This week we had a wonderful time getting to know multitalented North Carolina–based artist Margo Flynn. We chatted to her about where her love of art began and her inspiring advice for artists who are starting out.
Name: Margo Flynn
Age: 59
Location: North Carolina, USA
Favourite places to travel: Anywhere exotic or very old cities.
Passions: Mixed Media Art, Travel and anything Art! ?
Education/Training: Studied Art in College in Ireland and now mostly watch YouTube videos on all art disciplines.
Occupation: Dreamer
Favourite quote: “You only live once!…(so live it to the fullest!)”
Social media/website: facebook.com/MargoFlynnsArt/
You seem to be a multidisciplinary artist. Can you tell us about the art you like to create and the materials you use?
I like to create art in many ways and like to go between one thing and another. I love to paint and draw on almost anything and love my power tools nearly as much as my art materials. I love to try new art materials and admit to being an art supplies junkie!
How did your journey as an artist begin?
The first image I remember drawing was on a rough concrete wall with reddish brown chalk… it was an image of a person drawn like lots of children do with a large head and garden rake hands. I still see it in my head and it still makes me smile! After that I was hooked on creating art for life!! All over the walls… the school books… the copy books… my clothes and even my skin… any surface was fair game! ?
Where do you find inspiration for your paintings?
I find inspiration everywhere… but with the advances in technology I love exploring on the internet and find images there that inspire me to create and creative people on there who inspire me also!
Who are some of your favourite artists and what pieces of theirs do you admire the most?
Some of my favorite artists are J.M.W. Turner for his stormy seascapes, my favorite of Gustav Klimt’s paintings is, I think, Judith and the Head of Holofernes, Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and the sculptures of Auguste Rodin… really too many great artists to mention!! ?
What advice do you have for an artist who is starting out?
Advice to artists starting out… remember you had to practice like crazy to “draw” your letters… so you can do it all with practice!! and most everything becomes easier… Give yourself time and believe in yourself… if you can write you can already draw!
What is your favourite piece that you have created and why?
I fear that most of my pieces are my favorites… I become attached to and love them… then I make some more and these become my favourite for a while… I am quite fickle in that respect! But I do love the process!
Do you have any other talents or hobbies you would like to share with us?
I love to travel and explore new places, I enjoy reading and all art books… well only the ones with pictures in them lol!! I love sunshine, I love to be outdoors and enjoy walking.
Why do you create art?
Asking why do I create art is like asking me why I breathe!
Finally, you are stranded on a desert island – what three things do you bring with you?
When you say three things on a desert island… do art supplies count as just one thing? Because if it does then that would be one… Coffee and a good book the other two… lol!
