Monday, July 26, 2010

Artist Interview: Taryn Wells

What is your name: Taryn Wells

Do you have a formal art education or are you a self taught artist: i received a B.A. in studio art from boston college

What is the style of your pieces: historical realism with a modern twist

What is the medium in which you work: graphite

What started you on your path as an artist: i've never been good with words but i was always good with explaining my feelings with art.  i've been painting, drawing, sketching, etc. since i was 3 - something my parents always encouraged.  it was in college that i realized i had something to say that people wanted to hear.

What is one of the most important things that art has brought to your life: clarity

What is your favorite genre of art besides the one you work in: i love studying paintings.  certain painters have a gift that cannot be duplicated with the brush. my goal is to achieve the same type of strokes with my pencil.  one of the best compliments i ever received was that my drawings and my ability with a pencil were "painterly."

Do you have art showings, and if so what are they typically like: my art showings are usually comprised of my family, friends, and a smattering of art professionals.  solo art showings are usually beautifully chaotic; they go off seamlessly but inside i'm an anxious mess.  they wouldn't be so seamless if it weren't for the gallery owners and directors i've worked with in the past and of course, my family.  my family is the sole reason that i've been able to be as successful as i am.  they've supported me through the ups and the downs and they are my inspiration for the entire basis of my theme.

Do you have a certain set of clothes you make art in: anything and everything that can be described as "loungewear."  the main requirement is that it must be comfortable.

What has been the most frustrating part of being an artist?: the unpredictability.  i tend to like "sure things" and the life of an artist is anything but.  sometimes there's money, shows, and accolades and then there are nothing but rejections.  you adapt very quickly and never get a big head.

What is your favorite sandwich of all time: a philly cheesesteak or the portabella sandwich from slice of life cafe on martha's vineyard

Has this year brought about any changes in your work, and if so what are they: i've been motivated to produce work that is more sentimental and hopefully, more touching to the viewer.

Who is your favorite artist alive or dead: john singer sargent

What is the most moving piece of artwork that you have seen in person: it's a tie between sargent's madame x and edouard manet's dejeuner sur l'herbe.  i stood in front of each painting for at least 10 minutes studying each brush stroke and hoping that my pencil skills can be half as painterly as their strokes!

Do you have any animals, and what do they think of your work: no animals.

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions you would like to share with us: the next exhibition is “Attractions: New Art Coming to the Brookline Arts Center” at the brookline public library which will run from august 19th - september 30th.  there will also be some upcoming shows at manhattanville college, SUNY, and the brookline arts center in the following year.

 www.tarynwells.com   
taryn.wells@gmail.com


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