ASK NANETTE...In Her Own Words:  Life according to Nanette

Q. What distinguishes your artwork?

A.  My imagination is the root of what I create.  I believe that my artwork is as unique as my fingerprint.  Though we all have fingers, each is different and offers something special to the world.  At first glance, a finger is a finger, right?  But with closer study we see the unique prints of each finger and ultimately the personality of the person.  With this belief as my beacon, I hope to motivate others to create their own original artwork.  Too often students want their artwork to look "just like the sample."  Children are taught to copy or color inside the coloring book lines when, in fact, they're really born to create and color on a blank page.  I tell my children, "You're the artist and there is no right or wrong.  Whatever you do, if you like it, it's perfect!"  This kind of thinking is liberating for us all.  An artist must be fearless!  As an artist my goal is to:  first, elevate the viewer and second, to entertain them.  I enjoy using a rainbow palette, pretty much everything goes!  I hope that my artwork is accessible to everyone, evoking a feeling or connection with its message.

Q.  Why do you do art?

A.  Because that's who I am.  I love it.  When I'm creating I'm happiest and feel most fulfilled.  Art doesn't always mean paint and brush, though.  My greatest work of art is my family.  A family celebration complete with a fabulous meal, decorations and meaningful activities gives me as much or more satisfaction than a finished painting.  A work of HEART is what it's all about.

Q.  What keeps you from being discouraged?

A.  An eternal perspective keeps me from being discouraged.  When I'm down, simply realizing that in the grand scheme of things the problem of the moment will eventually resolve and I should remember the song from the musical, Annie.  The lyrics go:  "When I'm stuck with a day that's gray and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin and say:  Oh!  The sun'll come out tomorrow, So you got to hang on till tomorrow--come what may!  Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow, you're only a day away!"   A good song always perks me up!  If Annie doesn't fit the bill, I enjoy a loud rendition of Queen's "We Are The Champions."  By the way, have you seen their musical, "We Will Rock You"?  I give it an A+!!!

Q.  Who is your hero?

A.  Oh, I have lots of them... my grandmothers, who were both artists in their own right.  My parents, because they taught me to believe in myself and have always been good examples in so many ways.  When I die there are some people I look forward to going to lunch with:  Ayn Rand, Carl Bloch, Minerva Tichert, C.S. Lewis and Anne Morrow Lundberg, to name a few.

Q.  What advice can you give aspiring artists?

A.  Believe in yourself...follow your heart and your dreams.  Go to bed early, wake up early and take power naps to refresh your creative well.  In your waking hours create.  Always remember that the greatest work of art is a work of heart.  I also like to think on the words of Henry David Thoreau, "To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts."