Cressida Fox
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. How has your art training affected the kind of art you produce?
In painting I learnt how to mix more colours than brown and grey, and the drawing tutor expressed surprise that 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.
5. 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. Robert Lee showed me how to take the line for a walk and give fun and expressiveness my work. This got me away from the cutesy cat and horse portraits I had been painstakingly copying from photos at the time.
6. What has been the most difficult thing you have encountered in your work
Knowing which drawings to persevere with and which ones ought to be discarded. 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.
7. 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.
8. What has been the highlight of your art career?
Winning prizes and commendations in CAS shows and the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery National Works on Paper exhibition. Designing a badge for The Phoenix Club, a non-profit organization which raises funds for education programs for underpriveleged youth.
