Meet the artists that have taken over our Instagram every Thursday in the past month! Showcasing exclusive interviews with Melinda Matyas, Jaié Miller, and Amber Rose Olivier.
MELINDA MATYAS
1) Walk me through a typical day in the studio for you?
MM: A typical day is mostly being alone and painting, there’s nothing special about it.
2) What is something viewers might not know about your work?
MM: They might not know the fact that many years ago I used to earn my living as a fresco mural painter, a technique which kind of influenced the way I paint today.
3) What is the most challenging part of your process as an artist and what is most rewarding?
MM: The most challenging and rewarding part at the same time are the colour studies, I enjoy exploring the colours but they can give me a headache as well.
4) Is there any advice you have for artists/creators during this difficult time?
MM: I’ve already quoted Picasso many times, and I’ll do it again: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”
JAIE MILLER
1) Walk me through a typical day in the studio for you?
JM: A full day from start to finish can depend if I am using a film or digital camera. If I am using a digital camera then I am most likely going to be in a studio working with models, whereas I tend to get most joy from shooting medium format in the street. I'll tell you a bit about the film shooting process that I follow typically.. I will have decided to use a Nikon FE or a Bronica S2 and selected the film that I want to use for each camera, probably an expired film type, (I have some exciting ones!) Then with a location in mind I'll head there via tube. I have 36 shots per film for 35mm and 12 for 120 so I am selective with what I choose to capture. I tend to stay in places where I find the light most appealing. After the day is done with what I have taken, I'll head to the developers and hand the film over to be processed which usually takes a few days. Fast forward to collecting the negatives, it's off to scan the results. Scanning the results takes a little while and reveals either good news or bad. I can then edit images on a computer or it can lead to the darkroom where I am able to print an image from the negatives using a Durst enlarger!
2) What is something viewers might not know about your work?
JM: I love all things inspirational, and am the product of many, many influences.
3) What is the most challenging part of your process as an artist and what is most rewarding?
JM: The most rewarding part of the process is the process & the most challenging part can be to remember that. That said, I get a kick from the magic of seeing a print emerge in the darkroom always.
4) Is there any advice you have for artists/creators during this difficult time?
JM: "It's often easier for one to give advice than it is for a person to run one's own life"
AMBER ROSE OLIVIER
1) Walk me through a typical day in the studio for you?
ARO: A typical day in the studio for me changes each week – but it always includes my cat Baloo. He is a Maine Coon cat and a real character. He follows me everywhere and is very good company in the studio. I have two collection concepts, so I have to time manage my creative process. I typically start my process with creative research, then I move on to colour palettes. After that I start creating my artworks – either digitally or as fine art. For my “Modern Art by Amber” concept I offer on Degree art, I focus on large scale framed works that celebrate colour. These artworks work well in commercial spaces and modern classic interiors because they make a bold statement with a lot of character. After all, art is about having a connection to the subject.
2) What is something viewers might not know about your work?
ARO: The interesting thing is that I can paint and draw really well. But somehow anyone that steps into my studio falls in love with my pop art. I think these days so many people are painting and drawing. There are a lot of wonderful artworks and talented fine artists out there. The difference is what makes people notice an artwork. It can’t just be beautiful. It has to have a certain excitement, something special or fun. Another thing many don’t know yet is what the little figures in some of my artworks are… It’s my “Modern Art by Amber” Clan, my little tribe of character, an unexpected touch of fun and playfulness. Just have a close look at them.
3) What is the most challenging part of your process as an artist and what is most rewarding?
ARO: Something that people don’t know about my art is what drives me to create this collection. It’s quite simple: I love colour. I create art that is satisfying and creates joy. If you are going to be an artist, you might as well create what you want - otherwise what’s the point? You can’t hope for your art to be liked. It’s a side effect of your passion that people will like it too. The most challenging thing about my process is choosing which new projects to move forward with and which to let go or perhaps revisit at a later stage. However, I see it as a positive thing. It’s better to have too many ideas than to hit a creative block. Then again I don’t believe in creative blocks. I believe true passion for creating never dies, it just changes shape or direction.
4) Is there any advice you have for artists/creators during this difficult time?
ARO: If I had to give other artists any advice during this time, it would have to be this: Ask yourself if you are a true artist, or if this is just a hobby. Be honest - is it your passion? If you are, then ask yourself how you can be a successful artist, so you can make a career from it. This might mean taking a course on colour, or trying experiment techniques, or learning about how to run your art business. This will allow you to open yourself up to more opportunities for your art to be seen.
