Archive for the ‘Artist Biographies’ Category
Dorothy Foster Artist Biography
Type of media you prefer:
I love oil paint, the way it works, the way it mixes, the way it feels on the brush and the canvass or board, the smell. All of it. But I’ll paint with anything.
What got you interested in art?
I was Born interested in art. I was drawing before I could talk.
What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?
Basic art, design and interior design in school. Eight years study with the wonderful, nationally known artists of the Denver Art Students League. I worked with Kim English, Emanuel Martinez, Doug Dawson, Don Sauli, Teresa Vito, Mark Thompson, and many others. It was a great experience; I took a little from each, but find that I am still working on my style. Like my hair, I like to try something different each time.
Whenever I came to Topeka to visit my Daughter we would go to the Art Galleries, I was intrigued by the Topeka Art Guild Gallery as none of the very old and very impressive Artist Guilds that I belonged to had their own Gallery. We had to scramble to find space to hang. The Colorado Artist Guild (started out as the Denver) used to have a national show each year at the Colorado History Museum Gallery; they have it booked for that time forever I think. I always had a painting or two accepted in that show and won many good awards. I loved it, but it wasn’t like having their own gallery. So when I decided to sell out in Denver and move here I knew before I got here that one of the first things I must do was join the Art Guild. What I did not know was that three major surgeries were on the top of my list of things to do. So it was awhile before I could become active and then I jumped in with both feet
Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?
I joined in the fall of 2001 when I moved here.
If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?
When I am painting I do paint for myself, to please myself but I always paint with a viewer in mind. I try to tell a story, project a mood, or suggest a feeling. I want my art to be seen and appreciated for its own value; which is always in the eye of the viewer. Please look at our beautiful art. We do this. I think this when I am staffing. Knowing that we can share our labor brings me joy. It is one of the reasons I paint. Teaching and sharing what I know with other artists is another.
A quote(s) that you love is:
“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world–this makes it hard to plan the day.”
E. B. White
Johanna Hanks Artist Biography
Type of media you prefer
I paint in several medias and the one I paint at the time is the one I prefer.
What got you interested in art?
I am not one that started at age 3.It was late in life that I started to paint once I got started there was no going back. I must have a creative nature as I recall as a child I was impressed when my teacher caught my attention while she was drawing a bird on a limb of a tree. I was intrigued with the beauty of it and went home and started drawing.
What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?
I did go back to school and received a Fine Art Studio Design degree at Southern Colorado State College.
Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?
I was a member long before I was a painter. Membership was five dollars at the time. I was traveling back and forth while my girls were at KU. I visited a friend here in Topeka (she was not a artist) I would stop and visit the gallery on Gage. I always support the arts as well as find an interest in viewing all kinds of art. I was interested in leading my support.
If there is one thing we should know about you or your art,what would that be?
I paint everything and anything that calls me at the time be it landscape,people ,children and etc. I remember one of my instructors saying “do not let any one put you in a box.”
A quote(s) that you love
“Do not follow where the path may lead..Go where there is no path and have a trail”
Delores Healey Artist Biography
Type of media you prefer:
Landscape photography
What got you interested in art?
I have always admired other’s creativity and talent; attending the Art Walks is one way I feel I can continue to grow and see creativity through other’s viewpoint. Being a member of the Topeka Art Guild and speaking to other members about their specific media and inspirations enhances my interest.
What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?
I have attended seminars and workshops on photography through professional organizations. My partner, Grant, has also provided me with a lot of direction, knowledge, and inspiration.
Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?
When Grant and I formed our business, NorthWindImage, we decided we wanted to join professional organizations not only to promote our business but also to get involved, meet, and get to know other professionals in the area. We believe the gallery at the Topeka Art Guild is a great asset for our business and one way of showcasing our work. Since joining and becoming involved on the board, we have met a lot of inspiring people and enjoyed many opportunities that we otherwise would not have been aware of.
How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?
NorthWindImage became a member just over a year ago; it has been a wonderful organization to be involved with.
If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?
I’m pretty reserved person and would consider myself an introvert . . . . at least until I get acquainted with someone. I would consider myself an amateur with a companion, Grant, who is an expert in the area. I’m a proud mother of two, Sarah who is a Freshman at Wabaunsee High School, and Stephan who is a sixth grader at Mill Creek Valley Middle School.
A quote(s) that you love is:
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”
Martha Washington
“One day a peacock. The next day a feather duster.”
Patrick Quinn,
Lieutenant Governor, Illinois
