Artist Q&A: Colette Standish

Artist Q&A with Colette Standish

Questions by: Ashley Beliveau

Have you always worked with mixed media? What drew you to the medium?

Yes, in one form or another: I have used mixed media in my photography for years and, more recently in painting. In particular the Abstracting the Figure project. I find that when I work with mix media it frees up my vision. If I work in one format all the time, I tend to get blocked in. Mixing different medias opens up different dialogues and makes me look at the bigger picture.

How do you determine the subject matter for each series? 

Although the figure is always the determining  factor, other factors involve both internal and external responses to environmental issues at the time. For example, with these new paintings, I wanted to express a Joie de Vivre Joy of Life; A result of my new surroundings and the impact it has had on me.

In your recent series, featured at Townley Gallery, what lead you to the figure and your interpretation of it?

The figure is always the first point of reference on any given project I work on. With these recent paintings, the figure was at first constructed then deconstructed and finally reconstructed on canvas via plains of abstract color. I have always worked in between the realms of the abstract and the figurative and with this body of work; I wanted to show the application and the workings of both on the same plane. By moving constantly between the two realms, one creates a home between the two.

I find your series of Abstracting The Figure to be full of energy, and yet minimalist, does this differ from your other work/projects?

The concept of "less is more" has always been an important element in my work. What you leave out of a painting is as important as what is left in. The difference between these paintings and my previous art work is that these new paintings have a lot more space to breathe and evolve. There is no confinement in any aspect of the work: The lines, color and light harmonize at a natural spatial ratio with each other, which is at times very organic.

What kind of narrative are you trying to convey, if any?

There is a narrative running through this series. Like my previous work, the narrative is based on the Cycle of Life and the many encounters one experiences throughout one's life. With these paintings, I wanted to express, as previously mentioned, a Joie de Vivre a Joy of Life. Depicting life as a dance; from its conception, destruction and it's rebirth into something new and vital. Reflecting the alchemical transformation of the soul that happens as we dance through life.

You come from the UK, what experiences there first inspired you to become an artist? 

I come from a long line of a creative and artistic family. My Great grandfather invented the color Magenta and had chemical color dye factories in both France and Switzerland. From an early age I was always drawing and painting. I guess it was part of my destiny to be an artist.

What places/people were the most crucial to your creative development?

France- Southern France and Paris, London, Rome and New Mexico.

As far as people, apart from my family, Picasso for structure and risk: Matisse for color and light: Egon Schiele for pushing the boundaries: George Bataille for his Erotic sensibility and Anais Nin for being a woman that encompasses all the above.

You have done some artist residencies, what has that experience given you? Do you recommend it?

Art residencies are imperative to any artist at some point in their life. It's a chance to get away from societies pressures and concentrate and focus on ones work. Overseas residencies are always a good idea as it also gives you a chance to experience the culture of the country and in return can have a big influence/effect on your work. Also a lot of Art residencies are free which again can free up any financial burden and allows total freedom to work on ones Art. I have benefited extensively from all the residencies I have been on and not only do I recommend them, I encourage them.

You have travelled many places. What place feels the most like "home" to you, or are you still searching?

Good question!! I have recently moved to California having lived in London for most of my life, so I feel like I am in transit at the moment. If I had to pinpoint a place it has to be London; I always seem to return there and energize. That said, I love being in California, particularly Southern California, as it reminds me of the Mediterranean. The light and color here, I find very inspiring. So in answer to your question, California could well prove to be a home from home. I hope to be here for a while.

Colette is a featured artist at Townley Gallery during the month of October. Her opening reception at the October 4th Art Walk was a great success. Please be sure not to miss any of our new artists at Art Walk, every first Thursday of every month, 6-9pm.