Caption Contest 22
Pick of the Day – Amy Fose
Imagined Lives: Mystery Portraits 1520-1640
Monthly Photo Tip – March 2010
At Home
Pick of the Day – Edward Sobuta
Tribute to Gareth Carrivick
Trillum by David Lane
Pick of the Day – Alfred Ng
Pamela Wamala – Interview with the Artist
When did you first become interested in art?
I first became interested in art as a child … I began painting with my maternal grandfather when I was 5 years old.
What style of art do you use most?
My pastel paintings range between impressionistic to more representational, depending upon my goals for the particular suite of work.
Has your style changed from when you first began as an artist?
My style has continued to develop from childhood, college years and now as a professional full time artist. Having the privilege of doing creative work nearly every day for many years has certainly given me the opportunity to develop my understanding of the importance of color, texture, mood, etc. in any work of art. More particularly, my grasp of pastel painting, has certainly developed and matured since I began to paint with this medium in 2000.
Stormy Afternoon Sea No. 1 ©Pamela Wamala
What medium do you use?
My primary medium since 2000 is soft pastel. I also enjoy painting oils and creating small collages to share and sell in the form of one-of-a-kind greeting cards.
What made you choose that medium?
In 1999, after several years of dedicating my life to motherhood, I decided to return to my art in a serious way. During my years in college as an art major I experienced many mediums and did earn a Bachelors of Fine Art in Drawing and Painting.
After being away from creating art for several years I decided to take the time to explore several mediums, before committing to one, a dating period of sorts. I tried watercolor, acrylic painting, colored pencil, before having the experience I was seeking when I tried soft pastel on sanded pastel paper. I fell in love with the buttery feel of working with this medium and have enjoyed the journey ever since.
Do your ideas come from life or imagination?
My ideas are most often inspired by life, and then acted upon by my imagination in the process of interpreting those visions.
Along the Path at Dusk II ©Pamela Wamala
How do you choose your images and colours?
I am most often drawn to images and themes from nature …. The light on the land, the mood of the sky, the dance of the sea … and from these images which capture my interest I select colours to communicate meaning. My mission with my pastel paintings is to create a peaceful experience for the viewer; color plays a major role in that endeavor.
Who is your favourite artist?
It would be difficult to select one favourite artist …. But to name a few I will say
Hopper (peacefulness/calm/balance of composition)
O’Keefe (boldness)
Parrish (colour),
Rothko (spiritualism without religion),
Sargent (impressionistic economy of style)
What is your favourite piece of work by yourself?
My latest favourite is “Fading Light No. 1, Lane’s Island,” which I completed while on a painting trip in Maine the summer of 2009.
Day's End Lane's Island ©Pamela Wamala
How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?
My pastel paintings take varying amounts of time to complete, depending on their size, amount of layering, as well as research and studies that may precede the actual painting.
How well do you take criticism?
I try to keep an open mind and heart to criticism, with an ear toward what I might be able to learn from the giver of the criticism.
What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?
I have been fortunate to not have ever faced a block …. I certainly did worry about this years ago before I began my professional career. I do several things to prevent blocks …. The most valuable is probably a large loose leaf binder I have filled with ideas for work that will take me several lifetimes to ever have a chance to explore.
How do you know something is ‘finished’? Is it easy to walk away?
I have developed the ability to stop by asking myself, when I feel I am starting to “fuss” over a pastel, “is there anything else I can add that will promote the message of this painting?” If the answer is “no,” I stop. This is a tremendously helpful practice.
Have you had exhibits in galleries?
My work is on view at Mast Cove Galleries in Kennebunkport, Maine and AZ Gallery in Wellesley, Massachusetts in an ongoing manner. I also have an ongoing “show” in my own working studio at the Brush Art Gallery & Studios in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Nightfall on the Green III ©Pamela Wamala
Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?
In addition to the above venues …. I do plan to have a solo showing of my work at La Boniche Restaurant, Lowell, MA, where I have shown in 2002 and 2008.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue to pursue my love of pastel painting, teaching, creating collages, showing, etc, while being open to new avenues.
I am working to expand my greeting card line, which gives people a chance to share my landscapes with loved ones in an affordable way.
I teach pastel painting to individuals in my studio and I plan to expand that offering.
In 2009 I began teaching collage workshops in Nursing Homes. I am working to expand this in my career as I have found it to be tremendously gratifying.
What advice would you give new artists?
Keep an open mind and heart to the leadings of your creative longing. Follow the desires, wishes and dreams that unfold for you. When discouragement comes, and it does, find ways to move through and beyond it. I have found that the creative life is truly a journey worth sacrificing for.
Have you done any courses to help you?
I read books, subscribe to a few e-zines, and take seminars when they intrigue me.
What do you do to market your work?
I use old fashioned snail mail postcards about 3-4 times a year to my mailing list.
I donate to causes I believe in through local Non-Profits.
I am in my studio, which is open to the public, as often as possible, so that I can meet with visitors.
Meditation on the Sea No. 4 ©Pamela Wamala
Do you use social networking in your day to day life?
I do use Facebook a few times a week and Linkin on occasion to connect with people. I can be found by using my name – Pamela Wamala.
Are you available for work (commissions)?
Yes, I do accept commission.
Have you got hobbies?
I enjoy reading, cooking and hiking.
Where are you based?
I am based out of Lowell, Massachusetts.
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