CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
NF: If I was to attempt to categorize my work, I would immediately be compelled to contradict my overreaching summery, and prove myself wrong.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
NF: My kids are currently doing some of the most exciting drawings I have come across, and they are quite happy to show me, step by step how to do quite complicated monsters.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
NF: If I could do that I would be so much more efficient.
I attempted to describe my process (to myself) by photographing a painting at regular stages. The result was a very predictable logical journey to a not very interesting painting. I’ve since thrashed that painting in very brutish ways and it is now really quite good. The problem is I didn’t take any photos beyond the insipid stage. I am therefore still quite ignorant as to how the painting went from dull to good.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
NF: Yes.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
NF: I work in my shed 9am to 4:30pm. Sometimes I don’t work at all. Sometimes I work so hard I feel my husband/father role suffers. Sometimes I build things. Sometimes I walk. Sometimes I run really far.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
NF: I often find myself in a muddle. If I was to start a piece of work without a plan, I would be starting in a muddle and therefore be quite unlikely to find a thread of reason with which to work. A plan is vital, if only there to be reacted against.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
NF: Don’t assume you know how it works.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
NF: It’s important to me, I don’t know how important it is to anyone else.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
NF: Making the work.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
NF: I get to ticker in my shed everyday. If I have an idea, I can dedicate time and resources to realize it.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
NF: Yes.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
NF: I use whatever tools are available to me. Computers, printers, cameras, electric saws… what would I do without them?
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
NF: I think being an artist allows me to function a lot like a child does.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
NF: I do enjoy travelling, but have found it very difficult with young children.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
NF: I have many.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
NF: To make things better.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
NF: Thinking about stuff and making stuff based on the things I think about.
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