ART-SHORTS: Leslie Ditto & Kevin Irwin
ART-SHORTS: A Magic City Art Connection Artist Interview Blog Series
LESLIE DITTO, Painting
If you could throw a dinner party and invite any artist to join, who would be on your guest list and why? Pick one living and one dead artist.
I would invite Micheal Hussar( living) and Van Eyck( deceased). I stumbled upon Micheal Hussar’s amazing talent several years ago and his dark ,edgy, and mysteriously provocative images sang to a part of my soul like no other artist has to this day. There is a deeper meaning behind so many of his oil paintings and many artist of today are afraid to express that amount of conviction . I respect his work greatly and in my opinion he is one of today’s modern masters.
I am a self taught artist and I use the techniques of the “Old Masters” . Van Eyck ‘s paintings have been a great inspiration for me .The masterpiece Arnolfini Portrait has never failed to impress and “awe” me every time I see it. One of my live long dreams is to travel and see it in person. Or better words would be to go experience it in person.
How long have you been making art?
I have created art all my life, But I have only been painting i oils for approx 5 years
How long does it generally take you to complete a work of art?
A painting approx 12″x24″ normally take me 7 to 10 days to complete working approx 8 to 14 hour days. I recently created an oil painting 30″x40″ titled Riding the Dragon for a gallery solo exhibition. This painting took me approx 60 days at an average 10 hours per day to complete.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The preliminary work . I work mostly from my imagination. Sometimes it can get very difficult to sketch out exactly what I see in my head.
Here is the best way I can describe in words what it is like for me to create from my imagination . I can see an image in my head which is usually inspired by my emotions, but I can’t see it clear. It’s like a puzzle that is missing pieces and I am trying to create a whole image from it,so it takes work , similar to playing chess , each strategic move I make will effect the whole image and will help determine my next move
What is the range of prices that you charge for your art?
My prices are always evolving along with my art. I try to make work at all different ranges .
How many years have you participated in Magic City Art Connection?|
This will be my first
Name another favorite art show you enjoy exhibiting at besides Magic City Art Connection. When does it happen and where?
Art-B-Que in Atlanta in the Spring
To learn more about Leslie, and/or see more images of her work, click here.
KEVBIN IRWIN, Clay & Jewelry
If you could throw a dinner party and invite any artist to join, who would be on your guest list and why? Pick one living and one dead artist.
Frieda Kahlo, for her honesty and courage .. Ancient ceramic shamanist vessels, to understand their hidden symbolism and understanding of the collective unconsciousness
How long have you been making art?
I have been making art since early childhood
How long does it generally take you to complete a work of art?
Depends on the medium and piece, an hour to a couple of weeks.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Leaving the world going on around me and being only in in the story I am creating, feeling only what is in the piece I am working on as if it were alive and happening and I was a part of it. Like dreaming but thinking you are awake.
What is the range of prices that you charge for your art?
Wide price range depending on the medium and piece.
How many years have you participated in Magic City Art Connection?
I’ve been doing the show for many years.
Name another favorite art show you enjoy exhibiting at besides Magic City Art Connection. When does it happen and where?
Kentuck Festival in Northport Alabama the 3rd week-end in October.
To learn more about Kevin, and/or see more images of her work, click here.
