Interview with Debra Jones [djstar] on Whohub

Debra Jones [djstar]

ART

What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?

I am a painter of pretty much ANYTHING WITH EYEBALLS. It falls into the field of portraiture. Because I seem to have a flair for the personality of the sitter, I have found my pet portraits attract the largest amount of commissions.

My art tries to capture the moment. It is a more contemporary but realistic style.

I work in most 2 dimensional media - oil, pastel, watercolor, charcoal and pen and ink, as well as metal point - copper and silver.

What is your message?

Don't miss a moment.

Do you upload your work to the web? If so, where could we see it?

My main portrait site is www.debrajonesart.com

My dog blog is http://dog-a-dayartblog.blogspot.com

What role does technology play in your creative process?

Because of the internet, I have clients as far away as Thailand and have spent whole days painting through the night and working by email with my client across the country.

I have met great teachers and found students. My best and worst advice has come from people who were only avatars online. Many of whom, I have subsequently met face to face, but they are now real friends.

Artistically I use my digital editing programs to create my reference and approve it from long distance. The creating the finished painting is really the last step in a long journey. Using digital proofing and mailing progress shots, I only have to do that part of the job once. I communicate so visually, it makes it all so much easier to just SHOW someone rather than describe it. Corrections can be made in instants, rather than weeks or months, as it was before immediate feedback.

Why do so many artists and creators have such volatile personalities?

I don't believe they do. I think all artists are half performance and half product. A visible persona attracts attention to the work.

I do believe we have a different view of the world. Artists who feel "entitled" by their gifts are simply abusing their public. Often there is an undeniable drive to produce art that I don't think any other type of brain has, but social skills.... any executive or bum on the street can have their share of mental illness!

Is art necessary?

yes.

Does it pain you to let go of a piece you have sold?

Never with a commission. But if it sits around the house too long, it tends to move in. I much prefer it being a good friend and working FOR me, than sitting around like an out of work child!