Life is the muse of art

Interview with American artist, Cierra G. Rowe

1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.

My artistic background is ardent, rife with color and deeply personal. Having become absorbed by painting, my art journey is one of metamorphosis. I am an independent artist who began painting seriously during adolescence. Having no formal background in the arts, I gravitated towards painting naturally and am an autodidact. In terms of artistic direction, my passion is my north star so to speak.

2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.

Mornings commonly bring low temps. With the outdoors being a natural muse, I like to enjoy a hot chocolate and scratch out sketches of what I may or may not paint later on. I may also jot down poems, it all depends on the mood. If I am already in the middle of a painting, then it's likely that I'll be consumed by that until completion. I am a country girl at heart, having been raised in the south, so small comforts are important to me.

3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

Nature and emotion are constants for me, within my art. I feel most compelled to paint things that are of significance to me, through capturing them in my own way. Often this lends itself to be in the form of nature, scenes and abstract forms both interior and exterior. I find inspiration in the ''little things'' and personal moments.

4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

I feel that the two are mutually exclusive — one in the same. Life imitates art and the muse of art is life. I think that art acts as a kind of antidote for the complexities that often accompany life.'Innocence Interrupted'

'Innocence Interrupted' by Cierra G. Rowe

5. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.

I am not sure that 'the art world' pertains to me. I don't mean this in an arrogant way. As an outsider, I don't know that I fit into what the art world wants, nor do I have any desire to. The concept of 'the art world', at its very core seems to be a coterie of influential names who decide what is and is not based on aesthetic, popular culture, monetary gain and other plagues of society. If this changes, then perhaps I could write out a better answer. The only world that is of any importance at all to me is this one Earth.

'Eternal' by Cierra G. Rowe

6. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

I am hesitant to give any sort of advice, given that I am not in anyone else's shoes. I am also unsure if anyone actually wants my advice. But if anyone were to want my advice, I would say that the best thing that any given artist can do for themselves, regardless of chosen medium, is to stay true to who they are.

7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?

At the moment, I am painting plant life inspired by my home region, along with scenes from the area where I grew up.

Website: https://www.artofcierra.com/

Social Media: Instagram: @artofcierra, Facebook: @artofcierra