Untitled Abstract XVIII, Acrylic Oil Pastel on Infrastructure Canvas, 36 in x 60 in, 2014
Briefly describe the work you do.
I am an modernist abstract expressionist painter. My work relates to the great abstract expressionists but my work is created in bold vibrant saturated colors.
At what point I your life did you want to become an artist?
I love to tell the story about how I realized at a young age of 4 that working with color, form intrigued me. I would sit on our back stoop of our home in Kenosha, WI and would look at the large elm trees blowing in the wind and color for hours. I had a large repurposed Ice Cream bucket filled with crayons. Each fall my mom would take me to the store to buy a new box of crayolas. I would buy the biggest box with the most colors. Color has always inspired me. It felt as natural to me then as it does now to create.
Tell us a little about your background and how that influences you as an artist.
I am a self taught artist. I have studied at times at MIAD, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, MAM taking classes. I also studied in the studio of Terrence Coffman. An artist never stops learning. Each day brings new ideas to your practice and evolution of your work.
Untitled Abstract 65, Acrylic on Infrastructure Canvas, 84 in x 54in, 2013
What types of conceptual concerns are present in your work? How do those relate to the specific process(es) or media you use?
I don’t have conceptual concerns. I love trying new materials, processes. The best “accidents” have created new techniques in my process.
We once heard Chuck Close say he did not believe in being inspired, rather in working hard everyday. What motivates you in your studio practice?
I create to make myself happy, productive, honoring my process, my growth as an artist. My happiest moments are when a viewer appreciates my work, acknowledges that I have created my own identity and that they recognize the work as mine before they see a signature or label. That to me is success. This is a mark of success to me. I might not paint everyday but I believe that there are so many different processes that are involved in developing a creative practice. The very process of activating your brain, thinking of the simplest actions, visioning your work is “working”.
Untitled Abstract 16, Acrylic on Canvas, 36 in x 48 in, 2013
What artists living or non-living influence your work?
Kandinsky, Picasso, Kline, Pollack, Frankenthaler, DeKooning, Gorky…. I love studying the greats from all movements, eras. It’s the mark making that intrigues me. I love studying prehistoric marks that have been made in caves, runes, marks made by children. Children have the purest sense and freedom with mark making. It all inspires me.
When you are not making art what types of activities and interests do you engage in?
Reading, Walking, Gardening, Cooking & Baking with my husband and sons. They are all amazing chefs. Spending time with family and friends. I work hard and I play hard. Although the “work” that I do does not feel like work. It’s more like play. I just had a great conversation with a fellow artist, Clive Promhows last night about this very subject! I work and being an artist is a job. I honor that I can make a living with my creativity because I develop my practice and believe in myself.
About
Known for her bold, colorful strokes and gestural movement, Milwaukee, WI – based artist, Pamela Anderson, brings a modern dimension to Abstract Expressionism. Working with large brushes, spatulas and rags, she applies paint to the canvas in vibrant colors, allowing the image to emerge spontaneously as her imagination wanders, experimenting with expressive strokes, perspectives and angles. Leaving her work untitled, Pamela allows her work to be experienced without judgment and is therefore open for interpretation at will by each individual that encounters it. She leads the viewer into a dimension where their mind can imagine emotions and experiences through windows of negative-space, motion and color. She is a full time artist, an Affiliate of Plaid Tuba and a two-time finalist for the Artist-in-Residence Program at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pamela’s work is included in many collections both private and public, including five pieces recently acquired by Northwestern Mutual.
Pamela is also President/Lead Designer of Contemporary Pull, a high design cabinet hardware company newly launched in 2014, learn more at contemporarypull.com. Additionally, as an exhibiting artist and strong advocate of the arts, she is active in local and state organizations including Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN) where she holds the Executive Position of President.
In the Studio
All images copyright of the artist and used with their permission.
365 Artists | 365 Days 