[Artist Shari Beaubien with some of her gorgeous artwork - see more of her work here!] 

Hello Shari...After browsing your website and reading your lovely article in Artful Blogging, I couldn't resist asking you for an interview...thank you!!
The pleasure is certainly all mine!  I’ve been a fan of Sparkletopia since its creation, and I’m honored to be asked to contribute.

Your bio says you are a self-taught artist...how did you get started and where does your inspiration come from?
I’ve really had the pulse of creativity running through my veins for as long as I can remember.  In college, I devoted myself to theatre and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in both Theatre and Philosophy.  Societal and parental pressures prevailed, however, and I left college in pursuit of more “worthwhile” endeavors.  A string of boring office-type jobs aimed at netting me a “career” left me feeling depressed and unfulfilled.   I turned to other sources of income, such as teaching aerobics, personal training, working for the airlines, and finally beauty school followed by a stint as a hair stylist, to name but a few.  

Then one day I simply woke up and realized I needed to stop trying to please other people and just be who I was meant to be.  But I still didn’t really know who that was...  In an attempt to find out, I quit my job in the salon in order to pursue a business of my own in calligraphy.  This choice afforded me the opportunity to move in more artistic circles, and it wasn’t long before I stumbled upon the world of altered art.

I think it’s critical that I discovered altered art as opposed to any other type of art.  Up until that point, the visual arts in general seemed completely inaccessible to me.  “Art” was something only people who went to art school did.  But with altered art, things were different.  I found I could play and have fun and experiment and no one would say, “Yuck! or “Stop!” I gained confidence and began to take one-day workshops, join swaps online, and attend art retreats in other states.  The more I practiced, the better I got.  The rest, as they say, is history.  I’ve been working full-time as an artist for approximately three years now.

My biggest inspiration comes from the supreme joy I feel in waking up every day, knowing that I get to go into my studio to paint.  There’s nothing on this earth as precious or as motivating as being in love with what you do...

What advice would you give to anyone reading this who has a desire to bring more art and creativity into their life but feels intimidated?
First, realize that we ALL feel intimidated from time to time.  There are days when I am nearly paralyzed with the fear that I’ll screw something up or make “ugly” art.  We’re human and it’s natural to have self-doubt.

Next, we have to push those doubts from our minds and find a way to connect the joy that is creation.  Vincent Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”  I couldn’t agree more.  No one ever got better at anything by means of inaction.  Sure, you will make ugly art from time to time.  But that’s where the greatest lessons are learned.  Work to fix what went wrong and push onward.  But start.  Then continue to start every single day after that.

When did you begin teaching and what was the motivation to organize so many wonderful workshops?
I started teaching art workshops about two years ago.  Being able to share my tips and techniques with others is a wonderful way for me to repay all those who helped me along in my own artistic journey.  During my workshops, I try to impart as much information and as many new ideas as I can while students work to complete a specific project.  I think my most important role as a teacher, however, is to help my students find their voice.  We all have such a rich history, and I treasure motivating my students to bring forth those stories in their artwork.
 
In your online portfolio, you have a section entitled "Folk Art".  I have always been intrigued by this phrase for some reason - what does it mean to you?  What makes your art "Folk Art"?
I agree that “Folk Art” is a somewhat elusive term.  For me, I think the main characteristic of folk art is that it holds a certain simplicity.  There is an honesty and straightforwardness about it.  I think that the viewer can’t help but sense that the work comes straight from the artist’s heart.  Moreover, Folk Art usually contains colors that are rich and earthy and the overall style is one of nostalgia.  It hearkens back to an earlier, easier time and place.  I feel that my artwork incorporates all of these elements and that is why I have classified much of what I paint as folk art.

Tell me about your assemblage work - I am a huge fan of assemblage and love talking to artists about their process of creating new arrangements with found objects.
I have to laugh because assemblage is something I do just for fun!  Don’t get me wrong - I love to paint and hold a tremendous passion for that process.  But when I need a break or need to give myself a chance to recharge, I really enjoy assemblage.  Not only is it a terrific way for me to use pieces from my beloved stash of found objects, but assemblage poses specific construction issues that I just don’t arise with paint.  I relish the challenge... although I’m not sure my husband would agree as he and his tools often get roped into service!  The final reason I think assemblage appeals to me is perhaps because of my background in theatre.  I approach each assemblage piece as if it’s a mini-stage, and I get to play the role of master playwright!

Share one of the most fulfilling dreams you have realized with your artwork.
I have been so blessed on this artistic journey of mine and there are so many things that I’ve dreamt of, achieved, and am proud of.  I don’t think I can name just one!  It’s been fulfilling to participate in art fairs, have my work hang in galleries, win prizes (including first!), be published, travel all over the country to teach... the list goes on and on.  I think that when you’re passionate about what you do, The Universe rewards you by channeling that good energy back to you.  Actually, it occurs to me as I write this that I do have a favorite thing that has been probably more fulfilling than all the rest.  I love it when a total stranger reaches out to me (in person or via the internet) to tell me that my art has touched them on some level deep within.  That’s priceless!

What do you believe your role as an artist is in this crazy world of ours?
You certainly don’t ask the easy questions, do you, Christine?!?!  I suppose I try not to worry too much about how the world may or may not relate to me as an artist.  Art, in general, is so completely subjective... It’s really up to each individual to decide how large a role art will play in their own lives.  My view of my work in this world plays out much closer to home.  I try to be the best self that I can be.  Moreover, I put my emphasis on creating artwork that is the most authentic representation of my soul that I can.  Beyond that, the world can make of it what it will.  If someone sees what I’ve done and it brings them joy, then that’s like icing on the cake. 

Thank you so much Shari...I am looking forward to seeing your interview on Sparkletopia!
Thanks so much, Christine... me, too!!