Girlfriends and gents, I’d like to introduce you to Violette Clark, a White Rock artist who epitomizes what living your life authentically is all about.   Born in Morocco to Spanish parents, Violette is amazingly dedicated to her many girlfriends and artist friends and takes particular delight in “inspiring people to embrace their creativity, and to love and honour who they are”.   Her latest project is her book about creative prompts to unleash your inner eccentric called Journal Bliss .

I had a chance to ask Violette a few questions as part of her recent virtual book tour and got some great insight into what inspires her.  I know she inspires me!

Me: How do you find your relationships/girlfriends impact the creative process, or do they at all?  Theme, Color, Medium, Size?

Violette: Well my very close (in person) girlfriends are often my sounding board when it comes to art…..it’s like “Show and Tell“.  When I create something new that has the potential of being a line I will show them what I’ve done to get their opinion.  Also I ask what is the perfect “price point” for the artful product.  I usually have my girlfriends in mind when I create although initially i create for myself.  I ask myself ” What are they looking for?  What will inspire them? What will make them feel like they are special and appreciated?”  My theme generally encompasses inspiration and whimsy because that’s what I’m all about.  Most of the friends I hang out with are into that and appreciate what I create.  Just recently I brought some of my “Inspiration cards” (4 x 4 inch laminated cards) to an artist’s group and asked the women attendees which images they were drawn to the most.  I laid everything on the floor and the women gave me their feedback.  For my book Journal Bliss I had my friend Susan come over and review what I had written.  She gave me some valuable feedback. She appeared in one of the pages about the Ugly Duckling.  So the friends I love dearly (in person and online) impact what I do.  They are my tribe of people after all.  I know that some of them are into vintage colours so every now and then I’ll create something with subdued colours however I usually stick to bright vibrant hues because that’s what I love.

Me: Do you create with an audience in mind or mostly for your own pleasure and how does this affect the end results?

I usually create for myself and then hopefully will find the people who love what I do.  That’s how the book came about – I made pages that spoke to me but knew full well that “my tribe” would love them too.  Of course you can’t please everyone so first of all you have to please yourself. When you are passionate about something it shows in your work.  It is much more meaningful when I create for myself. If I try to create something which is popular it lacks depth and is not as authentic as it should be.  People pick up on this right away.  Every now and then though I think it’s a good idea to do something totally different than what you normally do to knock  yourself out of complacency.                                                                                                                             

Me: Where do you go for inspiration on the internet?  Blogs, Websites, YouTube?

Violette: I go to all of those places for inspiration.  I love Margot Potter’s blog, Crafty Chica’s, all of my Glittersisters (too numerous to post them all – but many of them are on this blog tour!), Creativity Portal, Artella, youtube – I simply type in my area of interest such as jewelery, mixed media, puppetry, fimo etc. and I’m stuck there for hours watching how to’s!  There is a wealth of inspiration at your finger tips.  It’s totally amazing. Quite frankly – sometimes I am overwhelmed and don’t get much done.  Discipline needs to come into play in my life! In the real world I like to walk in nature (for inspiration)….one of my favourite places to go for inspiration is White Rock Beach!  You’ll be able to relate to that!

Me:  Most artists will readily admit they are constantly learning.  What have you learned recently that added something new to your portfolio of ideas? ( A technique or something spiritual, maybe?)

Violette: Wow…..interesting question Jacquie……Well I’m studying the Artist’s Way for the second time – writing morning pages (writing 3 pages longhand every day) has been like a spiritual practice.  I notice that when I forget to write I become crabby and unhappy.  So one of the biggest learnings from that experience is it’s important to “empty the cup” of all of the stuff inside my head before getting on with my day.  If I don’t do it I’m not as focused or “on” as I normally would be. Another thing I’ve been learning is more about marketing myself as an artist.  Creating a youtube promo video of my book Journal Bliss is a first.  The marketing end of things is not my favourite way of spending my day, however it is necessary in order to promote one’s work.  Recently my partner and I traveled to S. Africa.  I was in awe of the beauty and the art. I have wanted to incorporate the bead work and imagery of the doll fetishes I saw in my work but have not yet done so.  I do know however that my work will be informed by the inspiration I received from South Africa.  It’s just itching to get out and manifest  into a new piece.

Thank you, Violette!

Violette’s website www.violette.ca is  bright and positive and full of great tips for artists and other creative eccentric wannabes like me. I enjoyed the images in Journal Bliss very much and I’m thinking I’d like to start one myself.  I can see how it could be a very cathartic exercise, very healing.

There are no rules except be yourself, think for yourself, and do it for yourself.  No other special skills required.

This one below is called Menopausal.  LOL!  I totally get the measuring tape fragment used to edge the crown!  Splendid reference!

Thanks again to Violette Clark for sharing her art with us.  A little color and humor goes a long way and makes the world go round a little…happier!