Recently I asked several artist friends if they would answer some questions. I posed the same interview to each.
The third one is from Kori Jo Burton-Rathon. I met her online several years ago. You can check out her Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/artoflifechronicles .
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
—-I am from a very small town in northwest Indiana. There is a small artist community, however I do not feel art is a priority in the area. There is not enough of a demand for creating a lifestyle where I can focus solely on my art.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
— Rafi from Rafi Was Here Studios. Bob Ross. Wilson Bickford. Jane Font. My family.
Tell me about your favorite medium.
— My favorite medium at the moment is acrylic paints. I love how easy and versatile it is to use. It doesn’t matter if I am using a paint brush, pallet knife or any other tool used in creating art.
I am slowly working with watercolors as well.
Where do you find inspiration?
— I mostly find my inspiration in nature. My favorite scenes to paint are seaside and nature paintings. If I see something I find beautiful, I will take a photo of it with my phone and work from that.
How do you define success as an artist?
— For me, success is creating a piece of art that others truly find beautiful as well. I have set up at art and craft shows where visitors will walk by and say that’s pretty then keep on walking, which is great feedback. However it is those that stop and say ‘oh wow look at that’, those are the ones that want to talk to you about your work, those are the ones that make you feel like you are on the right path in your art journey. To me that is success.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
— Yes definitely. I use my creativity in art as art therapy. I have endured several traumas over the past 5 years which resulted in the development of PTSD, anxiety and depression in my daily life. I have always been a creative. I started the artist side of my hobby in the form of drawing. I then thought I would try painting. I found it to be fun and relaxing. Then my oldest daughter passed away and one of my sons was diagnosed with brain cancer, I had all of these emotions I did not know what to do with. So I picked up my paint brush, started painting my feelings on canvas and never stopped.
How has your style changed over time?
— I started painting small easy scenes. The more I painted, practiced, the more my confidence built so I had the courage to challenge myself into raising the bar and painting more in depth and detailed works of art. This then has given me the confidence to try other mediums I have been too afraid to use.
How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist?
— I will admit this is difficult. While I wish I could paint all the time, I have bills to pay, kids to feed and art supplies to buy, so I do work full time. Working 40+ hours a week leaves little time for creating art. However, you have to learn to create a balance to make the time to keep creating. It is something you have to practice to create a routine. This will help you accomplish what you need to accomplish.
What are you working on at the moment?
— Unfortunately I have not been able to paint in acrylic on canvas as of late due to a spinal injustice that has affected the ability to use my predominant hand for much of anything. I am currently recovering from spinal surgery. However I have discovered a new (to me) way I can create art. I purchased some watercolor pencils. This process has made creating art very accessible for me to create art on a smaller scale. I have been creating more beach scenes. My next project is going to be a portrait of an owl.
How do you stay connected and up to date with the art world?
— Social media, blogs and blogs. I follow as many artists, art groups and blogs as I can to learn as much as I can about all things art and creativity.
How do you promote your work and your shows?
—I use social media, word of mouth and I share the process of my work as much as I can.
How useful has social media been for you?
—Social media is great because you can reach so many people by sharing your creative side. Social media has its pros and cons but I feel like it is a balance.
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist?
— Creative blockage and second guessing myself. I am the hardest on myself. I am my biggest and worst critic, which is not good on the self-esteem.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
—I just keep pushing through. I practice. If I think something is not good enough, I keep at it until it feels right. The only way to grow is to push yourself to try new things. For me, this is growth.
My next goal is to create a group for mental health art therapy. This is very important to me and I and determined to make this a success to help others with mental health issues.
What advice do you have to give to aspiring artists?
—Practice and practice some more. Don’t give up. Sometimes if you are struggling, take a break then go back to your project. Follow as many fellow artists as you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just be you. Don’t change because of someone else’s opinions or criticism’s. Most of all believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Kori Jo is a great person. She continues with her art even with the hardships she has endured. I hope to see her a t a show some day. Thank you Kori Jo.