THE CITY STAR NEWSPAPER
October 20, 2008
FEATURED OPEN STUDIOS ARTIST: STACEY M. CARTER
How would you describe your art form?
Mixed Media works based on photographs that are a unique combination of skilled printmaking techniques and spontaneous expressionistic painting.
How long have you been an artist?
Since I can remember as a small child.
How much of your time do you spend a week on your art?
40-50 hours per week. More if I am preparing for a show or have tight deadlines on commissioned work.
Is it hard to do?
Actually, yes, very hard! I sometimes jokingly lament to myself that “it figures” that it the unique appeal of my work is the collective use of very different working processes and their respective disciplines which make it very difficult and time consuming to create. Each step in the process has to exactly right relative to the technique employed or the piece will not work at all. For my work to be successful it must visuallyachieve the perfect balance of opposing creative formats --- the critical balance of skilled printmaking technique and spontaneous expressionistic painting.
What are the challenges you face as an artist?
Two things: time first, and money second.
Finding enough uninterrupted time to do the work that inspires me can be very daunting in this age of constant distractions. I have had to learn how not to “over-achieve” for others if it is at the expense of getting my own work done. At my studio, I turn my cell phone off, and intentionally do not have an internet connection to help keep distractions to a minimum. I also take advantage of longer periods of uninterrupted time by working late at night.
In terms of money, the challenge for me is obtaining a more consistent, steady and reliable income. One year I made more money than I had ever made before, and the very next year I made the least amount of money I had made since my summer job at age 15! The fact that most galleries and dealers only take work on consignment and cannot guarantee you sales, and the obvious high cost of living and working in San Francisco, has made survival for me here an occasional roller coaster ride of stress and emotion. Overall financially I do ok, but more income stability has become increasingly more important for planning ahead.
What’s your favorite part?
Between 11pm and 3:30 am when I am warmed up and hit my stride working on a piece where everything seems to come together fluidly without effort.
What’s your least favorite part?
Getting started!
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