Meet the artist: 5 questions for local painter Bridget Skyhawk
Bridget Skyhawk is a self taught artist. She works predominantly with acrylic and watercolor, dabbling in oil pastel and mixed media. For Bridget, making art is about uninhibited expression that allows for self exploration and growing awareness of the present.
1. When did you feel like a real artist?
I think as a child I always thought of myself as an artist. It wasn't until I became older and more self-conscious that thoughts of 'maybe I'm not good enough (to be an artist)' crept in.
Pablo Picasso said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." I remind myself that I believe each person is innately an artist and capable of immense creativity once we put aside our judgments and inhibitions.
2. What inspires you?
Daydreaming and the power of the human brain. Einstein crystallized his Theory of Relativity when daydreaming about running alongside a sunbeam to the end of the universe. When I allow myself to relax, that's when I can really create.
3. What media do you work with? What do you like about it?
I tend to work with acrylic paint — or anything I can find. I like that acrylic paint is forgiving, allowing me to paint layer after layer.
4. Why do you create art?
I think of my body of work as a sort of catalog of thoughts and events in my life. Art is a way for me to connect fragmented thoughts and feelings and make sense of them. Most of all, I just paint because I enjoy it.
5. Why do feel it is important to share your work with others?
Showing my art pushes me to continue expanding and experimenting. The way people react to my art can serve as both validation and an impetus for change and growth.
C4 is seeking subscribers to launch its second season of Community Supported ART (CSA) program. A one-year subscription or "share" for $325 will include 4 crates. The crates, which will be distributed at quarterly events, are centered around local artists' work, with additional creative/local items to enhance the experience. Interested subscribers should contact crbuckrose@hotmail.com.
About Cassandra Buck: Cassandra is a middle school art teacher, as well as a full-time artist. She is involved with the local art community and is an advocate for women in the arts. She is also the creator of the city's first contemporary artist collective, Gallery 24. Cassandra lives in Rochester with her husband and daughter.
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(Cover: Paintings by Bridget Skyhawk)
