New PAStA President Shares Both Sides Now
Hello Valerie and great to meet you. Tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I live at Butler Beach, a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic. We built the house in 2000, and I’ve been living here full-time since I retired from teaching in 2013.
How long have you been doing your craft or trade?
In some form or another, over 50 years.
What does your work aim to say? Are you trying to bring a smile to someone’s face or add to someone’s home decor?
I want my work to convey happiness, a love of nature, and the beautiful things that surround d us.
What is your favorite artistic accomplishment?
Creating work that brings me joy! Awards and sales are wonderful, but to know others have found something special in my work is the greatest accomplishment.
Do you have a specific piece you would love to talk about or promote?
I have two, because I am currently working and showing two mediums. The first is my plein air work in oils. I just recently participated in the St. Augustine Art Association’s Plein Air event as I have for the last 8 years, as well as a number of other events sprinkled around Florida.
My painting entitled Mr. Dow’s Garden challenge me on many levels, but my focus was on the lighting contrasts within the scene. I’ve included a finished photo and one as a work in process. I hope to gain mastery in this challenging technique where you battle weather, insects, and endurance.
The second medium I produce is fairly contemporary, alcohol inks. I explored this process at the beginning of the pandemic during my stay-at-home period. I was immediately entranced and worked extra hard to discover all I could, practicing nonstop with success rather quickly. Shown here is a piece currently on display at my gallery, PAStA. It is a liquid medium, with intense colors and transparency, somewhat on the serendipitous side, much like life at times.
What is the best way for artists to network?
Artists must meet and greet, attend openings, show their work as often as possible, and avail themselves of social media.
If you had a question you would like to ask another artist what would it be?
Where can I see your work?
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Being a part of history, learning from it, taking advantage of its natural wonders, and understanding the importance of environmental awareness.
How can we see your work?
VPFORRESTER.COM, PAStA Gallery, Facebook, Instagram #valartg3, St.Augustine Art Association, the upcoming Jacksonville Arboretum Brush With Nature, The First Coast Plein Air Painters.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
As of January, I became the new Professional Artists of St. Augustine President. Since then, our goal has been to bring more attention to the high caliber of work our members produce and highlight those members to a much wider audience.
We have also made a huge effort to upgrade the overall look and feel of the gallery and make it more of a destination, one that encourages return customers and community involvement. By offering a fun First Friday Artwalk experience, giving focus to a particular artist or grouping of artists, we hope to nourish that goal.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
I did not connect with clay as an artistic outlet until mid-life. During a hectic and demanding career, while juggling family, job and my MBA, I needed a healthy outlet to release my frustrations while appealing to my sorely under-utilized creative needs.
One summer class gave me the impetus to redirect what little down-time I had into punching, pulling, coiling, pinching, slapping, and throwing this amazing and malleable material into anything my imagination desired. I found therapy through clay.
In the years since, I have received an Associate’s Degree from the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, and set up my first studio in a basement of our house. Currently, my studio has moved above ground – to my garage, but includes a wheel, large Skutt kiln, slab roller and an array of clay and glazes that would make a chameleon dizzy. I am a proud member of the Professional Artists of St. Augustine Fine Art Gallery since October of 2021.
I work with a variety of clays and glazes – from mid-temp stoneware and shiny glazes to low-fire and matte underglazes. I find inspiration in nature, children’s stories and fables, and my own untamed imagination!
