I am usually fast and bold and intuitive. I lose track of time and abandon myself to it.

What does your workspace look like? What do you need to have in there before you start creating?

My work space is very messy, I’m such a slob! My studio is in the basement. Inspiration is all I need to get started. I have loads of reference materials. Usually reading an art mag or going to a gallery to view art, makes me want to paint.

If you could go on a worldwide trip to see five pieces of art, which would you choose?

Off the top, I can’t answer that. But I would love to see many of the figurative works of the French impressionists such as Monet and Degas.