Cressida Fox
What part of the process of creating art do you like best?
Letting my pen or brush 'take a walk' around the paper and seeing what kind of character 'it' comes up with, then using the mediums; laying down the colours; enjoying the sensation of spreading and blending the paint, pastels or pencils.
What is your working environment like?
I don't have a studio but as my works are usually on the small side, the kitchen and lounge room tables usually suffice.
What kind of (formal & informal) art training have you had?
Majoring in art and ceramics during a year and a half at teachers' college; CAE classes in drawing, painting and photography.
How has your art training affected the kind of art you produce?
In painting I learnt how to mix colours. My drawing tutor asked why I was there because I drew better than he did. The kinds of art I produce now are very different to what I did in college and classes.
Name some important influences and inspirations in your art career.
Joining CAS, meeting people who successfully drew and painted in ways I had not seen before or thought of trying, such as drawing quick and loose and letting your imagination run riot along with the line.
What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work?
Time management and rushing to finish works too close to a deadline. Using a mat cutter. Selling works. Removing Araldyte from a bedspread and wax from carpet. Convincing some people that you draw the way you do because you can.
Have there been major turning points in your art career?
Discovering that I could do more than portraiture. Using art to convey ideas and satirical comments instead of pretty pictures. Selling artworks to strangers.
What has been the highlight of your art career?
Winning prizes/commendations in CAS exhibitions and the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery National Works on Paper. Designing a badge for The Phoenix Club, a non-profit organization which funds education programs for underprivileged youth.
Artist comment about “Aspects of Summer”
In "Aspects of Summer", I was experimenting with a style different to what I usually use, one which shows the insides and outsides of the objects portrayed, interlocking and merging the forms, showing different aspects of them.
Artist comment about “Alien Air Hostess”
Perhaps I watch too much science fiction! This lady was one of a series I did for an exhibition titled "Late Night TV." She is not based on any creature I have seen. That's one of the beauties of doing fictional/fantasy creatures - they can take any form and be anything you want; you can be totally creative and imaginative.