Can you share a bit about the piece and how you conceived of it:
Several months back I was getting ready to go to Ohio to meet my boyfriend’s parents for the first time. I wanted to make them something special. His dad likes to hunt so I thought I’d paint them a deer. Somewhere down the line I got bored with the painting and threw some socks on him, because I knew how cold it was going to be in Ohio in January. I actually didn’t end up giving the painting to them, I thought it was too goofy. I ended up painting another deer for them which they liked. Phew!
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
It depends on what artistic phase I’m going through at the moment, but I’d tell them I draw lots of birds, girls, deer and triangles, and sometimes I like to draw like a five-year old.
What’s your creative process when producing a piece of art?
I try my best not to get in the way of the artistic process. I usually begin a piece of artwork with one concept, whether it be a triangle or a simple shape. From there I let it evolve in to what it wants to be. I find that when I try and plan out a piece, with a set image of what I want it to be, it doesn’t turn out. Any “accidents” I make along the way are usually what makes the piece.
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
Yes! Here is another deer I did. I consider it a sketch because it’s kind of messy…
Also, here’s one of a mouse and a kitty:
What art is hanging on your walls at the moment?
Mostly my own art, we live in a small place so I have to put my paintings somewhere!
What are you really into right now?
I’m really in to the show “Lost”. I was resistant to it for a long time, but finally I started watching it about three weeks ago at season one, and now I’m caught up to season five. That’s a ridiculous amount of time I’ve spent watching it… Oh my… What day is it today?
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Bob Dylan’s “Desire” album, anything from Jens Lekman, Louis Armstrong, Animal Collective, some Bach and perhaps a dash of Paul Simon.
If your art was music, what would it sound like?
Something cutesy and strange, maybe a mixture of Cocorosie and Air.
What do you have as your desktop wallpaper?
A blue-green nebula and stars. I’m a little bit of a sci-fi nerd.
What websites do you check out regularly?
DeviantArt – I’m an addict. Oh, and then there’s Facebook, of course.
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Star Trek: The Next Generation and the BBC Sherlock Holmes show from the 1980s.
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
In the first grade my teacher asked me to draw the pictures for our class calendar. I remember drawing some skeletons drinking out of teacups for the month of October.
If you were a dinosaur, what kind would you be and why?
Pterodactyl, hands down. Who wouldn’t want to fly?
What was your last memorable dream?
Let’s see, last night I was chasing after a gladiator woman that fell out of an airplane who was chasing a three-legged dog who had a red wheel for a leg (the wheel made the most peculiar squeaking sound).
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
I used to be a yoga teacher, but I decided to pursue my art as a career. I guess I might go back to teaching yoga or perhaps teach art to children.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
Yes! Starting in August, the Scandinavian company Bolia.com is using a number of my pieces for an upcoming campaign. So for the next two years you’ll be seeing my work in their stores, catalogs and advertisements in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden!
What’s your motto?
“Laugh and love”. It’s all you can really do.
Charmaine Olivia
